Korupt Karl Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I think Doc said it best when we wrote a blank check....up to giving our life. A veteran answers the call of his nation. A veteran still gets a chill down his spine at the playing of the National Anthemn. A veteran stands and salutes at the passing of the flag or the playing of the NA. A veteran supports those that are in harms way and honors those that have been. A veteran isn't necessarily one that sees or has seen combat, but is one that serves his nation. KK
DocWard Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I'm just not sure I could add anything to what has been said already, but I will try. A veteran is a person who swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, but went beyond that mere statement and recognized what the ultimate cost of that oath might be. Serving with pride, honor and dignity, he (or she) did the best possible, often in the worst situations, and protected not only the Constitution, but our flag, our people, and the family that was his brothers in arms.
Howdy Doody Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 Any man or woman that took the oath, wore the uniform, and did their duty honorably. It's as simple as that. IROT my brother, you said it very precisely.
Rev Willy Dunkum, SASS # 61027 Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 My dad served in the Army National Guard as a security police then went active duty in 1950 in the US Air Forceduring the Korean Conflict. He served for years as a drill sergeant and made E4 in 18 months. He never considered himself a veteran because he said he never saw "action." I served in the Air Force as well but during peace time 1976-1980. I often thought of what he said and realized he was wrong. Anyone who raised their hand and took the oath to defend this country and constitution did so with the commitment to see it through no matter what the cost, no matter what the job, no matter where that oath would take them. If a person was peeling potatoes, processing orders at some desk, supplying troops or training for that one day they hoped would never come when they would have to push "that" button, they are all veterans. If they fulilled their duty and fulfilled that oath honorably, they should stand proud among the ones called veterans. I am humbled as I see those who have suffered so much from battle. I am among the blessed to not to have had to bear such scars both physically and mentaally. I am honored to be able to stand with them. My four sons have all served, three are still active duty and plan on a career. They have all grown up so much in my eyes. They too, are veterans and I am proud of their decisions to defend this country. I will always be indebtted to them, not just because they are my sons, but because I see in this generation, those who still see the value of standing in the gap to keep this country free.
Jim Mayo, SASS # 28961 Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 IMO, a veteran is any person that serves honorably in the military of our country. I had the opportunity to serve a tour of duty in a war zone on an Air Force base. I was not issued a weapon. When I asked why I was told that someone might get hurt if weapons were issued. I didn't understand the answer then. During my tour, I was shot at, dodged rockets and bombs. When I went to sleep I wondered if I would wake or have my throat slit in my sleep by the viet cong or blown up by a sapper. They were on base too. Looking back, I understand better now. I fixed aircraft communication equipment and voice encryption equipment for F4's, C7's, C-123's, C130's, helicopters and various other aircraft. Some times I drove a step van around the flight line at night, shuttling parts or repair specialist between shop and aircraft or visa versa. I helped install machine guns in UH-1 helicopters. I saw the 1st C-5 airplane land in RVN. I was pushed out of a UH-43 rescue helicopter 20 foot or so above the concrete flight line when an emergency call came in. My 2nd night on base I was doing a comm check in a C7 aircraft when a rocket hit the fire station less than 125 yards from the plane I was in. I saw the explosion. At daylight we discovered a hole caused by shrapnel in the vertical stabilizer of the C7 right in front of the one I was in, and maybe 120 feet away. I remember the fuel dump exploding from a VC attack. I did not get a CIB. I did not envy those that did. I had an occasion to go to the base hospital from time to time and saw up close the results of combat, the wounded and those in body bags. I did my duty to the best of my ability.
Sagerider Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 When duty calls, veterans are men and women who were called or volunteered to place themselves in harms way in allegiance to flag and country. Their duty may have included boredom, terror, their lives and little reward. They elected to serve so that we may now affirm that we are one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. Idaho Sagerider United States Air Force Retired
Chickahominy Charlie Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I was priviledged to speak at a Veteran's Day celebration a couple of years ago. While I don't have the original of my remarks, here's a part that may provide something to work from: "A Veteran is someone who steps forward so others may step back. A Veteran is someone who has accomplished things so that others may benefit. A Veteran is someone who has experienced things...sometimes terrible things, so that others may avoid such experiences. A Veteran is someone who has sacrificed, so that others may be free. But, a Veteran is also someone who has undertaken these endeavors and now lives their life with the solemn and, quite often, quiet pride that they have done their duty." Chick
Doc H. Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 Someone who gave up their tomorrows for your today....
Buck Rio, SASS #60154 Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 When I think of a veteran I picture: My grandfather Charles who fought the Tuaregs in the sands of North Africa while serving in the French Foreign Legion. My father Carl who was bayonneted by a German in the trenches near Chateau Thirrey in the First World War. My uncle Carl who, as a B17 tailgunner, was shot down over Holland and returned home weighing 87 pounds after being a POW. My uncle Alfred who fought the red Chinese in Korea and lost all of his toes to frostbite. My Wife Cathi who joined the US Marine Corps at the age of 18 to escape poverty in Detroit. My daughter Cori who joined the army at 17 and left for basic 3 days after graduating from high school so she could earn college tuition. The men I served with in the 377th Air Police Squadron, RVN and those soldiers I served with later in the Infantry and US Cavalry. The young soldiers I trained before my retirement in 2003 who are still carrying the fight to the enemy in Iraq and Afganastan today. Buck Rio MSG, US Army (ret.)
Goldfield Cody Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 A veteran is one who has taken a solemn oath and has signed a blank check, the cost being up to and including their life. Semper Fortis HOO-YAH Doc Doc said it simply and in a straight forward way. I can't add to that other than to state that I never have regretted the time I spent and am proud to have served. USAF 1970-1977
Marshal Max Henry Posted January 24, 2011 Posted January 24, 2011 Colonel Dan It is really hard to say. The simple answer is anyone who served honorably. Some of us got pretty much a free ride or so it may have seemed at the time. I can't help thinking of those like my Father who paid a heavy price. You may find this interesting: http://www.301bg.com/Varner_Lee_A.cfm. Dad was in the 301st Bomb Group the second group to go to England in 1942. On the trip over they essentially navigated for P38s. Dad was really proud that they got all their fighters to England without losing one. He flew several missions out of England against targets in France. When we invaded North Africa the 301st and the 97th went down there and formed the 12th Air Force. They bombed targets in North Africa, the Med, Sicily, Sardinia and Italy. In August of 43 dad came home with 52 missions as a Gunner. His entire squadron the 419th had not lost a Crew. One plane had been shot up but the Crew recovered when they were in England and then the Squadron went a year without losing a plane. Back in the States Dad and the rest of his squadron were instructors at Euphrata Washington. In early 44 Dad was one of 3 Engineers still alive, the rest had died in training accidents. Dad requested reassignment to Europe. His thinking was if I am to be killed I would just as soon the Germans did the job. Around he went back oversees the 23rd of March 44, the day before his 30th birth day. On his 4th Mission of this tour and 56th overall he was shot down on 11 April 44 and spent 13 months in Stalag XVIIb. Just before he went back overseas he weighed about 160. At Camp Luck Strike 2 weeks after being liberated he weighed 92 lbs. To hear him tell it he had it easy when compared to those who were captured by the Japs. I cannot imagine what the Soldiers of the 1st and 29th ID went through on Omaha Beach or the hell the Marines, Army and Navy faced in the Pacific. I guess one thing that most all Veterans have is a deep love of their country, pride in their service and those who served in combat a real love of their buddies. I also think most that lost buddies think of them every time the see the flag pass by, have the heart ripped out of their chest every time they hear taps, and get very sad every time they hear of another soldier coming home in a box. I have always wondered. I was in 1/8 3rd Mar. Div my MOS crew serve weapons Instructor. I put in to go to Desert Storm but they said Uncle Sam needed me there. I was always bitter. My GrandFather was a TBY pilot in "MIdway" Uncle Bob was in 1/9 USMC and faught in Phu Bi, Hue cityetcwas on like 47 missions served 3 tours. The Army Guys may see 2 Missions a tour.(No disrespect to army) i am just saying the Marines were the mules... MY dad served in Motor T Army at Inchon Bay but I never gottogoover seas andI felt ashamed this I didnt get to continue the family tradition. Does one have tosee combat tobe a VEt? Or can I call myself ine?
Buck Rio, SASS #60154 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 Does one have tosee combat tobe a VEt? Or can I call myself ine? MMH, There are veterans and combat veterans. You are undoubetly a veteran by any definition. Regards, Buck
Dirty Dan Dawkins Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 I am not a veteran, but when I think of veterans, several things come to mind. The vast majority weren't great action heroes of great valor, just simple common ordinary folks. More often than not, they were folks looking for opportunity when non lied at home. Some went to gain a skill, some broaden their horizons and others to maintain a family tradition of service. Still, some just wanted a means to "get away." Others were drafted in to fulfill their duty in times of war. Despite a sometimes seemingly unappreciative public and "free world," the level of sacrifice and commitment to fulfill their duties to this nation, are the most remarkable things of all.
Birdgun Quail, SASS #63663 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 A veteran is a civilian who went into the military but part of him always remained a civilian, and when he returned to being a civilian but a part of him always remained military.
Marshal Mackenna Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 COL. A Veteran is someone who served in peace time and in time of conflict. A Veteran Is someone who got up every morning and put on that uniform, ready to serve. He or She swore an oath and faithfully upheld their end of the deal untill retirement or discharged back to civilian life. Now if we could just get some of those folks in Washington D.C. to understand what that oath requires of them, what a country we could all have. Mackenna CMsgt USAF Retired
Dennis Page Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 I'm a veteran, my brother' are veteran's.one of them gave his life,(in the april 67,nam).i'm in my 62 i didn't see in combat ,was in (air force 68)(army 81-85) (national guard 86-90) A VETERAN IS ANY ONE WHO SERVED,SPECAL ONES ARE COMBAT VETERANS. LIVING OR DEAD GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 I have always wondered. I was in 1/8 3rd Mar. Div my MOS crew serve weapons Instructor. I put in to go to Desert Storm but they said Uncle Sam needed me there. I was always bitter. My GrandFather was a TBY pilot in "MIdway" Uncle Bob was in 1/9 USMC and faught in Phu Bi, Hue cityetcwas on like 47 missions served 3 tours. The Army Guys may see 2 Missions a tour.(No disrespect to army) i am just saying the Marines were the mules... MY dad served in Motor T Army at Inchon Bay but I never gottogoover seas andI felt ashamed this I didnt get to continue the family tradition. Does one have tosee combat tobe a VEt? Or can I call myself ine? 1 did you put on the Uniform 2 did you get an honorable discharge if one and two are true the answer is yes. If you earned a CIB I would be hard pressed to say no even if the discharge were less than honorable. Don't sweat it thought all marines knew the needs of the corp came first and the marines can do no wrong. The corps could not have screwed up with you your r a vet. Hell you are better than a vet you are an honest to goodness MARINE semper fi if you can take that from an army grunt.
G. P. Cobb Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 I have a problem with this definition Dan. To me it's Combat Veteran I hold in my adoration or glory. That I sir, am not. U.S. Army Aviation 1966-1969
Fairshake Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 Tom Bullweed, I don't know from your post if you served or not. Go back and read my posting on this subject. You don't get up one morning and decide that you want to be somewhere else. You first serve where you are given orders for. If you wish a transfer you put in a request form that must go through the chain of command. More likley than not it will be denied. If you have not served then please sign up and tell me how you are going where you want to be. I have stood in formation and been in the wrong side of a company. By that I mean one side digs latrines the other goes to fill sand bags. It is not your choice.
Long Branch Louie Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 My father served in WWII, he had 1st served in the 1920's and was drafted during the war. Sometimes if he got a little drunk he would talk about what he saw and experienced. He was forever transformed by that war. To me a veteran is a person who did what was asked of them, mostly without question, up to and including sacrificing their life so Americans could live free. Most don't want to be called a hero, most I know don't want to talk about it either. To me, a veteran signifies all that is great about our Nation, a man or woman who when called to make the ultimate sacrifice, do so that we could all live in Freedom and preserve what is so precious about this Great Nation for our children and their future....
Lefty Wheeler Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 The speech may want to use the words served their county rather than veteran. I joined the VFW and the restrictions are you must have served during time of conflicts or war. I feel that all persons serving during any time are veterans. Some may not stand or feel they are veterans because of the dictionary description of that honor.
Double Bit #11086 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 A veteran is a person who has served honorably in the military service of the United States. Combat Veterans are a separate group that I hold in even higher regard.
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted January 25, 2011 Posted January 25, 2011 A Veteran is someone who has recieved an honorable discharge from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Gaurd.
THE CALHOUN COUNTY BA Posted January 26, 2011 Posted January 26, 2011 I think a vertran is anyone who took the oath and served and recieved an hornable discharge. But today I went to Lowes and ask about discounts and was ask if I had a service ID. No I said you only get that if you are active or retired. NO discount. CCBA
Utah Bob #35998 Posted January 26, 2011 Posted January 26, 2011 You don't get up one morning and decide that you want to be somewhere else. There were numerous times when I got up and wanted to be somewhere else actually.
THE CALHOUN COUNTY BA Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I am a vet !! I went to Lowes Yesterday and bought a new fridge. I ask if they had any discounts today. Saleslady said 10% off if I had a Military ID. I said no but I am a vet I guess that mean active mil. or active reserves or a disablity. Should I go back and see manager and show him my DD 214? I need a dif. Thanks CCBA
Blackcat James SASS# 29509 Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I agree with those that said someone who by the act of enlisting or being drafted write a blank check to this nation and its people payable with their life if neccessary.
Black Harris #154 Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 They are my brothers and sisters at the American Legion BH
Mustang Gregg Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 We got some here in our outfit: Charlie (Grandpa)--Army--Horse & mule trainer--WWI 1917+ David (Uncle)--USN--Aviator--WWII 1943+ Gordon (Dad)--USMC--Aviation--Korea 1951+ Son (Wade)--Army--Aviation maint--OEF 2001+ Gregg (me)--Army--Aviation maint--leaving for OEF soon 2011+
Ford Rivers Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 I am a vet !! I went to Lowes Yesterday and bought a new fridge. I ask if they had any discounts today. Saleslady said 10% off if I had a Military ID. I said no but I am a vet I guess that mean active mil. or active reserves or a disablity. Should I go back and see manager and show him my DD 214? I need a dif. Thanks CCBA Start using Home Depot. 10% discount for veterans - active or not. No Questions Asked.
Griff Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 A Vet is someone that stepped into the role of serving their country in it's Armed Forces and have earned the right to a military funeral. Some by stepping forward without being asked, some when asked; most because they didn't know any better, a few because they weren't smart enough to get out of it
el Gato Gordo - SASS #15162 Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 A person whose military service to our country has put him or her in harm's way. And THANK YOU! eGG
Cheyenne Culpepper 32827 Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 Col., as I was thinking of what to reply I read several replies first, I learned that I could add nothing more than what has already been said. All I can say is, a veteran is someone to whom I shall be grateful until the day I die! Thank y'all for your service! Cheyenne
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