Happy Veterans Day

[imarangemaster]

To my fellow Veterans... Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service!

My Inland 6 digit is my tribute to my dad and uncles who carried them.

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[painter777]

A Big Thank You to IMR for posting The Happy Veterans Day announcement. I was tied up this morning and couldn't wait to get on here to do the same.

So if I may:

I pass along a Heartfelt Thank You to all the veterans from the past, present and future. Also to the families, spouses, and children who carried the weight of their loved ones while they served. Many don't know the anguish a family, friends and even their hometown goes through unless they've experienced the situation. This is to all Veterans from all over the globe who served. I pray for the young children who will only get to see pictures and hear stories, not having the chance to share time with their deceased family member. I pray that you have the strength to deal with the injuries, memories and sicknesses incurred while serving. I hope that you have loved ones close by for any needed support.
Put simply, just saying Thank you just isn't enough..... Please know that we are here for all of you.

"Give our veterans a peace beyond the peace they fought to secure, a peace in their own hearts, wrapped in the joy of a life touched by the Lords strong hand."

God Bless You All, You Are Our Heroes,

VR,
Charlie-Painter777

[lemaymiami]

Great to see how folks treat vets these days... When I came back in country (Aug '71...) we literally snuck back -and I didn't want to tell anyone where I'd been... Years later when I was in charge of recruiting for a small police department (100 sworn) any vets that we attracted always went to the head of the line for consideration. Can't say enough good things about folks who've been in our armed forces -they're the best of us.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I agree with lemaymiami , it was a sad time for returning military. My first return was through Oakland Calif airport and it was horrible. Protesters, hari krishna, personal slurs, all that you have read. It was hurtful. Our unit decided to bring us back through military bases after that. Coronado Navel Air Field and Travis AFB for my second and third tours. It was a lot quieter and peaceful.
The idiots protesting the single soldier should have realized we didn't ask to go there, we were sent. Our option would have been Leavenworth. If they wanted to make a stand, do it in front of their state or national buildings. In front of the people who sent us over. Try spitting on them and see where it gets you.
It still irritates me when I think about it.

[imarangemaster]

Those were sad times. In 1974 I foolishly stoped in a gas station in Oakland (in uniform) on my way to Oakland Army base. I was spit on and called a baby killer.

[painter777]

The idiots protesting

spit on and called a baby killer.

If I'm present and witness ANY type of mistreatment of a Veteran, I can guarantee I'll be escorted out wearing cuffs.
No matter the impact, I'll proudly do the time and pay the fees.

How could one not be proud of those who Honorably serve... be it in past or current conflicts is something I'll never understand. All of our Services and Allies there 24-7 365 days a year, doing their job. Even if you don't or didn't agree with the circumstances that they served under. Look at those that help at home or away after natural disasters or civil conflict. They were called upon to serve and did so... Where is the gratitude? Is it the times we live in.... where everything is expected for free? No respect shown for your city, county and state police or anyone of authority for that matter. Where deserters and spies walk off and sign contracts for books and movies..... I just don't get it. If you hear Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am or No Sir and No Ma'am..... Odds are your dealing with a Veteran and/or someone raised with values and morals. Very easy to say "Thank You for your service". And it's a good feeling inside to know in your heart that you mean it. One of my proudest moments came as we got to spend a 1/2 hr with my Daughter after she left Great Lakes Navy Basic on her way down to Fort Sam. As she looked back heading to her plane, she gave me that 'Things will be ok look'. I nearly broke down, but then beamed with pride as she rounded up her crew and headed out. Later graduating top of her class at FT Sam. One last thing, don't ever underestimate the great things that the USO does for our military and their families.... that's another story.

Last note to what has become a unintentional long reply;

Today is opening day of our firearms deer hunting season. A day since 1987 that I've escorted and hunted with a crippled up friend that served and managed to survive Vietnam. I took 2 carbines over for us with LHP ammo, mainly to travel light. Knowing if we were to shoot it would be 50 yrds or less down our brush hogged lanes surrounded by tall heavy brush. Pretty heavy rains this morning so we spent just a few hours out and both of us had our 'chance' at shooting a deer, but chose to pass. He's not doing well and I'm currently having some shoulder issues, but we got out there! So not getting one right away was no big thing, we'll get back out.The years are catching up with us, just not as hearty as we used to be. But over all these years we've shared a lot. As the years go by the mood has 'lightened' he feels a change for the good. He no longer brings up the horrible things seen and experienced during War. I'm happy for him, but can't help but think of the weight he's dealt with since 1969-70. 47 years of 'Dealing With It'........ and then I think about how he is only one.... of how many that are 'Dealing With It' I can only imagine. When handling your Mil Surp give some thought to the fears, losses, joys and maybe even triumphs the soldier who used it may have experienced. You often hear "Only if they could talk". Well if they could, would you listen? Try listening to our current living Vets.... Get the story firsthand, I guarantee it will change your life.

Again Sorry So Long
Thank You All,
Charlie-P777

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Charlie,

You told me about your friend and the hunting trips some years back. It is a wonderful thing you do. I'm sure he looks forward to the day on the calendar. And it's not about getting a deer. It's the camaraderie you share. From personal experience I can tell you it means the world to him, and to us others who read about it.

Jim

[painter777]

Hi Jim,
Sorry I haven't emailed lately.. few things going on.
My buddy called me last night to come stay with him. We hunt his place and I just keep patching up our small hunting blind every year. I paid a local farmer to brush hog our trails. I have a older GMC jimmy out there that I drive us out as close as possible. He can stand with a walker, but not really walk, so I throw in his wheelchair and pull him the last 75 yrds or so to the shanty. We got out there really too early, but quietly drank coffee and played blackjack until the cards got soggy. About an hour before legal shooting time while we were watching some really nice deer with my night visions, he had a epileptic seizure. It wasn't a grand, but any time he has one it scares me. After he came around, he was embarrassed about it. I laughed with him when the time was right... we both got tickled about it.... sick as that sounds. With both of us feeling on the rough side and with the rain showing no sign of letting up, we came in early and I took him out for breakfast. When we returned, as I pulled in to his driveway I asked when did he get the Archery Buck Decoy, that I seen on the other side of his barn.... Gimmy parked on the other side. He said he didn't have a decoy..... As we both watched a huge 10 point or better buck walk thru his front yard and in to the thick hickory trees. We'll get back out, but it's getting harder to do. But I'd never tell him that. Maybe the day will come that I'll hire 2 guys to get him and I to and from the shanty. Actually named The Scuttle Buck Lodge.
We each could have shot one, but prefer to be selective, not killing the best breading stock.
Little rest We'll get back out.

Charlie-P777

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

You are a good friend.

[DaveHH]

I think that today's modern veteran deserves at least as much or more respect than we VN guys are getting. The modern guys are older and most are family men. NG soldiers that didn't sign up for multiple deployments. Deployments one after another. We had an NG grandfather killed around here. That's is just downright wrong. Anyway covers off to the modern Vets, they deserve it.