Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Long but well worth the READ.... To understand a Military Veteran you MUST know: We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure. We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives. We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew. We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth. We found new friends and new family. We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race or creed. We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times. We didn’t get enough sleep. We smoked and drank too much. We picked up both good and bad habits. We worked hard and played harder. We didn’t earn a great wage. We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events. We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again. We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all. We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others. Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t. Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t. Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare. We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical. We participated in time honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie. We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all. We have dealt with victory and tragedy. We have celebrated and mourned. We lost a few along the way. When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all. We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures. We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand. We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches. We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat. Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away. It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift. People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service. When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not. So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country. Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times. Share your stories. But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran. I’m a VETERAN! (copied from unknown author) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg Hair, SASS #29557 Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Thank you to all my brother and sister veterans out there. We will all be together again someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singin' Sue 71615 Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Shanley Shooter USMC Desert Storm 13 yrs service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyoma Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Happy Birthday Marines! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slapshot Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 I have never heard that but knew exactly what it was talking about. Happy Birthday Marines, Semper FI my fellow veterans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okiepan Posted November 10, 2021 Share Posted November 10, 2021 To my Marines out there Happy Birthday 246 Years and still going strong. Semper Fi Semper Paratus OP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 To everyone who was ever a Helicopter Crewman: Welcome Home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waxahachie Kid #17017 L Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 Some additional things, from what I experienced: You will be permanently changed. You give up trying to explain what you did, and saw. No one back home can understand. You just had to be there. We were either bored, or terrified. You fought for yourself, and for those around you...not for the flag, the country, or mom's apple pie. No matter your age, when you enlisted...you were old when you were discharged. The passing of time does not heal all wounds. You get hardened to things, and things may not get to you as easily as they once did...or as one vet explained it to me..."when you are in hell, a lighted match is no big deal". That may be right. After I was discharged, I was called "the iceman", by family and friends, for my seeming lack of outward emotion. I am sure each veteran has his/her own thoughts, and experiences...and what they came away with...good and bad. My experiences won't be yours, and yours won't be mine. One thing I am very glad about. Today's veterans are welcomed home, greeted with joy, and shown respect. Those things skipped our generation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 US Service Gents and Ladies, You have my heartfelt Thanks, and very profound admiration! From: The Son of a Korean War Navy vet, and the Father of a current Recon Marine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted November 11, 2021 Share Posted November 11, 2021 8 hours ago, Waxahachie Kid #17017 L said: Some additional things, from what I experienced: You will be permanently changed. You give up trying to explain what you did, and saw. No one back home can understand. You just had to be there. We were either bored, or terrified. You fought for yourself, and for those around you...not for the flag, the country, or mom's apple pie. No matter your age, when you enlisted...you were old when you were discharged. The passing of time does not heal all wounds. You get hardened to things, and things may not get to you as easily as they once did...or as one vet explained it to me..."when you are in hell, a lighted match is no big deal". That may be right. After I was discharged, I was called "the iceman", by family and friends, for my seeming lack of outward emotion. I am sure each veteran has his/her own thoughts, and experiences...and what they came away with...good and bad. My experiences won't be yours, and yours won't be mine. One thing I am very glad about. Today's veterans are welcomed home, greeted with joy, and shown respect. Those things skipped our generation. Since moving to central eight years ago that has been made up for. I proudly wear my Army of Marine Corps (I served in both) baseball caps and an average trip to the hardware store, grocery, or almost anyplace else gets me a "thanks for your service" at least half a dozen times and lots more for longer trips. And I have made a bunch of new friends, both veterans and non-veterans from these contacts. Thanks to all who have served and those who stayed behind and supported us while we were gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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