Today we salute those who have served in any branch of the military. Hats off to you all. No matter when or where you served you all signed a blank check for your life if needed. Thankfully a Veteran is one whose check was NOT cashed.

 

In reflecting about all the lessons on life the military taught me I remember the words of my old CO.

 

"Live to tell the stories, they sound better that way."

 

What moments do you recall??

 

A radio quote I got yelled at, one of many, in Iraq.

 

21. Follow the rules?  Okay we will flip a coin and see how that works.  They called heads, heads it is.  Okay everyone listen up the enemy will be coming over the berm dressed in rags and yelling like they had a circumcision with razor wire.  We will receive and put a patriot chip in the center mass so they can be relieved of said pain.  How does that work for you?

Indeed, I wish everyone here who served a great Veterans day. I, for one, am grateful for your service.....many thanks!

Edited November 11, 20196 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

I join the folks above in wishing all of my fellow vets a great day.

Thank you Veterans! And I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends, and just relax. You've earned it!

 

@Woodbutcherbynight, quotes I remember, one I have never forgotten. I got in trouble at my first duty station Ft. Clayton Panama, it involved booze, big firecrackers, MP's, and a night in the cooler with my buddy.

Top came to pick us up the next morning, on the way back to the barracks he told us we are going straight up to the C.O. to have a little talk.

Top stated "Don't worry boys, a properly done "As# chewing" is a thing of beauty to behold, your C.O. is an artist".

 

Sure nuff, after about 20 minutes of the man smoking us in his office, yelling, threats of Article 15, next time this, next time that, standing at attention, then front leaning rest, then attention, then front leaning rest, all while completely hungover, after his As# chewing we both left out of his office loving the guy more and more, it was loud, it was crafty, and it never felt personal. Only a well seasoned leader can do all that, and never make it personal.

 

To this day and through the childhood of my kids, I used that quote from Top, to my own kids just to remind them that it's never personal, it just is, and necessary.

 

Great times!

 

Oh ya, a little context, the firecracker incident, we'd just gotten out of ThreatCon on our base from Operation Just Cause, folks were still a little jumpy around loud noises, I guess they didn't appreciate my sense of humor lighting one off near the club at 2 in the morning, I swear those MP's were on my tail in seconds, one of em weighed a lot, I went down pretty hard. They must of been at the club addressing other rowdy's to be that quick of a response.

I too send a big Happy Veteran’s Day greeting to all my fellow vets.  Since B-52s are rather costly, I was fortunate enough to stay out of the fray, for the most part.  When I was on Guam, we had heard that an entourage was on base to view the Vietnam support ops but we were too busy to worry about it.  One afternoon, my cohort in crime dropped me off at a BUFF to do a quick weapons real ease check and promised to come back and pick me up.  I finished and sat down next to the wheels in the shade to have a smoke.  A motorcade pulled up in front of the plane and out steps the most brass that I had ever seen in one place.  I covertly ditched the cigarette and watched as they approached the plane.  In the middle of the group was a small bespectacled man that looked familiar.  I was then introduced to Mr. Henry Kissinger.  My military brush with fame.

Thank you for remembering.

 

As for stories, there's not enough server space!

17 minutes ago, Ron Dudelston said:

I was then introduced to Mr. Henry Kissinger.  My military brush with fame

That is awesome Ron! Great story!

Happy Veterans Day to all veterans, alive or dead, everywhere, and to their families and friends. Thank you for everything you have done , and continue to do, for all of us. 

hat

Happy Veterans Day. 

"Lost 1,  this is Lost 3.....are you lost too, over?"  

 

8"SP (M110B Bn, Army Reserve)...they could hit a fly's butt at 18K....could not navigate across a one lane road, in a one street town...

Been in Illinois, at Phyl's brothers house since last Friday. This morning, Veteran's Day, we attended a breakfast and program honoring Veterans. It was at the local Jr. Hi. School. All the grades were represented and participated with patriotic songs, several local vets spoke, the Amarican Legion provided an honor guard and a 21 gun salute. It was quite moving and, I think the vets were very appreciative. I certainly was.