Veterans/Retired Military

[George Lewis]

USAF 1952-1981. Airborne radio operator on cargo planes. Commissioned in 1963, retired as a Major from the USAF Security Service. (not the security police) Saw the world. 80% good, 20% bad.

[evileagle]

Yeah...retired Army 1SG 71-93, still in uniform so to speak JROTC Instructor

[saybel]

Originally Posted by evileagle

Yeah...retired Army 1SG 71-93, still in uniform so to speak JROTC Instructor

Welcome aboard
Thanks for your service to our great country!!!
Your forum signature says it all.

[evileagle]

Seems to be a bunch of us! We should have a rally someday TrikeVets yeahhhh
hell ain't got mine warm yet and look at me.....

Some gave all...All gave some

first and foremost....I love and respect our military and vets as do all of us here. Way less important is I dabble in prose and poetry and our Vets are a favorite topic.

Here is my latest entitled "This Time"

Hope you enjoy and please stay blessed,
Kay


The aging biker rustily removed his one good leg over the well worn leather seat. The bike was a vintage Knuckle head completely dressed out and pristine. The biker wasn’t as “pristine.”

With a bowed leg that gave credence to a more than slight limp, he ambled his way toward the front of a white collar group gathered on the lawn at the Lincoln Memorial. He’d just come by to unobtrusively visit the site and didn’t anticipate the make shift crowd’s presence.

Stopping to try to catch what the mid – twenties young woman (speaking) was so passionate about – he caught the words politics...war mongers…men too ready to kill for no good reason except the passion of the ultimate chase. She went on, to cheers from the growing crowd, about how wars on foreign soil don’t impact Americans except to rob their pockets and employ some undesirables.

The biker had taken about all he could stand…would he walk away in disgust as he’d done in the past when presented with similar circumstances or would this time be ‘the one?”

At barely five foot six inches, jeans, tee and leather vest, slightly balding in front and a long tail of dusty gray hair in the back - he didn’t need the extra height to stand out in this crowd.

He stepped in front of the microphone just abandoned by the young woman. As he heard the cat calls, jeers and laughter…he stood his ground and waited patiently for the noise to die down.

Then he began…

“Standing in front of this memorial – I could tell you how many wars were fought on our soil by brave men who answered a call so this monument could be erected and visited today. I could tell you of the plans of other countries to take over ours if we hadn’t fought on foreign soil with expertly trained men of all backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, education levels, etc caring enough about us “the future of America” to go to those places they’d only read about or never heard of prior to.

They, and those who fight today, did so for you to have the right to stand here and make a complete fool out of yourself. It’s a “right” not an obligation. It was hard won on many fields of battle and presently continues to be so.

They’ve sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution that most of you have never read. They’ve sacrificed family, comfort, higher paying jobs and stability so all of us have the opportunity to pursue ours.

Freedom has never been and will never be free. It comes at a huge price, ultimate to some, but worth it for all who reap the rewards.

Our military, past and present…"a group of ordinary men and women doing extraordinary tasks with an unprecedented level of commitment to ensure our present and future remain free.”

God bless America and especially our military families – continuing the tradition of daily putting their all on the line for us.

[evileagle]

Amen

[Nana]

Kay, that is absolutely true and exceptionally beautiful! Thank you!

[katfish16]

Thank U Kay, sometime people forget the difference between right and privledge....

[evileagle]

Kay
Mind if I print it for my guys at the VFW?

Thanks ev1 from the bottom of my heart. Please feel free to print it and share - I'd be humbled and honored.

I can't and didn't serve...so this is the only way I know of to give a little back and to say "We appreciate you!"

Kay

[evileagle]

ahh shucks.....my pleasure it will cause a few beers to be watered down but what the heck

All gave some...some gave all and many are still giving

[saybel]

kay
WOW.....that was great, and so true!

[adventurer]

Ditto on missing this thread.

Did not serve active military but proudly served in the reserves from
1961 to 1969
AE1 (E6)
Navy Aviation
Flight Crew P2V (hows that for an old plane)

Now stay on the ground on a candy apple red Stallion

Hows that for changing things, young guy on an old plane
now
Old guy on a young Stallion

[evileagle]

you go ....I got mine now.....young wife 4 year old son and a TG......what more can ya ask for at 55

[tmigala]

Kay, very nice. THANK YOU

I did not see this thread before.

USAF airtraffic control 1966 to 1970. To all my pilot buddies if you were controlled by "Bluebottle" it may have been me telling you where to go.

FAA 34 years after that.

[Triker Mike]

U.S.Army eng. 1958-1967.My thing is at the travelling wall the sign said 1million300 thousand vets. Those claiming to be 13million something. I hate sandbaggers & those that are phoneys

[evileagle]

Welcome Home...hate the self made heroes to......all the real ones I've met you'd never know it......

[jimc]

army viet nam 69 70 americal division my bike shows you where my heads at

[evileagle]

Mine is 2 days old but soon will show my thanks to the Republic for allowing me to serve her..know what I mean
Some gave all...all gave some ...many are still giving

[j3jim]

USAF April 1966 - September 1987 Aircraft Maintenance

Also retired miltary family members

Father -- USAF 27 yrs
Uncle -- USAF 23 yrs
Brother -- USAF 29 yrs
Sister -- ARMY 6yrs
Brother in Law Coast Guard 22yrs
Son in Law ARMY 21 yrs

Only one active at this time Nephew Coast Guard 6yrs already


Trike On
j3jim

[evileagle]

Thanks to the whole family!!!!!!

[John Luciano]

jimc I can't find a picture of your bike !

[Calman]

Retired from the USN in 1990 after 26 years as a Master Chief Yeoman.

Arrived in RVN just in time for start of the '68 Tet Offensive with MCB-53. Hell of a way to welcome us to RVN.

.

[evileagle]

Welcome home Brother!

[FNG]

Welcome home and thanks...to all. JIMC, would love to see "where your head is at" but I can't find any of your pics either.

[FNG]

Originally Posted by evileagle

Welcome Home...hate the self made heroes to......all the real ones I've met you'd never know it......

When I got out of the Army (101st ABN) my dad warned me not to get upset or over-react to the self-made heroes. He was WW2, and there were plenty of s-mh's, apparently. My dad was a wise and quiet man, so when he gave me this advice I remembered it, but it wasn't until I started running into a few self-promoted heroes that I realized they don't mean nuthin.

[John Luciano]

Many of my closest friend until now never knew I was even in the service. They do now because of the Vet flag on the bike.

[trikegypsy]

To all of you Vets, I say "Welcome Home", and thank you for your sacrifices.

While I was never in the military (kept out by a genetic issue, I did try...3 times), I have always been a strong supporter here at home.

I currently am very active with a group, called Warriors Watch Riders (Warriors’ Watch Riders: WE HAVE YOUR BACKS AT HOME!). We are attempting to make sure each and every soldier gets a "Welcome Home" that so many of you never got. Please go to our website and check out this great group of volunteers, and join if you'd like. It costs nothing.

Riding in honor of my father, SSgt Co. A 134th Inf, 1941-1944, Battle of the Bulge, and still kickin at 89.

and my riding buddy Skip, RVN 1969-1971, 1st Div, RIP buddy...I'll always miss you.

[retnavyflyr]

20 years Navy. 81-2001.

5000 hrs in helos and fixed wing. 5 Western Pacific/Soutwest Asia cruises.

(USS Enterprise CVN-65, HS-6 (2), USS KittyHawkCV-63, HS-4 (2), USS Independence CV-62, Safety Officer)

[hitime]

I am humbled, but proud, to be among the number of veterans here on the board and in the US. Served 88-06 in Army Aviation Maintenance. Medically retired after my second tour in Iraq. Spent most of that time in the Cavalry. Now have 2 sons in the USAF (one of them in Iraq for the second time now), and one joining the Army very soon.

[patriot]

Originally Posted by hitime

I am humbled, but proud, to be among the number of veterans here on the board and in the US. Served 88-06 in Army Aviation Maintenance. Medically retired after my second tour in Iraq. Spent most of that time in the Cavalry. Now have 2 sons in the USAF (one of them in Iraq for the second time now), and one joining the Army very soon.

My son is also in Iraq - 2nd tour. Chris is stationed in Balad. Yours?

Thank you for your service. It sounds like you gave more than most, but like some of us, my 20 years in the AF seems so safe compared to many.
C-141 Flight Engineer. Loved it and I do miss it.

Don Jenkins, Msgt AF, Retired

[Greydog]

Retired Navy CWO-3, 22 years. RVN June 1967 -August 1968 CBMU-302......SEABEES CAN DO!!!! WE BUILD WE FIGHT!!!
"The difficult we do immediately....the impossible takes a little longer"!!

[retnavyflyr]

Originally Posted by hitime

I am humbled, but proud, to be among the number of veterans here on the board and in the US. Served 88-06 in Army Aviation Maintenance. Medically retired after my second tour in Iraq. Spent most of that time in the Cavalry. Now have 2 sons in the USAF (one of them in Iraq for the second time now), and one joining the Army very soon.

My SIL Now a W2 in the Marines is on his 4th tour in Iraq. Talked to him today and his relief has just showed up so a couple of weeks of turnover and he will be headed back stateside. Hope your son returns safely soon.

I got some excellent support from Army Aviation around Camp Humphries S K when we had to det off the carrier to keep our NVG quals up to date.

[John Luciano]

I just joined this group. Check your area . Bikers with a common thread. Not a bike club but an extension of the American Legion .
About the Legion Riders | American Legion

[Blueskys]

In country 1969-1970
I remember being carried off the plane onto American soil on a stretcher with people lined up behind a chain linked fence holding up signs ,yelling baby killer and spitting at us. What the hell was that about. When I did get home I couldn't buy a beer in the American Legion I was 19 oh yea I couldn't vote either and the VFW refused admission something about not a declared war. Thank God things have changed. I'm sorry for bringing this stuff up.
Thanks to all who serve and yes from the heart welcome home.
Please remember the ones left behind. MIA-POW's

[Nana]

Don't apologize, Blueskys! You only told the truth here. But know how much you and your service are appreciated now. I know it is too little, too late. But it is real appreciation none-the-less!

[tmigala]

Blueskys USAF 1966 to 1970 Welcome home brother I know what you mean.

[joelin5386]

U.S.A.F. Survivor 68 TET

[bill]

MSG US Army Retired
1st Sig Bde VN 1969-1970

[tmigala]

Bill Welcome home brother

[evileagle]

We all know the deal ....the ones without the B**LS shout the loudest at our return and cry the least at our loss

[katfish16]

In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov.11, 2009. As you may recall, Applebee’s launched a pilot program last year on Veterans Day offering free entrees to military service personnel and veterans. Because the response was so overwhelmingly positive, Applebee’s is extending the invitation throughout the country this year. We would appreciate your help in spreading the word. Please help us share details across your various communication channels. All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee’s nationwide on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform. For additional details, visit: http://www.applebees.com/vetsday".

[tmigala]

Steve Thanks for the heads up on this.

[Jimsjinx]

I just saw this post, and yes it is after Veterans Day. It is just a regular old day in my life. But it is special to me. My defenders of this place I live, made sure I had "today". I wanted to say thank you, for no other reason than I do think of you all. Frequently now that I'm getting old. You all have given me a wonderful, free, and in my generation, a relatively safe place to live. It has been great so far, and all you Vets, I do thank you. OOH RAH! jimsjinx

[ultratrike]

ultratrike here and was in army in nam july 66 to july 67 . went over in 196 light infranity bargide came back in 25 inf.

[rvcraftsman]

USAF 1964-1968 Luck was with me no Nam, 1 yr support for the troops in Northern Thailand. Lots of planes came in with large holes but they were the lucky ones they came back. Love the military and will support our troops til the last breath is drawn. Make it a habit to included our military in your daily prayers.

[michaelplogue]

Army... 85-97 (I feel like such a cherry around all you other vets..... ). Did a few gun-totin' tours in various places. Spent most of my career working in foreign countries (back then as well as with my current job).

[dynarider51]

Retired U.S. Navy, 23 years, E-8

[Nana]

All you wonderful veterans and active military people, be sure to see this announcement! (NEVER turn down a free all-you-can-eat meal )

Military :: Golden Corral

[tatco]

Thanks for a beautiful story.
101st Airborne 1961 - 1964. Proud to serve.