Worth watching

[ntsammy5]

As some of you may or may not know, I was in the US Army for 36 years both active and National Guard. I'm retired now. All of my career was spent in a Brigade level or lower -- what's known now as a BCT -- Brigade Combat Team, mostly in Infantry, Armor or Cavalry units. I've seen war many times and have trained many people to go to war. Those are my kids serving in Iraq and Afganistan now, and I couldn't be prouder of them if they were my own flesh and blood. I ran across this tread earlier today and wanted to share it with you.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638874

Thanks for watching.

Al
US Army, Retired

 

[Gatordad]

Very good video, God Bless

 

[LarryJ]

As some of you may or may not know, I was in the US Army for 36 years both active and National Guard. I'm retired now. All of my career was spent in a Brigade level or lower -- what's known now as a BCT -- Brigade Combat Team, mostly in Infantry, Armor or Cavalry units. I've seen war many times and have trained many people to go to war. Those are my kids serving in Iraq and Afganistan now, and I couldn't be prouder of them if they were my own flesh and blood. I ran across this tread earlier today and wanted to share it with you.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638874

Thanks for watching.

Al
LTC, Infantry
US Army, Retired

Great Video and thanks for sharing. I too am retired military as was my dad and both our sons are now active duty Naval Aviators flying the FA-18 Super Hornets. We're incredibly proud of both and one of the most moving things we ever witnessed was when our son was at NAS Oceania in VF-14 flying the F-14 was when his squadron as tasked to perform the missing man fly over for a funeral at Arlington for a repatriated vietnam aviator whose remains were found and identified. We attended from distance so as not interfere with the services and our son was in the "missing man" plane. It was one of the most powerful and moving things we have ever witnessed ... the day, setting etc. were perfect.

God bless and keep save all who serve and keep our freedom safe and secure.

Larry
USN-Ret.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Unfortunately, I am on dial up at my office and will have to wait until I get home tonight to watch this, but watch I will.

It is kind of amazing how many of us retired military are on this board. I have both active and reserve time and retired last November with 27 years in the Army. My son is currently on ROTC scholarship and will be commissioned after next year. I retired as a Colonel, so my activities with this war were more administrative. I will say, however, that I easily sent far more over to Iraq than I saw returning. I currently work in the VA system, and the number of vets returning severly disabled is disturbing. Daily SITREPs I saw while deployed in 2004 were equally disturbing. May God have mercy on us all.

Jim
COL(ret)
US Army

 

[ntsammy5]

I retired as a Colonel, so my activities with this war were more administrative.

I know what you mean. When mt battalion was activated for Iraq, they discovered I had type II diabetes so I was considered medically unfit for deployment. My knee also had to be replaced (too many jumps) so I guess it was for the best, but it was very, very difficult to watch them go.

our sons are now active duty Naval Aviators flying the FA-18 Super Hornets.

I have nothing but respect for Naval Aviators -- they pulled my bacon out of the fire more than once.

Unfortunately none of my children joined the military, so a family tradition going back to the Revolutionary War is being broken. That seems to be a trend in our society.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Sammy, thank you....for more than can be written in words. Its very easy for some of us civilians to forget whats happeng to our friends, family, neighbors, and unknown, unmentioned, unsung heros over there living in the hell with the only thing thats keeps them going, the only thing that keeps them sane....is the thought of coming home to the ones they love, the ones they fight and suffer for. Here we are, *****ing about the price of gasoline, and the weather, or whatever completely unimportant things we can find to complain about because our lives are so good that we have to hunt for our problems. Our troops are hunting for their reasons to smile, their reasons to keep going and stay strong.Funny how that situation changes your whole perspective on life. Civilians like me need a video like that to remind us....to humble us...to make us remember to be thankful, especially during the holiday season.While we'll probably be *****in about the turkey being a little dry this year, or thatgrammaw got the canned cranberries instead of making it from scratch...our heros will most likely be dodging bombtoting pregnant females and guntoting toddlers. We've got it good dont we. Im not a politically active person at all....wether we belong overseas or not is not my decision to make or critique in anyway...but it sure would be nice to have them home for the holidays. Wow...Im sorry, ya got me on a little emotional rant there.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Remember the days when we thought our greatest threat was from the Russians? I vividly remember when we got our first inkling that we were going to the middle east for the first Gulf War - all our vehicles were called in and returned with new desert camouflage paint jobs.

 

[Colson39]

Thank you all for your service to our country, you are an amazing group of Americans.

I also come from a long line of military personnel, although I never served. My dream growing up was to be a Naval Aviator, and I was well on my way to attempting to attend the Naval Academy, even meeting with several Senators in high school. However, someone out there decided to play a cruel joke on me and gave me 20/10 vision, but I am partially color blind. Color blindness and aviation don't really go hand in hand, especially any kind of military/commercial aviation.

I don't know if things have changed now, but back in the day that was an instant disqualification.

There is a funny story though. It had always been suspected that I was partially color blind, but I had never had an official test. Once it seemed like me going to join the Navy and start on my way to becoming a Naval Aviator was a distinct possibility, my family decided to have a real test done. The doctor knew what I was there for, and I had explained how the results of this test would have a severe impact on my lifelong dream.

So when the doctor came back, he sat me down and told me, "I'm sorry Chris, but you are partially color blind, and it doesn't appear you will be able to become a pilot in the Navy." I of course was shocked, dismayed, and I responded, "So that's it, there is nothing else?". The doctor looked at me and said, "Well, you also can never become a train conductor".

Let's just say to this day that is the most off the wall statement I have ever heard anyone say to me, and he said it in all seriousness. I look back now and laugh, because this doctor had just crushed this teenage boy's dreams of becoming a Naval Aviator, and then he decided that he should also let me know that I could never be a train conductor. Because, you know, that was my first thought as a career choice after Naval Aviation

Sorry to go off track here, just wanted to relate somehow. My dad and uncle both served in Vietnam, my grandfather was a tank commander in WWII, and there are some people in my past that probably fought against the US (I have Native American heritage on both sides of my family, Blackfoot and Sioux).

I salute each and every one of you that has served this country with honor and distinction. You make us all proud.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

An interesting story from my family - my great great grandfather enlisted in the Army in 1862 with his brother. He was 17, his brother 15. Both farm boys interested in seeing the country. At Gettysburg, the brother was shot in the hand and my grandfather refused to allow the surgeons to amputate, so he dressed the wound and was allowed to care for him - he recovered less 2 fingers. My grandfather, meanwhile, contracted measles and was discharged and sent home to die. He recovered and reinlisted under a different name to finish the war. Obviously he survived or I wouldn't be here, but he fought in some of the bloodiest conflicts of the war. Those guys were certainly cut from a different cloth - I can't imagine facing what he did at that age. In contrast, I met a general officer a couple of years ago who complained because a mess hall didn't have a cappucino machine - within 2 days, one appeared.

 

[CottontailCurl]

I'd like to take a moment to ask everyone who is reading this to get a group of your friends and family together and have one of you find out what a veteran in your area is needing. You can google Veteran's Assistance and your state to see who you can call to find this out, you'll be amazed at the need our vets have. From the widow of a WWII Vet who needs a lift chair, to a disabled Vietnam vet who has a family he's not able to support as he'd hoped to, to our recently returned military whose needs are varied and great; there are so many out there living near us who are falling through the cracks of Veteran's Assistance. You'd also be amazed what your group of friends and family can come up with in support of these guys. Someone might know someone else who could get the lift chair at their furniture store for a discount, your group could quickly come up with donations of food and household goods for the Vietnam Vet. We can do so much with a larger group to get it done.

As for our group, Papaloya has been on my mind. He left for Iraq recently and I'm hoping he's doing OK. On top of all the 'usual' day to day of living in a combat area he's got to be up mentally and spiritually for everyone, all day every day. I was also thinking that maybe he could let Mamaloya know if any of the young kids there are not getting any care packages from back home. She could let us know and we could send things directly to those guys (maybe the address could be pm'd I don't know if writing that info out here would be harmful for the unit?).

 

[dreambound]

Cottontail, thank you for thinking about the vets when they return as well. My dad is one of them and he has been through a great deal. It's not enough to give a heroes welcome to a returning soldier. They need to be taken care of as well. Anyone who knows anything about the VA and the VA medical system knows that this is often not the case. What's happening in VA hospitals is disgusting and offensive.

Vets shouldn't be forgotten once they get home.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Cottontail, thank you for thinking about the vets when they return as well. My dad is one of them and he has been through a great deal. It's not enough to give a heroes welcome to a returning soldier. They need to be taken care of as well. Anyone who knows anything about the VA and the VA medical system knows that this is often not the case. What's happening in VA hospitals is disgusting and offensive.

Vets shouldn't be forgotten once they get home.

The VA system is government beaurocracy at its best. Tragically, there are a huge number of employees who are not veterans and have no understanding of what they have been through or are going through. In my department, I am the only veteran and I can't tell you the level of frustration I deal with daily there because of this. I have many tragic stories of vets "lost in the shuffle". My motto to vets like your dad: Never give up. If he is not getting anywhere with his case manager, he needs to move on to someone else. Agent orange exposure has finally been accepted as a link to a variety of medical issues and benefits available to these veterans should almost be automatic.

 

[Gatordad]

I play golf with a few retired Marines.... they have good stories as well. God Bless our Vets, and God Bless those that never returned from the battlefield like my two uncles buried in France.

 

[dreambound]

The VA system is government beaurocracy at its best. Tragically, there are a huge number of employees who are not veterans and have no understanding of what they have been through or are going through. In my department, I am the only veteran and I can't tell you the level of frustration I deal with daily there because of this. I have many tragic stories of vets "lost in the shuffle". My motto to vets like your dad: Never give up. If he is not getting anywhere with his case manager, he needs to move on to someone else. Agent orange exposure has finally been accepted as a link to a variety of medical issues and benefits available to these veterans should almost be automatic.

Thanks FWguy. I had edited my post because my first one sounded a bit whiny, which is not true to my dad's spirit at all. I don't curse much, but he's a tough MF. He earned a Bronze Star- for valor, not meritorious service. He won't tell me what he did. He's a hardworking man and I'd drop this trip in a heartbeat and give him every penny of it but he would have none of that.

He's found an advocate with the local VVA chapter and he's getting somewhere, but not fast enough as far as I'm concerned. He should have been able to retire 8 years ago when he got his diagnosis. He's not going to give up though.

Phew, I need some innocuous Disney right about now...

 

[dreambound]

Thanks FWguy. I had edited my post because my first one sounded a bit whiny, which is not true to my dad's spirit at all. I don't curse much, but he's a tough MF. He earned a Bronze Star- for valor, not meritorious service. He won't tell me what he did. He's a hardworking man and I'd drop this trip in a heartbeat and give him every penny of it but he would have none of that.

He's found an advocate with the local VVA chapter and he's getting somewhere, but not fast enough as far as I'm concerned. He should have been able to retire 8 years ago when he got his diagnosis. He's not going to give up though.

Phew, I need some innocuous Disney right about now...

And now you guys know why I obsess over the small stuff. Keeps my mind from obsessing over the big stuff...

 

[CottontailCurl]

Cottontail, thank you for thinking about the vets when they return as well. My dad is one of them and he has been through a great deal.

And, (it's my opinion) the bulk of the guys who need the most help aren't going to ask for it, they wear their scars mostly in silence because they consider it a part of what they did, who they are.

I'm glad your Dad found help, if the system continues to move at a snail's pace you can try to write to your Congressmen to see what they can do.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

I wrote this seven years ago...this thread reminds me of some of it...if you have a second, check it out...its only about a one-minute read, not recomended for the kiddies....http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=43619743&blogID=254948097

 

[LarryJ]

And, (it's my opinion) the bulk of the guys who need the most help aren't going to ask for it, they wear their scars mostly in silence because they consider it a part of what they did, who they are.

So, So true. Another aspect of this is those left behind when one deploys. I was extremely lucky being a Naval Officer since my wife always had the support of the other wives, as probably most Active Duty members have within their respective service since they tend to be fairly close knit groups. However, one section that could really use more support are the National Guard since they tend to be more scattered around the civilian community and if you know of a family where one or the other of the family near you is serving overseas is to try and befriend that family to help out those especially with small ones. Even things like cleaning gutters or making sure if car repairs are needed that they aren't taken advantage of can be a godsend to those left behind trying to maintain home and raise a family with only half of the normal assets ... even inviting them over to a thing like a backyard BBQ won't be forgotten and I will guarantee you that what ever you do you will get back 10 fold when that deployed spouse returns.

When I was deployed how my wife and son(s) were doing was always on my mind, but took some comfort in knowing others more experienced who were also going thru the same thing were watching over her.

Larry

 

[dreambound]

So, So true. Another aspect of this is those left behind when one deploys. I was extremely lucky being a Naval Officer since my wife always had the support of the other wives, as probably most Active Duty members have within their respective service since they tend to be fairly close knit groups. However, one section that could really use more support are the National Guard since they tend to be more scattered around the civilian community and if you know of a family where one or the other of the family near you is serving overseas is to try and befriend that family to help out those especially with small ones. Even things like cleaning gutters or making sure if car repairs are needed that they aren't taken advantage of can be a godsend to those left behind trying to maintain home and raise a family with only half of the normal assets ... even inviting them over to a thing like a backyard BBQ won't be forgotten and I will guarantee you that what ever you do you will get back 10 fold when that deployed spouse returns.

When I was deployed how my wife and son(s) were doing was always on my mind, but took some comfort in knowing others more experienced who were also going thru the same thing were watching over her.

Larry

Wow, I had not thought of the families of the National Guard that way. I know a lot of military moms and they are a tight bunch...they really take care of each other but the NG families are less connected, I'd imagine. Something to think about at the holidays.

 

[ntsammy5]

However, one section that could really use more support are the National Guard since they tend to be more scattered around the civilian community

This is very true. NG troops and especially their families are not on military bases and generally are not part of the military community where there are support groups. Their neighbors generally do not know what they are going through due to unfamiliarity with military operations and problems. Families are also not near medical facilities that are generally available to active duty troops so they sometimes have to fend for themselves with Tricare (military insurance) and sometimes don't get the treatment they need. The list goes on and on. Not only are the families placed in a situation where they have to fend for themselves, they are usually woefully unprepared.

Units try to help with support groups but that doesn't always work out well. This put incredible amounts of stress on family members left behind and also on deployed troops. It has been getting better only because reserve component troops are now on their 2nd and 3rd deployments so they're getting better at it. BUT, like Larry says if you know a military family where a spouse is deployed, stop in and say hello and ask if there's anything you can do to help. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen. Sometimes they need advice from someone older, wiser and more experienced. Sometimes they just may need someone to cry with them.

I'm sure FWG could add something to this because he sees things from inside the VA and is closer to it than I am now. Thanks for listening.