So You Served!!

[AKBeemer]

Thought it would be entertaining to find-out how many forum denizens have prior service experience and how much. I'm guessing there are a bunch of folks with military service. How about telling us your branch of service and the number of years you served. Active, reserve or National Guard; Army Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard... report it all. How about you peace officers and fire fighters reporting your service as well. Colorful anecdotes are optional and encouraged. If you are normally a lurker and don’t join in the discussions, then please make an exception and tell us about your service.
:thumb

I’ll start it off: Army, 25 years.

[PGlaves]

United States Air Force - April 7, 1966 through December 20, 1972

Air Traffic Control and Warning (Radar) Operator
Airborne Weapons Control Technician
Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Technician

NORAD and Alaskan Air Command

[tkbaker4]

June 30, 1970 to Jan 15, 1972
One tour of duty in Vietnam at Can Tho Army Airfield.
Trained as an Aircraft mechanic for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
Became the Aircraft Electrician for the Company thru OJT while in the army.
Disliked it then, wouldn't trade the experience for the world now.
Grew up in Ohio, did basic training at Ft Campbell, KY.
Now live in Nashville, TN, 20 miles away.
Have been here 30+ years.
Must of liked the heat doing Basic Training in July-August....

[From MARS]

Marine Corps....'69-'78 Worked on avionics systems on A-4 and Harrier jets for 6 years. Trained in ECM and Com/Nav. Then, they made me a recruiter.

Tom

[Oldhway]

USAF, 1979-1983, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Wichita Falls and San Antonio Texas and Albuquerque New Mexico.

Sometimes I wish I had made a career of it.

[kewlmoose]

US Air Force, 1979-1983 stationed at Aviano AB Italy & Luke AFB in AZ.
Worked on air-air & air-ground missiles.

[dwestly]

USAF OSI Agent: 1977-1999. Deployed as a tactical counterintelligence agent to the Kurdish Mtns during/after the 1st Gulf War.

[PAULBACH]

20 years US Navy active and reserve time. Radioman

Highlight First Persian Excursion under George I- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Baharain as a SEABEE with a Marine Expeditionary Force.

[Rpbump]

In order USNR, USNR-R(TAR), USN, 1959>1987. Still work on Flight and Weapons System Simulators at NS Mayport, FL.
Ret CPO Ride Safe :usa

[corbtown]

Two years Navy ROTC full scholaraship at Brown University 1967-69. Active duty in summer based in Newport News. Wanted to be a pilot, couldn't pass the eye exam, and in the first draft lottery in 1969 got a high number assigned by birthdate and decided to opt out of the program. A decision regretted many times over; but it does no good to worry now. Maybe for the best anyway, as I found it difficult to follow orders I disagreed with, and the military depends on near blind obedience.

"every man is the architecht of his own character."

[ltljohn]

U.S. Navy
1978 - 1998
Aviation Electronics
P-3 Orion ASW and maritime patrol
F-14 Fighters
F14 and A6 Comm/Nav systems
Instructor Duty Electronic Identification Systems IFF
VC-6 Seaborne Powered Targets

[GrafikFeat]

USN 77-81 BT3
USS Chicago CG-11
USS Bradley FF-1041

[dancogan]

Served in the USAF almost same time period as Paul: Aug 68-Aug 72. Came between my first and second year of law school. Served at SAC HQ in Omaha, NE as a systems analyst in the underground command post. Very neat duty! Great skills learned. No one ever shot at me, unless you include the MSgt who always shot off his mouth. :blah

[tommcgee]

Moi? USN 68-74, ETR, ECM.

[bradleypurple]

Man you guys are OLD! Currently serving in the US Navy, stationed in Panama City, FL at Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center. Entered service in 1988.

Just kidding about the old statement. I appreciate the service that all of you have done.

[108625]

US Air Force
Nov '87 - Dec '07

Structural Craftsman, mostly in RED HORSE, building the bases in the places nobody wanted bases built. (Lots of time spent in deserts and jungles).

[k75sprint]

USMC
1989-1993
CH-53 A, D and E models, sheetmetal mechanic, aircrew.
Stationed in Tustin CA with HMH-361 1989-1991.
Stationed with HMX-1, Marine Presidential Helicopter Squadron, Quantico VA 1991-1993 changed MOS to full time CH53E Naval Aircrewman, Crewchief. Probably the best enlisted Marine Corps job a person could want. I still miss it, best time of my life.

[BuddingGeezer]

Army National Guard 1970-1976. Before the 6 years were up, I wish I had been drafted. Made buck sargent, discharged spec 4. Guess I wasn't NCO material.

Ralph Sims

[mfifer]

No service for me . Was sole surviving son.
Thanks to all who have served and continue to serve!
I did have many friends , past and current ,who died or at minimum were affected for life.
Mike

[kgadley01]

U.S. Navy 1971-1975 then 1980-1984 I didn't get enough the first time. LOL
USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16)
USS Holland (AS-32)
Shore duty, NAS North Island,
USS Peterson (DD-969)

:usa

[ricks01]

:usa i served in the "gentleman's" branch of the military, USAF from 1978 to 1983. was a law enforcement drug/patrol dog handler. man it was great! started at Langley VA, barely got broken in and was sent to Spangdahlem Germany for two years. that is where i learned to love beemers. only got to ride a stinkin MOPED on the german highways though. lusted after many euro bikes while i walked or bicycled nearly everywhere... last base was eglin fla, wonderful duty, beach patrol w/the dog! had it not been for the possibility of going to korea, i'd still be in probably. now i still serve as a police officer in williamsburg va. been a great ride, literally. my one great wish before the dirt-nap is to ride in europe...:usa

[Bigrider]

US Army, 1976-2003. Counter-intelligence agent, Area Intelligence Officer for Middle East & Latin America. Shhh don't tell.

Dave H
San Antonio, TX

[jmbiii]

U.S. Navy - 1961 > 1970 ASW aircrew SH-3A helos - USS Intrepid, USS Wasp, USS Yorktown
Virginia Army National Guard - 1 year - electronics maint. UH-1 "Hueys"
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve - electronics tech. CGAS Elizabeth City NC, TraCen Yorktown VA

Finally retired from the military in 2003 after 42 years.

Oh, and before all that I was in the Civil Air Patrol. That makes four out of the five services . . . . I did go drinking with some Marine buddies. That sort of counts. :laugh :laugh

JB :usa

[squeaky]

Served from 1955 to 1975. One tour in Viet Nam '67-'68. Retired.

Bob Schrader
Wentzville, Mo.
'K1200LTC

[bubbagazoo]

Canadian Forces 1977-95 wearing a nice sky blue Air Force uniform. Communication Research (USN equivalent CTR, CTO, CTI, CTT) . Spent last 2 years of service doing radiation safety and NBC stuff.

[warredon]

USN - Sept. 65 - Jan. 70 Served aboard USS Saratoga in Fighter Squadron 31 (F4 Phantoms) as a mechanic. I was an AME which included working on ejection seats, canopies, air conditioning, pressurization, liquid oxygen systems, and bleed air systems. I believe this picture was taken somewhere in Malta.

[Fritzc]

Does ROTC count??
I served bravely at Michigan Sate College from 1953 to 1955. Narrowly escaped serious injury by a speeding bicycle who was illegally riding on sidewalk!:brad
I was an M.P. and directed traffic during weekly parades down Grand River St. in East Lansing on Thursdays. I was never shot at but I didn't go to West Virginia Tech.

[Mudbug]

U.S. Army - June 11, 1970 to February 24, 1972, MP, 4th USASA Field Station.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office - February 1973 to April 1993, numerous assignments, retired a Lieutenant. Very political. On very rare occasions you get to make a difference in someone's life.

Most of the time neither was enjoyable. But it was worth it. I learned a lot about people.

When I was 33 years old my oldest son told me that I was very old. He was 5.

The happiest day of my life was the day first son was born. The day my second son was born tied that.

[PHMarvin]

USN 1968-1972
QM2(SS)
USS Nathan Hale SSB(N)623 Gold
I was on a submarine; the rest of you were on targets!

[ladyBmer]

US Navy 78-84 OT (Argentia NFLD, Keflavik Iceland, Centerville Beach, CA)
US Army 86-00 Signal (Ft Hood TX, Darmstadt GE, Ft Gordon, GA)
DOD Contractor since 2000

[MTSweger]

USAF, 24 years:
- Started as a Ground Radio Repairman working Titan II missile comms
- Cross-trained into electronic intel circa 1984
- Retired from active duty in 2005
Now working as a civilian for Department of the Army
:usa

By the way, if you are following this thread, you may be interested in joining the Veteran BMW Riders, BMW MOA Chartered Club #329. We have a Yahoo! group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vBMWr

No dues, fees, or membership cards--just a place to discuss veteran's issues and share war stories.

-MTS

[4NBike]

US Army 66-68 3rd Inf Div Artillery. Artillery Radar Operator. Drafted and I was sure I was headed to Viet Nam but was fortunate enough to spend almost two years in Kitzengen Germany.

[Belquar]

1995-1998 U.S Army. 3rd Infantry Division (Mech) Dco 3/69 AR. Fort Stewart GA. I was a tanker. Loved it.

1975-till I left home....Dad was in the Air Force. Military Brat. Moved a lot. Great experiences.

Now...Corrections Officer Atlantic County Department of Public Safety.

[bunkyone]

Hey all; U.S. Navy,'72-'76. U.S.S. Saratoga, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Oceana. ABH3. Enjoyed it for the most part, but was given a choice by the (soon departed) ex-wife. "Get out of the (expletive deleted) Navy, or I'm history!!" Got out, and, sure enough, she was history!! That's what I get for being a thoughtful, loving hubby!! Oh well... Vaya con Dios, Dutch

[DennisDarrow]

For most of us, I feel, the service to OUR country never ends. Even that flag that covers us, is folded, and given to a family member for their use and our honor before the "Rifle Salute" continues to honor our service.

Actual military time: June 1964 through Aug 1973
United States Army Security Agency, Comint capture, Elint,
United States Army Signal
Retired Medical Disability from Vietnam

Service to OUR country continues through today.

We, as videographers, provide this for our current fallen warriors at many memorial services:

http://dndprovideo.com/clips/Marine%20Memorial.asx

http://dndprovideo.com/clips/Army%20Memorial.asx

In addition we do a lot of commercial work for Department of Defense contractors:

http://dndprovideo.com/clips/C5%20Paint%20Debut.asx

http://dndprovideo.com/clips/Austin%20AECOM%20Intro.asx

Longest lasting service for our country is the legacy left behind of being in that classroom every day, until retirement, teaching the values that made OUR country what it is. Standing for the pledge each day and innumerable comments of HOW to be an American was most often the only positive many young people recieved about service to THEIR country. "OK, you have the right to not say the pledge; but I have the right to have you stand in the hall while the rest of us honor those millions of Americans that died to give you the right to stand out there and promote those individual rights". How many times was I sued? NEVER.......How many times did I have a parent complain? NEVER.....How many times did I have a sit down with an administrator? NEVER.............

Anyway.........on and on...........GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY..........Dennis

[DavidBMWRT]

1970 Tonkin Gulf



USS Shangri-La CVA-38


sailors are smarter and better looking

[hlothery]

US Army - 23 years. Started as a Combat medic in 1971, went to the Army PA Program in 1975-1977, and the rest is history. Retired in San Antonio in 1994. Hated it as I was being drafted (after college), but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Met my wife (Army Nurse, retired) in PA school, got a profession and a pension, and became a man. :thumb

[tghsmith]

USCG 1978-1986 six years as a search and rescue coxswain.
one of the first 12 MSF instructors offically trained for the military
(told them it was like having the cat pet sit the goldfish)

[azduc]

Drafted by the U.S. Army Feb.11, 1968, combat infantry Vietnam July 20, 68 to July 19, 69. 6 Months in Germany staring at the east German border, released from service on Feb. 9, 1970. 40 years ago and it seems like yesterday. :usa

[eaganj346]

USN – TM3(SS) USS Corporal SS346 1966-69

USNR – AMS2 VP-93 NAS Detroit 1978-80

Dept of the Army Civilian (Retired) -Tank Automotive RDE Center, Warren MI 1975-2006

I can't decide who to root for at the Army-Navy game.

[NavyCWO]

1965-1992. E-1 to CWO3. Flew with VQ2 from 1972 to 1977. Also rode 25 surface ships, and 2 submarines (TAD and PCS). Now am a CW4 in State Guard unit.

[bobs98]

Active duty Sep 81 to Sep 85, Fort Bragg. Went some other places.
Army Reserve July 87 to present. Activated a couple of times, deployed once.
Mandatory retirement in May 09.
Current Army civilian employee, career logistician.

[HexST]

USN Jan 69 to Feb 79, Air Traffic Control in the Nav we were AC's. USS FDR CVA42 69-71,NAS Cecil Field 71-76,NAS Cubi Pt. Philippines 77-79.

[yngswen]

US Navy (Active) from 24 May 1990 through 23 May 1996.

Electronics Technician and Reactor Operator (effin' nuke), USS Pasadena (SSN752).

Our old CMC used to say...
There ain't no slack in a Fast Attack
There ain't no pride in a Boomer Ride

Further:
USNR December 1996 through May 2001.
I now work for a defense contractor in Colorado.

That said, I am grateful to all who have served and who continue to serve.
Thank you!
:usa

[mslarso]

Still serving in the Army. Enlisted in 1987 as a Korean linguist (E1 to CW3) and plan on a dozen more (until my daughters are out of college or married, whichever comes first). Deployed to Iraq (heading out again next month) twice, Africa, Panama, Korea. No regrets.

Thanks to those who continue to enlist in our military in a time of war. Not too sure if I would've had to guts to do that now.

[Motor31]

Army Reserves 1975 to 2000 for 24 years. When I started I thought I'd do my minimum time and get out. I had a variety of jobs from Plt Ldr, Company Commander and lots of staff puke assignments. Tried to get back in after 9/11 and was politely told no.

LEO from 76 through March 94. Almost 18 full years but a college kid in his daddy's Mustang ended that career. Most of me works fine but I had to retire as I wasn't capable of street duty any more.

Now I am part of the Patriot Guard to support when and where I can.

[gec343]

USMC/1960 to 1964, 0351 Infantry
USMCR 1973/1994, 5811, Military Police, ret'd, not by choice, but age limits

My USMC years were the highlight of my life. I have never worked with a better bunch of patriots.

Michigan State Police, 1966/retired 1990.

[alkoivisto]

U.S.Navy Seabees '72 to "76. My lottery number was #2 in 1969. Spent a little time in school before enlisting. N.S. Guantanamo Public Works Engrg Dept "72 to '73. NMCB-74 'till '76, S-3 Engrg Dept. Made deployments to Guam and Rota, Spain. We had a Marine Gunnery Sgt. attached to battalion to try and teach us things military. Usually futile effort if you know anything about Seabees.

Thanks to all who have served and are serving including my future son-in-law Marine Corps Sgt, veteran three Iraq tours.

[yappo]

served 2 years active duty.13/dec/61--12/dec/63.engineers and signal corp.many lasting memories.so many young faces.

[Vagabird]

US Army 68-70 (tank battalion, Germany)
US Coast Guard 73-95 (electronics, crypto)
(CGC Gallatin 74-76, CGC Munro 76-79, and a bunch of other stations)

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/424570583_dK6je-S.jpghttp://photos.smugmug.com/photos/424570641_rgtTS-S.jpghttp://photos.smugmug.com/photos/424572955_oe3LR-S.jpg

[ARValkguy]

Well I still am serving proudly for our country. I was at 17 years as of yesterday. I have done all kinds of stuff over the last 17 years. My time has all been National Guard but I have been deployed 3 times so far. Bosnia, Iraq and of course beautiful Iraq again ( leaving in 13 days). I have been in several Intel and SF positions. The most fun I ever had was working with The Macedonian Special Forces in 2004, those guys are great!

Kelly

[r11rs94]

US Navy 78-84 OT (Argentia NFLD, Keflavik Iceland, Centerville Beach, CA)
US Army 86-00 Signal (Ft Hood TX, Darmstadt GE, Ft Gordon, GA)
DOD Contractor since 2000


USN 73 - 76 USS Columbus CG-12 / USS Independence CV-62

USNR 77 - 00 HCU-2 / MDSU-2 Deep Sea Diving units

Retired as a BMC(DV) Navy Deepsea Diver 1st class

Un-Retired and joined

Rhode Island Army National Guard 02-04 115th Military Police / 1 year Iraq

Re-Retired as a SFC.

[glennhendricks]

USS Mars out of Sasebo for 2 years. USS Point Defiance out of San Diego for a year with an additional Westpac.

My new Marine graduates Boot Camp tomorrow.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cf04b3127ccec5e7195dcf1500000040O00AbMmbFk5ZM2 IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[awagnon]

Air Force. 14 years active duty followed by 8 years in reserves. Retired with 22 years. Last duty was call-up for Desert Storm. When I was called back to active duty for Desert Storm, I was notified on a Sunday to report by the following weekend. I had less than a week to close out my solo private practice before reporting. I joined during Viet Nam when my draft board called and warned me that I would be drafted within a week if I wasn't already in something. I was in my second year of medical school. The Air Force allowed me to finish school and my residency before I had to report. Was in the medical corps and retired as a Lt. Col. I don't regret a minute of it.

[Bill Burke]

U.S. Coast Guard. 13 years, one month and 24 days. Not that I was counting....
Highlights: Cutter Jarvis, boarding Russian ships in the Bering Sea. Exxon Valdez.
"Sir, the FAA has closed that airspace. I can't legally enter unless you order me to."
"OK. I order you to enter."

[PineGreen]

USAF May 12 1970-15 Mar 1974
SAC. Bombing and Navigational Sys Mech on B-52. Missile Electronic EQUIPMENT Repairman. On AGM-69A {SRAM}Missile

[kantuckid]

Feb/1964 -1990(off & on)-US Army active and NG-Helo. mech, Signal Officer , Maintenance NCO. Dad,5 uncles in WWII(one lost @ Pearl Harbor), grandfather & others in WWI, one son an active duty Marine pilot now-Pensacola/10 years & 4 tours Iraq,another son Navy nuclear officer and 2 tours Iraq.I am proud to learn of all from BMWMOA that have served! Shows the kind of group we are a part of...:thumb

[RJM2096]

What a rich life you folks have. :usa Thanks.

[gfspencer]

Retired Army Chaplain. :usa 30+ years.

[GSTom]

USAF 1972-1976. I was a medical laboratory technician (90470).
Served at Sheppard AFB for training, Scott AFB (Belleville, Il) for 9 months during the return of the POWs from Vietnam, then 3 years at RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England (Home of the F-111 aardvark fighter/bombers) which is now closed.

http://www.raf-upper-heyford.org/

[jlaban]

USAF Nov. 1965 - Jun. 1971

B-52 Pilot Kincheloe AFB, MI
Plattsburgh AFB, NY

Forward Air Controller and Air Liaison Officer to Army Brigade
Korea (Blue Lancer Valley)
Vietnam (Quang Tri)

[JanMiller]

US Army, '69-'71. Never went overseas. Trained in Special Electronics Repair, in the Army's way of doing things, never worked a minute in it. Was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, figured just until shipping to Viet Nam. Inprocessing Sargent asked if I could type, had me type a few sentences, and said, "Your job here is to repair pop-up targets on the rifle range in mud up to your a$$. That guy over there is my typist, he's ETS-ing in 2 weeks, so you can fix targets or be him. "Where's my desk?", I said, figuring it was only temporary. Never went anywhere else... Joined a great off-road riding club, it was wide-open territory in Missouri then, not a fence in sight...

[petepeterson]

Wine is for warriors.. Beer is for barbarians.. Hay is for horses,,and water is for women...So fill your glass and drink, its the nectar of the Gods!!

USMC.... Jan. 1968 to Jan. 1988.........

. SEMPER FIDELIS

[Kelli61782]

Twenty years Air Force for me, 1972-1992
Security Specialist, Recruiter, Recreation Specialist.
Now back in Security as government contractor.:usa

Twenty years for my wife
Air Force Nurse, Nurse Midwife, Medical Readiness Officer:usa

[AKBeemer]

Served in the 1st, 7th and 8th Infantry Divisions as well as the 1st Armored Division; also as a Combat Trainer at the National Training Center. My service took me to just about every European country, 49 states, Canada, S. Korea, Iraq Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Brief visits to North Africa and a few other places. There is no place like the United States of America. Airborne-Ranger!

Hooah!:usa

[Yellowjacket]

I joined the Air Force in Sep '79 and stayed in until Jun '94 when I crossed over to the full-time Alaska Air National Guard. I just retired from there this past Aug. I worked avionics the entire 29 years and have been all over the place. During that time I've manage to repair and launch KC-135 aircraft from -72 degrees all the way up to +135 degrees. Not very fun at either end but a lot of fun in the middle. It still feels like I'm on leave, I haven't quite figured out yet that I don't have a job! Oh well, I'll enjoy it while I can.

[GSJIHAD]

U.S. Army
9 ID
268 AHB
1/9 Cav

[Pat Carol]

U.S. Army 1982-1986 E-5
13-B, 13-E, Field Artillery 8 in. SP Howitzer, Ft. Sill
101st Airborne Air Assault, Ft. Campbell

Air National Guard / U.S. Air Force 1986-2006- Firefighter E-6
Operation Just Cause-Panama
Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom

Forced into retirement due to line of duty injuries. I miss being with my brother's.

Pat Carol, USAF Retired :usa :usa :usa

[danstl2002]

US Navy 1962-66. CT

Almost made it a career, and many times regretted not doing so. Two brothers air force, and a third was a Navy lifer and his son followed his footsteps and now retired.

Thanks to all who have served and especially to those who now serve.

[Richr8]

US Navy Diver 1971-1975
USNR Harbor Clearance Unit One 1975-1977

USS America CVA 66 (Vietnam 1973)
USS Fulton AS 11 (Sub tender)

[LSkrabut]

USAF Summer '72 thru Fall '79
SAGE
NORAD

Civilian working BMEW at Thule Fall '79 thru Summer '83

Now an ISO for the VA

[Artiee]

USAF Security Forces, retired in 2003.

[LTOwner]

USN 1965-1969
Specialty Aviation Ordnance
Served in an aircraft squadron, and deployed on several carriers.
Squadron base NORVA and Oceana
Member Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club
Separated 11/69 as an AO5

[Professor]

USN 1964-1970
Electronic Technician specializing in Radar and Navigation equipment

Went to ET school on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay (no longer a naval base). Served aboard the USS Klondike - a repair ship - primarily in the Western Pacific (Japan, Taiwan, Philipines, etc.)

The Klondike was a WWII ship that had been decommisioned then recommisioned for the Viet Nam war. I loved being at sea and loved seeing all the different places and enjoyed most of the work I did. When I got out I was about 6 months away from making Chief and was offered a sizable re-enlistment bonus. I thought seriously about staying in. If I had, I would have been able to retire about 20 years ago, had another career, and been able to collect a Navy pension. But I would have missed the adventures of being a police officer, a police academy instructor, a paramedic, and a college professor. I would almost certainly have a different wife - or no wife at all.

One always wonders about the road not taken, but the ones I've traveled have been great.

[jimratliff]

USAF Sep 1965-Jan 1971
Pilot C130
Craig AFB AL 65-66
Sewart AFB TN 66-69
CCKAB Tiawan 69-70

95% of flying out of CCK was in Viet Nam.

1996 R1100RT
1943 PT-17

[Vagabird]

Welcome to the forum, Jim! Ride safe.
- Dan, USCG, Ret.

[leadfoot]

Mississippi Army National Guard
AVCRAD (Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot)
Depot level repairs on all Army aircraft
Enlisted E8 / Supervisor
24 Years

OIF 06-07
First Sergeant
C-23 Sherpa Fixed Wing Company (My heroes)

Proud of every day served!

Aging and ailing, but hanging on!:usa

Jim

[robertklee]

USMC '74-'76 Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Third Marine Division

:usa

[marty2]

US Army - Feb 69 - Mar 71
RVN - Feb 70 - Jan 71
Just a plain old Truck Driver

NJ National Guard - Mar 71 - Mar72
Tanker :usa

[ksolomon]

July 1966-Drafted
US Army
Jul-Aug Basic, Ft Leonard Wood, MO
Sep-Oct AIT Ft Sill, OK
Dec-Assigned to 6th Bn 15 Artilllery, 105mm Towed
May 1967 Vietnam
1st Inf Div
Lai Khe
Discharged May 1968

I am totally amazed there are't more Vietnam veterans in this organization.

[jlaban]

Jim Ratliff:

I was at Craig, class 67F. We may have saluted in passing. It is remarkable how the world seems to shrink.

John

[jimratliff]

John,
I was in 67B, one of the last T'Bird classes.
Did you fly the T38?
Jim

[cwoflyboy]

Did 30 years with the Coast Guard, 75-05.

Dale Moore/cwoflyboy
97 RT-1100
Marianna, FL

[ejressler]

20 years Army Military Police, 2 more as civilian after I retired. Proud to serve, but glad to retire! Drawing Social Security and still trying to "really" retire, but Wall Street won't let me!:gerg

[feldis]

US ARMY, drafted Apirl 1969, Fort Benning basic, RVN 1970, OV-1 tech operator mostly over the Ho Ming Trail. Discharged on return honorable.

R1150RT sold
R1200RT deer strike
R1200GS present ride

[RedBeemer]

June, 1969 to Feb. 1977

Learned to leave everything in the duffel bag 'cause the next transfer would be coming shortly. The next thing I learned was once in combat arms units, always in combat units.

Got stupid and asked for a transfer to Viet Nam. Got my wish and two weeks after being "in country" found out that what you read in the papers and real life are not the same. Sent back state-side two months early, "political liability", and now get comped. full medical for life.

In '77, figuring I don't drink enough alcohol and not being able to tolerate the stupidity anymore, turned in the uniform.

While I got to see and do alot that I would not have other wise...

[jlaban]

Jim:
I did fly the T-38. We were the first class to get it. What a great experience. However, I imagine the "Lead Sled" was a very instructive aircraft.

John

[mthelmet]

Usmcr 1956 To 1964

[mcover]

U.S. Navy 1963 - 1988
Lots of great sea duty and some crappy shore duty.
Retired when they said I couldn't go to sea any more.

[beemermyke]

USAF 1979-1995
Took an early retirement that was offered in my career field during some military downsizing (thank you, Bill Clinton). Crew Chief the entire time, and worked on F-4, F-16 and F-117A aircraft. Stationed at Nellis (twice), Shaw (twice), Kunsan AB, MacDill. Work for an aircraft manufacturer in Savannah now as a Technical Writer.

[WildBlue]

USAF Active Duty 8 Years - August 1994 - October 2002
2 Years RAF Mildnehall, UK - February 1995 - February 1997
6 Years McGuire AFB, NJ - February 1997 - October 2002 (most of this was split between UAE, QATAR, Kuwait, and Bahrain).

Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, etc... blah blah

2A6X5 - Aircraft Hydraulic Systems with an In Flight Refueling identifier.

Exited @ E-5 Staff Sergeant

[msjackson]

Mississippi Army National Guard
AVCRAD (Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot)
Depot level repairs on all Army aircraft
Enlisted E8 / Supervisor
24 Years

OIF 06-07
First Sergeant
C-23 Sherpa Fixed Wing Company (My heroes)

Proud of every day served!

Aging and ailing, but hanging on!:usa

Jim

How can we get a newer Sherpa, we have 2 of the A mod, Smokejumper

[ziegelreiter]

United States Navy, May '73 - May '77. Submarine repair specialty.
Uss Howard W. Gilmore AS-16, isolated duty, Sardinia.
Uss Holland AS-32 Holy Loch Scotland. (Reward for the year on isolated duty)

[Boingo]

USMC
Joined July of 83
Served 4 years, 2 months, and 27 days
Quantico, VA (Mainframe Ops School) 4034/4038
MCAS El Toro, CA
BSA Camp Wolfeboro Arnold, CA (ran the rifle range)
Camp Kinser, Okinawa Japan

I loved Okinawa, almost re-enlisted just to stay there.

Almost got called back for Gulf War I.

[glieske]

USAF, March 1967 through December 1970. Stationed at Mather Air Force Base in California and Sangley Point Naval Air Station in the Phillipines.

[OldNuke]

US Navy June 68 to June 74

Nuke Electricians Mate aboard USS Lafayette SSBN 616 Gold Crew and USS Silversides SSN 679

USS Silversides

http://doodah.smugmug.com/photos/432722155_ATPLR-L.jpg

Pride Runs Deep:thumb

[Spidereyes]

Please permit a dissenting voice. I enlisted into he Army in 1968 to avoid the possibility of being inducted into the Marines.

From the time I started at Ft Dix, NJ until I was realeased, the operative code was "FTA." Almost ALL of us hated the Army. The higher our educational level, the more we despised the Military. The only "pro-military" people we ran up against were (mostly) REMFS, Lifers and losers who couldn't make it outside in the "real World."

Now, it appears that all of the guys of that age were eager to join up, that we wanted to preserve your way of life and protect your right to vote. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We hated the War, we hated the Draft and we hated the Old Men who sent us to die for their fantasies. When I see a young person in the Military now, I just feel a sense of sorrow and loss. I respect them but I hope for so much MORE for them after the military.

[AKBeemer]

Please permit a dissenting voice. I enlisted into he Army in 1968 to avoid the possibility of being inducted into the Marines.

From the time I started at Ft Dix, NJ until I was realeased, the operative code was "FTA." Almost ALL of us hated the Army. The higher our educational level, the more we despised the Military. The only "pro-military" people we ran up against were (mostly) REMFS, Lifers and losers who couldn't make it outside in the "real World."

Now, it appears that all of the guys of that age were eager to join up, that we wanted to preserve your way of life and protect your right to vote. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We hated the War, we hated the Draft and we hated the Old Men who sent us to die for their fantasies. When I see a young person in the Military now, I just feel a sense of sorrow and loss. I respect them but I hope for so much MORE for them after the military.

You are certainly entitled to voice your opinion but I think you miss the mark attributing your views to others. Most others that I know that served in the same era as you had and have a more positive view of their service and its long term positive impact on their lives. I regret that your experiences seem to have left you with an apparently bitter view of military service. As to the young men and women who are currently choosing to serve, despite your claim to respect them, your implication that their service is less than they deserve sends a conflicting message.

[Rpbump]

USNR> USNR-R(TAR)> USN 1959>1987 I witnessed first hand the negative effects of Vietnam on Navy personnel from the late 60's thru President J. Carter. The election of Ronald Reagan revitalized our military and our country. I enjoyed my time in the Navy and worked with many intelligent hard working sailors. The young men and women that I see today are capable, smart, motivated, and deserving of the respect of all Americans.
Ride Safe :usa

[r11rs94]

USN 77-81 BT3
USS Chicago CG-11
USS Bradley FF-1041

Nice looking ship. I served on the USS Columbus CG-12 from April 73 to decommission in Sep 75.

[AKBeemer]

Nice looking ship.

Isn't that a boat?

[r11rs94]

Isn't that a boat?

No I ment ship.:thumb, see me up on th 0-9 level steering. :wave

[ExecDir]

U.S. Army, 31 years total, Active and Reserve
Drafted August 1969, E-1 to E-5
Commissioned Field Artillery, Ft. Sill, OK
Various CONUS assignments
Korea, El Salvador, Honduras
3/15th FA Battalion Commander
Deputy Chief of Staff, 81st RSC
3rd Brigade, 100th Division Commander
JTF 926, Honduras, Task Force Commander
87th Division, Chief of Staff

Proud to serve and proud of my brothers and sisters in arms that are BMW MOA members! Thank you for defending our freedoms!

[GrafikFeat]

No I ment ship.:thumb, see me up on th 0-9 level steering. :wave

You were on the USS Albany? CG-12?
Ooops... I meant the Columbus... Albany was CG-10...

[r11rs94]

You were on the USS Albany? CG-12?
Ooops... I meant the Columbus... Albany was CG-10...

The Albany was the CG-10, My father-in-law served aboard her in the late 60's. That covers the 3 CG's

[GrafikFeat]

Any other CGr's?

CG-11 on pier side, Subic Bay, Philippines...

[thx1158]

US Marines - retired in 97 with 21 years of service.

[BCBOSD]

USAF Active Duty...what a great read and kudos to all the "old" guys.

ICBM's
Satellite Ops (flying GPS...and yes we fly 'em...3-axis stabilized)
Ops Planner (Europe)
Pentagon Desk Jockey

Respectfully,
BB

[AKBeemer]

USAF Active Duty...what a great read and kudos to all the "old" guys.

ICBM's
Satellite Ops (flying GPS...and yes we fly 'em...3-axis stabilized)
Ops Planner (Europe)
Pentagon Desk Jockey

Respectfully,
BB

OLD!!!? OLD!!!?? Watch it there desk jockey! We're just get'n warmed up. ;)

[frazz]

Army - 1968 - 1970

Military Police
Denver PD - 2yrs
DOD Police - 2yrs
Border Patrol - 5yrs
DOJ - 15yrs
DHS - 3yrs
:usa

[lazywizard02]

Nice looking ship. I served on the USS Columbus CG-12 from April 73 to decommission in Sep 75.

Wasn't the Columbus 6th Fleet? I wrangled #6 line on the pier to tie her up in Barcelona September/Oct '73. Med style, stern in.

CG-12 I am pretty sure. Big pretty 'Boat' for a DE'r like me.

[yngswen]

Here's one for a small audience.

How to Live the Submarine Life at Home:

Obtain a dumpster. Paint it black, weld all the covers shut except one which can be bolted closed from the inside. Hitch it to the back of your wife's mini van. Gather 12 friends and bolt yourselves inside and let your wife pull it around for several weeks while she does the errands.

Sleep on the shelf in your closet. Replace the closet door with a curtain. Six hours after you go to sleep, have your wife whip open the curtain. shine a flashlight in your eyes, and mumble "Sorry, wrong rack".

Don't eat any food that you don't get out of a can or have to add water to.

Paint all the windows on your car black. Drive around town at high speeds with your wife standing up in the sunroof shouting course and speed directions to you.

Renovate your bathroom. Build a wall across the middle of your bathtub and move the shower head down to chest level. When you take showers, make sure you shut off the water while soaping.

Repeat back everything anyone says to you.

Sit in your car for six hours a day with your hands on the wheel and the motor running, but don't go anywhere.

Put lube oil in your humidifier instead of water and set it to "High".

Don't watch T.V. except movies in the middle of the night. Also, have your family vote on which movie to watch, then show a different one. Record The Sound of Music and show it at least every other night.

Don't do your wash at home. Gather your neighbors clothes along with yours, pick the most crowded laundromat you can find, and do the neighborhood laundry in a single washer and dryer. Make sure that 12% of the laundry is lost and 20% of the finished laundry is incorrectly distributed to the wrong neighbor.

Leave lawnmower running in your living room six hours a day for proper noise level. (For Engineering Divisions)

Have the paperboy give you a haircut.

Take hourly readings on your electric and water meters.

Sleep with your dirty laundry.

Invite guests, but don't have enough food for them.

Buy a broken exercise bicycle and strap it down to the floor in your kitchen.

Buy a trash compactor and use it once a week. Store up garbage in the other side of your bathtub.

Wake up every night at midnight and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on stale bread, if anything. (Optional--canned ravioli, cold soup, or cherry peppers)

Make up your family menu a week ahead of time without looking in your food cabinets or refrigerator.

Set your alarm clock to go off at random times during the night. When it goes off, jump out of bed and get dressed as fast as you can, then run out into your yard and break out the garden hose.

Once a month take every major appliance completely apart and then put them back together.

Use 18 scoops of coffee per pot and allow it to sit for 5 or 6 hours before drinking.

Invite at least 85 people you don't really like to come and visit for a couple of months.

Store your eggs in your garage for two months and then cook a dozen each morning.

Have a fluorescent lamp installed on the bottom of your coffee table and lie under it to read books.

Periodically check your refrigerator compressor for "sound shorts".

Put a complicated lock on your basement door and wear the key on a lanyard around your neck.

Lockwire the lugnuts on your car.

When making cakes, prop up one side of the pan while it is baking. Then spread icing really thick on one side to level off the top.

Every so often, yell "Emergency Deep", run into the kitchen, and sweep all pots/pans/dishes off of the counter onto the floor. Then, yell at your wife for not having the place "stowed for sea".

Put on the headphones from your stereo (don't plug them in). Go and stand in front of your stove. Say (to nobody in particular) "Stove manned and ready". Stand there for 3 or 4 hours. Say (once again to nobody in particular) "Stove secured". Roll up the headphone cord and put them away.

Write a controlled work package to change the oil on your car.

[r11rs94]

Any other CGr's?

CG-11 on pier side, Subic Bay, Philippines...

Yep USS Columbus CG-12 73- 75 See page 7 of this thread. :thumb

[Sit]

U. S. Army MP 1988-1992
Dog handler in Germany
Ft Lewis Wa
brief time in Honduras

Police, Portland Oregon 1992-Present
Officer 1992-2007
Detective 2007-Present
11 years min to retirement, have loved every minute

[r11rs94]

Wasn't the Columbus 6th Fleet? I wrangled #6 line on the pier to tie her up in Barcelona September/Oct '73. Med style, stern in.

CG-12 I am pretty sure. Big pretty 'Boat' for a DE'r like me.

Small world. I was on line detail that day, though I do not remember which line I was on that day. Barcelona was a pretty cool liberty port. I had just turned 18 and had a few beers to celebrate. I remember when we pulled out. We crossed anchors with the tin can Med Moored along our port side. I don't recall the ships name, but what a mess. Later

[r1dinman]

"Air Force, I great way of life" 1964-1984. Aircraft Maintenance Officer; T-33, F-104, F101, C-7A (Viet Mam), C-118A Belgium) HH-3, HH-53, HH-1, HH-130h/P/N, WC-135, C-5A. I still work for DoD as a civilian. When I graduated from college, I swore I'd never work for the government. It's funny how life works out.:dunno

Jay

[JanMiller]

'Nam Era '69-71 U.S. Army.
Never went to 'Nam, lucky.
Trained in Senior Special Electronic Device Repair, should have gone over, but through an odd sequence of events stayed stateside in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and never worked One Day in my MOS.

In MO, I joined a trail riding club, had the time of my life, one of the best experiences in it, despite the "Green D*&K" of the Army. Great friends, great country to ride in (no fences then), great parties, we were all in the same boat, no $$ but a desire to ride and party like crazy men... I do not regret a day, and .... the Army wasn't THAT bad....

Jim, the local Honda Shop owner, used to bootleg in cigars from Cuba (or at least that's what we thought), and got his bikes in Louisiana, he'd bring up a fresh batch of cigars and chickory coffee. You had to be an 'insider' to get either, and woe be it to you if you didn't drink the bitter black coffee you were given!!!! He was an owly bear of a guy, but a super human being, and man!!! could he ride... Maicos, Bultacos, Hodakas, Montessas, as well as the Yammies and Hondas, Kaws and Suzuki's were the beasts of the day. Combat Wombat, Super Rat... SL350.. 100cc Centurian...

I visited the shop a couple of years ago... Long abandoned... Just stood there as the memories poured over me.... A little memory is a wonderful thing....

Last year I went to the AMA museum. There was a display on motocross bikes. OLD ones. I'd owned or ridden quite a few.. Made me smile and laugh at my luck and curmudgeon-ness....

Thanks for the memories....!

Jan...

[Manfred]

Started life as an Army Brat - my dad served in the Field Artillery for 21 years. ROTC at Okla State (where I married another cadet). My (older) brother, wife, her oldest brother and his wife all went into the army out of college (all at OSU). I served 6 years active and 3 active reserve as a Combat Engineer officer:

Platoon Leader in 814th Float Bridge Company, 559 Engr Battalion, Hanau, 1979-1981
Bn S-4, 559th, Hanau, 1981-1982
XO, 66th ADM, 62th Engr Bn, Ft Hood, 1983-1984
CO, D Company, 62 Engr Bn, Ft Hood, 1985-1986
CO, D Company, 66th Engr Bn - Reserve, Dallas, 1986-1989

My wife served 4 years active as a maintenance officer.

[gfspencer]

US Army, '69-'71. Never went overseas. Trained in Special Electronics Repair, in the Army's way of doing things, never worked a minute in it. Was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, figured just until shipping to Viet Nam. Inprocessing Sargent asked if I could type, had me type a few sentences, and said, "Your job here is to repair pop-up targets on the rifle range in mud up to your a$$. That guy over there is my typist, he's ETS-ing in 2 weeks, so you can fix targets or be him. "Where's my desk?", I said, figuring it was only temporary. Never went anywhere else... Joined a great off-road riding club, it was wide-open territory in Missouri then, not a fence in sight...
Jan, almost the same thing happened to me. I went to Fort Bragg and while I was still in the in-processing center the First Sergeant asked for people who could type. I raised my hand and was sent to HQ & HQ Company XVIII Abn Corps. I stayed there two years and then processed out.

A few years later and I was back in the Army as a Chaplain . . . as I mentioned before.

[Clay]

Volusia County, Deland, Fla- Deputy Sheriff

USAF-SAC
Ellsworth AFB,Rapid City SD
44SMW/67 SMS
F-01 Minuteman II Combat Crew

===========

Father: Retired BG (PaANG)
Pilot:B-17-50 missions 8th AF
C-47 'HUMP' CBI (POW)
B-29 Korea
C-97 Vietnam

[JeffMunn]

Born in a military hospital in the U.S Occupied Zone of Germany. Father was a career Corps of Engineer officer who had two
combat tours in Viet Nam. Crosssed the Atlantic on a troop ship when I was 5 years old. At 10, decided I wanted to go to West Point.
Left home at 17 when I found out my mother was a civilian, and entered the United States Military Academy 7 July 1976. :usa

Commissioned Armor, but Airborne and Ranger qualified.
2/12 Cav, 1st Cav Division
2/68 Armor, 2nd Bde, 8th Infantry Division
Alpha Co, 1-67th Armor, 2nd Armor Div
Joint Elelctronic Warfare Center, Kelly AFB
various Pentagon jobs
Germany, the UK, Bosnia, Croatia, Korea, Macedonia, Kosovo

Retired from Fort Monroe, Virginia in 2003.

I didn't love every minute of it, but it was still the best job in the world. Where else could you get paid to live around the world, have them ship your motorcycle for you, and give you 30 days off every year? Oh, and pay you to operate the most awesome piece of machinery on the face of this planet?

http://www.dirtroadtours.com/misc/M1.jpg

God bless America and especially the families of those who serve. It is they who pay the highest price of all.

[AndyMcLain]

USAF, 32854 Aircraft Radar and Inertial Navigation Systems Specialist 1972-1976 Lackland, Keesler and Travis AFB's. Was in basic training when Nixon ended the draft. Bunch of really unhappy guys in the barracks that night. California was cool. Wish I'd had a Beemer then. Enjoyed the work and the guys. Should have made it a career, although probably wouldn't have made it to 30. My brother enlisted a little later, stayed, but was thrown out after 23 during the Clinton years for not having enough rank. He was only an E7.

[2beers]

USAF KC-135A Tanker Crew Chief '84 to '89. K.I. Sawyer AFB MI Got my FAA Airframe and Powerplant license with that experience. I was the crew chief for the highest "on time take off" aircraft at K.I.

On another note, My father-in-law was on the USS Forrestal when the fire occurred. PM me if you wish as we are trying to find information on it. He was an aerographers (?) mate (Weatherman)

[heavyjetpfe]

USMC 1966-1970
RVN March 68 through April 69 VMA 211.
Aviation Ordinance, A-4 Sky Hawk C, D,and E models


I enlisted, I was afraid I'd be drafted into the Army. And I enjoyed it most of the time.

[RandyB]

On another note, My father-in-law was on the USS Forrestal when the fire occurred. PM me if you wish as we are trying to find information on it. He was an aerographers (?) mate (Weatherman)

As mentioned before, I'm still at it.

My older son is an aerographer. Naturally, he isn't working that job.

Younger son is an Airborne Ranger, Gen 3. All the way.

Now if I can just get my daughter to join....

[r11rs94]

On another note, My father-in-law was on the USS Forrestal when the fire occurred. PM me if you wish as we are trying to find information on it. He was an aerographers (?) mate (Weatherman)

I saw the film of that day several times. Required viewing in the NAVY for damage control training, or at least it use to be. Have you tried google. I see the Forrestal every day on my way to work. It's mouthballed at Naval Base Newport along with the Saratoga. I know that the Saratoga is going to become a floating attraction at the old Quonsett Naval Station. Not sure of the future fate of the Forrestal. Hope this helps a little.

[Gnomad]

USAF 1964-1984 Crypto Maintenance
10 years in 3rd MOB
CCKAB 70-71
Croughton 65-68
Still working on an Air Force base.

[AKBeemer]

2/68 Armor, 2nd Bde, 8th Infantry Division


Hello from a fellow 8ID Pathfinder. Served in 2/13 Infantry at Coleman Barracks, Mannheim from 76-79.

[JeffMunn]

Hello from a fellow 8ID Pathfinder. Served in 2/13 Infantry at Coleman Barracks, Mannheim from 76-79.

Hello back at ya. Was with the "Silver Lions" of 2/68 Armor in beautiful Baumholder from Dec '82 to Dec '85. Lord I miss Germany. :buds

[jimratliff]

USAF 1964-1984 Crypto Maintenance
10 years in 3rd MOB
CCKAB 70-71
Croughton 65-68
Still working on an Air Force base.

I was at CCK all of 1970, 50th TAS.
Jim Ratliff

[Vagabird]

Jan, almost the same thing happened to me. I went to Fort Bragg and while I was still in the in-processing center the First Sergeant asked for people who could type. I raised my hand and was sent to HQ & HQ Company XVIII Abn Corps. I stayed there two years and then processed out.

+1

I was an E3 tanker (armor). The first sgt wanted someone to redo his bulletin boards and I said I could do it. For the next two years I was the Training NCO, wearing hard-five stripes and getting paid for E3, E4, and finally E5.

After getting out of the Army, my first question to the Coast Guard recruiter was: If you guys train me for something, is that the area I'll work in? He said yes and was right, so I stayed in the CG 21 years.

[MrGrocer]

1982-1984 US Army 313th CEWI, 82nd Airborne Division.

1984-1987 UA Army Ranger School (I was so good, I got to go twice, OK 1 1/2 times:) ) and back to the 313thCEWI.

True story, I though it would cure my extreme fear of heights. I was wrong.

1987-1989: US Army Reserve, the mighty 342nd MI company.

[AKBeemer]

Hello back at ya. Was with the "Silver Lions" of 2/68 Armor in beautiful Baumholder from Dec '82 to Dec '85. Lord I miss Germany. :buds

I used to love our annual trip to Baumholder each January to use the ranges. The troops had a tradition of the new guys having to slide down the steep, snow covered hill to the motor pool on a sheet of cardboard. Never mind that the motor pool fence was at the base of the hill and provided an abrupt stop. Not so fond of the annual exercise in Rockenhausen out your way...burrr!

[Jon]

USNR gunners mate 1991 to 1999 assigned to a Seabee battalion Seabee 13 THE BLACKCATS

[Boxwrench]

USAF crew chief F4 Phantoms
1977-81
Germany and Nevada
New Jersey ANG '81-94

Now my planes are used for target practice. :(

[mpgolightly]

Ok, I don't know if this counts, but, here goes. 28 years currently with the US Dept. of Justice. Brief stint in USAF ROTC Detachment in College 1978, about 9 years running as a Firefighter/ EMT / Arson Investigator part time with local Fire department ( Retired from that now). 6 years from KMA.

[JohnF]

US Army, Jul 67 - Jun 69
Infantry Lt
Basic Trng Officer, Ft Polk, LA
Infantry Platoon Ldr, RVN Jul 68

Sm payments from the VA keep me in gas money to ride!!

John Frick
Cincinnati, OH

[r11rs94]

Born in a military hospital in the U.S Occupied Zone of Germany. Father was a career Corps of Engineer officer who had two
combat tours in Viet Nam. Crosssed the Atlantic on a troop ship when I was 5 years old. At 10, decided I wanted to go to West Point.
Left home at 17 when I found out my mother was a civilian, and entered the United States Military Academy 7 July 1976. :usa

I didn't love every minute of it, but it was still the best job in the world. Where else could you get paid to live around the world, have them ship your motorcycle for you, and give you 30 days off every year? Oh, and pay you to operate the most awesome piece of machinery on the face of this planet?

God bless America and especially the families of those who serve. It is they who pay the highest price of all.

Now that's funny... :laugh :laugh

I know, getting to blow stuff up and all. I can't do that in my civilian job. If I did they would fire me. Of cause I do work with LNG so who knows. :usa

[gec343]

Ok, I don't know if this counts, but, here goes. 28 years currently with the US Dept. of Justice. Brief stint in USAF ROTC Detachment in College 1978, about 9 years running as a Firefighter/ EMT / Arson Investigator part time with local Fire department ( Retired from that now). 6 years from KMA.

No disrespect intended, but no, I don't think that counts. ROTC doesn't count as military service in my book, not unless you report for active duty.

[JeffMunn]

Ok, I don't know if this counts, but, here goes. 28 years currently with the US Dept. of Justice. Brief stint in USAF ROTC Detachment in College 1978, about 9 years running as a Firefighter/ EMT / Arson Investigator part time with local Fire department ( Retired from that now). 6 years from KMA.

Funny, I just went back and reread AKBeemer's original post and he did ask for peace officers and fire fighters to join in too. You more than qualify on that count. Thanks for your service to your community mpgolightly. Welcome to the forum.

jeff

[basketcase]

USMC here. 1972-76.

Found an old thread on this topic that we did in 2004 that has a poll.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2773

Semper Fi to all my brothers who wear the EGA.

And all the best to all the rest of you,

Rick

[geoelement]

US Navy
Fire Controlman
1984-1990 (6 years 1 month)
Based in Yokoska, Japan and then Norfokk, VA

Being based in Japan and Virginia gave me the opportunity to travel around the world. I would not trade it for anything!:usa

Links to websites showing both of the ships I served on:

http://www.uss-barney-ddg6.org/

and

http://www.usscochrane.com/

[bpdougd]

My Marine buddies tell me I was "almost in the military". 7 years, 7 months in the USAF. Those 7 years, 7 months brought me good friends, a wife, a son, and a trade that has supported my family through the years. Pretty good use of my time, IMHO.

[moondog]

U.S. Air Force - 1977-1981, Dover, Delaware. I was an Air Cargo Specialist. Loaded and unloaded cargo off of C-5A's, 141, 747, etc. Moved cargo around the warehouse.

I kick myself in the butt for not staying in but my state of mind wasn't too good at the time. Lots of personal issues etc. But in the end it did help with the GI bill which put me through school.

All the bodies from the Jim Jones fiasco came through Dover. Over 900 of them. I didn't get involved in the detail but they burned the cloths 50 feet from my office. What a stink!

[Don]

1968-1989 USAF
10 locations first 4 years, had so much fun just kept going all over the world, last assignment was Heidelberg, Germany. Bought my first BMW, K100RT. Met a girl from the Canadian Air Force and married her. She had never been on a motorcycle. We traveled all over Europe on the RT and she's the only one I know that can sleep on the back for an hour while doing 90mph on the autobahn. I retired in Germany and followed her to Moose Jaw, Sashatchewan and 6 years later, she retired. Now we enjoy the mountains of Montana..

[BuckeyeClark]

1984-1987 Corporal US Army Military Police
Basic Training @ Ft. Mcclellan Al.
24th Infantry Division Ft. Stewart GA.
1st Infantry Division Goeppingen West Germany

[04gt4me]

All together two years two months and two days in Qui Nhon South Vietnam. I was a Power Man 52b20. No big deal, only got shot at once in two years. Came home, got a drunk driveing ticket, lost my job. Went to College on my VA benifits, got a BS in television Production, Couldn't even get an interview. Vietnam vets were treated like they had the PLAGUE! Worked minimum wage jobs for ten years. Then I got a job with my local City and that saved my life. I had been working for the city for about fifteen years when we learned my wife needed a liver transplant. It took about four years befor she got the transplant, she had a fiew complications but she is getting better every day now. Also two years ago I was offerd an early retirement which i took so I could take care of my wife. It couldn't have been better timeing. I get medical benifits and a meager pension we can get by on. I can't wait to get my Social Secyrity, My city pension does not change when I get the soc. Yippee Maby a new bike:whistle :bolt

[Bruins]

pneudraulic Tech. C-5a and b. C141 C-17
ative duty 82 thru 2003
civil service 2003 till whenever

[ChopperGuy]

US Air Force 1975-1979:usa
Law Enforcement Specialist
K9 Explosive Detector Dog Handler (Shadow also served!:thumb )

15th Security Police Sq, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
Numerous TDY duties throughout the Pacific Theater
(Hey, Jimmy Carter was President, not much going on.:dunno )

LEO Since 1979 (Federal, City and State)
LE Pilot since 1986
Captain/Chief Pilot since 2002

Ready to retire in 2012!:dance

[39987]

25 years and counting. Army and Air National Guard. :usa

[womanridge]

US Air Force 1975-1979:usa
Law Enforcement Specialist
K9 Explosive Detector Dog Handler (Shadow also served!:thumb )

15th Security Police Sq, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
Numerous TDY duties throughout the Pacific Theater
(Hey, Jimmy Carter was President, not much going on.:dunno )

LEO Since 1979 (Federal, City and State)
LE Pilot since 1986
Captain/Chief Pilot since 2002

Ready to retire in 2012!:dance

16615
You mean this Pequat Lake?:thumb
I drove up 371 for years to Hackensack. Unfortunately, I no longer have the cabin but the water tower still brings me a smile.

[harryt11]

JeffMunn/AKBeemer,

Another 8ID vet. 1980-83 Plt Ldr in 3-8 Cav then as an aide in Wiesbaden,
Also in 2AD same time as JeffMunn 3/66 AR. From there I went to ROTC land for three years branch transferred to Transportation then back to Germany. My best assignment was after that in Vicenza, Italy. Excellent riding. Retired early in 96 thamks to the drawdown. Work now as a contractor at Ft Irwin, which aside from deciding what to wear in the morning, is just like the Army.

Hooah

[AKBeemer]

Harry,

I see you are at the NTC. I was Tarantula 03/02, 91-93. 27 rotations in the desert.

Kevin

[grasslander]

USAF '72-75
Aircraft Control and Warning (RADAR) Maintenance Technician (30352)
Aerospace Defense Command (ADC)
21st Air Division
771 RADS (Cape Charles AFS, VA)

Man I hated Keesler. I went by there last October. I don't believe it has changed much since '72-73.

[mitchell0481]

Marine Corps. Nine years and counting.

[harryt11]

Harry,

I see you are at the NTC. I was Tarantula 03/02, 91-93. 27 rotations in the desert.

Kevin

Don't know if you've been here lately, but a lot has changed as far as training goes. I don't know what quality of life here was in 91-93 but in 86 when I came for a rotation it was pretty bleak. Now it is pretty nice, we even have a Starbucks on post (in the old Burger King)

[glennhendricks]

Marine Corps. Nine years and counting.

My son is in Pensacola training. He's at 7 months and counting:thumb

[hlothery]

Don't know if you've been here lately, but a lot has changed as far as training goes. I don't know what quality of life here was in 91-93 but in 86 when I came for a rotation it was pretty bleak. Now it is pretty nice, we even have a Starbucks on post (in the old Burger King)

I was there for training with a tank battalion in 81....before it all built up. Back then, the only grass was the front lawn of the Officers Club. Each night, huge jackrabbits would congregate on the lawn. As you walked to and from the club, they would make room for you to pass, then close back in behind you after you had passed. I remember thoughts of Alfred Hitchcock........especially after a few brews!:whistle

I loved the desert, though.......beautiful, and great training.

[Rhino]

USMC - 1982-2004
MSgt (Ret.)
Infantry :hide

[DWR302]

USMC '66-'69 including an all expenses paid trip to Southeast Asia, mostly around the Da Nang area. Managed to get back without a scratch. Got home, got out, got a Norton P-11 and then got bucked off the thing and broke an arm and a leg.
Safer in the Marines I guess. Semper Fi.

[jamesdunn]

I spent four years in the Navy, May of '69 thru May of '73. I was a hospital corpman, finishing up as a HM2 out of Cherry Point N.C. at the Naval Hospital there. I spent one year with the USMC as a field med. tech. I finally framed my Nixon signed honorable discharge certificate thanking me for service rendered "in a difficult time for our nation". . All seems like a long time ago.

[robertklee]

I was there in '74. It was a rough 12 or 13 weeks. Everybody yelled at me alot and called me bad names. Has anybody been back? Would love to see it today.

Semper Fi

:usa

[mrbreeze]

US Army, 3 years active duty 1982 - 1985

[buckeye]

USAF '68 - '72, Security Police. Spent one year at U-Tapao AB, Thailand with B-52's, KC-135's and the U-2. The rest of the time I was in SAC, stateside.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans.:usa

[marcopolo]

I was in the Canadian Forces from '68-'78. I was an Army guy, but also volunteered (can you believe it?) for a two-year tour at sea aboard a helo destroyer. Yes, the Navy is different. I also had a six-month deployment to the middle east (Sinai desert) in 1977. I then spent another 28 years as a Defence department civilian at HQ in Ottawa. I've been retired three years now after my 38 year defence gig.

[GCTROYER]

Thanks to all who have served and are serving. My son is at Fairchild AFB near Spokane, WA training to be a SERE Specialist. Just got his first stripe this month. Any of you Air Force guys know anything about SERE? He isn't allowed to say much, so his mother and I are left to wonder what he's going through. He did comment after he made it through selection (Indoc?) at Lackland that nothing he had done up to that point in his life was hard. By the way, graduation at Lackland was an awesome experience. I've never been so proud of anything in my life as I was of my son that day. Still am.

Thanks again and God bless you all.

[AKBeemer]

In my experience SERE was an acronym for Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion. It is training normally given to aircrews of all services on how to avoid being captured if shot down in unfriendly territory, and how to resist interrogation if captured.

Congrats on your son’s accomplishments.

[sgtboring]

Went through it in myself. Having a career that bounced back and forth between the Air Force and the Army, Active, Reserve and Guard duty has given me the chance to experience some of the best training the DOD has to offer. SERE taught me lessons I still carry with me on and off the Battlefield.

If I was smart and had the money, I would charge Big business leaders and management types sums of cash to put them through SERE, the Army Basic Combat Infantry Course, and the Senior NCO Academy. The experience would teach them allot about themselves, their abilities, and how to manage others.

Why this kind of experience is not valued in the corporate world is beyond me. I guess, strength and Integrity are not virtues in the world of business. In my civilian career I often feel like I have to dumb it down, and take my foot off the gas so I wont leave my peers behind.

Be very proud of your son for being a SERE instructor. Those guys and gals are preparing our front line fighters to survive the worst situation any of us could face. You are lost, possible hurt, and people are trying to find and kill you or you have been captured.
.

[rich223vt]

ARNG 22yrs and counting.

Walter Reed '91
OEF '04
OIF '08

A hearty Thank You to my brothers and sisters in arms!

:usa

[GCTROYER]

Thanks for your response AKBeemer and sgtboring. Just got update from son.
Went through the program he'll eventually be instructing with mostly pilots and air crew. Many quit - 54 out of one group of 72! He's very hush about the resistance training, except to say that they had him bleeding out of both nostrils on more than one occasion. Field survival was in 4 feet of snow, no shelter, no food, 75 lb. ruck for a week. Passed water survival - 7 dunkings in 12 ft of water strapped in a helocopter fusalage...in the dark. Said they rotated the fusalage to a different orientation each time so they wouldn't know which way was up. Well,
I feel I'm abusing this thread, but would love to hear more from anyone with SERE experience - Army, Navy, or Air Force - so please feel free to send a private message. I will, however, continue to check this thread as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the vets' service and experiences. Thanks again.

[glennhendricks]

Not much call for us snipes but my BIL did SERE in the 80s. Was a KC135 Navigator.

He said it was pretty damn tough.

Congrats to the son.

[AKBeemer]

When I went through the Ranger Course we had a bit of SERE training when we jumped into Eglin AFB. The training began with one of the RIs (Ranger Instructors) reading off a card. He began by saying, "Although physical violence can and will be used on you, you may not use physical violence in response." That set the tone for a somewhat unpleasant experience. I remember they broke an arm of one guy and some ribs of another during the "hard sell" interrogation.

[ChopperGuy]

USAF '68 - '72, Security Police. Spent one year at U-Tapao AB, Thailand with B-52's, KC-135's and the U-2. The rest of the time I was in SAC, stateside.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans.:usa

My K9 partner Shadow came from U-Tapao when the base was closed. I don't think he was there until after '72 though.

:usa

[glennhendricks]

At #2 Son's graduation from Marine Combat Training.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2653/187/87/1483110294/n1483110294_288603_57420.jpg

[chambde]

Posted in ADV but what the hey?

My Grandfather circa 1920

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/2d1369f31c3b667af98a671c142f2d46fff134f4.jpg


My Father circa 1942

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/f06264b1566acff66c81b024a34ba374ad12a9a1.JPG

Me 1977 :dunno

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/b25169196ef062192ed54899b95653607fd44d51.jpg

My son. Currently in Iraq.

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/b30261a19f67dfb66f511d200fc7ed65f6718b5c.jpg

[Professor]

Great pictures!! Great family!!!!!

[Motor31]

Chambde,

What was going on in your picture? You have such a "deer in the headlights" expression there.
:whistle :bolt

[AKBeemer]

Chambde,

What was going on in your picture? You have such a "deer in the headlights" expression there.
:whistle :bolt

It's the birth control glasses. They had that affect on everyone that wore them. :p

[chambde]

Chambde,

What was going on in your picture? You have such a "deer in the headlights" expression there.
:whistle :bolt



I was a long haired haired hippy type pinko about 1 day before that pic was made. I was scared to death :laugh

[r11rs94]

It's the birth control glasses. They had that affect on everyone that wore them. :p

:laugh :laugh I havn't heard that in a while. Still funny

[SHEEPDOG]

4 Years US Navy 1961 to 1965 Snipe
7 Years Army National Guard
12 Years Air National Guard
Just retired from Air Wyoming National Guard 6 years ago, now 66


:usa

[ScottGlover]

Served our fine country between 1987 to 1992 in the Air Force. Worked on F-15s, It's a Great Fighter platform.
Stationed at Eglin, FL. Keflavik, Iceland and Bitburg, Germany. I've seen Spain and England too.:usa

[69941]

I served in the Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist and Recruiter. Assignments included: Lackland AFB, Gila Bend AFAF, MacDill AFB, Luke AFB, Sondestrom AB Greenland, Tyndall AFB, Portland, Oregon, and Mather AFB.

-----
Roger
1st BMW bike: 1991 K75
2nd BMW bike: 1998 R1100RT
3rd BMW bike and current: 2007 R1200GSA

[lagator]

U.S. Army active duty 1964-1967. Also 20 years law enforcement 1985-2005(retired).

[TandemGeek]

USAF: 1978 - 1986... six active + two reserve before moving into Aerospace & Defense where I've been for 25 years.... and still lovin' it.

[jdubick]

I have enjoyed reading all the posts. Glad to know we have so many patriots in the MOA family. I served 8 years in the Air Force from 1958 to 1966 as an electronics tech. Stationed in Virginia, Korea, Germany and at Norad HQ in Colorado Springs. Learned to fly in the AF Aero clubs and have been a corporate pilot since and still to this day at age 68. See you at the rally in TN.:D
Jim Dubick
Progress Rail Services Corp.
Albertville Alabama
K1200LTE
F650GS
R100/7
KLX250

[Retarded Jarhead]

Retired a MSGT from the aviation community. Crew chief in CH-53 A/D/Es, CH-46D,Es and UH1Ns.

My thanks to all who served!

Remeber those that still are!

[JoeMc]

U.S. Army; Republic of Vietnam; 18 months, 12 days, 16 hours, 14 minutes. Early out for combat service > 12 months. :usa

[AKBeemer]

Gee Joe, you weren't counting, were you? ;) Thanks for your service in tough one.

[AKBeemer]

You're a 19 year old kid, critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the La Drang Valley,
11-14-1965, LZ Xray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 to 1, and the enemy fire is so
intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac
helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know
you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never
see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to
see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because there are no Medi-Vac markings on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey
down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were told not to come.He's coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the waiting doctors and nurses.
And he kept coming back....... 13 more times..... and took over 30 of you and your buddies out,
who would never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor recipient Ed Freeman died last Wednesday, in Boise, Idaho, at the age of 80.

[Fritzc]

I wasn't there but you might have saved a friend of mine.
http://www.strangemilitary.com/images/content/145405.jpg

[Professor]

That war brought out the worst in some of us, but it brought out the best in some of us too. Godspeed, Ed. I'm guessing that there is a special place of honor for you, although you probably won't want it.

[147985]

I'm retired from the US air force after 20 years of service.
Retired in 2000.
I was a crew chief on F-4's from 1980-83
F-5's from 84-85 F-15's from 85-86
F-111's from 86-96 F-15's from 96-00
I have been stationed in florida twice
England twice and New Mexico once

I ride a 2001 F650GS

[jasondefilippis]

Hi Folks, please excuse my reply to this post. I'm new on bmw moa and don't see how i am able to start a new post with some questions I have for you all. Any help?? thanks. And thanks for serving. Peace, Jason

[jasondefilippis]

oh, i figured it out. Thanks. Jason

[2WheelFamily]

Dec '83 to present...US Army -- it's keeping me young.

[monkeywork]

USAF Helicopter crew chief from 1984 to 1990.

They retired my bird, an F model, flew it to Nevada and parked it. Sad day. Stationed Kirkland, Albuquerque NM. had orders for Panama once but they solved that before I got there. (whew!)

[GENELS]

USAF - Combat Controller 1965-1971
1967-1971 RVN
RVN - Nehttp://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/images/smilies/usa.gif
:usaver forgotten that time period..:usa :usa :usa

[flemingps]

Navy, 1972 – 1975, electronics technician. First orders after E-School, gunboat in Nam. Changed a couple of weeks prior to deployment & ended up in the Jungles of the Philippines 20 miles from Subic, Mt Santa Rita. I thanked God for that change. Ship to shore & communications from Nam to the States. Last 8 months of duty between San Diego and Long Beach rebuilding the USS John S McCain, DDG 36. Hated it at the time, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that happen to me back then.

[R184]

My Grandfather (a weatherman on a DD) and great Uncle (Combat Engineer) were in the Navy & Army in WW2. My dad (Communications) was in the Army during Korea (but served in Germany, while his brother (infantry) went to Korea) and I (SP) was in the USAF in the late 70's. My son (4th generation to serve) joined the Army (Infantry) and was sworn in yesterday, going to Ft. Benning, GA.

:usa

[reuterstl]

United States Air force
Dec 1984 - Aug 2008
KC135 A/R/Q/T Boom Operator

[B1Pilot]

USAF Academy, c/o '97

Been serving since...

a B-1 Instructor Pilot and Weapons Officer, flying for the past 12 years, with combat sorties in Iraq and Afghanistan, including night one of OIF.

At Army Command and General Staff College now, but moving to Ramstein AB, Germany next! Looking forward to travelling with the bike in europe.

Chris

[AKBeemer]

Bump

I'm assuming (hoping) that there are new vet members.

Unfortunately, there are many to choose from.

[lilredroadster]

Was in USAF 1963 to 1968,
1st Air Commando wing. Forward Air Controller. (Viet Nam) Liason to 4th Spl Forces 1966 And 1967. Proud Civilian July 1968
Would not trade experience for a million dollars but would not do it again for a million.

[RTFlyer]

USAF 1981-1985. Air Traffic Controller at the Air Force Academy back when there was a lot of flying going on there.

If I remember right, we had about 270,000 take offs and landings annually. It wasnt' unusual to have 200 take-offs and landings in an hour on a nice day! Of course I was only 19 when I got certified there, so I thought every airport was like that!:dance

[Ken F]

Navy 69-72
That's where I fell in love with Jetboats.

[sgtbill]

JeffMunn/AKBeemer,

Another 8ID vet. 1980-83 Plt Ldr in 3-8 Cav then as an aide in Wiesbaden,
Also in 2AD same time as JeffMunn 3/66 AR. From there I went to ROTC land for three years branch transferred to Transportation then back to Germany. My best assignment was after that in Vicenza, Italy. Excellent riding. Retired early in 96 thamks to the drawdown. Work now as a contractor at Ft Irwin, which aside from deciding what to wear in the morning, is just like the Army.

Hooah

I am also a Pathfinder alumni (1978 - 1982). And I have some familiarity with the Cav Squadron. I met LTC Norman Beatty on a ski trip and stayed in touch with him for a number of years afterward. Last I spoke with him he was retired banker (family business) in Blairstown, NJ. I'll detail my other active duty time in a subsequent post.

[sgtbill]

It's the birth control glasses. They had that affect on everyone that wore them. :p

I kept my black BCGs (Birth Control Glasses) and now use them for sun glasses while driving some 30 years after they were issued to me.

[sgtbill]

My father was an Army recruiter back in 1978. The night before my enlistment I saw "Alice's Restaurant" at the midnight movie in Denver, CO. Spent 4 years in the Signal Corps in Germany (8th ID, 8th Signal Battalion in Bad Kreuznach, GE). I transferred to the Intelligence Corps and went to 1st ID, 3d ID, Drill Sergeant duty, US Army Europe, V Corps, Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) and 1st ID (The Big Red One).

After retiring in July 2001 I took some time off before becoming a defense contractor for several years and now I am Director, Computer Network Defense for my company (large defense contractor).

Someday I hope to have a job as fulfilling as when I was a Sergeant. Might have to wait until I retire.....

[sgtbill]

Sean Ozzie Simpkins. US Army interrogator (97E30). Ozzie Simpkins was an interrogator instructor when I was assigned to the Intelligence School to train counter-intelligence agents and interrogators. We had motorcycling in common and spent many hours riding in Arizona. Ozzie was somewhat eccentric (not unusual in interrogators) and I have many memories of riding in the desert with him. We rode to Paonia, Death Valley (snow in February 1991) and all over Arizona>

Ozzie took a medical discharge and buy-out from the Army in 1992 and went back to school to study Russian including a coop in Moscow. He eventually brought a bride back from Russia and went ot work for the Post Office in West Virginia. He attended my wedding in 1993 and lived with his wife in Huntingdon, WV. I recently re-connected with Ozzie and he was excited about some recent acquisitions including an R90S and a Dnepr sidecar rig.

Sean Ozzie Simpkins died of a heart attack on or about 24 November 2009. He was a motorcyclist, a scholar, and a good friend.

[MSP8514]

82nd Airborne, 11B, 1/17th Air Cav 82-86. Paramedic for three years, and LEO for 20yrs and counting.

[njnomad]

USAF - Combat Security Police (The Air Forces' grunts)

'73-'74 Clark AB, Philippines
'74-'75 Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam

Retired LEO, currently a Volunteer Fire Fighter and fixin to start EMT School.
(Glutton for punishment and feeding my risk addiction.)

[geisterfahrer]

Yes and no. I enlisted in the USAF in '83. I went to BMTS at Lackland, and my knee started swelling up like a balloon during PT. The base orthopedic surgeon gave me two options: surgery, rehab, and recycling, or separation from the service. Since I would have been sent home for 6 to 8 months during recovery, with no pay, and I had a young family to support, I chose the latter.

[johnnywishbone]

this was my home for almost six years. then the rivers south of saigon.
made me what i am today. hahaha!

http://www.hullnumber.com/p_photos/SS-391.image.1003460.jpg

[Brown71]

Currently stationed in Germany. Have been kicking around since 1990, been stationed in Idaho, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Germany twice.

I absolutely love the riding here. Just finished up a trip through Austria and Switzerland.


Thank all of you for your service

Scott

[lloving]

Joined up at 17 with parents signature. 2 Years in the Phillipine Islands (CT)
I also hated it then but very grateful for the experience now.

[nardowell]

Army '68-'70 (drafted)
101st Div. 2/319th artillery
Vietnam--I corp--Ashaw Valley (Ho Chi Ming Trail) most of time.
Hamburger hill was nearby.
Camp Evans was home base.

Now I buy stuff in the stores made in Vietnam.
Tell me again why we were there.

[nardowell]

I am totally amazed there are't more Vietnam veterans in this organization.[/QUOTE]

Of the 2,700,000 of us that were sent to Vietnam, only 700,000 of us are left.
Agent Orage is taking us faster than the average.

[mljordan]

USN 02/61 - 12/64. Signalman.

[R184]

My Grandfather (a weatherman on a DD) and great Uncle (Combat Engineer) were in the Navy & Army in WW2. My dad (Communications) was in the Army during Korea (but served in Germany, while his brother (infantry) went to Korea) and I (SP) was in the USAF in the late 70's. My son (4th generation to serve) joined the Army (Infantry) and was sworn in yesterday, going to Ft. Benning, GA.

:usa

An update, Happy to say my son has completed his year long tour in Iraq (3rd ID, 4th Brigade 3/15 Infantry Regt.) and is safely home. Just finished a short home leave and heading back to Ft. Stewart tomorrow.

[mohan0]

Hey say thanks to your boy's, glad to here yof your son safe return home

Eric
Mass NG 88-94

[TomDac]

USN - 1983 to 1987

Served aboard the USS Midway CV-41 in Yokosuka, Japan, then aboard the USS Stein FF-1065 in San Diego.

[nardowell]

Please permit a dissenting voice. I enlisted into he Army in 1968 to avoid the possibility of being inducted into the Marines.

From the time I started at Ft Dix, NJ until I was realeased, the operative code was "FTA." Almost ALL of us hated the Army. The higher our educational level, the more we despised the Military. The only "pro-military" people we ran up against were (mostly) REMFS, Lifers and losers who couldn't make it outside in the "real World."

Now, it appears that all of the guys of that age were eager to join up, that we wanted to preserve your way of life and protect your right to vote. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We hated the War, we hated the Draft and we hated the Old Men who sent us to die for their fantasies. When I see a young person in the Military now, I just feel a sense of sorrow and loss. I respect them but I hope for so much MORE for them after the military.

A survey of returning Vietnam vets showed that we were split evenly on our opinon of the war. Half supported it and half did not.
It has helped me deal with it by reading about it. I have read accounts from US soldiers (we all have a story), South Vietnam soldiers, Viet Cong, NVA soldiers and civilians. There are also books on the history of Vietnam, the politics of both the US and the two Vietnams, how religion played a part, accounts from journalists covering the war and many many other things that shaped this tubulent time in our history.
I made it through the war, but had to deal with cancer that is linked to agent orange.

[billragon]

1972-75 5th Special Forces Group Airborne. A-Team Medic Drafted led to my current career as Nurse Anesthetist. Oldest son US Navy Orthopedic Surgeon in Guam. Other son with Navy Special Warfare Dam Neck Va. Several tours in sand box. Proud of both of them.

[Jamming]

US Air Force, 1979-1983 stationed at Aviano AB Italy & Luke AFB in AZ.
Worked on air-air & air-ground missiles.

You and I were at Luke at the same time. I STILL live out by Luke :thumb

US Air Force March 1978-1982

[KBikeKev]

24 yrs. Army Aviation. 10 yrs. OH-58 Kiowa, 14 yrs. C-23 Sherpa



29036

[brewmeister]

Those guys in the beer tent,,oh sorry wrong thread.,

[Tim Hecht]

johnnywishbone - I was on the USS SPERRY (AS-12) at Ballast Point when the Turks were taking possession of the POMFRET. Small world eh?

With the exception of a two year period after I retired in 2001 I have worn three different blue government uniforms: US Navy from 1970 - 1974 (from 74-75 Navy Reserves), US Coast Guard from 1975 - 2001; and Bureau of Customs and Border Protection since 2004.

During the Navy Tour I served in the USS SPERRY, USS ENTERPRISE, AND the USS MIDWAY.

http://iwantthatknife.com/Gallery/albums/custom-knife-pairs/cwo2_tim.jpg

My Coast Guard duties took me from Washington, DC to San Francisco and Los Angeles; Key West to Cleveland; 3 different duty stations in Michigan; my retirement ceremony took place at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, MD.

I went to Viet Nam onboard the MIDWAY from April 72 - March 73 and then was onboard her when we moved our homeport to Yokosuka, Japan and continued to patrol the Tonkin Gulf.

I would not want to change anything of my tours of duty; they are what made me what I am today.

thanks to all my brothers and sisters who were or all serving.

[martinPH]

Royal Engineers (British Army) 1965-71
England, Germany, Singapore, Malaya, Thailand, Hong Kong.

Fire Fighter. 20 years.

[DARRYL CAINEY]

Both Terry & I served in the Canadian Air Force Reserve
Myself 8 years, Terry retired after 17 years.

[martinPH]

Both Terry & I served in the Canadian Air Force Reserve
Myself 8 years, Terry retired after 17 years.

Nice Picture :ca

[aterry1067]

10 yrs active duty US Air Force. 1 year Reserve. Now currently working on contracts for fighter aviation for USMC, USN, and USAF.

[crazydrummerdude]

I am strongly considering applying for OTS and becoming a commissioned officer in the USAF. I have a degree in aerospace engineering, and those that I've talked to say that I should pursue being a pilot. If anyone has any tips/insight, feel free to let me know.

If you're on advrider, chime in on the discussion: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713599

[bob814u]

Army 1986 - 1992 (Active)
1988 Served in Korea
Army Reserve 1995-2008
1997 (Deployed to Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom)
2000 (Deployed to Bosnia)
2001 (Deployed to Kosovo)
2003 (Deployed to Iraq)
2007 (Deployed to Iraq)
Notice that I was out of the country more as a reservist than when I was active duty???
Military Police and Civil Affairs Sergeant

[40427]

I served 7 years Regular Army, only regret in my life is getting out at the demand of my wife at the time.
She is long gone, should have listened to my First Sargent ,and told her to sit down and be quiet.
I had already been promoted to E-6 and enjoyed my Army life.

[B1Pilot]

I am strongly considering applying for OTS and becoming a commissioned officer in the USAF. I have a degree in aerospace engineering, and those that I've talked to say that I should pursue being a pilot. If anyone has any tips/insight, feel free to let me know.

If you're on advrider, chime in on the discussion: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713599

Do it! Your degree will help youon some of the basics and math of flying.. your mechanical inclinations and motorcyle riding will help you be a better pilot though.

[fastdogs2]

U.S. Army - 1962-1965

[bmwrider88]

i grew up with an Army Dad, he seemed to never be out of the Army even at home.
i jokingly tell folks i served 18 long years in my Dad's Own Army.

waking up every morning was like this:

he'd kick open the door, flash the lights on, and yell
"let's move it! hit the deck! feet on the floor! rise and shine!"

i'd be like "whoa dad, i'm 8 here, ok?" but it never changed, it's just how he woke us.

he died last year, at 85. he is buried at Arlington along with my Mom, and also his own parents (who have a GREAT spot up on the hill under a bunch of BIG trees). when my Mom died, he wore his Dress Blues to the funeral. well everything but the hat, which was by then was too big for him. the Army Chaplain walked in to address us all, give us a kind of briefing about the proceedings and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the bank of ribbons on my dad's chest. he got everyone's attention and said, "this man has had a remarkable military career." and went about describing some of the high points, as shown by whatever ribbons and clusters my Dad wore, which the guy could read as if they were a book.

at his own funeral (full military honors with caisson, riderless horse, 21 gun salute and full band) as his career was being described, i found myself thinking that of all the people buried at Arlington, my own father's Army Service may just be among the most remarkable.

he served over 30 years. fought all of WWII in the Infantry and received a Battlefield Commission at about age 22. he also fought in Korea and did one tour of duty in Viet Nam. a soldier's soldier, he shunned OCS and wound up holding every single rank up to Full Colonel, EXCEPT (i believe) CWO which he bypassed when he got his Battlefield Commission. his Infantry Division was credited with firing THE last shot of WWII.

tho he was Infantry, he was also a Paratrooper and Jump Master. an Expert Marksman, he wound up training thousands of guys to shoot and handle their weapons. post WWII, he served alternately in the Guard and the Reserve, finally re-upping into the Regular Army sometime in the 50s.

he has over 25 medals and decorations, including some doubles. he is a member of the National Order of Battlefield Commissions, and out of all the decorations never applied for a Purple Heart, tho he was wounded at least twice that i am aware of. his Blue Rifleman's "bar" has both a wreath AND a star, which i guess is rare. when he went to the Infantry Museum in Ft Benning, they had a model like it hanging near the entrance, and my Dad remarked it was just like his. i guess one of the workers overheard him say that and went to bring the Museum Director down to see this guy. i thought it was great because my young nephew was there to see this... my nephew just thought of my Dad as his cranky old Grand Pa, so it did him some good to see how well respected my dad was among his peers, i think.

anyway, growing up with this guy wasn't always easy, sometimes he'd wake us up yelling in his sleep, as we crossed the country and stayed in motels- all of us in a single room. he was hard as nails and never did relax, even in his old age.
in reality i learned a LOT from him. a rock solid work ethic. that all people are the same and deserve to be treated equally. to always use "Sir" and "Ma'am" and "Please" and "Thank You". i gained his morals and standards. his dedication.
the list goes on. and on. heck i'm STILL discovering things i learned from him, i guess maybe it'll go on til i die, too.

anyways, thanks for indulging me. and to those who have served, and may be serving still,
THANK YOU. very much.
for doing what you do.
there are SO many people who will never understand or know.

With ALL Due Respect,
your friend,
Tom

[scout6]

Spend 31 years in the US Army and Army Reserve. Several combat tours and visits to lovely places throughout the world. Pilot, tanker, transportation commander, civil affairs, and TASS. Fun!

[idmtchris]

20 years 1 month and 7 days USAF Master Sergeant. Not that I was counting, but I was a little old school and did not see a need to ask my troops if my yelling at them hurt their feelings, when I was trying train them to stay alive... Now I have another 8 years of Federal Service for Veteran's Affairs, which means I have 12 years to go to double dip my retirement.

[blazebfd]

Russian language interceptor to Airborne Brigade S-4. Active, Guard and Army Reserve at one time or the other. Thanks to all of us for what we did and didn't do.:clap

[jimbob1960]

12 years, US Coast Guard; final 10 as an Aviation Machinists mate, ended up as a First Class. Did a tour on the CGC Polar Star out of Seattle, then AD "A" School in E-City, NC, then AirSta Houston, Tracen Mobile, and finally AirSta New Orleans. Did a short stint in the CG Auxiliary later on.
:usa

[ericthebald]

Spent a few days in the AF. I'd start it over again if I had the chance...

21yrs + in Communications (Phone Geek) SMSgt
1992 - 1990 Lowry AFB, CO
1990 - 1989 Zweibrucken AB, Germany
1989 - 1987 Verona Italy
1987 - 1984 George AFB, CA
1984 - 1982 Boerfink Germany
1982 - 1979 FE Warren AFB, WY
1979 - 1978 Teagu AB Korea
1978 - 1975 Offutt AFB NE
1975 - 1973 Clark AB Philippines
1973 - 1972 Offutt AFB, NE
1972 - 1971 Sheppard AFB, TX
1971 Lackland AFB, TX

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

[sgtberryhill]

I was a police officer in Arkansas for 3 years starting in 1988 and made Sergeant. I did this on 2nd and 3rd shift to pay my way through college. I had so much fun doing this that when I graduated college and quit to start a career in banking, I transferred to the Sheriff's Office Reserves and have been doing that ever since.

I'm currently a Colonel commanding the Reserve Unit for our county and I also serve on the Sheriff's Department's SRT (Special Response Team, basically the same as a SWAT team). We serve all the high risk warrants, drug raids, barricaded subjects, etc.

I have had an absolute blast doing this and plan on continuing for many more years.

My favorite story is about a friend of mine who is an Arkansas State Trooper. He always went home at lunch and would take his pistol out of holster so could take a big dump. :nra

One day he did that and then got back out on the Interstate. It was a hot day and he saw a hitchhiker walking down the road. He stopped and checked the hitchhiker and everything was fine. Even though it's illegal to hitchhike on the Interstate, he offered the man a ride to the end of his patrol area.

The hitchhiker accepted, so he through the man's backpack in the back seat of the car and let him ride up front.

As they were driving he noticed he didn't have his pistol. He was thinking, "Oh s#*@, he got my pistol and I didn't notice. :sick He's going to shoot me when I stop."

My friend reached down and pulled out a slapper, which to the un-informed is a piece of lead sewn up in leather with a short handle on it.

While going down the Interstate, he slams on his brakes, leans over, and starts whipping hell out of this guy he thinks stole his gun. The poor hitchhiker jumps out of the car and starts running across a soybean field that is about 2 miles across. :bolt

About this time my friend remembers his pistol is lying on the counter in his kitchen. He starts yelling for the hitchhiker to stop, that he's made a mistake and of course the man just runs faster.

He said the last thing he saw of that hitchhiker was ******* and elbows heading east at a record setting pace. He left the backpack on the shoulder hoping the man would return for it.

Just thinking, don't you know that poor fellow told all his friends, "Don't hitchhike in Arkansas. They take that stuff serious there!" :rofl

[DonTom]

I was drafted on March 25, 1969. This was before they started the draft lottery system.

I was an army grunt (mos 11B) in the Central Highland Jungles, mainly between An Khe and Pleiku. I was also in the Cambodia incursion during April/May of 1970.

Army, B-3-8, 4Th Infantry Division in Vietnam from September 3, 1969 to the same date in 1970.

Ho CHi Minh died the very day I got to Vietnam. I wonder who told him Big Bad Don arrived!

I had basic training and AIT at Ft. Lewis, WA. My last few months in the army was spent at Ft. Carson, CO. I got out of the army on March 25, 1971.

Anyway, I saved some money because there was no way to spend it in the jungles, so when I got out of the army, one of the first things I did was to buy my brand new 1971 BMW R75/5 for $1845.00 (1971 money). I still own it.

-Don- Reno, NV

[Newstar]

On this day of remembrance, i'd just like to say Thank You to all who have served.

[kihei7]

US Navy
1968 - 1972
USS Tautog SSN639
Fast-Attack, Nuclear-Powered, Hunter-Killer Submarine
Sonar Tech (Submarines) - E5


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=33.347099,-111.815824

[Visian]

On this day of remembrance, i'd just like to say Thank You to all who have served.

... and still do. :thumb

[tkanis]

Did 4 years ROTC, I year in Vietnam as a Forward Observer in the Central Highlands, then back to the States to teach marksmanship. Went back to the Army Reserve System, and finished up in 1996 with 29 years, 9 months and 23 days.

Tom in Cincinnati
LTC, Artillery, Retired

[Brownie]

Helicopter Pilot: CH-53 D/E primary; others: VH3D, U/V H1N.

Trained in T-34 (Saufley) and T-28 (Whiting Field).

Flight Instructor TH-57 Whiting Field 1975-79
HMX-1 1980-85
SAR pilot USS Iwo Jima 1985-87

Now: EC-135 pilot @ Pensacola Lifeflight :usa