Our Forum Veterans service

[Draegerman]

In the spirit of healing, I spent my entire day looking for veterans in public places just so I could go up and tell them how much I appreciated their sacrifice & service. It wasn't until I met another fellow disabled vet at a grocery store, whereupon we just looked at each other and hugged while the tears poured out. Shortly thereafter, we released and regained our composure. A simple nod was issued and we went on with the business at hand. I never even knew his name.

In retrospect, I pray that no one will have to go through something like this ever again.

'LEST WE FORGET'

[Draegerman]

Originally Posted by CCBoy

Lol, along with the illuminating cameramen...who no longer was granted unaccompanied entry.

As part of a unit that spearheaded that operation, you and I may have crossed paths a time or two. You may have remembered me. I was the scared private attached to a Ranger Regiment who was scared ****less after encountering sniper fired in Grand Anse during a tense three hour drama.

I had only been in my unit for about two months before I wound up in the bite. Thank God for 'Puff The Magic Dragon' to save our bacon.

[casmith07]

US Army, May 2007 (June '03 entered the Academy) to Present, one tour to Iraq.

My father -- US Army, May 1982 to May 2007, 25 years, tours to Kuwait, Iraq.

Grandfather -- US Army, unsure of the dates, but two tours of duty in Vietnam including a Purple Heart among other decorations.

Here's the former CPT Smith, US Army Retired, discussing his first tour as a Platoon Leader in Vietnam (he was a Company Commander in this video). When someone found this video online and sent it to my family it was surreal to watch.

[casmith07]

Originally Posted by BHendri5

Air Force 1986-2011

Congratulations, man - I'm assuming that's retirement?

[sacase]

US Army - 97-2004

[CooterBrown]

Originally Posted by casmith07

US Army, May 2007 (June '03 entered the Academy) to Present, one tour to Iraq.

My father -- US Army, May 1982 to May 2007, 25 years, tours to Kuwait, Iraq.

Grandfather -- US Army, unsure of the dates, but two tours of duty in Vietnam including a Purple Heart among other decorations.

Here's the former CPT Smith, US Army Retired, discussing his first tour as a Platoon Leader in Vietnam (he was a Company Commander in this video). When someone found this video online and sent it to my family it was surreal to watch.

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[robjgrif]

USN "Silent Service" 1992-2001

[CCBoy]

Originally Posted by Draegerman

As part of a unit that spearheaded that operation, you and I may have crossed paths a time or two. You may have remembered me. I was the scared private attached to a Ranger Regiment who was scared ****less after encountering sniper fired in Grand Anse during a tense three hour drama.

I had only been in my unit for about two months before I wound up in the bite. Thank God for 'Puff The Magic Dragon' to save our bacon.

At work, we have a processing piece of equipment that we call the 'dragon.' I occasionally sing the song, 'Puff the Magic Dragon,' but no one really understands. But I do sing the Star Bangled Banner every night at work, and they do understand that...oh, and a demonstration for Soviet Block Officers at Fort Bliss, impressed them with armor and 'Puff.'

[notherbob]

I was in the army in peacetime from 1956 through 1961 including reserve time.
We wore brown boots and shoes and toted an M-1. We marched every damn where and ate C-rations in the field, wore OD and Ike jackets in the winter and khakis in the summer long before the black boots and green unis ever came out.

[GimmeTheBall!]

Originally Posted by jobberone

If you like list your service branch. You may also put your dates of active service. Feel free to leave any message you wish.

USMC 1968-71
US Army 1978-84

Damit. I was only a cub scout. But we played war a lot as kids.

[GimmeTheBall!]

Originally Posted by casmith07

US Army, May 2007 (June '03 entered the Academy) to Present, one tour to Iraq.

My father -- US Army, May 1982 to May 2007, 25 years, tours to Kuwait, Iraq.

Grandfather -- US Army, unsure of the dates, but two tours of duty in Vietnam including a Purple Heart among other decorations.

Here's the former CPT Smith, US Army Retired, discussing his first tour as a Platoon Leader in Vietnam (he was a Company Commander in this video). When someone found this video online and sent it to my family it was surreal to watch.

[View Full Quote]

WWII combat father. I was only a cub scout.
Your family history be impressive.
I only wish we could win a war, any war, after WWII.