Non- Combat Veterans.

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Back in Time

Back in Time

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I just got back from my free meal at Applebee's. At my age the first thing people assume is that I served in Vietnam. I always feel a little guilty that I was sent to Germany and not into Combat. Should I ? How do you all feel about this. Honest answers please. I welcome ALL responses.
 
No, No , NO!

You signed the blank check like all of us. You could have been sent anywhere at any time and lost life and limb. Unless are running around with a 'Nam cap on and claiming you really gave it to em', you have nothing to feel ashamed of.

If anyone shames you for not getting shot at, they ain't worth the time it took to write this.

S.F.M.F.
U.S.M.C.
 
As a veteran myself I look at all Veterans the same. When I signed up in 2002 I have no idea I’d be in the Middle East 5 weeks after graduating training. A lot of guys in my artillery unit had 20 years never been deployed. Happy vets day everybody.
 
No need to feel any guilt.
My service time was 6 years in the National Guard and I used to feel that I shouldn't feel recognized as a veteran. But I finally realized that I served my country while a lot of others didn't serve at all. And during those 6 years I could have been sent to any conflict anywhere in the world. Take a look at the current reserves and National Guard units. They're being activated and sent wherever their expertise is needed.
Having served in the Guard, I'm not eligible for the same post-service benefits of regular service veterans. But I'm still proud of my years served.
Vietnam was winding down when I joined the Guard. There was only one individual out of my AIT training unit that was sent to 'Nam following completion of AIT - and he had specifically requested that posting.
 
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Consider also that many men and women have lost their lives in non-combat and peacetime conditions. Anything can happen and nothing's guaranteed...you survived your service. Be proud!
 
I’ve known vets who lost their lives serving in non-combat areas. They’d likely still be alive if they never left their home town. You served and risked your life whether in a combat zone or not. Now combat vets deserve much respect! I salute all my brothers and sisters!
 
I used to feel guilty about not being in combat but as I look back......I realize that I assembled, did troubleshooting, tested and shipped off enough atomic bombs to completely destroy most countries. I figure that those bombs deterred a few wars which saved lives. I mean, somebody had to do it!!!! It was fun but very dangerous. I still glow in the dark....just a little.:rofl:

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ocdart said:
No need to feel any guilt.
My service time was 6 years in the National Guard and I used to feel that I shouldn't feel recognized as a veteran. But I finally realized that I served my country while a lot of others didn't serve at all. And during those 6 years I could have been sent to any conflict anywhere in the world. Take a look at the current reserves and National Guard units. They're being activated and sent wherever their expertise is needed.
Having served in the Guard, I'm not eligible for the same post-service benefits of regular service veterans. But I'm still proud of my years served.
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I was in the National Guard as well and as I approach my 70th birthday I still feel a bit of guilt not being deployed to Vietnam. Perhaps its because I lost a few friends there.
 
fl 71 said:
I was in the National Guard as well and as I approach my 70th birthday I still feel a bit of guilt not being deployed to Vietnam. Perhaps its because I lost a few friends there.
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I think that may be my problem, I lost 3 Friends in Country, another to Cancer from Agent Orange after and have one now suffering it's affect. You have all made me feel more comfortable with my role in the big picture.
 
Nope, don’t have any guilt feelings at all. After basic in ‘62 went to S. Korea; never even heard of Nam.
I got punished enough in that “**** hole” at that time anyways. Only guilt I feel is for those friends of mine that “re-upped” and ended up in Nam and not coming back.
 
Back in Time said:
I just got back from my free meal at Applebee's. At my age the first thing people assume is that I served in Vietnam. I always feel a little guilty that I was sent to Germany and not into Combat. Should I ? How do you all feel about this. Honest answers please. I welcome ALL responses.
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We’re you near Frankfurt AM Main, West Germany? What years?
 
Thank you and all who served!!! Its every patriotic Americans duty to respect and appreciate those who wrote the check.
 
Treblig said:
I used to feel guilty about not being in combat but as I look back......I realize that I assembled, did troubleshooting, tested and shipped off enough atomic bombs to completely destroy most countries. I figure that those bombs deterred a few wars which saved lives. I mean, somebody had to do it!!!! It was fun but very dangerous. I still glow in the dark....just a little.:rofl:

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Me Too.
 
As someone who never served, I see no difference between the men who got send into battle and those who did not

You were willing and you volunteered, that is all that matters
 
ab7fh?
leadfoot?
pacuda?
jinnyone?
stonethunk?
You first-
aba28d5f7d1799e91de5847c7786c1cb.gif
 
No guilt required.

We all served, sacrificed, trained, trained, and trained some more so we would be ready if/when the time came. Some of trained others as well.
 
Back in Time said:
I just got back from my free meal at Applebee's. At my age the first thing people assume is that I served in Vietnam. I always feel a little guilty that I was sent to Germany and not into Combat. Should I ? How do you all feel about this. Honest answers please. I welcome ALL responses.
Click to expand...

BS you signed up and could have Got the worse! We are glad you are still vertical otherwise we would be honoring you on Memorial Day!
 
@Treblig I was in communications-electronics and worked Titan II missile radio and Ground Launched Cruise Missile radio which included Comm-relay. I got to touch the warhead of the BGM-109 cruise missile. Felt a little tingle, lol.
 
66fyssh said:
@Treblig I was in communications-electronics and worked Titan II missile radio and Ground Launched Cruise Missile radio which included Comm-relay. I got to touch the warhead of the BGM-109 cruise missile. Felt a little tingle, lol.
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It's an eerie feeling when you're wiping down an atomic bomb (gotta keep them clean) and get a foot long static spark as you lift the Kimwipe off the bombs outer surface!!! I handled so many bombs I actually lost count!!:steering:
 
All gave some. Some gave all.
We raised our hands, took the oath and signed the check. After that you're
just following orders. Be proud.
 
We all had a job to do, supply, doctor, food service, pilot, etc.. No one is more important than any other cause we need each other to do our jobs, you were no different.
 
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