Veterans On the Board

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Operation Team Spirit in the DMZ in '77 and '78. Pinned down by "simulated" enemy fire in the DMZ during a live fire exercise. Two Sea Cobras coming over the ridgeline firing .30 cal and 2.75 inch rockets. I would have kissed those guys with tongue. I still remember it to this day. A-10's were my 2nd favorite. God bless all close air support aircraft, no matter what service is in the seat.
 
Prayers sent to all the pilots in the current mess in Afghanistan. You have the hearts of lions, and are true professionals, despite how the political mess that got you there. I'm 63, so I'm old school, but still proud to fly The Stars and Stripes, and the USMC pennant in front of my house every day. I salute all current service members, regardless of branch.
 
I served as an 0331/0352 in the Marine Corps from 1994-1998. I was stationed all over the world; most notably Kuwait and Iraq in 1998. Semper Fi!
 
I served as an 0331/0352 in the Marine Corps from 1994-1998. I was stationed all over the world; most notably Kuwait and Iraq in 1998. Semper Fi!
Semper Fi! Our niece is now a marine helo pilot. I have a USNA license plate frame, the USMC logo decal and a “retired USAF” decal on my tow vehicle. Confuses everyone!

Thanks for your service!
 
Semper Fi! Our niece is now a marine helo pilot. I have a USNA license plate frame, the USMC logo decal and a “retired USAF” decal on my tow vehicle. Confuses everyone!

Thanks for your service!
LOL, everyone covered except the Army...... By the way, USAF here, AFSC 44350G
 
LOL, everyone covered except the Army...... By the way, USAF here, AFSC 44350G
Missing Army, Coast Guard and Space Force. Dad was in the Army first and after his initial enlistment was up, he moved to the USAF. His brother was 30 years in the Navy (WWII). My great uncle was USMC and fought in Africa during WWII. I never met anyone in the Space Force. Friends brother is retired Coast Guard. I have a niece and nephew that is/was USMC. Military bases always felt like home to me.
 
LOL, everyone covered except the Army...... By the way, USAF here, AFSC 44350G

USAF 30454 here. I made it down an active Titan II silo once and a deactivated silo once. Very interesting. Then I got assigned to GLCM, maintaining radios, first in the Launch Control Center then radio relay.

Sure wish I could join the Space Force and be called a Guardian!!
 
USAF 1967-1987, Master Sergeant, Aircraft Structural repair. Retired Fabrication Branch Chief B-52's, at Eaker AFB, Blytheville, Arkansas. "Have rivet gun - Will travel."
 
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I was with the 11th Air Assualt Division when it was combined with the 2nd Infantry Division and sent Viet Nam as the 1st Air Cav. My outfit was loaded onto the USS Boxer aircraft carrier, with all the division support aircraft on board, headed to Nam via the Suez Canal. My section landed on the beach at Qui Nhon. We were finishing the assembly of Chinooks on the airfield when an A-1 Skyraider came skidding onto the runway with collapsed landing gear. The aircraft was full of bullet holes and had a small fire in the tail section. The pilot quickly hopped out of the badly damaged aircraft and ran across the field yelling "I'll get those SOBs yet". He jumped into another A-1 and roared off in pursuit of Charlie. I'm certain those guys trapped in a fire fight were glad to have such a dedicated marine flyer, like that, on their side.
 
I was with the 11th Air Assualt Division when it was combined with the 2nd Infantry Division and sent Viet Nam as the 1st Air Cav. My outfit was loaded onto the USS Boxer aircraft carrier, with all the division support aircraft on board, headed to Nam via the Suez Canal. My section landed on the beach at Qui Nhon. We were finishing the assembly of Chinooks on the airfield when an A-1 Skyraider came skidding onto the runway with collapsed landing gear. The aircraft was full of bullet holes and had a small fire in the tail section. The pilot quickly hopped out of the badly damaged aircraft and ran across the field yelling "I'll get those SOBs yet". He jumped into another A-1 and roared off in pursuit of Charlie. I'm certain those guys trapped in a fire fight were glad to have such a dedicated marine flyer, like that, on their side.

I've worked Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Close Air Support missions. For fixed wing, the Marine Corps pilots were far superior.

They need to put mud flaps on those Harriers
 
Semper Fidelis. I remember when I was young, dumb, and full of cum. I survived. My medals are in a Crown Royal bag somewhere in a chest.
 
US Navy, Silent Service, USS Darter (SS-576). 1970-1974, EM3 (SS). Made two west-pac tours, including Vietnam.

I worked down the street from Norfolk Naval Base for 5 years. I regularly drove though the base (I'm retired Air Force) and down beside the piers. Sometimes a Sub would be in Port. I gotta hand it to anyone who can do that much time under water. Rock on, brother!
 
After my active duty, I got a job at AUTEC in the Bahamas on Andros Island for 4 years. I started out on the remote downrange sites, and was promoted to an In-water Controller. I was there when the USS Dallas ran aground on the reef. Good times.
 
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FYI, the Marine Corps birthday is 10 November, 1775, in Tun's Tavern, in Philadelphia. Happy Birthday to all my fellow Jarheads, and a sharp salute to all veterans. Times have changed. I remember being spit on when I returned from an overseas tour in 1977. It insulted my pride, but I adapted and overcame. I'm still proud of serving my country as a US Marine, all these years later. I'm old now, but don't mess with my family, friends, or property.
 
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Did the Veteran parade yesterday. Had two other Veterans with me. Father and son. It was a great time. Lots of people thanking us along the route.

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In late July, '66, I landed at Travis, on my way home from Nam. A number us were bused to to the San Francisco Airport. I walked up to the ticket counter still wearing kakis. The gal at the counter said "If you have civilian clothes you better go to the rest room and put them on for your safety." I know that I'm not alone. This happened to almost all of the troupes coming home especially from Nam. Some of the guys were even beaten. My own family treated me rather coolly. I have carried this with me for over fifty years. Even now, when someone thanks me for my service, I wonder if they really mean it.
 
In late July, '66, I landed at Travis, on my way home from Nam. A number us were bused to to the San Francisco Airport. I walked up to the ticket counter still wearing kakis. The gal at the counter said "If you have civilian clothes you better go to the rest room and put them on for your safety." I know that I'm not alone. This happened to almost all of the troupes coming home especially from Nam. Some of the guys were even beaten. My own family treated me rather coolly. I have carried this with me for over fifty years. Even now, when someone thanks me for my service, I wonder if they really mean it.
I mean it! Thank you for your service Sir!
 
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