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How did you serve?

Breaktrack
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Ramona Retired Snipe

+Ramona Retired Snipe

Posted
Posted

I just saw this this morning while killing time before the superbowl.

 

I've only been caching for one moth but it's second nature to me. I've served twenty years and just retired last august.

 

1988 RTC NTC Great Lakes Il BT 'A" school and 6yo advanced operators course

1989-1991 USS Haleakala AE-25 Desert Shield and Desert Storm deployments

1991-1992 FTC San Diego Maintenace supervisors course.

1992-1995 USS New Orleans LPH-11 operation restore hope (aftermath of balckhawk down)

1995 1999 Surface Warfare Officers School Command (SWOS) staff instructor

1999-2003 USS Tarawa LHA-1 Determined Response (USS Cole resuce) and OIF Invasion

2003-2004 TSC San Diego Support Staff

2004 Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT) Kirkush (KMTB) Iraq

2004-2006 Center for Naval Engineering San Diego staff instructor

2006-2007 Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion II Camp Bucca Iraq

2007-2008 Center for Naval Engineering San Diego staff instructor

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Len & Cheri

+Len & Cheri

Posted
Posted

25 years in the Air Force. First 12.5 years I was Security Forces, second 12.5 years I was a Helicopter Mechanic on HH-60 Pavehawks. I'm currently an Air Force Contractor working as an Unit Deployment Manager for the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga.

 

1981 -1987 Ellsworth AFB

1987 -1991 RAF Upper Heyford, England

1991 -1993 F.E. Warren AFB, WY

1993 -1997 Patrick AFB, FL

1997 -2001 Moody AFB, GA

2001 -2002 Keflavik NAS, Iceland

2002 -2006 Moody AFB, Ga

 

I've been to Kuwait (x4), Turkey, Uzbekistan, Saudia Arabia, and Korea. Those were the long ones. I have numerous short ones with the best being in South Africa.

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Unkle Fester

+Unkle Fester

Posted
Posted

I served in the late 80's/early 90's 1/10th FA and 5/41st FA (3rd ID)in Schweinfurt Germany and after being released from active duty was recalled a day short of one year to be recalled for the first Gulf War.

 

Service does not make be better than someone else, simply a choice - a way to give back to my country. Plus it really helped me to grow up, mature and take responsability for my life. (not that anyone would notice)

 

It does give me a different perspective, I think. But the bottom line is we support our troops because they are our brothers and sisters, not because we agree with the political reasons for where they go. That is the joy of being an American, being able to voice our own thoughts and opinions - just like in the forums. Unfortunatly there are too many ugly american stories that make us as a people look bad. (Insert Cringe here)

 

I may not always be proud of our government - the last eight years have seen some interesting things - but I am proud to be an American

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bflentje

+bflentje

Posted
Posted
I may not always be proud of our government - the last eight years have seen some interesting things - but I am proud to be an American

 

Yee haw.. and the next 8 years will be even better!!!!!! Hold onto your wallets.

 

Ok, sorry, couldn't resist.

 

I served 10 years in the Naval Reserves and spent time overseas during Gulf War v1.0. I had a blast considering I was on sand in the south pacific and not sand in some eastern desert.

 

As many problems as we have here, I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else. On a different note, just the other day at the beginning of my daughter's end of the year choir concert, I felt disappointed that in a crowd of 200+ people, "I" had to be the first one to stand for the anthem while everyone else reluctantly followed. How pathetic is that?

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Old_Philosopher

Old_Philosopher

Posted
Posted

As many problems as we have here, I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else. On a different note, just the other day at the beginning of my daughter's end of the year choir concert, I felt disappointed that in a crowd of 200+ people, "I" had to be the first one to stand for the anthem while everyone else reluctantly followed. How pathetic is that?

I wish more people could grasp the concept that our Government is not our Nation! Having traveled all over the Globe in the military, it really bothers me that a lot of folks talk about how much "better" things are in other countries. If they could only see the reality of being "middle class", or "poor" in the rest of the World, they'd quit all the complaining! I'd pick a shack in Appalachia before I'd choose Africa, or Asia...let alone the Balkans.

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Old_Philosopher

Old_Philosopher

Posted
Posted

Now call me shallow if you wish but knowing someone served, in whatever capacity, in our nation's forces gives them a little more credibiity with me when it comes to what they say. It sort of says they've walked the walk, not just talked the talk.<BR><BR>Does service make you a smarter individual? Does it make you better than other Americans? Do you deserve to be pampered and praised? Nah, none of the above, but it does show a certain dedication and experience that "may" be lacking in others, and in my humble opinion, it is their loss, not mine.

As a footnote, and back to the OP from 6 years ago (!), I have one thing to add.

I think what military service DOES instill is a certain personal discipline and mental toughness. There's an old saying that goes, "You have to learn how to take orders, before you should give them."

Beyond that, especially those who have served overseas, have a keen appreciation for what we have in this country. Most people think it's a cliché to say, "It could always be worse." G.I.s know it's true!

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billslake

+billslake

Posted
Posted

US Army, active duty 1967-69.

Vietnam, 1968-69 as an officer w/101st Airborne.

Reserves until 1984.

 

Did my Infantry OCS prior to such new-fangled things as GPS. Learned compass and map-reading which led to backpacking in the 80's and 90's, then a natural progression to geocaching.

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Baad Daata

+Baad Daata

Posted
Posted

US Army, 1970-1974, Physical Therapy student and then therapist.

Earlier today I was reading a post by Jeremy and found out something I did not know. Jeremy is a veteran. <BR><BR>Now call me shallow if you wish but knowing someone served, in whatever capacity, in our nation's forces gives them a little more credibiity with me when it comes to what they say. It sort of says they've walked the walk, not just talked the talk.<BR><BR>Does service make you a smarter individual? Does it make you better than other Americans? Do you deserve to be pampered and praised? Nah, none of the above, but it does show a certain dedication and experience that "may" be lacking in others, and in my humble opinion, it is their loss, not mine.<BR><BR>So I was wondering how many others might have served and not bothered to mention it, maybe because you don't really think it's any big deal, or you weren't in for that long, etc., or it just never came up. I think it would be interesting, at least to me, to know who has served in the military, and where, and in which service. (and yes, before anyone gets smart alecky, the Coast Guard counts...sheesh) icon_biggrin.gif<!--graemlin::P-->.<BR><BR>No politics, no "support the troops", no pro-war, or anti-war, just state your service and maybe when you served. My roots in Geocaching come from my service in the military, where I was first introduced to GPS technology. So it does tie into our little sport, at least for me.<BR><BR>My service was spread over the years 1975 to 2002. I served on active duty in the U. S. Navy for four years (Electronics Technician), two years in the Texas Air Force National Guard (Security Police), 13 years in the Texas Army National Guard (Armor Crewman and Armor Officer), and six years in the Army Reserve (Staff Officer). In there somewhere I managed to have a total of 23 months where I wasn't in for one reason or another. I retired from the Army Reserve last July mainly thanks to a detached retina in my left eye that makes me inelible to be deployed, so there you have it. My reserve unit was activated in January and is at Fort Hood as we speak.... and I'm missing it, sigh.<BR><BR>So, that's all that's needed, no chest thumping, no bragging, just state your service and when it was and allow those who care to, to just say thank you for your service. <BR><BR>I certainly thank you, that's for sure.<BR><BR> icon_biggrin.gif<!--graemlin::D--> icon_biggrin.gif<!--graemlin::D--> icon_biggrin.gif<!--graemlin::laughing:--><BR><BR><A HREF="http://www.texasgeocaching.com" TARGET=_blank><IMG SRC="http://www.texasgeocaching.com/images/texasgeocaching_sm.gif"> </A><BR>"Trade up, trade even, or don't trade!!!" My philosophy of life.

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SSBN616G

+SSBN616G

Posted
Posted

24 yrs (1975 - 1999), USN, Submarine "Nuc" ETC.

 

USS Lafayette (SSBN 616) Gold Crew

USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) Plank Owner

Naval Nuclear Power School Instructor

Naval Nuclear Field "A" School Plank Owner

USS John Adams (SSBN 620) Blue Crew

USS Florida (SSBN728) Gold Crew

USS Canopus (AS-34) Nuclear Repair

S8G Nuclear Prototype Instructor

USS Billfish (SSN 676)

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wandering_yoopers

wandering_yoopers

Posted
Posted

I am currently an 11B (infantry) in the US Army. I joined in 2004 and plan on staying in as long as Uncle Sam lets me. Currently I am in Iraq based out of Camp Liberty, Baghdad. I got here in October 2008 and will be leaving in mid-September. In 2006-2007 I spent 3 months in Tal A'far and then 11 months in Ramadi both in Iraq. Assignments have included Ray Barracks in Friedberg Germany and currently I am out of Fort Riley in Kansas. When I return from Iraq I am pending orders to go to Fort Wainwright Alaska. Many people thank me for what I do. One day I came across a quote that sums it up perfectly, "There is no thanks neccessary for what is a duty."

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tango501

+tango501

Posted
Posted

USN Reg Nav 80-85

OS2(SW)

 

Spruance class destroyers DD963-DD-997

 

Proudly served on Caron, OBannon, Harry W Hill

saw the Med, N Atlantic, Bahamas, Caribbean, So America, W Africa and W Pacific

participated in too many SpecOps near Lybia, Grenada and El Salvador

 

GO NAVY

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MsMotorcycle

+MsMotorcycle

Posted
Posted (edited)

Does being a military wife count? How about a military parent? I fit BOTH!!

 

In 1987 & 88, I was a military wife of a Marine. I "did my time" worrying my young little head off while hubby was deployed during Desert Storm.

 

Since my son was 17, he's now 20, I've been the proud mom of an Army soldier. Right now, I'm "doing my time" here at home while he's on his first deployment to Afghanistan with the Task Force Warrior 410th MP Company from Fort Hood, TX.

 

I know "doing my time" as a wife and mother is NOWHERE NEAR the same as it is being the enlisted person. Just know that I am proud of ALL OF YOU who have served in the military.

 

Thank You!

Edited by MsMotorcycle
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Breaktrack

+Breaktrack

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Does being a military wife count? How about a military parent? I fit BOTH!!

 

In 1987 & 88, I was a military wife of a Marine. I "did my time" worrying my young little head off while hubby was deployed during Desert Storm.

 

Since my son was 17, he's now 20, I've been the proud mom of an Army soldier. Right now, I'm "doing my time" here at home while he's on his first deployment to Afghanistan with the Task Force Warrior 410th MP Company from Fort Hood, TX.

 

I know "doing my time" as a wife and mother is NOWHERE NEAR the same as it is being the enlisted person. Just know that I am proud of ALL OF YOU who have served in the military.

 

Thank You!

 

You better believe it counts!!! My mom was a military wife, and parent. I was a military parent while my two oldest were in the Navy. I still have a couple of young ones who may still decide to serve some day, so it all counts as far as I'm concerned. Without you, it would be much harder for them to do what they do.

 

The great English poet John Milton said in the last line of this poem:

 

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,

And that one Talent which is death to hide

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He returning chide,

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,

And post o'er land and ocean without rest;

They also serve who only stand and wait.

 

Mac

Edited by Breaktrack
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wandering_yoopers

wandering_yoopers

Posted
Posted

Does being a military wife count? How about a military parent? I fit BOTH!!

 

In 1987 & 88, I was a military wife of a Marine. I "did my time" worrying my young little head off while hubby was deployed during Desert Storm.

 

Since my son was 17, he's now 20, I've been the proud mom of an Army soldier. Right now, I'm "doing my time" here at home while he's on his first deployment to Afghanistan with the Task Force Warrior 410th MP Company from Fort Hood, TX.

 

I know "doing my time" as a wife and mother is NOWHERE NEAR the same as it is being the enlisted person. Just know that I am proud of ALL OF YOU who have served in the military.

 

Thank You!

 

You are darn right it counts. The support of a mother/wife of a soldier while he is deployed is the best support around. Without the support from mothers/wives it would be 100 times harder for a soldier to concentrate on the job he has at hand. A lot of time military spouses and parents don't get the recognition that they are due. Thank you for being there for your husband/son. Being a military spouse/parent is one of the hardest jobs around.

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Gitchee-Gummee

+Gitchee-Gummee

Posted
Posted

Does being a military wife count? How about a military parent? I fit BOTH!!

 

In 1987 & 88, I was a military wife of a Marine. I "did my time" worrying my young little head off while hubby was deployed during Desert Storm.

 

Since my son was 17, he's now 20, I've been the proud mom of an Army soldier. Right now, I'm "doing my time" here at home while he's on his first deployment to Afghanistan with the Task Force Warrior 410th MP Company from Fort Hood, TX.

 

I know "doing my time" as a wife and mother is NOWHERE NEAR the same as it is being the enlisted person. Just know that I am proud of ALL OF YOU who have served in the military.

 

Thank You!

 

You are darn right it counts. The support of a mother/wife of a soldier while he is deployed is the best support around. Without the support from mothers/wives it would be 100 times harder for a soldier to concentrate on the job he has at hand. A lot of time military spouses and parents don't get the recognition that they are due. Thank you for being there for your husband/son. Being a military spouse/parent is one of the hardest jobs around.

Good response. Something I expect from a mis-placed yooper.

I did my time ( a looooong time ago) as an A-team demo sgt, 1st SF

Kudos to all that serve, including spouses, children and parents.

Not serving tho, doesn't make you better nor worse, just not the same as one that did!

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goldwingvet

goldwingvet

Posted
Posted

1993 - 2005

1ATB G/213 Ft. Knox for OSUT - 19K

30th SAB, 4/109 Armor, TNARNG till '95 when our state transitions to CSS

88M from then till I got out. Spent from Dec 03 - April 05 on Active Duty in support of OIF-II, From April 04 - March 05 at Balad Air Base (LSA Anaconda).

 

I think my username implies that I served, but if anyone finds this thread then they'll better understand I'm a military vet on a motorcycle, not a veterinarian :)

 

Thanks to those that also served and to those who take the time to care!

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Breaktrack

+Breaktrack

Posted
  • Author
Posted

1993 - 2005

1ATB G/213 Ft. Knox for OSUT - 19K

30th SAB, 4/109 Armor, TNARNG till '95 when our state transitions to CSS

88M from then till I got out. Spent from Dec 03 - April 05 on Active Duty in support of OIF-II, From April 04 - March 05 at Balad Air Base (LSA Anaconda).

 

I think my username implies that I served, but if anyone finds this thread then they'll better understand I'm a military vet on a motorcycle, not a veterinarian :D

 

Thanks to those that also served and to those who take the time to care!

 

Gotta love them Goldwings!!! I'm on my third, and I'm considering trading my current one for an 09, what can I say....LOL.

 

Mac

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Team GPSaxophone

+Team GPSaxophone

Posted
Posted

Joined the Colorado Army National Guard last October. No prior service. At 35 I expected to be the oldest one in basic training but there were several others right around 40 (Army cutoff was 42).

 

Basic was at Ft. Knox, KY

Completed OCS Phase I at Ft. Meade, SD

Currently in OCS Phase II (traditional) at Ft. Carson, CO

Expect to be commissioned in August, 2010.

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Knight-Errant

Knight-Errant

Posted
Posted

We have heard that the true definition of a veteran is someone who, as some point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to their country for an amount up to and including their life.

 

I really like that. I hope you don't mind if I use that elsewhere.

Since we did not originate the saying, we have no claim on it. Notwithstanding, we like it--which is why we passed it on and would encourage you to do the same.

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