Happy Veteran's Day

[jft69z]

Just wanted to take the opportunity to salute all of our Veteran members here & thank you for your service.   

Almost every year I've been a member here, I've posted the below message I found elsewhere, but it still makes me remember the good (and sometimes not so good) parts of my time in the military. I'm hoping the new members who have joined in the past year will read it and enjoy some of the fond memories it may bring.

Joe T.

USAF

'"Jet noise, the sound of freedom"

 

I didn't write this but I certainly agree with it.

Total reflection of emotions past and present.

****

To understand a Military Veteran you must know:

• We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.
• We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.
• We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.
• We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
• We found new friends and new family.
• We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed.
• We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.
• We didn’t get enough sleep.
• We smoked and drank too much.
• We picked up both good and bad habits.
• We worked hard and played harder.
• We didn’t earn a great wage..
• We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.
• We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.
• We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.
• We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.
• Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.
• Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.
• Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.
• We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.
• We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.
• We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.
• We have dealt with victory and tragedy.
• We have celebrated and mourned.
• We lost a few along the way.
• When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.
• We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.
• We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.
• We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.
• We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.
• Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.
• It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.
• People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.
• When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.
• So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.
• Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.
• Share your stories.
• But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.
• I’m a VETERAN! I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN! AND AGAIN. No hesitations..

[cny first gen 71]

Thank you very much to all who have served!

[willie]

I haven't been posting on here for about 2 weeks, i will say why in a different post as i don't want to disrespect this post.

I want to Thank Joe for posting this every year, and for his service to this great Country. I also want to Thank all the Men and Women past and present who have served. I always had a special place in my heart for you guys!!!  You keep and kept my family safe all these years. I never had that honor to serve. So my hat is off today (and everyday) for All the Men and Women who served for us!!       THANK YOU!!!!!

[Marks71]

First time read for me. Well said.

[MC-71]

Excellent words Joe. I just recently on 4 Nov. went on the Honor Flight to Washington DC for all Veterans. Each of us had our own guardian. What a wonderful day. Seen many of the memorials, even the new Air Force one Joe. It was quite a honor. I was a Navy Seabee and served two deployments in Vietnam. Back in the 60’s we never got a welcome home. But this time getting off the plane at West Palm Beach we got a welcome you would not believe. Great Honor. Please search Honor Flight on line to really understand what these people do for all Veterans. They are all volunteers. And all free for Veterans.

 

 

[Rob Peters]

Happy Veteran's Day to all who served!!!

Me in my dress blues wearing my Sgt Stripes.  Before I got out I had earned my additional Stripe and exited as an E-5 Staff Sgt.  WOW,  I was so young way back then!!!!  1968 to 1972

rob

[Leghome]

I had two uncles who retired from the USAF as Staff Sgt’s

[Montemedic]

Happy Veteran’s Day to all of those who served our country. Thank you all for your service. 

[EVC]

Thank you Joe and all who have served our country.  

Today is that very special day when my son and I have breakfast at Beale AFB with the young men and women at the base dining facility. It warms my heart to see that these young people have done such a miraculous job of picking up the reins and supporting our country. 

We're expecting our Grandson to be home from deployment with the Marines at any time. … I'm hoping he'll be there as big surprise …. 

Ed. 

[Dtret]

Prayers to All that have served