Posted on 05/26/2014 8:05:05 AM PDT by US Navy Vet
When i worked fof DoD, all the GS- 9’s and 11’s were vets, and most of the 12’s were the college deferment bunch.
Needless to say, there was a ‘cut with a knife’ rift present, and of course, the college deferment crowd never let it be forgotten, that THEY were able ‘to finish their degree with their own money, and didn’t have to depend on military service in war, as a crutch to get YOUR degree’.
I was wearing my favorite veteran’s hat, with my beloved in WM one day, and these 20-ish-year-old’s did say their thank you’s. I stopped and asked them, if they have served. They looked shocked. I smiled, and said, ‘I did my duty. Now, it’s time you did your’s.’ I walked away.
No. I was originally disqualified from all branches due to bad hearing. After seeing my ASVAB scores the AF waivered it and put me in, of all things, communications. And it takes a certain sense of duty to enlist.
Yes, you do get irked too easily.
That said, thank you for your service.
My thoughts exactly. I am very offended by panhandlers posing as veterans with their GBU (God Bless You) signs.
no way... i believe the military is a calling... it chooses you... and yes, i am grateful to those who answer the calling...
What irks me is people who insult most civilians while hiding behind a screen name because they’re too damn gutless and spineless to do it to their faces.
I thank fellow vets from previous generations for serving as well. After all, they kept me free... For the younger gereration vets, I ask them how things are going for them and help them in any way I can, be it helping with PTSD issues or helping them with classes they are taking at college via the GI Bill, or offering advise as to how to stay out of trouble financially. I guess I take on an "older brother" roll with them.
Now, if you want to see me get hacked off... Watch what happens when some young punk disrespects one of my fellow vets or my flag. That's when the phrase "it's on" is used...
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Nah
I served in the USMC 1970-1974 (Sgt at discharge)
then in the USN until 1993 (STSCS/SS, Ret.)
I feel a bit bashful about the thanks to me, but, rather, accept the thanks on behalf of the brothers who we remember on this solemn Memorial Day.
John 15:12-13
I came of age during the late 1970s, after Viet Nam and during the era of Jimmy Carter. Even though my father, grandfather and uncles all served in the military in times of war (my grandfather in WWI, my father and uncles in WWII), enlisting in the military when I got out of high school did not even occur to me as an option. Why would anyone choose to enlist in the military under Jimmy Carter?
Thankfully, many Americans did. Even more Americans voluntarily chose to serve under Bill Clinton and Barry Obama. Now that takes courage and character.
As an adult in my mid 50s, never serving in the military is one of my biggest regrets in life. All I can do now is support those who have, particularly those men and women brave enough to choose to enlist under Barry Obama.
Thank you all for your service.
No, I don’t get irked. I understand not everyone feels it’s their calling, and I do respect that. I didn’t want to supervise/manage/lead someone who was in uniform and didn’t want to be, because I spent a large amount of time and effort to get them out of the service. And that was time I could have used ensuring those that wanted to be in uniform had the proper training and equipment to do their jobs better.
Wasn’t me. I would never do anything like that, not even on my worst days. It was more a protest against Nixon and Johnson and the war. But I certainly did not honor our troops after they returned, the way I should have. Most of my generation forgot the vet, that’s what I regret the most.
How bout the Gutless Hippie Lib types who not only didn’t serve, but wouldn’t serve?
And notice they’re also never the ones to “Thank you for your service”
Redirect the irritation towards them, and btw, TY for your service (not meant to irritate or condescend)
Not one bit, but only because in our country service is a choice that is made voluntarily. It matters not to me what others decide to do. I joined the Navy because I felt it a matter of duty to my country to do my part then, during the cold war. Personally I don’t really like it when people “thank me” for my service, I did it voluntarily, never had to go to combat or sacrifice any body parts thus I have no need for anyone thanking me. Save the thanks to those who actually sacrificed parts of themselves. Thank the families of those who sacrificed all. I have no need of anyone’s thanks and it always makes me feel uncomfortable when people tell me “thanks for your service”.
Same here. Flat footed didn't used to get you rejected. My dad was flat footed, joined the Army Air Corps in '39. He got his GED later and ended up retiring as a Captain and a pilot. Flew B-25s, 47s, and 52s...
I totally agree. I also cringe at being called a hero. I served in peacetime and never had to face a hostile enemy. People water down the true meaning of the word “hero” when they apply it to everyone who’s served. IMHO.
No one needs to thank me for my service to the USA because I have always felt that I got more back than I put into it.
It doesnt irk me but I do a mental note that they are likely Vietnam age and somehow did not serve, whether they hid in ROTC, some college somewhere or just didnt report for duty.
Save it for Veterans Day.
Ditto.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.