A Salute to Our Veterans

[SHOXAAC]

This.

I just left active duty in August. I've never particularly liked being included in Veteran's Day thanks, though, considering all of the people who did so much more. I'm glad I kept the string going in my family for the fourth generation, though.

In this setting I could care less what you "like." I respect your humbleness, but you are in a special fraternity our nation could never put a price, or any value for that manner on. All I know is the moments, including the one in which you officially signed up to protect my pansy ass, that you experienced as part of our proud military, I am forever grateful. Now, bask in this praise for the rest of the day, then get back to work posting good, thoughtful and entertaining comments on this fine forum. That is all I have for you at this time.

[asiseeit]

69-71 with a year in Vietnam

[molly jabali]

In this setting I could care less what you "like." I respect your humbleness, but you are in a special fraternity our nation could never put a price, or any value for that manner on. All I know is the moments, including the one in which you officially signed up to protect my pansy ass, that you experienced as part of our proud military, I am forever grateful. Now, bask in this praise for the rest of the day, then get back to work posting good, thoughtful and entertaining comments on this fine forum. That is all I have for you at this time.

Very well stated...

[60Shock]

USA - 61-89

[S_WU_SH]

Thank you American servicemen and women for protecting the freedoms of my family and for ensuring that my children have the privilege of growing up in the greatest country on the planet. My family and I are truly grateful for your sacrifices in the name of freedom and justice.

[Shocker-maniac]

A SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS

WHAT IS A VETERAN?

Whether - active duty - retired - deceased- national guard - reserve
A Veteran is someone who at one point in their life
wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America,"
for an amount of "up to and including my life."

THAT IS HONOR,

There are way to many people in this country who no longer understand it.

~Author Unknown~

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA

[SB Shock]

U.S. Arny (1986-98) - combination of KANG, Active, reserves over this period. I have to say my service makes me appreciate Kansas and being warm and dry. Got to travel the world from S. Korea to old East Germany.

But when I think of this day - I think of my father (RIP) who went to the S. Pacific not knowing when he was returning in a life or death struggle were he witnessed horrific casualties on a daily basis. His generation when it came back were not victims, but hitched up there pants and built this country in what it is now - the GREATEST GENERATION.

[ShockerKhan]

U.S. Army (1972-76) Gob Bless all the troops who made the ultimate sacrifice.

[Shocker-maniac]

I think it is very apprpriate to post this Wichita State news in this thread.

Wichita State announces preference to veterans in application process

http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/stories/story.asp?si=2665

[DUShock]

In Orbe Terrum Non Visi

[I_Vector_Wu]

It was a bucket list item to visit the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach this summer. It is an emotional but peaceful and serene area. It was hard to imagine the carnage that took place there (and other battlefields throughout our history). We truly stand on the shoulders of Giants.
IMG_5828.jpgIMG_5837.jpgIMG_5855.jpg

[60Shock]

I would also like to thank my wonderful wife, June and the wives of all other present and past soldiers. We often overlook the hardships they go through due to assignment separations which oftentimes requires them to raise the children and run the household all by themselves.

Not sure where the phase, “They Who Also Serve” originates from, but would guess either from the Brits (sure sounds like them) or perhaps the Americans, but it is most fitting.

Allow me to try and explain the value of wives in a ‘friendly’ overseas environment (Europe, Japan, Korea, etc.) where both young men, and in many cases their young wives (17-21 years old), are living. For many, this is the very first time they have found themselves in a completely strange foreign environment away from their parents and family.

My wife was 22 years old and being the wife of a separate company commander, was the senior wife, in age, amongst 25 young ladies, most in their teens, several with babies. In 1962, their husbands monthly income ranged from about $150 to $200 per month, and had to live off post, pay for housing, a car, telephone, food, and still support their wife and children. During her first get together with the young wives, she determined that only one knew how to balance a check book and none of them knew anything about a budget. So she starting teaching them and soon expanded the program to include, post wide, not only wives, but service members as well. And she did this at numerous locations for over 25 years. She further organized a baby sitting program whereby the ladies could earn money which significantly improved their finances.

She further always volunteered at the post Army Education Centers and conducted classes assisting soldiers and wives to get their GED (General Educational Development) which was then equivalent to a HS Diploma.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas overseas, if the numbers of single or unaccompanied married soldiers was not too great, June always invited everyone for dinner. In larger units, she reserved a table at the mess hall for these holidays and sent individual invitations to every soldier and his/her family to join us.

And many other Officer and NCO wives did, and I’m absolutely positive still do, provide assistance, help and support to our soldiers wherever they are stationed.

For those of you who have never served overseas, it is a completely different environment in that nobody has their extended families with them. Therefore, you count on the people you work with and the new friends you make to help fill this void, especially during our family type holidays.

And that is where our ladies shine. They have through the years done wonders in helping to keep up the morale of our soldiers.

Bless them all.

[Shocker-maniac]

The sacrifices are many, not only by those that serve but their loved ones. That is a tremendous story of building a support system for these young people that find themselves overseas. Thank you.

[Shocker1976]

I would also like to thank my wonderful wife, June and the wives of all other present and past soldiers. We often overlook the hardships they go through due to assignment separations which oftentimes requires them to raise the children and run the household all by themselves.

Not sure where the phase, “They Who Also Serve” originates from, but would guess either from the Brits (sure sounds like them) or perhaps the Americans, but it is most fitting.

Allow me to try and explain the value of wives in a ‘friendly’ overseas environment (Europe, Japan, Korea, etc.) where both young men, and in many cases their young wives (17-21 years old), are living. For many, this is the very first time they have found themselves in a completely strange foreign environment away from their parents and family.

My wife was 22 years old and being the wife of a separate company commander, was the senior wife, in age, amongst 25 young ladies, most in their teens, several with babies. In 1962, their husbands monthly income ranged from about $150 to $200 per month, and had to live off post, pay for housing, a car, telephone, food, and still support their wife and children. During her first get together with the young wives, she determined that only one knew how to balance a check book and none of them knew anything about a budget. So she starting teaching them and soon expanded the program to include, post wide, not only wives, but service members as well. And she did this at numerous locations for over 25 years. She further organized a baby sitting program whereby the ladies could earn money which significantly improved their finances.

She further always volunteered at the post Army Education Centers and conducted classes assisting soldiers and wives to get their GED (General Educational Development) which was then equivalent to a HS Diploma.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas overseas, if the numbers of single or unaccompanied married soldiers was not too great, June always invited everyone for dinner. In larger units, she reserved a table at the mess hall for these holidays and sent individual invitations to every soldier and his/her family to join us.

And many other Officer and NCO wives did, and I’m absolutely positive still do, provide assistance, help and support to our soldiers wherever they are stationed.

For those of you who have never served overseas, it is a completely different environment in that nobody has their extended families with them. Therefore, you count on the people you work with and the new friends you make to help fill this void, especially during our family type holidays.

And that is where our ladies shine. They have through the years done wonders in helping to keep up the morale of our soldiers.

Bless them all.

I could have used June while commanding a small isolated US Army unit in Germany 1970-72; however, as a single officer I got to handle those trying issues alone. I have memories of counseling young (17-20 years old) men returning to the States on leave to not get married and not consider returning with a spouse to live on the economy in Germany. Fell on deaf ears several times resulting in trying financial times and command management issues for the young enlisted man and me but a great learning experience. I have no regrets and appreciate the contact that some of those young men have had with me post our return to the States and subsequent separation from the Army.

[molly jabali]

I posted earlier but feel compelled to again...so many good stories/examples of service. As a lifelong civilian, I again say thanks!