Comments for Veteran's Day, 2008

Veteran's Day, 2008

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:30:04 -0600

Today is my day. Today is SWWBO's day. Today is my Dad's day. Today is Dusty's day. Today is Bill's day. Neffi's, Bloodspite's, Sanger's, Jim B's, Mike L's, Jim C's, John S', V29's, Sergeant B's, 1SG Keith's, Oldloadr's, 74's, CAPT H's, a certain Canadian Gunner who shall remain nameless, a certain Redleg Captain who shall remain nameless, RetRsvMike's, the 'Phibian's, Lex's, Matty's, Chuck's, Fishmugger, John(NTA), Heartless Libertarian's, Kevin's, Grumpy's, Grimmy's, the list is endless, and I know I didn't list everybody - feel free to add yourself in the comments. That would be a nice touch, actually. But, even though it grew from Armistice Day, and is Remembrance Day to our Anglosphere buddies, it is *not* my Grandfather's day. Daddy Jack, a soldier of the Great War, well, his day now is Memorial Day. Today we mostly celebrate the living. The brand-new vets in Basic Training through to the survivors. Those who "saw the elephant," as Civil War soldiers were wont to say to those whose service required no similar animal husbandry. We honor the dead in May. Oh, heck, today we Veterans honor the dead, too. We can't help it. The bonds of combat soldiery are tightest because of those who went with us but didn't come back, they took the low road while we took the high. Most of us have an "absent companion" or four that we drink to, when the time is right. Today it will be right. Technically I I have 17 19 that I will drink to. 1719 little shots of tequila. Which is good - that number didn't go up last year! Actually, I won't do it tonight when we get back to the ship from gadding about in San Juan. My habit is to spread 'em out between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. I suspect my father doesn't even try. If he toasted all his ghosts, his liver would rip itself out of his belly and run. I rather expect Bill has a similar problem.

Comment from Robin Radlein on 2008-11-12

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:17:02 -0600

I spent yesterday thinking of my favorite veteran, my father- a 21 year veteran of the Air Force, the youngest of six brothers that joined up as soon as they could in WW2. He washed out of pilot training and became the radioman/waist gunner in a B26 (one a day in Tampa Bay). He was in one of the crews that didn't hit the bridge at Remagen, that went out the first clear day of the Battle of the Bulge to relieve Bastogne, that survived being fired at by his brother's artillery battallion on their way back from bombing Germany when the word didn't get passed down that they were our planes passing over. When the war ended, he alone of his brothers or brothers-in-law realized it was his task to stay and serve. It was contagious, because yesterday was my brother's day and my day. My brother did one tour in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and I spent 9 years in the Air Force Reserve as a hurricane hunter. It is also the day for one of my cousin's husband serving his second tour in Iraq.
In May, I will celebrate the day for my six uncles who have all gone ahead, and my mother's father, a wild Irish-American marine that survived Argonne Forest and died in bed dozens of years later. I will toast my father-in-law and his brothers, and his Mississippi ancedents that fought in wars going back to the Civil War (where half fought for the south- where you had to bring your own gun and uniform, and the other half joined the other side in New Orleans- where they were given a gun and a uniform.)

Comment from Grumpy on 2008-11-12

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:02:52 -0600

Armorer, I'm honored and yet humbled to be mentioned in this crowd. I would say I'm one of the most fortunate men alive. Yesterday, I spent the day with a group of vets. Some of these men I've known for over 40 years, a couple for over 50 years. Our families, have known each other for many many generations, back to before the US Revolutionary War. The house we met at was of the same vintage. The house was an old sea captain's house, complete with the "widow's walk". We had a chance to talk about everything including the change in Administration. It was the consensus of the whole group, in our view, there will not be a major change in Military policies in the near term. There will be some limited changes in the second half of the Obama Administration. We will see some changes in policies, to bring them back into compliance with the Law. i was the youngest one there at the age of 60, the oldest was over 100 years old and all are internet connected. GEN David Petraeus would have had no problem in our discussion. Everybody, including the youngest and oldest, have read the "COIN-Field Manual 3-24" and agree, this is the best approach to this situation. We've all been multi-lingual and multi-cultural. But light heartedly, we say, "How much have we forgotten?" Answer: More than we want to admit. We had a fire in the fireplace, a large coffee pot, a good meal, great friends and a great subject. We started a 8 yesterday morning and I got home at 3 this afternoon. It was a fun "coffee pot and camp fire discussion". It went for 31 hours and NO SLEEP. Time to go to sleep.

Armorer, THANK YOU!
Grumpy

Comment from BillT on 2008-11-12

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:38:55 -0600

As ever, I'm a day late; as an excuse - we had a heck of a party and a parade to attend.

No excuses.

Those are *reasons*...

Comment from Tim on 2008-11-12

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:57:54 -0600

My dad, who served in the medical corps during the Japanese occupation, and got recalled when Korea blew up. His brother, Tommy, who enlisted in the Marines. His brother in law, also named Tommy, who served in WWII and just passed away. My cousin Amy, who I haven't seen since she was little - graduated from USNA and now flies CH53s for the USMC. Her dad, Bob, who flew PC3 Orions. All my friends from home who joined up. The many ex-servicemen I work with. And finally, my fellow zoomies (as well as a few grunts, squids, and jarheads I met along the way).

Comment from Mike on 2008-11-12

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:17:29 -0600

As ever, I'm a day late; as an excuse - we had a heck of a party and a parade to attend.

I never grokked how much of a military history my family had until I began tallying up the names to avail myself of The Armorer's kind invitation to list 'em.

Granpa Sam, Army, WWI. My old dad, Tony, MacArthur's Navy. Uncle Jim, Army, WWII. Uncle Gil, Marines, Korea. Uncle Bob, Army, during the Suez crisis. Me, Army, 'Nam. Nephew Eric, Marines, now. Niece Ligia, Army, Gulf 1. BIL John, Army, 'Nam. Much younger BIL Don, Army, prior to Gulf 1. #3 son, Josh, Army, now. #2 son, Lou, Army ROTC, now (does that count? ).

Charlie will be in our prayers.

Comment from Casey on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:01:52 -0600

Thanks to all of you who serve!

John, I was going to drop a quick email note, and forgot. Nothing major, just a small thank-you post at my place.

What I did want everyone to discover was an excellent music video by 3 Doors Down titled Citizen Soldier. As I said at my place, how many rock bands can quote the Soldier's Creed?

Comment from Justthisguy on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:59:47 -0600

Dang, Grimmy, I've been a civilian all my life and I've noted that, too. Any excuse... In defense, there are quite a few Marines on Mom's side of the family. Dad's side is all AF, and nerds like me.

Comment from Grimmy on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:27:48 -0600

As I've gotten older and my ability to bounce back from severe hangovers has lessened, I finally realize that having the USMC Birthday followed immediately by Veterans' Day is one of the more eveel and perfidious US Army conspiracies.

Comment from Justthisguy on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:53:14 -0600

P.s. Laura Ingraham just finished interviewing Michael Yon, live from Baghdad. Yon's last statement was an exhortation to listen to Gen'l Petraeus, as he knows what he's talking about. P.p.s. Yon sounds like that now-rarest of people, a normal rural Florida boy.

Comment from Justthisguy on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:43:02 -0600

I just spilled some for those vets in my own family, and those other guys I knew personally. Now I'll hoist one to all of y'all, and y'all's friends, those present on this plane and those not. Bottoms up!

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:38:23 -0600

I have 3 people I want to mention.

My grandfather, who passed away 7 years ago. Tsgt John H Terry, USA, served in the Pacific theatre of operations when he could have taken a draft deferrment because his father owned a large farm on Long Island.

My mother, who has dealt with 2 sons that have gone into harms way, and who has never said anything other than the words of warning that if we go and do something stupid to get ourselves killed, we are in deep trouble.

Lastly, my brother who is currently serving in Afghanistan with Task Force Orion.

Comment from htom on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:36:19 -0600

My late Grandfather W, Army in the Spanish-American, then Navy in WW1; my Dad, WW2 Army; my Mom, WW2 Navy WAVE; aunts, uncles, and in-laws in various WW2 and Korean service, some now deceased; cousins, nieces and nephews, thank you all.

Uncle Woody, and my fellow Jarheads: Semper Fi !

Oldloadr -- May God bless and heal her, and aid you in her time of need.

htom

Comment from Barb on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:23:03 -0600

Thanks to you all ... you Rock!

Oh, and I fixed up the links which had been muddled with formatting :-)

Comment from HomefrontSix on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:17:05 -0600

I do not have the words to express my gratitude.

Comment from Katherine Optima Maximae on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:48:27 -0600

I have had so many great experiences with our veterans, I cannot write them all, but they reminded me why I love this country so much and why I love our veterans.

They always give me hope for our nation. God bless them.

Comment from msg keith on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:44:38 -0600

Couldn't think of a better way to wake up, AFSis, except maybe if you didn't have to go to work. and to all the veterans out there, you have my respect and gratitude. I wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all again...

Comment from Oldloadr on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:44:21 -0600

I would like to mention my 3 favorite veterans:
1. My dad who was sitting in his tank just south of the Yalu when the Chinese decided to come to the dance.
2. My couson Johny who was awarded a DFC as a CH-47 crew chief during the Tet offensive.
3. My daughter Charlie who just returned this summer from Balad and now has mysterious ailments (please feel free to pray for her).

Comment from Oldloadr on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:22:40 -0600

Thanks to all of you. I feel humbled to be remembered in such glorious company. Now as I work at trying to help an ally build their own AF, reading this blog reminds me of the why and wherefore that drove us on. Drove us on when it was -20F or +120F. Drove us on through the hours of mind-numbing boredom followed by the seconds of sheer terror. There will never be, in my mind, a higher title to hold then veteran.

And John, thank you for being in the very special group of veterans that keeps the message and the mission out there in cyberspace.

Comment from Cannonshop on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:09:06 -0600

Mine as well, and the guy who stood as my best-man, and my buddy Martin (Just back from Iraq).

Comment from RetRsvMike on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:22:01 -0600

salutes all around, and thanks for all that you all did.

Comment from Dadmanly on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:29:10 -0600

My Day, and my favorite Vet pal Okie's Day, too. Even though he insists on voting Workers World Party on the bottom line. But I figure he's earned that much indulgence.

Comment from 1IDVET on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:18:43 -0600

My day too.
Thank you all for your service.

Comment from Alan Briley, RN on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:27:36 -0600

Thanks John, and to all my fellow veterans, you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Airborne, All the Way!

Comment from AFSister on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:35:33 -0600

Hey John- I know you're out to sea, but if you could fix your links, I'd love to follow them. No snark intended.

Comment from AFSister on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:30:35 -0600

Thank you all, and may this new presidency not be as harsh as I think it will be to our military.

This morning I got to wake up next to my favorite veteran, and the first words out of my mouth (after good morning) was "Happy Veteran's Day, Sweetheart. I love you." We should all be so lucky.

Comment from Neffi on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:23:22 -0600

Salute, and salut!

Comment from Fishmugger on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:45:28 -0600

So on 911 I took my fathers flag out of the glass case and tied it to my townhouse balconey. I used stout rope but then I had to go back up and retie it cause when I tooked at it upsidedown from the balconey, I hadn't realized the stars were on the wrong side. Sgt Michael E. Russo, Army Air Corp was a very serious patriot.

After flying it for weeks, I took it down and proceeded to fold it very carefully. Took three tries. Sgt Russo wouldn't have it any other way.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:32:07 -0600

Hey, I said I wouldn't remember everybody... but I shoulda remembered someone with posting privileges...

Comment from David M on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:15:40 -0600

I know...us Scouts always get passed over during the recognition portion of the formation. I guess its because we are always off doing some sneaking and peeking...while everyone else is waiting for our report.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Scout's Out!

Comment from Alan on 2008-11-11

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:09:27 -0600

Thanks for that. Well put.