From a veteran to all veterans

[Fast Action]

I do not think we get thanked enough for what he have done for our country, however I have learned to accept that. I do want to say for those veterans like myself out there in fish land and all over, "THANKS!"

Well I has veterans day off and planned on hitting the river, but double time and a half? HHMMMMMMMM that is a couple nice rods for a days work. Ok I will work.

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

God Bless all veterans past and present who afford us the life we have today.

[fishchaser]

Thank You all. Veterans past and present. Keep me safe while I sleep, eat, and fish.

SSG. US Army, Retired.

"Support Our Troops"

[ 11-10-2003, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: fishchaser ]

[crazyinoregon]

Semper Fi....USMC vet here. Have a great V-day. Thanks to all who appreciate vets.

[Dipnet]

Thank-you and God Bless You all, past and present Veterans!!

Dipnet :grin:

[STGRule]

Thank you all and peace for all. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[wannacatchem]

20+ years in the USAF......thanks to all my brethren for serving with me, and thanks to the Americans we so willing served for. And to everybody thats ever benefited from our actions, you're welcome.

[Thumper]

Thank you for keeping us safe here at home. We owe you our way of life.

[skein]

I NEVER forget that our vets HAVE BEEN THERE for us all, and I never forget what we owe them. Not all of 'em are saints, or even heroes, but there sure wouldn't be an AMERICA without them.

Salute! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Skein

[fishnbus]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Happy Veteran's Day to all of my fellow vets, and, forever, Welcome Home!! :smile:

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a veteran.

Dennis Adkins, 3/22Inf. 25th Infantry Division

[Silver One]

Fast Action

Not only do you not get thanked enough, but the hand ringers question every move you made serving and protecting them and ME.

They probably teared up, as did I, when they watched a short two years ago firefighters and policeman perious while saving innocents. But they cast scorn when fellow heroes halfway across the globe have saved millions from a dictator on a par with Hitler.

Not only do I honor them and all you vets, I am proud that I live in a country that would take such an action. But then you and we have been protecting the world for generations. I for one notice and on this morning can only offer a sincere THANKYOU to all who have served.

[Born to Fish]

In memory of, and to honor my fallen comrades [Viet Nam, 1968-69], and all Veterans, past and present. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

To those currently in the active and reserve services we salute and thank you for your dedication to protect the freedom and principles upon which this great nation was founded. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[ 11-11-2003, 07:03 AM: Message edited by: Born to Fish ]

[Straydog]

Thank you Vets, past, current and future!

[Yes I Am]

Thanks to all of you who serviced our country, no matter what. We Americans deserve what we fight for.

My son is being deployed to Iraq with the 81st Armored Brigade. His M.O.S. is 13F10-Forward Observer or Fire Support Specialist.

He is the most confident soldier that I know. His service date was up in September, so he re-upped to be with his team that he's trained with for the last six years.

Yes I Am

[pdxkevin]

Thank you and God bless.

________________________________________


This is a work of fiction but the story has become part of the "folk-lore" surrounding the honour and Esprit de Corps of the Veteran Community...

CEMETERY DUTY
I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's for a few cold ones. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever - the heat and humidity at the same level - too damned high. I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking slot at a snail's pace.

An old woman got out so damn slow I thought she was paralyzed. She had a cane and a sheaf of flowers, about four or five bunches as best I could tell. I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: “Crap! She's going to spend an hour, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get the hell out of here right, by-God, now!” But my duty was to assist anyone coming in. Kevin would lock the “in” gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make the last half of happy hour.

I broke Post Attention. The hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight; middle-aged man with a small pot- gut and half a limp, in Marine Full Dress Uniform, which had lost its razor crease about 30 minutes after I began the watch. I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

“Ma'am, can I assist you in any way?”

She took long enough to answer. “Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.”

“My pleasure Ma'am.” Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.

She looked again. “Marine, where were you stationed?”

“Vietnam, ma'am. Ground-pounder, '69 to '71.”

She looked at me closer. “Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.”

I lied a little bigger. “No hurry, Ma'am.”

She smiled, and winked at me. “Son, I'm 85-years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can come. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.”

“Yes, ma'am. At your service.”

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC, France 1918. She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943. She went up the row a way and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman USMC, 1944. She paused for a second, “Two more, son, and we'll be done.”

I almost didn't say anything, but, “Yes, ma'am. Take your time.”

She looked confused. “Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.”

I pointed with my chin. “That way, ma'am.”

“Oh!” she chuckled quietly. “Son, me and old age aren't too friendly.” She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out.

“OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.”

“Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?”

She paused. “Yes, Donald Davidson was my father; Stephan was my Uncle; Stanley was my husband; Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines.” She stopped, whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. And never have. She made her way to her car, slowly, and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and double-timed it over to Kevin waiting by the car. “Get to the 'out-gate' quick, Kev. I have something I've got to do.”

Kev started to say something but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

“Kev, stand to attention next to the gate post. Follow my lead.” I humped it across the drive to the other post. When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best Buck Sergeant's voice: “Tehen Hut! Present Haaaarms!” I have to hand it to Kev. He never blinked an eye; full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing Duty, Honor and Sacrifice.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Author Unknown

[FishSniffer]

As I wipe the tear from my eye after reading pdxKevins post I would like to welcome home all my brothers and sisters that made it back. And for those that never did, from conflicts recognized or not, you are not forgotton.

Greg
SFC, 3/12 SFG (AIRBORNE), medic

[fishingfirst]

I would like to add my thanks.
And a recognition to the following as well:
Doug Crawford (my nephew)
currently in the Army serving in Iraq
Adam Farrell (my son)
just graduated from Basic at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri last Thursday. On his way to AIT in Arizona.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your efforts and sacrifices.

Scott Rimmer
USN 86-90
EO3 (Seabees)

[O'City Fisherman]

I thank all vets past and present.

I especially give thanks to my fellow team members that lost there lives while serving with me in the GULF. I will never forget you.

3rd Armor. Spearhead.

Bless you all.

Don't quite seem right I have to work today.

Rick
RMC USN
1969-1979
Gulf Of Tonkin Club

[freespool]

While on duty at DaNang air base in 1970 I witnessed a very eerie but moving sight. There on the tarmack was a C141 starlifter being loaded with alumimum coffins,and just down the ramp was a Brannif chartered airliner where fresh replacement troops were disembarking into a waiting bus. At that very instant my mind came to the realization what serving my country was all about. Funny how small things like that can make a 19 year old wiser than his years.

USN 69-72 Air Guard 77-97

[jokester]

THANK YOU ALL VETERANS!!! :smile: We couldn't have the freedoms we do today if it weren't for the men and women who fought to keep our country free. My hat's off to you!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

-jokester

[duckcall]

Thanks.........We won't forget

[SLEDDER]

To all veterans (Brothers) Thanks for your service! To all others: You are welcome!
USN 87-97
TEAM 1 91-94

[Big TULE]

To all veterans, Thank you for the life i have lived and the choices i have been able to make. I give thanks to all who served along side my family members in the big wars, and along side myself in the recent ones. I hope all make it home to there family memebers safe and sound. I know my family misses me and worries when i am gone.

Chris
FC1(SW) USN
95-Pres

[GutZ]

Thanks to all who have served and all who will.

Jeff
USAF
Sep '79 - Sep '83

[Pilar]

Fishnbus, thanks for the comment. Although we all may have to learn Spanish soon.

PdxKevin, Cool story, thank you. The KIA vets pay the price with their lives but their families pay it for the rest of their lives.

I dedicate this day of remembrance to all of my silent service brothers who are still out on patrol ... may they rest in peace.

US Navy, Dec. 7, 1976 - Sept 9, 1985, John Wells EM1/SS

[Joe Schwab]

Thanks to all the vets. Could not get out today due to bad cold. Watched The Korean War on History Channel. My oldest brother was in the 1st Marines at Chosin. He made it out. What heroes!

Then put on the final disc of Band of Brothers :
"Why we fight" If you haven't seen it do so. It is powerful!

SSgt USAF 1962-1969.

[CATCH AND EAT]

I've never been in the service but I certainly appreciate each and everyone of you that have served this great country. Your dedication, bravery, and service we are all forever in your debt. God Bless You All! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Mojo]

PDXKevin,

I'm speechless.

In my 19+ years of service to this country, a few things have brought a tear to my eye...

The day we launched the last F-4 in the United States inventory, and sent her to the "bone yard". Like watching my best girlfriend walk out the door.

Burying 3 of my comrades (the latest funeral was 3 weeks ago).

Each and every time I see a missing man formation, or hear Taps.

Kevin, that one did too.

"All game some, some gave all..."

My thanks to everyone that ever put on a uniform!

[Mtn Man]

Thanks Kevin, I really enjoyed that story.

Thanks to all who have served, continue to and will.

Alan Davison ET2/SS
USS Michigan SSBN 727 (B)
88 - 94

[notaclue]

Thanks alot every body, it really means alot to all over of us to have such great people out there supporting us. All you guys are why we are out there anyway.

notaclue

[ssteelheadsteve]

My god Bless the National Guard and the folks who have been activated and forgotten by the " VETS "
because most don't consider NG's to be real soliders. GO GUARD - It's Real.......

[roadsend]

Thanks to all the above posters for the kind sentiments.
Kudos to the Total Force: Active, Guard, and Reserve.
I am proud to have served more than 25 years in the active and reserve components.