On the day I reflect most about my more than 25 years (and counting) in the service, I realized something... I'm in the club, so to speak.
Growing up I heard from those that had served before me.
Dad in 1945
Uncle Jack in 1943
and others like my Explorer Post leader, Chuck Reed. I had grown up hearing of service, and even jumped in myself.
Me, in 1985
But I since I was "in", I never saw myself the way I had seen those before me - the ones who had gone and done something and were now the veterans that myself and others could talk to about "how it had been".
Even after I went to war, twice
Me, Afghanistan, 2004
Me, in Iraq, 2008
But now I am going to a middle school assembly today - and I am the one telling the kids "how it was". It feels like I have joined a group I have always looked up to... it is humbling.
Thanks John.
ReplyDeleteTerry
LMC
It is most humbling. My father, all my uncles served in war II and Korea. grand fathers in war I, the - whole line from 1812 until today. This is their, and your, day. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those "other" guys. Yes, I served for four years in the Army at the height of Vietnam 1967-71. But I didn't go west, I went east, to Germany. Berlin was no bed of roses in those days, but it was a far cry from Vietnam. So, I get to get Veteran's Day treats at various places, but mostly I don't feel entitled. Others went, I didn't -- not really.
ReplyDeleteIt's true I did my duty, but I've never felt entitled to most veteran's perks. Yeah, I went to college on the GI Bill, but I thought that was payback for a year where I made less than $100 a month.
So from one who didn't go there and didn't do all that much -- I salute those of you who did.
Thank you for your service to our country LTC John.
ReplyDeleteToday I also give thanks for my young friend from Long Beach CA: PFC George Allen Guy, RIFLEMAN, 3RD PLT, I CO, 3RD BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF.
KIA 08/18/1969 Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. He never saw his 20th birthday.
Rest In Peace.
"Greg Brown said...
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those "other" guys. Yes, I served for four years in the Army at the height of Vietnam 1967-71. But I didn't go west, I went east, to Germany. Berlin was no bed of roses in those days, but it was a far cry from Vietnam. So, I get to get Veteran's Day treats at various places, but mostly I don't feel entitled. Others went, I didn't -- not really."
Greg, I hold you in as high esteem as any combat veteran. If the Warsaw Pact had rolled through the Fulda Gap, you'd have been in the thick of it - behind enemy lines. I'm happy for you that it didn't happen that way, but you "stood on that wall," manned your post when the chips were down. You're the real deal, make no mistake.
I am grateful for your service, and for those that went before.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Thanks so much for all you've done, John. I'm proud to know you.
ReplyDeleteGreg,
ReplyDelete"When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."
John Milton, "On his blindness"
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteProfoundly so.
Roddy Boyd
Greg,
ReplyDeleteYou signed the check to Uncle Sam that had on the amount line, "Up to and including one life". How much Uncle Sam chose to cash was his choice. You signed the check.
After 20 yrs tanking in various flavors of Cav the closest I ever got to the elephant was as an instructor in SW Saudi during dustup in the desert I. Guess I should count myself fortunate but I'll always wonder.
ReplyDeleteOn this day, what we call "Remembrance Day", I had to stop by and say thank you to all of you Donuts who have served.
ReplyDeleteHappy Veterans' Day old friend.
ReplyDeleteI spoke at a breakfast we had at work, and the first words out of my mouth were how humble and awed I was in their presence. Why am I the guy standing up here with the microphone?
A nursed asked me the day before, "you were only deployed once?" I guess I can understand just a tiny bit what survivor's remorse must be like.
Thank all you vets and the families of vets who supported your soldier/sailor/airman/marine.
"A nurse asked me the day before, "you were only deployed once?"
ReplyDeleteSo does that mean that you can't be thanked for your service? If you put it into perspective, once is all it takes. There are many soldiers who never made it back from war in order to be asked that question.