Veterans/Retired Military

[John Luciano]

1967 1968 459 Sig Batalion, Sun Cau Vietnam. I was attached to Mangho (TIGER) Korean Army.

[patriot]

USAF E7, 1968 - 1989

I did not make it to VN, however, I served in the theater area. I salute those who were in Viet Nam. It was a sacrifice and I appreciate it.

I would take clean water and get on my knee's and wash your feet in shear thanks for giving my family a safe land to live in... I Salute every Dam one of you till my arm gets so tired I pass out. Have a beer on me...
kodiak

[Nana]

The traveling wall is in our area this week, and we rode over to see it today. I've been to the big one in DC several times, and it is always deeply moving and very emotional for me. Even this 1/2-sized wall leaves me on the edge of tears and has an atmosphere of deep and solemn stillness. I was honored to chat for a few minutes with 4-5 vets who were there, all but one from Vietnam. The younger man was a veteran of Desert Storm, as is my son-in-law of whom I am very proud. I told them how much I respect and appreciate what they have done for all of us, even though we are total strangers to them. Obviously this exhibit really meant a lot to these veterans, and I am so glad the traveling wall is constantly being exhibited around the country so that everyone has the opportunity to experience it. I know I am talking about an American memorial here, but I am sure that this same emotion and pride is felt by people of every country when they think of the service and self-sacrifice of their military men and women.

[bamarascal]

USAF 1962-1966. Dept. Veterans Affairs 1973-2005.
Rolling Thunder/Run to the Wall, several times.

[John Luciano]

ABOUT THE TRAVELING WALL I drove to a viewing of the wall about 40 miles from my home. My wife and I rode on the bike down to it. That was a big mistake. She cant drive the trike. I didn't realize how emotional it was going to be. I ended up almost passing out. I had to go speak with a chapin before I could compose my self enough to ride home. Seeing the names of comrades in print brought me to my knees. I will never try that again. Vietnam Mothers Day 1967 1968 When I came home I was not greeted at the airport I snuck in on a RED eye from Fort Ord Calf.

[Georgew48]

USAF CMSGT retired. a little over 28 years. Thank you to all Vets.

[newtriker]

Our son in law is active duty navy--on his second re-enlistment. He's the only one in the family that is military so we are learning about the life. We are so proud of him and see what sacrifices it is for the family. We spend more time than we thought we would just keeping up morale of daughter and grand daughter when he's gone, which is a lot. We've helped them move and we have gone to visit them in VA several times just to keep the family close. We wouldn't change a thing though and have a new respect for all military men and women plus their families.

[rmrc51]

U.S. Coast Guard 1970 - 1976

Search & Rescue / Port Security.

I've always been in the habit of wearing my Coast Guard cap. Just last week I stopped at a drive in Duncan Donuts and the lady asked if I was in the military. I just told her that it was many many years ago but I wished I had never left. Can you believe that she gave me a military discount on my coffee??? lol. But I tell ya,,, it really felt good!!!! Brought me back in time!!!!

[Juju]

I don't know how I missed this thread the first time around.

Both the Chief and I are retired from the Navy. He did 21 years and I did 20. We both started out as enlisted Parachute Riggers, met when we were both teaching at the PR school, and I got my commission at about the 10-year mark. After that, we had a "mixed marriage."

[ultraboy]

I too missed this thread first time around.

Ultra

USAF Helo driver 1966 -1970, Nam '66-'69
USN Helo driver '74-'79
American Legion Riders Chapter IN-403

To all the Nam Vets, Welcome Home!

[Juju]

I'm glad this is a forum where we all recognize and respect each other's differences of opinion. I hear people say that all the time, but they don't always mean it. I think on this forum, we DO mean it. (Except that Honda trikes really are the best! )

And it's important also to recognize that not every nation has the same attitude toward military service that Americans do. I appreciate that. Jeez, even Americans weren't always so sensitive to the hardships of service.

Anyway, I think that though it's our similar interests that draw us together, it's the sum total of our differences that makes us strong. At the risk of drawing fire for using French (), vive la difference!

[topgatt1]

Hey y'all Been a member since November...first post.. Msgt USMC 26 Yrs. Did the Nam thing 63' 64'...69' 70' Been retired 30 Yrs Have ridden off and on. Bought a sportster...Big mistake Too light at my age and weight! Traded for an '07 (new) VTX 1300/Champion Trike...Been tuning up the trike and myself (Read spending Money) But having agood time anyway.....Next step is the Hoverround Great site..By thre way I live in NW Georgia on the brow of Lookout Mountain

[Juju]

Originally Posted by topgatt1

By thre way I live in NW Georgia on the brow of Lookout Mountain

Welcome aboard, topgatt! I'm in the Florida panhandle, but I have a good friend who lives across the way on Signal Mountain--small world!

[topgatt1]

Originally Posted by Juju

Welcome aboard, topgatt! I'm in the Florida panhandle, but I have a good friend who lives across the way on Signal Mountain--small world!

Glad to be here...It's a great site.I'm not too swift at this computer stuff...butif Ican figure out how to upload pictures , I'll get my Trike on here.

[Mr.Wizard]

Jump across the creek to Signal Mountain and take W Road.. going up is very cool.. coming down is a way different story. It will make you want to put your feet down.

[bigred06]

Usn, 1965-1969

[Nana]

Welcome topgatt1! And thank you so much for your service as well as all the rest of you who have documented yours on here! We wouldn't be here without all of you, that's for sure!

[Mattel]

I don't know how I missed this thread either.....

I put in 10 years with the Army National Guard. I started when I was 17 in 11th grade (my parents had to sign to give their permission!). I made E-5 before I was forced out in the Clinton budget cuts in 1995. I had a great time, learned important lessons, and I will never forget those years.

People in foreign country's can talk all the trash they want to, but time after time, it is the stars and the stripes that forge the salvation they see, when their country is up to it's eyeballs in occupation at the hands of a foreign army that they thought they could talk reason with.

[saybel]

Originally Posted by Mattel

People in foreign country's can talk all the trash they want to, but time after time, it is the stars and the stripes that forge the salvation they see, when their country is up to it's eyeballs in occupation at the hands of a foreign army that they thought they could talk reason with.

Mattel, well said, I am in total agreement. If it wasn't for our military we wouldn't have our freedom, and those criticizing us wouldn't have theirs either. When someone takes a shot at our military (hero's), they are taking a shot at my brother, father, grand father, and almost all other family's in this GREAT country. We as a country may not always make the right decisions, although, I think we do almost all the time. At least we make a decision, and stand up for ourselves, and not sit around and let others make them for us.

GOD bless all our military, present and past!!!