Veterans/Retired Military

[katfish16]

Any other Retired Military or Veterans out there?????

My self 28 great yrs U.S. Coast Guard. Wife was a military brat when we met N Japan. So she has been Military her whole life.

Thanks To All of YOU!!!!!!

 

[daexyooper]

Steve, I'm a retired E-8, USAF 1964 to 1985

 

[katfish16]

daexyooper, my wifes family is just about all Air Force,
her father 32 yrs
brother 22yrs
nephew-still active duty
nephew's wife still active duty
me and a brother n law are the black sheep he was 22yrs Navy and me Coast Guard
Thanks for ur service

 

[Rod Bearing]

To the Vets that were in Nam, "Welcome Home." To all Vets and current active duty, "Thanks for your Service".

Also, if you haven't ridden with the Patriot Guard, think about it.

 

[ka1ogk]

nam here Nov 69-oct 70
Feb 71-jan 72
Army Engineers
had a Nephew In Iraqe 18 months made it home safe.
And thanks for the welcome home that was the second time anyone has said that.

Don

 

[Ron H]

Veteran

MSG, US Army, Ret. here

View attachment 36655

 

[katfish16]

Don, in 1970 I was sitting on the Island of Iwo Jima. U.S. Coast Guard Loran Station me and 34 other Guys!! oh yea we had a dog...... There were 3 of us there from the South and soon found out the Japanese could not take a joke. We took their flag down and put up the Rebel flag(was kinda bored) man did we get into some trouble. I never saw a man yell and turn as red as the Chief of the station did. We did not do that again.

 

[mikey]

I was in the Florida National Guard from 1963 to 1976....I was an E-7. (I saw a lot of changes during that time!) I was in Miami during the riots in the 1960's.
Mikey

 

[elber.swinson@verizon.net]

Nam Vet

US Army 1st Signal Brigade
1970-1971
Long Bin

The other day some one said to "welcome home" to me and I must say even after 37 years it still struck a nerve. It made me fell good I WILL always remember it and I'll try to pass it along when I can.

 

[katfish16]

Elber, I know what U mean. At my retirement cermony (in 1997)I thanked my Father and the other Veterans for their service. Needless to say there was not a dry eye left in the audiance. One man there was one of the first Navy Frogmen, I had given he a tour of my Cutter and gave him a unit hat. He was like a kid who just got a new toy. Sometimes a heart felt thank you can go a long way.

 

[chickie]

veterans

Hey Katfish 5 1/2 years in Uncle Sams canoe club. 1 Year in Nam Sept.69 to Sept 69 then 3 years in Puerto Rico Naval transmitter site near Ramey AFB. Had to get out then.
Chickie

 

[Trikerjim]

1972-76 ssgt USAF
Step-Son E-3 Army (Desert Shield/Storm) Home now
Brother-in-Law Retired CPO- Navy

God Bless all of you!

 

[Hawkeye]

US Navy: 1967 - 1971 - Vietnam 68-69-70, San Diego 71
US Air Force: 1972 - 1976 - Colorado Springs, CO

 

[brownjug]

Usaf 1958-1964

 

[Buzzard]

Buzzard, CW4, US Army 1960 - 1985. Three VN Combat Tours.

 

[michael swan]

Nam Vet

Thanks for the welcome home.In nam from jan 70-jan 71.Army engineers at whiskey mountain. Mike

 

[Trikerbob01]

Veteran

I was in the Marines for 4 years 1961-1965. Stayed out 6 months and joined the Air Force. Was in for 6 1/2 years.But rank was frozen and so wasn't my career field so I got out. Will always be a Marine. SemperFi!!

Bob

 

[Yellow Trike]

My husband and I volunteered to hand out clovers for the VVA Welcome Home. Chapter 951 received $1000 in donations that day.

As the spouse of a Viet Name veteran I have seen shock and pleasure of Vietnam Veterans, after 40 years, when someone says, "Thank you for your service."

The photo below is of VVA Chapter 951 President Dean Gotham (right) and member Larry Schneider (left).

Yesterday we attended the dedication of the Veterans Bridge in Lake County, CA. Veterans and Patriot Guard Riders were the first to cross the bridge following the dedication.

 

[bigdave]

Navy 64 to 72

4 submarine patrols
My thanks to all of the Vets

 

[billh]

Was in the Army '62 - '67, Vietman '66.

Bill

 

[John Luciano]

1967 1968 459 Sig Batalion, Sun Cau Vietnam. I was attached to Mangho (TIGER) Korean Army.

 

[patriot]

USAF E7, 1968 - 1989

I did not make it to VN, however, I served in the theater area. I salute those who were in Viet Nam. It was a sacrifice and I appreciate it.

 

[threewheeled]

military service men and women

I would take clean water and get on my knee's and wash your feet in shear thanks for giving my family a safe land to live in... I Salute every Dam one of you till my arm gets so tired I pass out. Have a beer on me...
kodiak

 

[Nana]

Re: Vietnam Wall

The traveling wall is in our area this week, and we rode over to see it today. I've been to the big one in DC several times, and it is always deeply moving and very emotional for me. Even this 1/2-sized wall leaves me on the edge of tears and has an atmosphere of deep and solemn stillness. I was honored to chat for a few minutes with 4-5 vets who were there, all but one from Vietnam. The younger man was a veteran of Desert Storm, as is my son-in-law of whom I am very proud.

I told them how much I respect and appreciate what they have done for all of us, even though we are total strangers to them. Obviously this exhibit really meant a lot to these veterans, and I am so glad the traveling wall is constantly being exhibited around the country so that everyone has the opportunity to experience it. I know I am talking about an American memorial here, but I am sure that this same emotion and pride is felt by people of every country when they think of the service and self-sacrifice of their military men and women.

 

[bamarascal]

USAF 1962-1966. Dept. Veterans Affairs 1973-2005.
Rolling Thunder/Run to the Wall, several times.

 

[John Luciano]

ABOUT THE TRAVELING WALL I drove to a viewing of the wall about 40 miles from my home. My wife and I rode on the bike down to it. That was a big mistake. She cant drive the trike. I didn't realize how emotional it was going to be. I ended up almost passing out. I had to go speak with a chapin before I could compose my self enough to ride home. Seeing the names of comrades in print brought me to my knees. I will never try that again. Vietnam Mothers Day 1967 1968 When I came home I was not greeted at the airport I snuck in on a RED eye from Fort Ord Calf.

 

[Georgew48]

USAF CMSGT retired. a little over 28 years. Thank you to all Vets.

 

[newtriker]

Our son in law is active duty navy--on his second re-enlistment. He's the only one in the family that is military so we are learning about the life. We are so proud of him and see what sacrifices it is for the family. We spend more time than we thought we would just keeping up morale of daughter and grand daughter when he's gone, which is a lot. We've helped them move and we have gone to visit them in VA several times just to keep the family close. We wouldn't change a thing though and have a new respect for all military men and women plus their families.

 

[rmrc51]

U.S. Coast Guard 1970 - 1976

Search & Rescue / Port Security.

I've always been in the habit of wearing my Coast Guard cap. Just last week I stopped at a drive in Duncan Donuts and the lady asked if I was in the military. I just told her that it was many many years ago but I wished I had never left. Can you believe that she gave me a military discount on my coffee??? lol. But I tell ya,,, it really felt good!!!! Brought me back in time!!!!

 

[Juju]

I don't know how I missed this thread the first time around.

Both the Chief and I are retired from the Navy. He did 21 years and I did 20. We both started out as enlisted Parachute Riggers, met when we were both teaching at the PR school, and I got my commission at about the 10-year mark. After that, we had a "mixed marriage."