Comments for This one's for...

This one's for...

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:25:10 -0600

...Lex. Since he's been coping with that whole "hanging up the spurs" thing. I will add a caveat - there are civilians, like AFSis, Princess Crabby, Brab, Bad Cat Robot, Ry, Boquisucio, MaryAnn to name a few, who will act like veterans will act. And people like Cassandra, HF6, Carrie and others, who, if they hang with us warriors long enough, are just as much a veteran as we are. Yes, there are some walls and fences, but we all live in the same neighborhood. When a good Veteran leaves the "job" and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder.

Comment from Charlie Browns Teacher on 2008-08-03

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 02:03:57 -0600

Please tell me you aren't ridding out there, Sir Lex. Or are at least carrying spare front forks if you are.

Comment from lex on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:10:52 -0600

Thanks for that, John.

See you in Vegas, maybe.

Comment from Alan Briley, RN on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:23:25 -0600

Civilian Friends do NOT understand that third world garden spots are often where duty and responsibility are nourished and refined.

Comment from FbL on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:44:23 -0600

Sgt B,

And then there are those of us civilians who understand why you go, love you for wanting to go (among other reasons), and are happy to see you settle into the role you have understaken with confidence and satisfaction. And in the part of our hearts we never talk to you about... we hope you break your leg the day before you're supposed to deploy. ;)
In all seriousness, stay safe--both before AND after.

Comment from Boquisucio on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:41:51 -0600

There are some who shine, for they are the source of so much light. There are others who shine, for they reflect the light that come from others.

Thanks for confusing me with the first group, I however think of myself on the latter group, Massa John

Comment from AFSister on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:22:28 -0600

Sgt. B,
You are so right. And that "Veteran Friend" answer is the hardest one for those of us who have never been there/done that to give. I'm not saying I don't understand it, because I do... it's just damn hard to see the ones you love go to war. You encourage them with a deep pang in your heart, and secretly hope that it's just as hard for them to leave you as it is to watch them go.

Comment from Fred on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:05:49 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS. Don't know what they don't know.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Know exactly what you didn't say.

Comment from Sgt. B. on 2008-08-02

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:40:21 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Ask why, if given the chance, you'd ever go back to "that life", especially if you might wind up going to a place that's dangerous...

VETERAN FRIENDS: Don't ask, because they'd go too, given the chance, just to make sure you are surrounded by folks who know what they're doing. Instead, they shake your hand with a whistful look, and say "Good hunting... See you when you get back."

Comment from Grumpy on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:31:33 -0600

SOME VETERAN FRIENDS: Know what, when, where, why, how and most importantly, if to say something.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Absolutely refuse to simply STFU! They fear silence

Comment from Ymarsakar on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:42:52 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Ask you why the hell a guy your age is still poking around Third World garden spots instead of poking around the garden.

I thought civilian friends would be asking how much is the pay for a Soldier of Fortune tm.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

That may be dangerous if you do it with BillT's stuff.

Btw, Bill, you are poking around the garden. The Garden of Eden and the Cradle of Civilization.

Comment from Alan Briley, RN on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:10:18 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will bail you out of jail.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Will be in the same cell with you, arrange for both of your bails, AND get the charges "MYSTERIOUSLY" dropped.

Comment from AFSister on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:38:14 -0600

*smile*
I'm glad you know I'll act like the veterans.... because the "Veteran Friends" responses are the ones I connected with.

Comment from Msg Keith on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:43:07 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Ask how much longer until you retire when they find out you've been wearing a uniform for 33 years.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Know why you'll have a set of dress blues hanging in the closet LONG afetr you do retire.

Comment from BillT on 2008-08-01

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:05:39 -0600

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Ask you why the hell a guy your age is still poking around Third World garden spots instead of poking around the garden.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Ask you if you want a refill, since they're heading for the coffee machine anyway...