I wanted to say thank you to all you men and women that have served our country. Without each of you, we would not have our wonderful country. I appreciate the sacrifices you and your families made so that you could fight for us. Those of you that never went to war, still gave of yourselves for us. Leaving your families, friends, jobs and lives that you knew, could not have been easy even if it was just to do paperwork in another state or country. I don't say thank you often enough to veterans or people that are currently serving our country. Today, I want to say thank you and offer my appreciation and gratiitude to each and every one of you. Those of you that, like me, never served, need to take the time to say thank you also. Just think, if America was like some of the other countries, none of us could be bus nuts and that is one good reason to say thanks. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Cat
The Buffalo News/Friday, November 12, 1993
Mike Royko
The real way to honor our veterans:
Deal the cards and pass the tequila
JUST PHONED six friends and asked them what they were doing on Veterans Day.
They all said the same thing: working."
Me too.
There is something else we share. We are all military veterans.
And there is a third thing we have in common. We are not employees of the federal government, state government, county government, municipal government, the Postal Service, the courts, banks or S & Ls, and we don't teach school.
If we did, we would have been among the many millions of people who spent Veterans Day goofing off.
Which is why it is about time congress revised the ridiculous terms of Veterans Day as a national holiday.
The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor all veterans.
So how does this country honor em?
By letting the veterans, the majority of whom work in the private sector, spend the day at their jobs they can pay taxes that permit millions of non-veterans to get paid for doing nothing.
As my friend Harry put it:
"First I went through basic training. Then infantry school. Then I got on a crowded, stinking troop ship that took 23 days to get from San Francisco to Japan. We went through a storm that had 90 percent of the guys on the ship throwing up for a week.
"Then I rode a beat-up transport plane from Japan to Korea, and it almost went down in the drink. I think the pilot was drunk.
"When I got to Korea, I was lucky. The war ended seven months after I got there, and I didn't kill anybody and nobody killed me.
"But it was still a miserable experience. Then when my tour was over, I got on another troop ship and it took 21 stinking days to cross the Pacific. When I got home on leave, one of the older guys at the neighborhood bar he was a World War 11 vet - told me I was a s ---head because we didn't win, we only got a tie.
"So now on Veterans Day I get up in the morning and go down to the office and work.
"You know what my nephew does? He sleeps in. That's because he works for the state. And do you know what he did during the Vietnam War? He ducked the draft by getting a job teaching at an inner-city school.
"Now, is that a raw deal or what?"
Of course it's a raw deal. So I propose that Congress revise Veterans Day to provide the following:
1. All veterans - and only veterans - should have the day off from work. It doesn't matter if they were combat heroes or stateside clerk-typists. Anybody who went through basic training and was awakened before dawn by a redneck drill sergeant who bellowed, "Drop your whatsis and grab your socks and fall out on the road," is entitled.
2. Those veterans who wish to march in parades, make speeches or listen to speeches can do so. But for those.who don't, all local
gambling laws should be suspended for the day to Permit vets to gather in taverns, pull a couple of tables together and spend the day playing poker, blackjack and craps, drinking and telling lewd lies about lewd experiences with lewd women. All bar prices should be rolled back to enlisted men's club prices. Officers can pay the going rate, the stiffs.
3. All anti-smoking laws will be suspended for the day. The same holds for all misdemeanor laws pertaining to disorderly conduct, non-felonious brawling, leering, gawking and any other gross and disgusting public behavior that does not harm another individual.
4. It will be a treasonable offense for any spouse or live-in girlfriend (or boyfriend, if it applies) to utter the dreaded words, "What time will you be home tonight?"
5. Anyone caught posing as a veteran will be required to eat a triple portion of chipped beef on toast, with Spam on the side, and spend the day watching a chaplain present a color-slide presentation on the horrors of VD.
6. Regardless of how high his office, no politician who had the opportunity to serve in the military, but didn't, will be allowed to make a patriotic speech, appear on TV or poke his nose out of his office for the entire day. Any politician who defies this ban will Be required to spend 12 hours wearing headphones and listening to tapes of President Clinton explaining his deferments.
Now, deal the cards and pass the tequila.
OOHRAH!!!
Mike Royko, you hit the nail on the head man.
Pass the high octane bug juice and deal them cards. ;D
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARHEADS!!
You know that perverbial "nail"??????? He hit it RIGHT on the head!!!
I'm IN, and I quit drinking 20+ years ago!!
Chaz
As a proud Viet Nam Vet I was sad to hear all the negative toward all the Vets returning from fighting. Without the sacrifice of all Vets we would not have the freedom we have. I wish the treatment could have been better. But with all the media hype, it only got worse.
Cheers to all the warriors and their families!!!!!!!!!
God Bless Us All!!!!!!
Dreamscape
God bless all vets. You have our undying appreciation and respect.
Let's hear from each of our vets... branch, unit and time served. Stand and be counted... don't be shy. You deserve to be honored!
Hats off,
Brian "never served, but forever in debt to those that did" B.
US Army
E-5
Radio Operator School, Fort Ord California
1969-71
Dreamscape
Sgt. Dale Waller
USMC, HMM-165 & HMM-262 8)
June,85-June,91 Desert Shield/Desert Storm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMM-165
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMM-262
Altho I didn't serve (4-F - bad feet), I am proud that my son is serving:
E-3 Eric Long
USAF
Spangdahlem AFB
Germany
Ed Vanlandingham
USMC
Sept 1958 to Sept 1962
5th Marine Division, 8th Marine Division and then to San Diego with Headquarters Batallion.
Did not go over seas but did spend 30 Days on a floating garabage scow called the USS Bafield while we were waiting to see how the US would react when told to get out of Berlin. The 5th Marine Division was ready to go anywhere in the world.
Now a memaber of the American Legion and also the American Legion Riders.
Richard Bowyer
A/1C USAF
1950-1954
36 months Japan
Radar Repairman
I've been sharing that piece by Mike R for 13 years, just never thought to put it here.
James J Robinson
USMC 1965-1969
Infantryman
2nd Battalion 3rd Marines
VietNam 1967-68
60% disabled
If I had the oppurtunity to do it all over again, I would be a Canadian!!!!!
U.S.Army 7TH Cav. 1974...
Son currently serving in Iraq (first tour), 423 Transportation Div.
God Bless America
First things first, JJrbus, I'm not sure what you meant about being Canadian. Here is some interesting information about Canadians during the Vietnam War.
10,000 Americans went to Canada to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War!
30,000 Canadians came to America and joined the American Military during the Vietnam War!
10,000 Canadians served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War!
I for one have nothing but the highest respect for our Northern Neighors! On the other hand I wonder how those 10,000 countrymen of mine who fled before serving will feel when their grandchildren ask that question? Even if they objected to the war, there were plenty of options for them to choose to serve their Country! I guess my point is this, If you left instead of serving that is your choice, "But you have to live with your decisions what ever it was"!
B Troop 3rd Recon Sqdn 4th Cavalry
25th Inf Div
Vietnam 69/70:
Dale Fleener
USAF
A/2C 1957 - 1960
SAGE System Tech
Ken Turner
USMC Sgt..... Aviation electrician and Instrument/flight Controls.
1952-1955.....13 months in Japan.... I was a Canadian.living in USA when I joined.
I worked on Tug Boats before joining ......I asked for Sea duty or amtracts. So they sent me to Aviation School!!!!
A/2 Robert P Smith 1958 / 1962
Thule Greenland Disc Jockey AFRTS
Beale Air Force Base Maryssville Cal Heavy Equipment Operator
Offitt Air Force Base Omaha Neb Heavy Equipment Operator
Pete
Fantasy
Fellow BusNuts and brother Veterans. I was too young for Korea and too old for 'Nam but served my time, proudly, in the uniform of the United States Army. And I commend each and every one of you and thank you for your service to our country, whether in war or peace.
Because of Political interference in Korea and Viet Nam we were unable to attain what we Americans know so well as Victory, which is the total submission of the enemy. And we left far too many MIA's unaccounted for in 'Nam...but one day......
We are once again on the threshold of a negotiated cease of hostilities. To those of us with our hearts in the right place, next to our fallen comrades and the American Flag, I take issue with those who would make our colors run and will do so until I find Eternal Rest.
Like our Fathers, who placed the trust of our Nation and its' future in us, I pray that future generations might be inspired by the "Greatest Generation" and their offspring....but Oh...how I fear......
But I do, "Pledge Allegence to the Flag...of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands...one Nation, Under God, with Liberty and Justice, for all.
NCbob
And let me add this, to our Allies who fought with us in each and every encounter with a foreign power who thought that they might force a ideology upon Free People...a personal "Thank you", whether you be Canadian, Australian, British, or whatever. We also honor you today and thank you for your service to your country and the common cause for world peace.
NCbob
AO2 Chris Christensen E-5
Fighter Squadron VF-84
1968-1972
Flightdeck Red Shirt Ordnanceman aboard the carrier FDR CVA-42
Participated in Top Gun June 1969
I'm not complaining, worked many, many Veternan's Day Weekends.
I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to serve and would do it all over again, happily !!
To those saying "thanks" to us, thank you for recognizing us !!!!
TT1 Jim King
USCG Telephone Technician
5/85 - 9/00
Edegar Jewett
USN MM3
9/63 to 12/66
Spent 23 months over seas but only drew 21 months combat pay for being in Vietnam.
When I came home, people were waiting at airports and spitting on the returning servicemen as they deplaned. Somehow I expected better.
Ed
Army Aviation Crew Chief, service in Vietnam and Germany. Yeah, I guess I expected better too, but not everyone has the same insight as we do...Here's a handshake and my recognition of fellow veterans. We should hold our heads high!
US Army Infantry, Sgt. E5. Vietnam Sept. 70- Nov. 71. Two months in Co. A 2/27th Wolfhounds, 25th Infantry Division. (Tropic Lightning), and the rest of the time with Co. D 1/52nd, 21st Infantry Division, (Americal).
SSGT Albert H. Clay
B.Co !5th. Medical Bn.
1ST. Cav. Div.
Vietnam - 66-67
Ray Lala
US Navy 1966 to 1970
E-5 Avation electronics tech.
Viet Nam 1968-69
What is BUS Spelled backwards?
Machinist Mate 2 (Nuke) SSN (Scuba Diver&Emergency Welder)
85-91
My Dad is a retired Master Chief USN 57-78 and He has told me alot of stories of how the Vietnam Vets were treated when they returned. I was just a kid, so I don't remember much. I personally have seen and done some things during the first Gulf War that I want to forget (trust me) I was at the battle of Al Khafji, but that is a drop in the bucket compared to what the Vietnam Vets have been through.
I am so humbled to be here in the presence of you guys (Vietnam Vets). Gentlemen I salute you and you will always have my HIGHEST respect.
Semper Fi
Dale
USAF (SAC) 1962-1966 Aircraft/mechanic B-47 & KC-135
A1/C E-4 Schilling AFB Kansas & Walker AFB New Mexico.
I tell folks that I am a Cold War veteran that I never was in Viet Nam.
Most reply like this Oh! So your not a Viet Nam verteran.
Would I do it again darn right I would.I enjoyed every minute of it.
jlv
Retired CW3 U.S. Army 1966-1987
Combat medic RVN KheSahn, Ashau Valley.
Chief Petty Officer (retired)
Viet Nam 68-70
24 yrs in reserves after Nam.
Sure did not tell anyone you were in Nam or the fight was on. Sure wish we had received a thank-you when we came back. But, that is water under the bridge and I enjoy showing my pride it todays vets.
11b E1 to E6 to E5..23d Infantry Div... The Americal....gg04
Too bad that Ryoko didn't address Social Security while he was at it. Probably would hurt him too much to do so.
As part of my application, SSA asked if I had served in the Armed Forces. I replied proudly that I did. They said they needed a copy of my discharge papers (DD 315, 213, ????) to complete my application. Cost $20 and took a month to get them. But my benefits would start as soon as I submitted same. A young man at the Social Security called a month later to ask if I had submitted same. "Yes, I sent it registered two days ago." His replly "Good, then we can process your application as soon as we receive it."
Thinking that this was necessary to weed out those who skipped the country in 1966 when I was drafted, I asked why they needed this information. "Do I get more money because of my service time?" His reply "Yes you do! Each veteran gets an additional $8 per month!"
Based on a future value calculation, the month I was delayed benefits will be paid back somewhere 10 years down the road. This is the thanks the government provides for someone who started working for them (with a college degree) for $78 per month when a good months pay for my fellow graduates was around $600 per month.
I am proud that I served. I'm not complaining. If I had it to do again I'd still choose duty and country.
But the part of Ryoko's about the government workers getting Veterans Day off irritated me.
Saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "I Love My Country but I Fear My Government". Probably right! Happy Veterans Day!
TomNPat
Quote from: TomNPat on November 15, 2006, 01:06:06 AM
Too bad that Ryoko didn't address Social Security while he was at it. Probably would hurt him too much to do so.
As part of my application, SSA asked if I had served in the Armed Forces. I replied proudly that I did. They said they needed a copy of my discharge papers (DD 315, 213, ????) to complete my application. Cost $20 and took a month to get them. But my benefits would start as soon as I submitted same. A young man at the Social Security called a month later to ask if I had submitted same. "Yes, I sent it registered two days ago." His replly "Good, then we can process your application as soon as we receive it."
Thinking that this was necessary to weed out those who skipped the country in 1966 when I was drafted, I asked why they needed this information. "Do I get more money because of my service time?" His reply "Yes you do! Each veteran gets an additional $8 per month!"
Based on a future value calculation, the month I was delayed benefits will be paid back somewhere 10 years down the road. This is the thanks the government provides for someone who started working for them (with a college degree) for $78 per month when a good months pay for my fellow graduates was around $600 per month.
I am proud that I served. I'm not complaining. If I had it to do again I'd still choose duty and country.
But the part of Ryoko's about the government workers getting Veterans Day off irritated me.
Saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "I Love My Country but I Fear My Government". Probably right! Happy Veterans Day!
TomNPat
Don't know the whole story, But if any Vet is looking for official paperwork, The now have the requests online. I got copies of my DD214's in about a week. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/
HTH,
Jim
I will not address the Social Security issue in an official capacity, even though I work for SSA and am damn proud of it. I am not allowed to answer questions or complaints in my official capacity unless on the clock. But I can tell you, Social Security is filled with dedicated men and women who love their country (especially me). I didn't serve in the military, but I feel that I am serving my country as an employee of Social Security. What I do matters a whole hell of a lot to people who depend on their Social Security checks to keep from having to eat cat food.
Are there problems with the system? Yes there are. But as a whole, SSA has the highest customer satisfaction rating of any other government agency. I'm sorry Tom had such a negative experience, but there are ways to "partial" a claim pending proof of military service. And, we can get that info online now. BTW, you know, SSA does need documentation to pay benefits. The dishonest people make it hard on everybody. We do the best we can with what we have been given by the politicians, who are elected by people who sit around and gripe that they are not getting a $50,000 a month pension...
Please don't misunderstand me, I love our veterans. And what did I do on Veterans Day, I called my great uncle Pruitt, in Louisville, MS, and talked for an hour. I thanked him for flying B29 bombers during WW II and risking his life and family's future for our country. I wanted him to know that I am grateful for his sacrifice. I would have called my grandfather, but he's in a semi-vegetative state in a nursing home back home. He hasn't been able to speak for several years now. But you better believe I appreciate it.
To all of you veterans who served, to all of you who have children serving right now, I want you to know that I could never express my gratitude enough for what you are giving up or gave up for America. I'm sorry that having a special day set aside to honor your service and sacrifice is offensive to some of you. I guess everybody has to be offended by something.
Jimmy