Not about welding....

[mrcaptainbob]

If you're a Veteran...Thank you for your effort.

[usmcpop]

Amen.

Thank you vets!

[hankj]

In my lifetime, Americans have perished on foreign soil too many times.

I was born on December 22nd, 1941. Imagine how my parents felt.

I was too young for the "police action" in Korea. I joined the Navy in 1960, but by the time my enlistment was up in 1964, the death toll from the later-to-be-recognized as the Vietnam War was not public. I lost a family member in that "unwinnable" war.

United States armed forces have served, and died, in many places since then. They continue to die. And, it seems, more will die in the effort to keep our country free of threat from foreign nations.

I am proud to have worn the uniform of a military branch of my country. Still, I was of the fortuneate group who never needed to doge an artillery round, or a sniper's bullet.

However, many hundreds of United States Freedom Fighters have died in the 65+ years that I have lived, and I salute each and every one of them and their family members.

My problem is that, when they return to the home for which they have just been placed in harm's way to defend, why are they not treated as the heroes that they are, instead of being abandoned?

May God bless our armed forces,

Hank

[mrcaptainbob]

Similar story, hankj, same sentiments.

[556man]

God bless our veterans and armed forces.

556man

[JimYo]

I came home on R&R from Vietnam to see my new son that was born while I was there. My charter flight was an hour late getting into LA, and there was one plane that was connecting to Texas at that time of night. I think there were 10 or so of us trying to make that connection. The passengers on that airplane all agreed to wait an extra hour so we could make the connection. When we came aboard, they all clapped for us. I guess I will remember that day until I die, and I don't think the people of America forget their soldiers ... just a few do, that always seem to make the news..
Jim

[n8tureboy]

God bless all out veterans....I salute you.

[smyrna5]

This is extremely late, but thank all of you guys who served. We owe our freedoms to you, and those who lost life and limb, and don't thank you enough, nor treat you with the respect you deserve.

[SundownIII]

JimYo,

Glad to hear your experience was positive. Mine wasn't.

Upon returning to the US Mainland (via Clarke AFB, Alaska, LA) after 31 months in SE Asia (5th SFG-Thailand, SVN, NVN, Cambodia, Laos) I was met by a different group. War protesters who took it upon themselves to hurl insults (as well as balloons filled with piss) in our direction. That also created a "lasting impression".

I truly am glad to see that today's "returning heros" are being greeted more favorably.

[Rocky D]

Sad sad, sad, .....too disgusting for words....God bless you, Sundown and all you guys, that survived the throws of war. Americans who have answered the call are all heroes, regardless of what the reason was. I do like what hey are calling our troops, now instead of soldiers...warfighters....that has more dignity to it.
Semper Fi

[AnotherDano]

Today we have groups like the Patriot Guard Riders who spend a lot of time beyond their original 'mission', hanging out at airports and cheering the returning soldiers, sailors and airmen.

I came back through San Francisco with another 18 monts to serve. I got a clothing issue, a check and directions to the door. Never felt so invisible.
Until I went out the door and say the 'welcoming committee' and their insults.

[BBackSoon]

A thanks to all the Vet’s who did their duty. I never wore a uniform, so maybe my comments are irrelevant to all of you that did.

I think the best things we could do for our solders is to not constantly put them into impossible situations, and we should take good care of those that have made sacrifices when they do come home.

Just my two cents.

[usmcpop]

As for the Patriot Guard Riders, it's not a "club". You don't have to join to go on "missions", you just sign up to get on the email list for notification. You don't have to own or ride a motorcycle (I don't), and anyone can go on missions.

I've gone with the Virginia PGR on a number of funeral honor missions and two "welcome home" runs. While we obviously prefer the latter, the former is really our mission.

http://www.patriotguard.org/AboutUs/OurMission/tabid/60/Default.aspx

[JimYo]

I got this link today in an email... I think it would go good here ... click on it.. :)
http://www.sgtstrader.org:80/msg/2006tdm1.html
Jim

[AnotherDano]

As for the Patriot Guard Riders, it's not a "club". You don't have to join to go on "missions", you just sign up to get on the email list for notification. You don't have to own or ride a motorcycle (I don't), and anyone can go on missions.

I've gone with the Virginia PGR on a number of funeral honor missions and two "welcome home" runs. While we obviously prefer the latter, the former is really our mission.

http://www.patriotguard.org/AboutUs/OurMission/tabid/60/Default.aspx


Well stated usmcpop.
I'm still listed as a Ride Captain in Tennessee. Now that I've moved to Wyoming, I need to get in contact with the local leaders and let them know I'm here.

[loulou61]

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS (PAST AND PRESENT)

Went in the Navy in 1964 for 3 yrs active duty and 3 yrs reserves. On a Cruiser, got to see a lot of the world, some good some bad. Love this site, not much of a writer but regular reader. Thanks

[Rocky D]

I got this link today in an email... I think it would go good here ... click on it.. :)
http://www.sgtstrader.org:80/msg/2006tdm1.html
Jim

That....will go good .....anywhere! Thanks for sharing....Semper Fi