I have a confession to make

[Utah Bob #35998]

I have used it selfishly. It started as a mere goofy whim but grew into something much more. The more pictures I received, the more I enjoyed it. Researching insignia for long deactivated units for guys became a fun pastime. Seeing the photos of those young recruits in their brand new uniforms always puts a smile on my face.

 

For so many years, Veterans Day was not a good day for me. For some reason Memorial Day was fine. It didn't bother me and I went to various services and payed tribute to the fallen heroes. But Veterans Day left me cold. I was generally in a low mood and couldn't wait for the day to end. I finally realized it was probably survivor's guilt, which many of us suffer from. I couldn't reconcile the fact that I came home and friends did not. Parades, congratulations, and words of thanks didn't seem appropriate when so many of my brothers in arms had given all they had.

 

But somehow with each new page I put on the site, it seems a small weight was lifted. This past 4th of July I joined the VFW after 40+ years. This past Thursday, I went to a fine program at the local school honoring vets. And this weekend I stood with my fellow vets and handed out remembrance poppies in town. The people were warm, generous, and thankful. Many stopped and told us what unit they had been in or shared stories of their loved ones who served. Times change.

 

As the day passed, I watched the clouds dissipate as my dark thoughts had. I realized that this day is a day not just for mourning, but for pride and gratitude. I think about the many fine young men and women who signed on that dotted line many years ago and who now adorn the pages of the SASS Vets site and I smiled. Although I've not met many, I'm so very proud of all of them. I thank them for sharing their photos and memories with us. So while that silly site has brought some enjoyment to folks, it has benefited me much more than you can know.

 

And yesterday when someone said "Happy Veterans Day" to me, I realized it finally was.

 

Just the view from this old trooper's saddle. Y'all have great day!

[Rusty Brec SASS#74729]

Well said Bob Thanks for serving

[Subdeacon Joe]

Great epiphany, Bob.

[Smoken D]

I think the guilt felt for those we were with and lost, If only I could have done more. Not for the government, not for those at home, for the buddies next to us. Cannot go there, so glad you made it back Utah

[Prof. Fuller Bullspit]

Thanks to all who have served. Welcome home!

[Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217]

Hi Bobby,

 

Your esteem in my eyes grows with every (well almost ) post.

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

 

Allie

[Wimpy Hank Yoho]

Thank You For That Bob.

God Bless Our Veterans.

[Griff]

Bob,

Don't feel like the lone wolf. I came home for the last time in 1973... angry at the reception I was given @ LAX in '72... ended up having to be the last guy out of the terminal... no protestors, no crowds, just one buddy who was flying down to OC airport with me. (I had to declare 4 guns on the manifest...) wasn't sure I didn't want to load 'em up for the "welcome home" crowd. But I didn't, and was really surprised there was no "reception". Medals and awards for a meaningless war, that's what I was told. Except, it wasn't meaningless for me. I was called and I went. I didn't wait for the draft... although they did send me my "Greetings from your President..." letter while I was in bootcamp. I served. Completed what I'd been taught was my obligation of citizenship. It was 1995 before someone other than my family said "thank you for your service". 20+ years of anger and frustration is hard to do away with.

For all you Vets, belatedly, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

 

P.S.: Bob, love the SASS Vets site. I too enjoy it. (Even if I still hate the AF! But, even that's slowly fading to a "dislike").

 

 

[Sergeant Smokepole #29248L]

I think the guilt felt for those we were with and lost, If only I could have done more. Not for the government, not for those at home, for the buddies next to us. Cannot go there, so glad you made it back Utah

 

 

Amen Brother.

[Sergeant Smokepole #29248L]

Bob,

 

We all at some point in our lives, showed contempt for the pogues that were only interested in getting their tickets punched at the expense of those alongside us. Your starting the site was classic "Up Your's" but then you found other like minded souls with unhealed wounds and gave them a place to go to and see that they were not alone. Your site has helped me and other like me to heal the soul that was damaged by loss...

 

 

Thank you my Brother...

[Castalia,SASS#18915]

Dateline 1966. Graduated from high school. Got my diploma and my draft notice. Joined the Navy. Wanted to avoid Vietnam. In bootcamp was tested and told I was going to be a Hospital Corpsman. Didn't like that option. Given the choice of Levenworth or corps school. Took corps school. Trained and attached to Bravo company, 1st battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Went to Vietnam. Served with distinction. Returned home to a country that hated me. My peer group, supposed friends from high school, hated me. My family loved me and thanked me for my service. End of story?

 

2010, 40 years later invited to a luncheon at the southside local senior center. Room full of old men like me. City councilman from our area was there. Shook my hand and gave me a "Navy" ball cap. The League of United Latin American Citizens gave us a medal and thanked us profusely for our service. They honored all services and wars. The old ladies hugged everyone. The ladies did a couple of line dances for the vets. The honor guard was there and played taps. This room of about 100 old crusty vets was reduced to tears. 40 years.

 

I have always hidden my service. Mostly because no one could relate. Those that did not serve only wanted to hear the gore.

 

I was empowered by that luncheon and proud of my service. Got a vets license plate and started wearing that Navy cap.

 

Read about the SASS vets and joined.

 

God's blessing on all who served. Thanks Bob for the chance to tell my story. Thanks to all who listened.

 

Castalia

[Howdy Doody]

U.B. you know you are starting to put in words like so many of us feel. I am not in the VFW, but a couple years ago I was asked if I would like to join the Patriot Guard Riders. I did and have made a number of rides in my area. I am too old to make something like the Run To The Wall, but I get in what I can. Funeral escorting for vets of all wars and to see the families mourning and the hero going into the ground is not all that pleasant, but in respect we do it. The main mission is to prevent anyone from disturbing a family as they bury their loved one. However, what I really enjoy and I try to make all that I can is the Welcome Homes. We form a flag line for our arriving troops and alng with family members, we greet, shake hands and are able to thank them for their service. I love doing that. Riding back to home on my Harley, you just cannot wipe the smile off my face. It is what I like to do and it makes me feel great doing it.

So, some repress what they have gone through, others grasp for others that have been there too, and it is healthy to just do what you can to keep your mind on aneven keel.

Now, since we are on the subject of veterans. I am appalled at the number of people that have all these war stories, big tales of this and that and have never even had a uniform on. Is that me or ? I had a guy I worked with 15 years ago or so. I went to work at this place in Stockton. Others mentioned that he was a vet and a Navy vet at that. Well sir it does not take long for a Navy man to sort out another, due to just the weird names hung on different things. Geedunk for instance. Good thing or bad? You learned right off the bat, that was a good thing, because there was all the things kids crave, smokes, candy, soda and stuff. This guy didn't know what I was saying about anything, so I had to declare him a fraud. He felt bad, told me so, but transferred away from me to purgatory (graveyard shift). I suspect others too, but I actually felt bad that someone would do that. Now take the 70s. Hey, if you were looking for work, you better leave military section blank. You were likely to not get hired because you served. Really. Yes, things have eased up an awful lot, to the point where a silly president tells the public his father was in WWII, yet it was figured out the father would have been all of ten years old at the end of the war in 1945. Cute! So, we are to believe everything else he says too? I don't think so, but that is just me.

So Bob, you can tell that I am starting to ease my soul by admitting I served. I can now say hey, it is something I did, along with other things good and bad, so it is just me, one soul that loves God and country, family and friends.

Sorry, no part of this is cowboy action shooting, but I have to say I have gotten to know a lot of veteran pards from CAS and even those that were not in uniform are every bit as much of friends too. It is why I like SASS so much.

[Gunner Gatlin, SASS 10274L]

Thank You For That Bob.

God Bless Our Veterans.

 

That says it right there UB...

 

GG ~

[Utah Bob #35998]

U.B. you know you are starting to put in words like so many of us feel. I am not in the VFW, but a couple years ago I was asked if I would like to join the Patriot Guard Riders. I did and have made a number of rides in my area. I am too old to make something like the Run To The Wall, but I get in what I can. Funeral escorting for vets of all wars and to see the families mourning and the hero going into the ground is not all that pleasant, but in respect we do it. The main mission is to prevent anyone from disturbing a family as they bury their loved one. However, what I really enjoy and I try to make all that I can is the Welcome Homes. We form a flag line for our arriving troops and alng with family members, we greet, shake hands and are able to thank them for their service. I love doing that. Riding back to home on my Harley, you just cannot wipe the smile off my face. It is what I like to do and it makes me feel great doing it.

So, some repress what they have gone through, others grasp for others that have been there too, and it is healthy to just do what you can to keep your mind on aneven keel.

Now, since we are on the subject of veterans. I am appalled at the number of people that have all these war stories, big tales of this and that and have never even had a uniform on. Is that me or ? I had a guy I worked with 15 years ago or so. I went to work at this place in Stockton. Others mentioned that he was a vet and a Navy vet at that. Well sir it does not take long for a Navy man to sort out another, due to just the weird names hung on different things. Geedunk for instance. Good thing or bad? You learned right off the bat, that was a good thing, because there was all the things kids crave, smokes, candy, soda and stuff. This guy didn't know what I was saying about anything, so I had to declare him a fraud. He felt bad, told me so, but transferred away from me to purgatory (graveyard shift). I suspect others too, but I actually felt bad that someone would do that. Now take the 70s. Hey, if you were looking for work, you better leave military section blank. You were likely to not get hired because you served. Really. Yes, things have eased up an awful lot, to the point where a silly president tells the public his father was in WWII, yet it was figured out the father would have been all of ten years old at the end of the war in 1945. Cute! So, we are to believe everything else he says too? I don't think so, but that is just me.

So Bob, you can tell that I am starting to ease my soul by admitting I served. I can now say hey, it is something I did, along with other things good and bad, so it is just me, one soul that loves God and country, family and friends.

Sorry, no part of this is cowboy action shooting, but I have to say I have gotten to know a lot of veteran pards from CAS and even those that were not in uniform are every bit as much of friends too. It is why I like SASS so much.

 

I have seen estimates that there are more fake vets than real ones right now. Not surprising that some weak individuals want to build themselves up. Too bad they do it by cashing in on the sacrifices of others. The POW Network, and VeriSEAL sites do a lot of work exposing posers. Professional Soldiers.com works on fake Green Berets. The Stolen Valor act has been rendered toothless but we can still expose these slugs to the light of day and watch them wither in the heat. I get the warm fuzzies when that happens.

 

I probably should have posted this in the Saloon as this is OT for cowboy shooting. My apologies if I've irritated anybody.

[Texas Jim Henry, SASS #20616]

Howdy, Bob -

 

My thoughts regarding what you wrote can best be summarized by a line we often hear in our cowboy circle... You are pard to ride the river with.

 

Regards, TJH

[Lone Dog, SASS #20401]

Survivor's guilt just means ye are a good human being. I have more and more been able to deal with it, the PTSD ... not so much.

 

Joining the VFW 8 years ago was the best thing I have ever done. Decades ago we were not welcomed and even shunned. Some of us locally started our own vet's organization The Top O Texas Vietnam Veterans. We didn't want anything to do with those draft dodgers and leftists in VVAW.

 

Slowly we few drifted apart. Decades later my old bud from TOTVV contacted me. He was now post commander of our local VFW Post and signed me up. Here I find the comradeship I crave. We are a band of brothers. When an opening on the honor guard rifle team came up I jumped on it.

 

I am still not so fond of National but our local post does great things in the community and we are a force for good. We buy groceries, pay rents and utilities (more and more in these hard times) and give out scholarships, etc, etc.

 

If you were not welcomed by your local VFW post in days long past, I urge you to give them another chance. I feel safe to say I'm sure you will be welcomed with open arms by brothers in arms.

 

I get up three hours early twice a month to make the meetings, that's how much I love that place and those guys, my comrades and brothers.

 

It's cathartic and therapeutic.

[Noah Cash]

UB, ladies, and Gents

I thank you fine folks for your service. Although I served 23+ years in the USAF, I never set foot in any combat zone. From VN, to the first Gulf war, I was state side and many times thought " there but for the grace of God, Go I" I entered the AF in July of '71 and although that makes me a VietNam ERA vet, and the emphasis is on ERA! I have heard and know of a number of those who convienently forget to, or deliberately attempt to imply that they too were in-country as you actual VietNam Vets phrase it. Compared to what you folks went through I know I had it easy, a cake walk in fact. I signed up and did my bit, but is is you men and women who deserve the gratitude and thanks of this nation.

[Utah Bob #35998]

UB, ladies, and Gents

I thank you fine folks for your service. Although I served 23+ years in the USAF, I never set foot in any combat zone. From VN, to the first Gulf war, I was state side and many times thought " there but for the grace of God, Go I" I entered the AF in July of '71 and although that makes me a VietNam ERA vet, and the emphasis is on ERA! I have heard and know of a number of those who convienently forget to, or deliberately attempt to imply that they too were in-country as you actual VietNam Vets phrase it. Compared to what you folks went through I know I had it easy, a cake walk in fact. I signed up and did my bit, but is is you men and women who deserve the gratitude and thanks of this nation.

 

Duty assignments are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. Your 23 years in service is valued and appreciated. There are plenty of peacetime support and non combat types on the site. They are all brothers and sisters as far as I'm concerned..

 

Now, go send in your info.

[Wimpy Hank Yoho]

Quote Keepin Beararms "Compared to what you folks went through I know I had it easy, a cake walk in fact. I signed up and did my bit, but is is you men and women who deserve the gratitude and thanks of this nation."

 

I am in agreement with You, Keepin Beararms, and also I am like You, in that I served only here in the States, But I too, as Utah Bob eludes to, Did my best to serve My Country where ever I was sent and to what ever job I was sent to do. I only served 4 years, and You served many more than I did. I have had that problem too, feeling a little like I did not do all that I should have, as not serving in the war effort, but many a Marine, and ones that spent many a year in harms way, and served 20 plus years, have made me feel that my service was appreciated as well. I am having a tuff time explaining this. so I defer to UB on this. as He said,

 

" They (We) are all brothers and sisters as far as I'm (BoB's) concerned..

 

Now, go send in your info.

 

 

and I Just Can't Say It Enough

Thank You Veterans

and May God Bless Them and Keep Them Safe

 

 

 

 

 

Duty assignments are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. Your 23 years in service is valued and appreciated. There are plenty of peacetime support and non combat types on the site. They are all brothers and sisters as far as I'm concerned..

 

Now, go send in your info.

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

Its wierd Bob, Memorial Day always is a pretty down day. When I lived in D.C. I had to make a pilgrimage to the Wall. Always hated going but sorta felt an obligation. Veterans day generally did not have the same effect, guess I viewed it as a day for the living vs those who did not make it back home or have since died.

 

This year was really rather super and really had nothing to do with Vets per se. What made it super was I went to Applebee's for lunch. A free lunch is kinda nice but what made it special was the staff at Applebee's. We are talking about basically a bunch of young kids, probably as young as we were back in RVN or even younger. They were really into the whole veterans day thing. Crepe Paper bunting all over the place, flag pins with lights etc. The took the time to hand tie dye red, white and blue tshirts. Acted really glad to see a bunch of us old guys and even some super old guys. Saw at least 4 WWII guys a couple that might have been in Korea. Really think the staff were enjoying it more than those of us getting a free lunch.

[ShadowCatcher]

I have used it selfishly. It started as a mere goofy whim but grew into something much more. The more pictures I received, the more I enjoyed it. Researching insignia for long deactivated units for guys became a fun pastime. Seeing the photos of those young recruits in their brand new uniforms always puts a smile on my face.

<SNIP>

And yesterday when someone said "Happy Veterans Day" to me, I realized it finally was.

 

Just the view from this old trooper's saddle. Y'all have great day!

Self-ish . . .caring for self. A good thing at times, and necessary if you wish to take care of others, as every airline advises us before take off.

 

Uncle Bob - you have given us a gift, and in doing so have given yourself a gift as well. The Lord works in mysterious ways,

and we are humbled when we receive his blessings. It has been a long road for many, and you have been a help to some on this path. . . what

more can anyone strive for?

 

Thank you for sharing this - it is a wonderful thing . . .

 

SC

[Bama Red]

UB, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your work on the SASS vets site. You may not hear it often enough, but it is greatly appreciated.

 

And, Pardner, Welcome Home!

[Mustang Gregg]

 

Thanks, Utah!

 

MG

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

Thank you for your service, and you presence here, Bob.

I certainly can not stand with the fellows that served in

the combat zones of Vietnam, Korea, or the two WWs.

 

But I feel a kinship of all that wore the uniform and stood

the watch. It was a pretty thin line in Europe in the late '50s.

I remember well, all that stood with me there.

[EE Taft]

Thank you UB, and all here and everywhere that served or continue to serve our country!

 

Dad was in Vietnam and taught me as a kid that it was something to be proud of. But I must comment on a post made earlier in regards to taking 20 years to get a thanks outside of your family........Sir, you and all others deserve so much more!

 

Dad always said it was right to be proud of the service and sacrifice made by Vets but I was almost 20 myself before I heard anyone say "thank you" out in public for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.

 

This was like a light bulb going off to me! I though...."Hmmm, for years I've wondered what I could do to say thanks.....and all it takes is a simple thanks!"

 

I make it a point to thank every Vet that I come across......not for pride.....but because it's the right thing to do.

 

My Dad made it back.....so in a big way, those of you that made it back and those fallen......I owe you my life!

 

Respect and thanks to you all.

 

 

~EE Taft~

[Stubborn Dutchman, SASS # 61363]

UB, ... I'm another 'Vet' that feels unworthy of the term. I was Air Force at the end of Viet Nam, but never left the states. I was a world wide volenteer, but they stuck me in SAC in my home town. So much for 'join the service and see the world'. I stood on the ramp and watched my crew mates leave for TDY in South East Asia, and was there to welcome them home. Never once did I feel as if I was their equal.

 

As the 'conflict' drew to a close, and my every request for transfer denied, I put in for early discharge when it was offered. I seperated with an 'Honerable' but in my eyes that too was unworthy. Yes technically I'm a Vet. but not in my eyes.

 

Some years ago at a local air show, I stopped in at the 'Service Tent', I don't know why. While I was signing the guest book, the Army was putting on a demonstration of troop deployment in a combat zone, complete with pyrotechnics, a sky full of Huey's and blanks raining from M-60 door guns. I stood in silence as did the crowd until the last 'Slic' lifted off with 'wounded', then all aircraft landed. The cheers from the crowd drowned out the sound of the engines spooling down.

 

Once my eyes dried, and I finished a cup of coffee, I left the tent to go have a look a 'FiFi' the CAF's B-29. I hadn't walked 10 feet from the 'Service Tent' when this young man, maybe 16 years old, walked up to me to shake my hand and thanked me for serving. As I walked away, the sensation of that young mans grip still lingering in my hand, I cried, tears running down my cheeks and shortness of breath, for some time. I felt ashamed, as I didn't diserve that mans admiration.

 

Veterins Day, is still a downer for me. I thank those that served but I still dont feel as if I should be standing beside them.

 

Dutchman

[Marty Mudd]

UB, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your work on the SASS vets site. You may not hear it often enough, but it is greatly appreciated.

 

And, Pardner, Welcome Home!

 

 

Bama said it: Welcome Home, Partner.

Your site has many of my favorite shooting friends on it. Few of us had ever told each other of our service. It gave me a thrill each time I found a friend there. Your work is a fine thing in its own right. Keep it up for all of us, please.

Thank You, again.

Marty(just an old squid) Mudd

Go Navy!

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

I don't think your "selfishness" is an issue, Bob. The fact is that fate or nature or God have put you in the right place at the right time, and with the right skills, to do an awful lot of us the most good. So many of us got no recognition whatsoever for so long that this is like a sunrise for us. It's something bright and clean, fresh and strong.

 

Thanks...and don't ever let me hear you apologize for doing it. I'm just grateful that you do.

[Trailrider #896]

"Quote Keepin Beararms "Compared to what you folks went through I know I had it easy, a cake walk in fact. I signed up and did my bit, but is is you men and women who deserve the gratitude and thanks of this nation."

 

I am in agreement with You, Keepin Beararms, and also I am like You, in that I served only here in the States, But I too, as Utah Bob eludes to, Did my best to serve My Country where ever I was sent and to what ever job I was sent to do. I only served 4 years, and You served many more than I did. I have had that problem too, feeling a little like I did not do all that I should have, as not serving in the war effort, but many a Marine, and ones that spent many a year in harms way, and served 20 plus years, have made me feel that my service was appreciated as well. I am having a tuff time explaining this. so I defer to UB on this."

 

I, too, often feel like a piker when it comes to my service, which, "thanks" to MacNamera's economy cuts was actually 3-1/2 years rather than four. (I did spend the next twenty years in the aerospace and defense industry, so maybe that counts for something.)

 

This past Sunday, at the monthly meeting of my veterans' post, we had a speaker, a 19-year-OLD kid, who said that public speaking scared him to death! He is home on leave from the Army, after about seven months in Afghanistan (he was late deploying due to his training schedule...after jump school and other technical school stuff). He packs an M203 under his M4, and was the turret gunner on an MRAP, with the automatic "blooper" launcher. He figures his outfit has another deployment coming up in about seven months. Then, he hopes to get out and go to college. He has (in my words, not his) "seen the elephant". Compared with him, my 3-1/2 years driving around Montana, while friends of mine were dodging "flying telephone poles" over Hanoi, or sitting out 7 years of 'Nam in the "comfort and luxury" of the Hanoi Hilton was a sinicure! NOT my choice...(they threw me and a bunch of others out the back door of Vance AFB after my first checkride). But the only consolation I have, is what was posted above, and to paraphrase what "Lonesome George" Gobel said to Johnny Carson about spending WWII as an instructor pilot rather than flying combat missions: "I did what I was told to do, to the best of my ability, and the last time I looked, the [enemy] didn't take Oklahoma!", and in my case (and hopefully forever), there were no radioactive craters (except at the test sites) on the North American continent."

 

Thanks to all of you who served, and especially those who "saw the elephant"! Godspeed to those still or about to go in harm's way in the defense of Freedom everywhere! God Bless America!

[Chickahominy Charlie]

I am, and always have been, of the opinion that those who put on a uniform of the Armed Services of the United States are, in fact, veterans. Those who have done so have, as has been so eloquently said in the past, "written a blank check, payable to the United States of America, for anything, up to and including their lives." It is not their decision as to where or how they serve, but they served.

 

I attended a Veteran's Day service at my oldest kiddos Middle School on Friday (where Daddy's girl sang in the choir a wonderful rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" ). The thing that surprised me a bit was when the invited speaker asked for all veterans in the audience to stand....well, there weren't very many. Winston Churchill's "never have so many owed so much to so few" came to mind.

 

For you fellas that returned to the bitter public in the wake of Vietnam, I think all "follow on" veterans owe you a special "Thanks," because it was only through that "mistake" by the American public could we learn that it is the soldier who should be thanked, regardless of whether the political or strategic climate is agreed with. For Vietnam Vets, this was a bitter pill, but one that corrected the public's awareness. I was a grade-school kid when you guys were coming home, but I remember thinking how wrong it was for people to treat returning soliders that way.....they didn't have any say in what their fate was! I later joined as a 17 y/o in the early '80's and reaped the benefit of what our Vietnam Vets earned for us. So, "Thanks" to you guys/gals.....and I'm glad that the public finally smartened up.

 

Ok, I'll shut up now....

 

Chick

[Noz]

Self-ish . . .caring for self. A good thing at times, and necessary if you wish to take care of others, as every airline advises us before take off.

 

Uncle Bob - you have given us a gift, and in doing so have given yourself a gift as well. The Lord works in mysterious ways,

and we are humbled when we receive his blessings. It has been a long road for many, and you have been a help to some on this path. . . what

more can anyone strive for?

 

Thank you for sharing this - it is a wonderful thing . . .

 

SC

 

I agree and thank you Bob.

[Duffield, SASS #23454]

UB, ... I'm another 'Vet' that feels unworthy of the term. I was Air Force at the end of Viet Nam, but never left the states. I was a world wide volenteer, but they stuck me in SAC in my home town. So much for 'join the service and see the world'. I stood on the ramp and watched my crew mates leave for TDY in South East Asia, and was there to welcome them home. Never once did I feel as if I was their equal.

 

As the 'conflict' drew to a close, and my every request for transfer denied, I put in for early discharge when it was offered. I seperated with an 'Honerable' but in my eyes that too was unworthy. Yes technically I'm a Vet. but not in my eyes.

 

Some years ago at a local air show, I stopped in at the 'Service Tent', I don't know why. While I was signing the guest book, the Army was putting on a demonstration of troop deployment in a combat zone, complete with pyrotechnics, a sky full of Huey's and blanks raining from M-60 door guns. I stood in silence as did the crowd until the last 'Slic' lifted off with 'wounded', then all aircraft landed. The cheers from the crowd drowned out the sound of the engines spooling down.

 

Once my eyes dried, and I finished a cup of coffee, I left the tent to go have a look a 'FiFi' the CAF's B-29. I hadn't walked 10 feet from the 'Service Tent' when this young man, maybe 16 years old, walked up to me to shake my hand and thanked me for serving. As I walked away, the sensation of that young mans grip still lingering in my hand, I cried, tears running down my cheeks and shortness of breath, for some time. I felt ashamed, as I didn't diserve that mans admiration.

 

Veterins Day, is still a downer for me. I thank those that served but I still dont feel as if I should be standing beside them.

 

Dutchman

 

 

Dutchman,

 

You showed up, stood up and took the oath. The great majority of vets between 1963 and 1975 never went anywhere near Viet Nam, through no fault of their own. You were available and tried to go to Viet Nam. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Those of us that did have our own crosses to bear. Knowing that you are the last person to see a friend alive can weigh on your mind. We have to accept that there is a higher power Who has plans for us, and serve however humble our lot may be.

 

There is a video by a marine that tells how he finally let go after 40 years.

If you care to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ASETse4oNlI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

 

Utah Bob, thank you from all of us whom you have honored with your site. You are not the only one who has benefited from it.

 

Duffield

[Utah Bob #35998]

 

 

Veterins Day, is still a downer for me. I thank those that served but I still dont feel as if I should be standing beside them.

 

 

 

You're wrong there Pard. You can stand beside me any day.

 

 

Now, all you Bozos stop heaping praise upon ole Utah. I can't afford to replace my hat collection with larger sizes..

 

Semper Fi, Garryowen, Anchors Away, have a nice day.

 

Self Hijack...

Now, does anybody have a source for cheap lightsticks? I need some for our BP night shoot at Revenge of Montezuma in the spring.

[Wimpy Hank Yoho]

You're wrong there Pard. You can stand beside me any day.

 

 

Now, all you Bozos stop heaping praise upon ole Utah. I can't afford to replace my hat collection with larger sizes..

 

Semper Fi, Garryowen, Anchors Away, have a nice day.

 

Self Hijack...

Now, does anybody have a source for cheap lightsticks? I need some for our BP night shoot at Revenge of Montezuma in the spring.

 

I will check into that for Ya' Uncle Bob,

we've had 5 or 6 Night Shoots round these parts in the past year or so.

Wimpy

[Wimpy Hank Yoho]

 

Self Hijack...

Now, does anybody have a source for cheap lightsticks? I need some for our BP night shoot at Revenge of Montezuma in the spring.

 

Sorry Bob, no one here uses the lightsticks.