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The Veteran Thread
Okay, Veterans Day is quick approaching and I thought we needed a thread just for us Vets who have worn the uniform of our country. Even if you're not American, shout out your pride of having served *your* country!!!
So, if you've served, time to sound off!! Mark your branch in the poll below and feel free to share some of your experiences in this thread. Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: U.S. Marine Corps '79 - '81 |
I am proud of all the sacrifices my mother and I made while our vets served our country in Viet Nam. All told four tours of duty. Two vets. Two wives. And seven kids to be cared for.
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Cheers to you!!! :clap: Military Wife/Spouse/Significant Other.....the "toughest job in the Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard/Marine Corps"!!! ...and it really, truly is!!! ....and that ain't no Sea Story!!! :winky: ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
US Army 1999-2008
by the way Theo, I noticed in the poll that the rest of us served, while you ARE a Marine ;) |
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Hey Goofy!!! Thanks for *YOUR* service!!! (I was waiting for someone to point that out, btw) :giggle: Ya, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"!!! Haven't you heard?? :winky: ....because there are no "ex Marines". :) We're Marines until the day we die.....then we go and guard the streets of Heaven. :winky: :thumbsup: HOOOAHHH Army!!! :clap: Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
my father served 22 years in the US Army. he retired an E-9.
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Not a Vet- just wanted to thank you all for your service! I'm tired of the general US public going to the mall, while service people in the US are going to war! Not my quote- heard it on a documentary about Vets and their families that have had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Really struck me- you bet I say thank you when I run into service people in my day to day life!
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I did not serve, I really wanted to join the Navy because my uncle was in the Navy. I was young and stupid....I was NOT going to wear a dress for anyone!!! I will regret that choice till the day I die.
My relatives are Navy!!! My uncle Ret. Sr. Chief 1st cousin Ret. Sr. Chief 1st cousin's wife Ret. Chief 1st cousin served in the Navy for 4 years. Salute to all who serve!!! |
US Army. 1969 - 1980
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USAF 1976-1980
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I am so pissed by this http://www.autostraddle.com/hate-spe...cruiter-63569/ I could scream!!!
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First- away with DADT completely and forever .... then we move on to Transpeople serving openly (or not, by personal choice), period!! Although, I did not serve, my Dad (way back in the calvary- born in 1906!), brother (Vietnam Era Vet, but was stateside in the Army reserves for 6 years- was alergic to bees- no Vietnam jungles for him), a cousin (Vietnam, fought as a Marine), and two Uncles did- they were in WWII and Korea, one in the Navy, the other Army. Now that I think about it, look at how many of just us here have several relatives (or themselves) that have served and I honestly feel like most US citizens in their everyday lives don't give a flying hooray (or even think about them unless something big gets televised) about our troops in these wars and what these multi-deployments are doing to their families and to them. Maybe this is because of where I live? There is a base in Fairfield, CA that is within an hour from me, but I feel like people here are in some kind of fishbowl and don't get just how many people are serving and serving and serving. When I lived in Sacramento, there were 2 AF bases, but now I think both are closed. Dunno... just on my mind. |
U.S. Army
Yep, Vet here. U.S. Army 1983-1986
Fort McClellan, Alabama Fort Lee, Virginia Fort Ord, California Keesler AFB, Mississippi I served, as did my great uncle, my father, my father's brother and my oldest brother. Two Air Force Vets and three Army within three generations. Glynn |
Marines
I am a Marine. (once a Marine....) I was a drill instructor.
Loved every second I was there , I lived my dream. Got kicked out for being gay. You can read about it in a book called "Conduct Unbecoming." By Randy Shilts. Long story. Too long to explain. The book doesn't state all the facts, mainly because I refused to be interviewed by anyone. But court martials are public record, so they got most of the info from that, and then some other info from those who were willing to tell their story .So not always accurate, or the whole complete truth, since it didn't come straight from the horses' mouth, so to speak. None-the-less the book gives you the general idea of what happened. But don't think I'm bitter, because nothing could be less true. I love the Marine Corps it was my dream to be a Marine. Although it was hard to have the dream taken away, I'm always proud to say I am a Marine. I lived my dream, not many people can say that. Some people live their whole life and never know what that feels like. But I do. And I will always be grateful for that. If I could add one more comment, don't hold it against the Marine Corps, because it wasn't the Corps , just a few homophobic people in it. I had a lot of secret support, from alot of straight hard corps Marines. Doing things that could have gotten them in big trouble, to help me as much as they could. Hey Semper Fi Oddz. I'm all present and accounted for. JAGG |
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The vets that are wounded all too many times do not get proper medical care and some feel the sting of this the rest of their lives. Bob Woodward (from ABCNews received a severe head injury while embedded with the troops in Iraq I believe) he has done some heartbreaking reports covering our wounded troops from these two wars. I cry when watching these reports and cheer their courage and fortitude facing major life-altering injuries and their families who are also affected. I could go on and on about the treatment of our vets; terrible!!!! In addition to my ex-husband and step-father being in the US Navy; my father served as a pilot in the Navy during the Korean War. My brother served in the Army back in the early 1970s. Being a dependent of military personnel requires children to grow up in a big hurry and assume grown up roles far too early. In spite of the fact that I have supported no wars in my lifetime; I always supported our troups!!!! And they did and always will amaze me the courage under fire!!!! I am ready (as I am sure many are ready) for our troops to come home and begin to put their lives back together. |
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Semper Fi, Brother!!! :thumbsup: I knew you had been a DI, but didn't know you were discharged for being gay. That really just blows my fuse. Back in '79, all of my drill instructors, save one, were discharged for homosexuality as the result of a huge WITCH HUNT (yes, I'm going to use that word, because that's exactly what it was, back in the day, before DADT). All I can say about that is that 3 careers were ruined and terminated, and the Marine Corps lost 3 of the most exemplary, squared away, dedicated, motivated (and motivating) Marines. During my tour, I witnessed even more, even some of my dear friends, get less than honorable discharges just because they were gay. They have no VA benefits to this day, and that is beyond deplorable. In the Marine Corps, there has always been a few good men and women who are "different", yet not all that different, except for sexual orientation, and I'm sure this probably goes for the other branches, too, but in the Marine Corps, we were always just a bit tighter. That's pretty damned tight, too. We served together, protected each other, had each other's back (in most cases, sadly, not in others) and shared that extra bit of camaraderie. I think that's what really hurt, back then and even now....when there was a betrayal, and in most cases, that resulted from coercion and lies. It was all so very sad. It hurt everyone concerned and certainly the loss of these very good Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coasties was not beneficial to the service. Yes, we ARE Marines. We don't make excuses or apologies for that. It just is. It doesn't mean that any branch is any "better" than another. Each branch is specially and specifically trained to accomplish it's specific mission. It has to be that way. That training is instilled in each Marine during basic training and it never leaves us. You don't go through something like that and not have it change your life forever. It changes how you think about everything...every challenge you will ever have in your life reverts your mind back to your Marine Corps training. When it's said "The change is forever.", that is exactly what they mean, and it is. JAGG, as a Drill Instructor and Marine, you touched and changed a LOT of lives in ways which you will never know. I think back about my own DI's often, and I wonder where they are and what they've done after The Corps. I wonder if they will ever know how much I've been able to do and overcome in my life. I want them to know that I do push a little further, try a little harder and hang in there a lot longer......because of them. I AM a Marine. :winky: Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
US Army - 1974-1977
21st Military Police Company - Ft Bragg, NC Ft Jackson, Columbia, SC - Basic Training Ft McClellan, Alabama - MP Training Ft Bragg, NC - Permanent Duty Station First - Thanks to the many veterans and current service members for all you do and have done for our country!! Many of you who served way back when, lol, knows what it was like to be in the military back then. Women were 1 of 2 things, you were either gay or a whore and that is how you were basically treated, or at least, that's how it was at Bragg. I was singled out (because of my masculine looks and the fact that I had a female civilian living with me off-post) and pushed by my superiors to "break". I was sent to see a post "shrink" to see if I was indeed "gay" in hopes of discharging me. Luckily for me, the "shrink" that they sent me to see was indeed a "brother" who just laughed and said well of course you are but made his official findings different, which of course just pissed off my superiors, lol. I was damn good at what I did, even arrested the Sheriff of Cumberland County for driving drunk on post, boy did that ever incur the wrath because I wouldn't drop the charges, lol. But all in all I'd have to say I'd do it all over again! Proud to have served! |
I am a Marine. Part of the Delta Company then moved onto being one of the first of 4 woman that became Gunnery Sergeants in the United States Marine Corp.
I am a Last challenge "Crucible" 1979 - 1987 http://www.defense.gov/specials/basic/images/m_logo.gif Basics in Parrish Island - second home for me. Stationed -Camp Pendleton Camp Lejeune- trained for Gunnery Sgt. Stationed -Kaneohe Hawaii as Gunnery Sgt ( My Home) Served in Italy Served in France Served in the Phillipines Served in Germany Served in Guam-short stay Stationed- California I was going to be a lifer. I was technically ousted because of medical issues, but in my eyes, I was just another victim of the "witch hunt" I am a Proud Marine! Semper Fi, I am a Leather Neck! |
Msgt USAFR 514 ASTS McGuire AFB
also Active Army 101st Aviation reg Ft Campbell KY and Army Reserve 465 Transportation Co [/U] |
Okay so not American Military but I did get to work alongside our American allies....
Royal Australian Navy 1979 - 1999 Royal Australian Naval Reserves 1999 - 2004 |
Speaking of uniforms, a woman in a uniform will drive me to distraction in a good way!:seeingstars:
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Thank you. Each of you has given a part of your life to make mine a bit safer and a bit better.
I am a proud military supporter even when the war is unpopular. To twist a phrase, hate the war, not the warrior. USAF daughter and stepdaughter. My stepdad flew in the Berlin airlift. |
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me three! ;) |
wow JAGG
Jagg wrote,
I am a Marine. (once a Marine....) I was a drill instructor. Loved every second I was there , I lived my dream. Got kicked out for being gay. You can read about it in a book called "Conduct Unbecoming." By Randy Shilts. Long story. Too long to explain. The book doesn't state all the facts, mainly because I refused to be interviewed by anyone. But court martials are public record, so they got most of the info from that, and then some other info from those who were willing to tell their story .So not always accurate, or the whole complete truth, since it didn't come straight from the horses' mouth, so to speak. None-the-less the book gives you the general idea of what happened. But don't think I'm bitter, because nothing could be less true. I love the Marine Corps it was my dream to be a Marine. Although it was hard to have the dream taken away, I'm always proud to say I am a Marine. I lived my dream, not many people can say that. Some people live their whole life and never know what that feels like. But I do. And I will always be grateful for that. If I could add one more comment, don't hold it against the Marine Corps, because it wasn't the Corps , just a few homophobic people in it. I had a lot of secret support, from alot of straight hard corps Marines. Doing things that could have gotten them in big trouble, to help me as much as they could. Hey Semper Fi Oddz. I'm all present and accounted for. JAGG __________________ Wow Jagg that is incredible. Just the fact that you were a Marine amazes me. I'm going to run out and buy that book. But OMG I can't believe you could be so positive. I know butches who get stared at in public and crumble to pieces, you must be very strong. So you have a book written about you. You are famous then. hahaha Will you autograph it for me? Seriously will you ? I bet it's an amazing story I can't wait to read it. You are an incredible interesting person, if you don't mind a compliment. |
Comment on: 'Don't ask, don't tell' divides secretaries, commanders.
Subject: GovExec Story:
'Don't ask, don't tell' divides secretaries, commanders. http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1010/102210cd2.htm Go to the link above to read the entire story and the Pro and Con commens at the bottom. To the Vet's and familes and children of Please COMMENT. Tommi 'Don't ask, don't tell' divides secretaries, commanders By Sara Sorcher CongressDaily October 22, 2010 The three service secretaries now with the power to discharge any openly gay officer under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy have all voiced their support for a repeal of the controversial policy in the past, putting them at odds with the senior military commanders. "It's the first time in the 20 years I've spent studying the military that there has been a split between the Defense Secretary and the Secretary of the Joint Chiefs [who have voiced support of legislative repeal] and the other chiefs," said professor David Segal, director of the University of Maryland's Center for Research on Military Organization. A directive from Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday limited discharges under the policy to an elite team of five: the Air Force, Army, and Navy Secretaries in conjunction with the Pentagon's legal counsel and the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. (Link above please see and add your comments., The comments are being read by many. Thanks Tommi.) |
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Even though I didn't get to be a jet pilot, I am One Proud Airman, Tommi |
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Theo, thank you again for giving us a thread where we can honor all of those who have chosen to serve their countries.
I hope that we can all remember that serving one's country is not a butch-specific act. Many femmes have also served. I realize folks are having fun with the whole uniform fetish thing but I'd like to remind folks that this thread was started for those who served. I am sorry, but they did not don a uniform so we could drool on them. And I agree, a uniform worn with pride is a gorgeous thing. But maybe we can separate the sexual attraction from the actual service since this is a thread about those who are veterans? I'm sure we could start a thread for Uniforms Are Hot that would be loads of fun as well. Theo, I do apologize for hijacking your thread. |
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Army Reserves 83-89
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It's not that exciting flower. |
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Well, my Brother, there aren't many who can say they've done what we've done. To us, we know and understand what it is to stand the watch and what it is to leave family and friends behind while we go to "exciting places" and do "exciting things". It's really not that exciting from our perspective, but from the ordinary civilian's viewpoint, what we do is pretty cool. We did what other people only can dream about. All of us who have worn the uniform of our countries have made a profound difference that way. We are unique. The branches may be different, but we all stepped forward to volunteer, and for that we have done what many others have not done. No one forced us to join. We did it of our own free will and gladly so. To those people who have such admiration for us, I say thank you. We Vets have made a very special contribution. We saw something larger than ourselves and made a conscious decision to make sacrifices not asked of others. We have many reasons to take pride in each of the uniforms we have worn, be it Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marine. We are one family. We are Butch and we are Femme and there are many who live in the gray undefined areas between the two. This thread is for all of us. This thread honors and celebrates all of our service. This thread is for those who appreciate our service, too. Thanks to everyone who has posted here in support of us. Semper Fi, ~Theo~ :bouquet: |
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The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is in my town today.
How humbling to stand in the presence of, and read(through tears) the names of so many that lost their lives. |
On This Day, a legacy was created.....
An organization of Marines was authorized when the Continental Congress made the following resolution on November 10, 1775: “Resolved, That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said battaions but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve with advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present War with Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by names of First and Second Battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the Continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.” Happy 235th Birthday, Marines!!!!! Semper Fi!!!! ~Theo~ :winky::clap::bouquet: |
Happy Birthday to the Corp and all those who died to keep us free, and to those Vets that served. Send courage and safe home coming to all those men and women still in harms way in ths crazy way the world fights today.
http://gadaboutblogalot.files.wordpr...rine-corps.jpg |
First Ongoing War Memorial
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Thanks for the post Cowboi. We sometimes forget the conflict our country has seen. My town is establishing a permanent memorial now. It used to be just flowers at a corner for some local fallen hero's and grew and grew till it is now going to be dedicated. We saw protestors, vandals, and just outright nasty crap hold up progress. People wanted their children's park instead. This weekend is the dedication. Irvine Long War Memorial Dedication by Andy Zelinko Monday, Nov. 01, 2010 at 8:42 AM The Irvine Long War Memorial will be dedicated 14 Nov. This is the US's first and only memorial to ongoing wars. Like the Vietnam-memorial it has space for 8K names of the dead. It will be more than half filled of course on the 14th, from Iraq and AfPak, but it will be updated yearly with new military dead names. No need for perpetual wars to end in the new world order. Full schedule available at www.northwoodmemorial.com |
Just popping in to say thank you to all who have served :rrose:
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