How did you serve?

July 1, 2008

Interesting thread. I was introduced to GPS technology when I was in the Army, and that's what led me to geocaching/benchmarking these days.

I spent 4.5 years in the 82d Airborne Division as an artilleryman (13E, fire direction specialist). Did Basic/AIT at Ft Sill, jump school at Ft Benning.

I'm a veteran of Desert Shield (I was with the first 100 soldiers to go) and Desert Storm, as well as the Hurricane Andrew relief effort.

GPS technology is obviously important to the military, and even more so to the artillery, so when GPS became widely available to the public, I was all over it.

Edited July 1, 2008 by Cyclometh

July 2, 2008

21years USAR, with an Engr Bn.

July 2, 2008

I am active duty Coast Guard. Just passed my 20 year anniversary. I started enlisted and made it to Chief Petty Officer before turning to the dark side and going warrant.

I started as an Electronics Technician and actually helped construct some of the DGPS sites around the country. Now, I help support, maintain, and improve DGPS sites on the west coast.

Thanks to all who serve, served, and support those who serve as we near Independence Day. Without you, we wouldn't have it!

Happy Fourth of July to All!!

1.2k · July 2, 2008

I am active duty Coast Guard. Just passed my 20 year anniversary. I started enlisted and made it to Chief Petty Officer before turning to the dark side and going warrant.

I started as an Electronics Technician and actually helped construct some of the DGPS sites around the country. Now, I help support, maintain, and improve DGPS sites on the west coast.

Thanks to all who serve, served, and support those who serve as we near Independence Day. Without you, we wouldn't have it!

Happy Fourth of July to All!!

Well said, and thank you for your service!!!

Mac

:lol:

July 2, 2008

I never served in the military, but on this weekend when our country will once again mark and celebrate it's independence, I think it's not only proper, but necessary for everyone across the nation to approach as many vets and active military personnel as possible and say "Thank You for your service." These men and women have served or are serving so that folks like you and I can live the life we choose and have the freedom to do the things we want to do.

Thank You to all of the fine men and women who have chosen to serve and protect this great country. Your efforts may sometimes go unnoticed, but they will NEVER be forgotten or taken for granted!!

July 3, 2008

I served in the Navy for 5 years from 1984-1989 as a Second Class Petty Officer E-5 Aviation Ordnanceman . I was in VF-21 in San Diego it was a F-14 sea going fighter squadron. I did a few West Pac's and North Pac's. Proud to have served.

July 3, 2008

This is funny. I actually learned about geocaching while I was stationed in Iraq last year. Had my wife mail my GPS and got a few caches at a base over there just before I left. Served from 2002-2008 USAF AD. Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thanks to all those that served in the military to help keep our country free. And thanks to all those that work here at home to better the communities and people around them. It takes both to make our country great.

July 3, 2008

Gosh! What an amazingly popular thread. From scanning it quickly it seems all (?) the contributions come from Americans. Are other nationalities represented or did I just miss them and am I the first non-Yank here?

I served in the Scouts as a boy and in the local Air Cadets. I'm pleased to say I never had to do any serious fighting.

Edited July 3, 2008 by big_bob

1.2k · July 3, 2008

Gosh! What an amazingly popular thread. From scanning it quickly it seems all (?) the contributions come from Americans. Are other nationalities represented or did I just miss them and am I the first non-Yank here?

I served in the Scouts as a boy and in the local Air Cadets. I'm pleased to say I never had to do any serious fighting.

Hey Big Bob,

Yup, we've got them from all over. There are Germans, Canadians, some of your fellow Brits, Australians, and a few others from various countries. It is primarily Americans though, no doubt. All are welcome.

Mac

July 3, 2008

Gosh! What an amazingly popular thread. From scanning it quickly it seems all (?) the contributions come from Americans. Are other nationalities represented or did I just miss them and am I the first non-Yank here?

I served in the Scouts as a boy and in the local Air Cadets. I'm pleased to say I never had to do any serious fighting.

I'm not the tread originator, but I'll speak up for everyone, if that's OK.

To me it doesn't matter what your nationality is...if you're proud of your country of origin and the fine men and women who serve it, feel free to post...and boast about your love of country. As for me I'm always proud to be an American...this weekend perhaps more than any other.

July 4, 2008

17 years in the USMC, and counting.

Two tours in lovely 29 Palms, CA

Camp Lejeune, NC

Parris Island, SC

Okinawa, Japan

Took part in OIF I with 1st Marine Division

I just caught the fever and am enjoying my geocaching here in Okinawa. Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans!

July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day America!

C/326th Med. BN

101st ABN

longago faraway

July 5, 2008

Just seeing this thread for the first time today.......

US Army Enlisted - 1990-Current

Ft Benning - 3/75 1990-2003

Ft Bragg - USASOC 2003-2005

Ft Lewis - 2/75 & 4-2ID 2005-Current

About to PCS to C-38 Cav (LRS-ABN) within the next 45 days

Spent way too much time in the sandbox, both countries - Including the invasion of both.

Still remember those old Trimble Trimpacks. Saw Geocaching in a Ft Bragg publication and decided to give it a try - the rest has been history.

July 5, 2008

USAF 20.4 years

Ellsworth AFB SD

Lackland AFB Tx

Sheppard AFB TX

Keesler AFB MS

Fort Bragg Army post NC

July 5, 2008

Currently serving with the 101st Airborne in Baghdad, Iraq as a 1LT in the Signal Corps.

July 5, 2008

I have been serving for 10 1/2 years now and concidered a veteran also. I've been around the world several time and missed many holidays with family. 9 1/2 years to go until retirement. Love what I do and no regrets. Air Force all the way.

July 6, 2008

US Navy 2005-Present.

-HSC-3 NAS North Island Jan'06-May'07

-VFA-11 NAS Oceana Sept '07- Present

-Deployment onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Nov'07-Jun'08

Thank You to all who have served, are serving, or will serve.

July 8, 2008

Served as a Combat Engineer in the US Army from '93 to '01

Now I serve as a Police Officer!

July 8, 2008

US Army,1979-1982, Kentucky,West-Germany,Georgia

Tanker

Rixart

July 12, 2008

Great-grandfather - WWI

Grandfather -WWII

Father - Korea

Father-in-law, Korea (Chosin Reservoir survivor).

Me- US Army 1975-1982; Ft Jackson SC, Ft. McClellan AL, Mannheim FRG. "To Protect and Serve" MP Corps

My daughter - US Army 2001 - Current; Taegu, South Korea; Ft. Leavenworth, KS

Still a public servant; just no more uniform :rolleyes:

July 12, 2008

I'm new to this forum and caching....but I can play this. I served in the Air Force from 1973 to 1977. I was a BB Stacker...Bomb builder. Kwang Ju, Korea and San Antonio, Texas.

Snakehunter

July 12, 2008

56-60 USMC :rolleyes:

July 12, 2008

Desert Strom and Sheild vet here.US Navy Seabees.

July 12, 2008

Well I am older than most of the repliers in here. I was drafted in the US Army Apr '68 but enlisted my first day hince my number of RA 68002875. I went to Ft. Leonard MO for basic then to Ft Bliss TX for my IAT in 16C Nike Fire Control. After my training I went to Travis AFB CA for 3 years and re-enlisted and went to Ft Monmouth NJ for a year of training as a 34D DESTE repairman it tought me a skill I have used to make a living since computer repair. I spent 3 years stationed at Pirmasens Germany so when I got out I spent a total of 7 yrs 8 months and 10 days active duty. If I would have re-enlisted one more time I would have stayed for 20.

My son is in the USAF rigtht now and is a crew chief on F-16 and he just got his promotion to E-7 he has been in for a total of 14 years so he is going for at least 20 years. He is on his third tour in Iraq right now he was there when the war broke out.

My Father was T-Sgt in the Army during WWII landed D-Day plus 4. He did not like to talk about it much other than say he was in the battle of the buldge.

So my family is now in the third generation service.

Your father and my great-uncle might have known each other. My G-uncle was in the Bulge too. He didn't say much about it.

July 12, 2008

Just hit 18 this month... 2 more

Army

1.2k · October 16, 2008

Just hit 18 this month... 2 more

Army

I hear ya!!

Mac

December 29, 2008

1980 to 1986 Submarines: USS Henry Clay (SSBN 625) and USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN 624) - Yes, I'm a bubblehead and pretty proud of it.. :lol:

Edited December 29, 2008 by wkmccall

January 1, 2009

US Army Signal Corps 1985-2008 23 years.

1986-1993 Various places in Germany

1993-1997 Ft Hood Texas

1997-1999 Recruiter - Visalis California

1999-2002 Ft Gordon Georgia

2002-2003 Cheivres Belgium (part of SHAPE)

2003-2008 Heidelberg Germany

2008 - Retired San Antonio Texas

Loved it, there were rough times, and not so rough times, almost wish I was still active.

January 1, 2009

US Army. 27D (Legal). E2. Served one three-year tour in Ft. Campbell, KY. 1993-1996.

Then I was a Dependent to an 88M who fluctuated between E2 and E4 in Mannheim Germany from 1997 - 1999. His tour was until 2000 but I stopped being a dependent in 1999.

It was easier to be a soldier than a dependent. Overall the life was not for me. I have nothing but the highest respects for my brother and brother-in-law and every man and woman like them, who have served every day since the year they graduated high school and would not dream of doing anything else.

To speak for my husband: He enlisted in the US Army to begin after high school graduation and then got into a motorcycle accident that broke both his legs. So the Army let him off the hook. Then sometime in his twenties, he tried to run off into the US Navy. They required spousal consent. Since he was running away from his wife at the time, this put a wrinkle in those plans. He went home and continued as a firefighter. So he's never served, but is a retired firefighter, former BSA leader, and all around great guy (not that I'm biased or anything.)

Edited January 1, 2009 by Redneck Parrotheads

January 1, 2009

The last 6 MONTHS of posts (the last 27 posts) have had nothing to do with geocaching.

Mods, would you be so kind as to move this thread over to your own OFF-TOPIC forum?

Thanks.

January 1, 2009

USAF 1970-1976

January 2, 2009

My family has served for generations in the Army Air Corps, Marines, USAF, USA, and the Navy. I really never saw myself doing anything other than serve in the military. I guess the rebelious side of me wanted to do something a little different though and decided to join the Coast Guard in 1997 right after graduating High School.

I have been Active Duty Enlisted, E-6/ET1 now, ever since and intend to retire as a W-4 with 30 years and be a Walmart Door Greeter First Class (DG1)!

I have served on/at;

CGC Mellon in Seattle, WA from 97-99

Lorsta George in George, WA 99-02

CGC Kiska in Hilo, HI 02-04

Lorsta Searchlight in Searchlight, NV 04-07

TRACEN Petaluma in Petaluma, CA 07-Present

I would also like to take a moment to thank everyone for their service and support of everyone who has served, from the enlisted, to the officers, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, civilian contractors, etc.... It is for all of them and each other that we do what we do! So Bravo Zulu and Fair Winds and Following Seas to all that have retired or moved on! Thnx.

1.2k · January 2, 2009

The last 6 MONTHS of posts (the last 27 posts) have had nothing to do with geocaching.

Mods, would you be so kind as to move this thread over to your own OFF-TOPIC forum?

Thanks.

Just how did you think Geocaching started in the first place? Hmmmmm? Without the military you'd be without your GPS and your Geocaching, so, have some respect, eh?

Thanks,

Mac

1.2k · January 2, 2009

My family has served for generations in the Army Air Corps, Marines, USAF, USA, and the Navy. I really never saw myself doing anything other than serve in the military. I guess the rebelious side of me wanted to do something a little different though and decided to join the Coast Guard in 1997 right after graduating High School.

I have been Active Duty Enlisted, E-6/ET1 now, ever since and intend to retire as a W-4 with 30 years and be a Walmart Door Greeter First Class (DG1)!

I have served on/at;

CGC Mellon in Seattle, WA from 97-99

Lorsta George in George, WA 99-02

CGC Kiska in Hilo, HI 02-04

Lorsta Searchlight in Searchlight, NV 04-07

TRACEN Petaluma in Petaluma, CA 07-Present

I would also like to take a moment to thank everyone for their service and support of everyone who has served, from the enlisted, to the officers, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, civilian contractors, etc.... It is for all of them and each other that we do what we do! So Bravo Zulu and Fair Winds and Following Seas to all that have retired or moved on! Thnx.

Outstanding post!!!! Thank you for your service.

Mac

January 2, 2009

The last 6 MONTHS of posts (the last 27 posts) have had nothing to do with geocaching.

Mods, would you be so kind as to move this thread over to your own OFF-TOPIC forum?

Thanks.

Just how did you think Geocaching started in the first place? Hmmmmm? Without the military you'd be without your GPS and your Geocaching, so, have some respect, eh?

Thanks,

Mac

Wow. To slaughter Hamlet, methinks thou doth protesth too much, m'lady.

I didn't criticize your beloved military, I just asked the mods to kindly move this thread where it belonged: the OT forum.

I cruise these "Geocaching Topics" forums to learn and discussing things geocaching related, and your thread here is simply distracting clutter in that regard.

How 'bout I create a thread here regarding global warming? By your logic, without the globe there'd be no geocaching, so it's a "Geocaching Topic"!

MrW.

2.7k · January 2, 2009

Hi Mr. & Mrs. Wisearse

You are correct that this thread does not fit the normal scope of a Geocaching thread. You are certainly not the first to point this out, and I suspect you will not be the last. But please take a moment to think. This thread has been around a LONG time. Do you really think it just slipped under the radar of every MOD that monitors these forums?

Every guideline has exceptions. Groundspeak management can grant those exceptions. Go all the way back to page two of this thread and see if you can spot what I consider to be the basis for this exception.

If you can get that identical type of response from the "prime" management individual, you can discuss anything you want here. Without it, it will most certainly receive the remedy you suggested.

Edit: I really hate when I proofread a post and still have to come back and correct a typo.

Edited January 2, 2009 by Cardinal Red

January 3, 2009

Back on Topic:

I first found out about geocaching while serving in OIF. There, that's geocaching related.

RM81

3.9k · January 5, 2009

This thread has been running for nearly 6 years. If it should have been moved, we would have moved it.

Thanks

AGC

USNR

Retired

January 5, 2009

US Army 1978-1989

1st Bn 75th Inf. Rangers, HAAF GA

O5K School, Pensacola, FL

2nd Bn, Ft. Carson, CO

2/187th ABN Ft. Kobbe, Panama

HM

1.2k · January 5, 2009

This thread has been running for nearly 6 years. If it should have been moved, we would have moved it.

Thanks

AGC

USNR

Retired

That is probably the best way to have put it...lol.

Thanks,

Mac McKinney aka Breaktrack

January 5, 2009

Mr. Jasper320: 1989 - 1998 US Navy, AT1/E6. Spent all my time either flying in and repairing P-3C Orions or teaching others how to fly in and repair Orions. Last duty station was Whidbey Island NAS in northwest Washington State.

Mrs. Jasper320: 1986 - 1998 US Navy, IS1/E6. Spent most of her time working as an intelligence analyst. She offered to tell me what she does but then she would have to cut my head off and put it in a safe until the info is declassified. I chose to prolong the mystery. :lol:

January 7, 2009

USAF 1991 to current. Like many others, have been well traveled and have been away many birthdays, special events, and holidays.

Duty Assignments:

Germany

Oklahoma City, OK

Fort Worth,TX

Washington, DC

I have been on every continent except Antarctica, which I am still working on it. My current assignment has brought me to the desert many times. Wife doesn't like it, but accepts and supports when I have to go away on business trips.

God bless those who serve, those who had served, and those who support those who serve.

Joe

1.2k · January 7, 2009

Back on Topic:

I first found out about geocaching while serving in OIF. There, that's geocaching related.

RM81

There, that is exactly the point I was trying to make in my reply. I didn't take his words as an attack on the military, I was trying to point out that if they military hadn't brought about the GPS satellite, then there would be NO Geocaching. If they hadn't opened up the GPS system to civilian use, there would be NO Geocaching....

Oh well, we try, we move on, we geocache some more....yes? LOL.

Mac

January 7, 2009

Army

93-99

7/227 avn rgt

2/501 avn rgt

8/101st

January 7, 2009

Active duty Air Force since 1991.

Enlisted Security Policeman 1991-2000

Andersen AFB, Guam

Vance AFB, OK

FE Warren AFB, WY

ROTC Student 2000-2002

Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau MO

Commissioned Logistics Readiness Officer 2002-present

Langley AFB, VA

Little Rock AFB, AR

Andrews AFB, MD

Deployments

Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia (1994)

GITMO, Cuba (1995)

San Vito AS, Italy (1996)

Sather AB, Baghdad Iraq (2007)

Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia (2009)

January 7, 2009

Served 10 months in the USMC reserves in Alameda Ca. Turned 18 and joined the USNavy. Went through AT "A" school then was assigned to

VC-12

FasRon 51

HATU

VAH-3

AT-"B" school

VP-23 (Made Chief at 25 years old)

Climatic Hangar at Eglin AFB

VAW-12

VQ-2

NAS Brunswick, Ga.

Retired there in 1973

Served on many ships, bases and deployments, got a good education, saw the world and met a lot of great people. I'd go back tomorrow if they would let a 72 year old fahrt back in.

Used to use the old Loran "A" crossing the Atlantic in P2V's, Thats well before we got GPS. It's pretty easy now what with WAAS and DGPS.

January 31, 2009

I've enjoyed reading most of this topic and will add my small contribution;

U.S.Army 1980-1992

Field Artillery Systems Mechanic

Schofield Barrack, Hawaii

Ft. Bliss, TX

Bamberg, Germany

Ft. Benning, GA

Saudi Arabia

Kawait

Iraq

Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN

"To Us, and those like Us" Cheers!

January 31, 2009

Just ran across this thread today. Thanks to everyone, and I'll add mine:

USMC SigInt (Signals Intelligence) Crypto Linguist 1999-2003, Operation Enduring Freedom.

February 1, 2009

Wow this thread has been going for awhile!

I want to take the time to thank every civilian out there doing their job, living their life. If it wasn't for you people I wouldn't have a good career that I love very much. And that my family loves to be affiliated with. Also want to thank my brothers and sisters out there. We are a military family. Though sometimes dysfunctional I know that I can depend on when times are rough.

I've been given the opportunity to visit many far away places and have seen things that most only read about in National Geographic! I've been Geocaching in different States and as of now one other country due to my military service. Within the next year I'm hoping to be able to cache in several other countries as well.

I have been in the Navy for close to 15 years. The countries I have visited are many and varied across the world. And soon I hope to be visiting more!

I am a Chief Hospital Corpsman. I joined in 1994. And since I’m still on active duty I’ll leave off my current and past duty stations.

Thanks again!

1.2k · February 1, 2009

Wow this thread has been going for awhile!

I want to take the time to thank every civilian out there doing their job, living their life. If it wasn't for you people I wouldn't have a good career that I love very much. And that my family loves to be affiliated with. Also want to thank my brothers and sisters out there. We are a military family. Though sometimes dysfunctional I know that I can depend on when times are rough.

I've been given the opportunity to visit many far away places and have seen things that most only read about in National Geographic! I've been Geocaching in different States and as of now one other country due to my military service. Within the next year I'm hoping to be able to cache in several other countries as well.

I have been in the Navy for close to 15 years. The countries I have visited are many and varied across the world. And soon I hope to be visiting more!

I am a Chief Hospital Corpsman. I joined in 1994. And since I’m still on active duty I’ll leave off my current and past duty stations.

Thanks again!

Thanks for your service, and thanks for participating in the discussion.

Mac McKinney aka Breaktrack

How did you serve?

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