i am impressed and quite humbled by all the forum members here who have served or are serving in the miliary. My heart and thanks go out to each one of you.
I remember those who have passed away daily, not just on Memorial Day. I thank those who are still living on Memorial Day, while they're still alive. It doesn't mean anything to them when they're gone; it only matters to the living. >>
I think this says it all........................
Larry L.
Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
<< <i>"Contractors" are mercenaries, nothing more.
Memorial day should be reserved for remembering US veterans who have passed away, not the living. >>
All the contractors I know are ex-military, most were operators. Many of them die right beside us; fighting the same fight.
I remember those who have passed away daily, not just on Memorial Day. I thank those who are still living on Memorial Day, while they're still alive. It doesn't mean anything to them when they're gone; it only matters to the living. >>
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast. And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies -- they were heroes, every one. And though sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today. He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start. If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that would say, "Our Country is in mourning, 'cause a Soldier passed away." Author unknown
I was told a story once...it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his Father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
Taps.
Day is done .. Gone the sun .. From the lakes .... From the hills From the sky . All is well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh ...
Fading light .... Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky... Gleaming bright .. From afar ... Drawing nigh .. Stills the night
Thanks and praise ... For our days ... Neath the sun ... Neath the stars..Neath the sky .. As we go ... This we know ... God is nigh...
...U.S. Army Sgt. Radio Teletype Operator, Howitzer Artillery Unit 69-71.
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
<< <i>i am impressed and quite humbled by all the forum members here who have served or are serving in the miliary. My heart and thanks go out to each one of you. >>
I will echo the feelings of ThePennyLady. I don't thank those men and women who laid down their lives so that we can share and occasionally hammer each other openly on this forum. The simple pleasures we take for granted.
TN, thanks for starting the post and it is a pleasure getting to know you. One of these days we will hook up!
<< <i>Crypto I am gonna put our past aside, I was a Marine scout sniper, then worked in USSCOM, then I spent a few years as a contractor. I hope that satisfies you. Medical out, 7 bullets, 12 pieces of shrapnel.
If that isn't worthy then I am sorry.
Edit: the men I worked with as "contractors" were all prior service SF, so take that for what it is. >>
my dad served in WWII, other family members served in WWII and Vietnam, an uncle died on the USS WASP. i did not serve.
her is photo of my dad's crew and their challenge coin that i designed for their bombardment group. the 11th is still active and is known today as the 11th Wing.
Checking in. US ARMY 1988-1994, National Guard 1994-1998 52Delta10,20, 63Bravo10, 44 Echo10 Bootcamp: Ft. Dix, NJ AIT: FT. Belivor, VA Darmstadt, Germany 440th Sig Bn/32nd ADCOM Garrison Yongsan Army Base Souel, South Korea 2nd ID. Ft. Carson, CO 124th Sig Bn. Iraq from Sep90 - May91
All dessed up in our MOPP gear, mission oriented protective posture, aka chemical suits. I'm the guy in the forefront. Lt. Arborgast has the M16 to his head, and SPC. Wilkens is the other guy. The Lt. couldn't lead ants to sugar.
Helping a buddy install fresh tracks, on a MIAI at Ft Irwin, CA. aka hell on Earth. One bad SOB right there.
Doors what doors, string will do.
Operated this badboy in REFORGER Germany, 25 ton beast with a 20 ton winch. HEMTT M984 wrecker (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck)
What happens when you drive a 25 ton M984 wrecker, though soft grond, in a German forest? All 4 axles get burried, and you have to call a M88 tank wrecker to get you out. I'm at the back, my platoon SGT. is at the front. He told me the ground would withstand the weight, not.
Down range at Ft. Carson, CO, I'm the guy on the left. Trying to look like tough guys
Trying to look like Rambo, not. Pic taken at the Garrison Yongsan Army Base Souel, South Korea 2nd ID.
My dad served in the Army during WWII and three brothers served in the Navy during Vietnam. Two of those stayed for the career. I graduated H.S. in 1975 during peacetime and chose not to. All gave some, some gave all. I thank you ALL for your service.
<< <i>USMC Pilot from 1982-1994: A-6E, FAC w/3rd Batalion 5th Marines, OA-4M, T-2C Instructor, C-12, F/A-18D. >>
My Father was on the "other" side in WWII. He was wounded April 1945 by an American soldier and was placed in a French POW camp until 1947. That's when he and a friend escaped when they got the word that the French needed soldiers to train in Morroco for a conflict in Viet Nam. Some irony.
AOCS (AW), Ret., 1974-1996. Served onboard: USS John F. Kennedy, USS Nimitz, USS America, USS Saratoga (Desert Shield/Storm), my final tour I was part of the Precommissioning Crew for USS John C. Stennis.
I don't think you have a clue what the hell you are talking about, but even so, then our Commander in Chief is the biggest employer of mercenaries in the free world. Funny, during the battle of Najef when I was down to my last rounds I remember looking to my right at a Stf. Srgt and to me left at a Lance Cpl. one on a M-4 and one on a M-249 and thinking what a pleasure it was fighting to the end with 3/1 kilo. Lucky be a lady, or a little bird that rolled into restricted air space and dropped 6 cases of 5.56, a few AT-4's and a box or two of MRE's and water. We stayed on that roof top for 6 days and fought wave and wave of Mehdi Army, 13 on 2000 and I sit here to type this. We all fought wounded back to back, brother with brother.
Hell of a story TexasNationals. Not a big fan of MRE's, but they're better than nothing. God Bless all those, who served, are serving, and those who gave all.
Grandpa WW1, Dad British paratrooper WW2, Mom WAC WW2, Uncle Marine WW2, me 11B40 Infantry Vietnam 1969-1970. I walked point, carried the 60 and became a squad leader and sargent in 5 months. 40% disabled as result of booby trap ( todays IED) RIP Warner Hughie, Larry Burgess, Kim Diliberto, James Hurst, Clifford Seals, Jay Webster, Fred Mezzatesta, William Gooding, Matt Peterson, and my high school friend Greg Strobl. August 1969 Delta Company walked off of LZ West at full strength of 120 men. 4 days later we returned to base with 37 able bodies. My mom sent me a newspaper account of the battle and it said we had suffered light casualties. I was forever disillusioned by that report. Thanks to all who have served and a special shout out to those that serve today. You are a special breed. The flame of liberty continues to burn because of your sacrifices.
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson
<< <i>"Contractors" are mercenaries, nothing more.
I don't think you have a clue what the hell you are talking about, but even so, then our Commander in Chief is the biggest employer of mercenaries in the free world. Funny, during the battle of Najef when I was down to my last rounds I remember looking to my right at a Stf. Srgt and to me left at a Lance Cpl. one on a M-4 and one on a M-249 and thinking what a pleasure it was fighting to the end with 3/1 kilo. Lucky be a lady, or a little bird that rolled into restricted air space and dropped 6 cases of 5.56, a few AT-4's and a box or two of MRE's and water. We stayed on that roof top for 6 days and fought wave and wave of Mehdi Army, 13 on 2000 and I sit here to type this. We all fought wounded back to back, brother with brother. >>
Contractor, volunteer, draftee, lifer, CIA, all types of special ops....I served with every type and all but a very, very selfish few were brave, self-sacrificing, good men...The best compliment you can offer is "I'd go to war with thay guy."....and yes, ladies can fight as well...
US Army 1970-2005
"You keep your 1804 dollar and 1822 half eagle -- give me rainbow roosies in MS68." rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
Active duty Navy since 1979...still serving. Happy Memorial Day to all of our veterans, and for those who gave their lives in service to our country, may God grant you eternal life in the kingdom if heaven.
Comments
The Penny Lady®
<< <i>
I remember those who have passed away daily, not just on Memorial Day. I thank those who are still living on Memorial Day, while they're still alive. It doesn't mean anything to them when they're gone; it only matters to the living. >>
I think this says it all........................
Larry L.
<< <i>
<< <i>"Contractors" are mercenaries, nothing more.
Memorial day should be reserved for remembering US veterans who have passed away, not the living. >>
All the contractors I know are ex-military, most were operators. Many of them die right beside us; fighting the same fight.
I remember those who have passed away daily, not just on Memorial Day. I thank those who are still living on Memorial Day, while they're still alive. It doesn't mean anything to them when they're gone; it only matters to the living. >>
I wholeheartedly agree with llafoe.
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast.
And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies -- they were heroes, every one.
And though sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice in a paper that would say,
"Our Country is in mourning, 'cause a Soldier passed away."
Author unknown
____________________________________________________
I was told a story once...it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army
Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in
Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of
land
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay
severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man
back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the
stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the
Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it
was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with
shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own
son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
Without telling his Father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his
superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could
have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the
funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out
of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one
musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical
notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's
uniform.
This wish was granted.
Taps.
Day is done .. Gone the sun .. From the lakes .... From the hills
From the sky . All is well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh ...
Fading light .... Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky...
Gleaming bright .. From afar ... Drawing nigh .. Stills the night
Thanks and praise ... For our days ...
Neath the sun ... Neath the stars..Neath the sky ..
As we go ... This we know ... God is nigh...
____________________________________________________
Photo made by Raymond Malkiewicz.
Thanks to all my Sisters and Brothers who have and who will serve.....
<< <i>i am impressed and quite humbled by all the forum members here who have served or are serving in the miliary. My heart and thanks go out to each one of you. >>
I will echo the feelings of ThePennyLady. I don't thank those men and women who laid down their lives so that we can share and occasionally hammer each other openly on this forum. The simple pleasures we take for granted.
TN, thanks for starting the post and it is a pleasure getting to know you. One of these days we will hook up!
I also collect postcards, is that Smedley Butler??
that's a fantastic photo and caption
Thanks to all that served our country
<< <i>Crypto I am gonna put our past aside, I was a Marine scout sniper, then worked in USSCOM, then I spent a few years as a contractor. I hope that satisfies you. Medical out, 7 bullets, 12 pieces of shrapnel.
If that isn't worthy then I am sorry.
Edit: the men I worked with as "contractors" were all prior service SF, so take that for what it is. >>
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
her is photo of my dad's crew and their challenge coin that i designed for their bombardment group. the 11th is still active and is known today as the 11th Wing.
I was a radar repair technician in the United States Army, 1976-79.
Served the last 15 months in South Korea ensuring air defense readiness for the 2nd Infantry Division.
God Bless all who have served our Nation!
Still serving...
John
SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
A salute to all our Service Personnel .
US ARMY 1988-1994, National Guard 1994-1998
52Delta10,20, 63Bravo10, 44 Echo10
Bootcamp: Ft. Dix, NJ
AIT: FT. Belivor, VA
Darmstadt, Germany 440th Sig Bn/32nd ADCOM
Garrison Yongsan Army Base Souel, South Korea 2nd ID.
Ft. Carson, CO 124th Sig Bn.
Iraq from Sep90 - May91
All dessed up in our MOPP gear, mission oriented protective posture, aka chemical suits. I'm the guy in the forefront.
Lt. Arborgast has the M16 to his head, and SPC. Wilkens is the other guy. The Lt. couldn't lead ants to sugar.
Helping a buddy install fresh tracks, on a MIAI at Ft Irwin, CA. aka hell on Earth. One bad SOB right there.
Doors what doors, string will do.
Operated this badboy in REFORGER Germany, 25 ton beast with a 20 ton winch. HEMTT M984 wrecker (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck)
What happens when you drive a 25 ton M984 wrecker, though soft grond, in a German forest? All 4 axles get burried, and you have to call a M88 tank wrecker to get you out. I'm at the back, my platoon SGT. is at the front. He told me the ground would withstand the weight, not.
Down range at Ft. Carson, CO, I'm the guy on the left. Trying to look like tough guys
Trying to look like Rambo, not. Pic taken at the Garrison Yongsan Army Base Souel, South Korea 2nd ID.
RA67-180-601 (Yes, Regular Army, I joined!!)
BLESSINGS TO ALL
U.S. Type Set
USAF 1964-1968
SAC
BUFFS !!!!
Left a few buddies over there!
USMC
Veit nam 1969-1970
Glen
1970 - Ft. Bliss TX
1971 - Ft. Huachuca AZ
1972-1973 Vietnam 525 MI Group
1973 - Ft. Bragg NC 101st Airborne
Gave me goose bumps, powerful pic.
<< <i>USMC Pilot from 1982-1994: A-6E, FAC w/3rd Batalion 5th Marines, OA-4M, T-2C Instructor, C-12, F/A-18D. >>
My Father was on the "other" side in WWII. He was wounded April 1945 by an American soldier and was placed in a French POW camp until 1947. That's when he and a friend escaped when they got the word that the French needed soldiers to train in Morroco for a conflict in Viet Nam. Some irony.
r95
A big thank you to our allied US troops over the pond.
What an awesome pic. Hats off to the sub guys, don't think I could do it.
Like my feet on the ground
Fair Winds and Following Sea's.
1975 Era
Steve
I don't think you have a clue what the hell you are talking about, but even so, then our Commander in Chief is the biggest employer of mercenaries in the free world. Funny, during the battle of Najef when I was down to my last rounds I remember looking to my right at a Stf. Srgt and to me left at a Lance Cpl. one on a M-4 and one on a M-249 and thinking what a pleasure it was fighting to the end with 3/1 kilo. Lucky be a lady, or a little bird that rolled into restricted air space and dropped 6 cases of 5.56, a few AT-4's and a box or two of MRE's and water. We stayed on that roof top for 6 days and fought wave and wave of Mehdi Army, 13 on 2000 and I sit here to type this. We all fought wounded back to back, brother with brother.
<< <i>USMC '66-'70 Semper Fi!
I also collect postcards, is that Smedley Butler??
Harlem, Apollo to the left?
God Bless all those, who served, are serving, and those who gave all.
<< <i>
Great Wedding Photo!
<< <i>"Contractors" are mercenaries, nothing more.
I don't think you have a clue what the hell you are talking about, but even so, then our Commander in Chief is the biggest employer of mercenaries in the free world. Funny, during the battle of Najef when I was down to my last rounds I remember looking to my right at a Stf. Srgt and to me left at a Lance Cpl. one on a M-4 and one on a M-249 and thinking what a pleasure it was fighting to the end with 3/1 kilo. Lucky be a lady, or a little bird that rolled into restricted air space and dropped 6 cases of 5.56, a few AT-4's and a box or two of MRE's and water. We stayed on that roof top for 6 days and fought wave and wave of Mehdi Army, 13 on 2000 and I sit here to type this. We all fought wounded back to back, brother with brother. >>
I think you just lost half the membership!
<< <i>
<< <i>
Great Wedding Photo!
There goes this thread. Nice Job.
<< <i>
<< <i>Great Wedding Photo!
There goes this thread. Nice Job. >>
That's what brothers do!
US Army 1970-2005
rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
Really, geez you coast guard guys are tough!
Thanks Larry
rainbowroosie "I'd go to war with thay guy"....
not being a comabat veteran, ours was "I'd guy into the fire with them" ... same premise I'm sure, same compliment
and I did have to fight a few fires
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242