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Post by kiladecus on May 28, 2012 4:26:05 GMT -9
I just want to take this moment, and leave a message to the brave men and women that risk their lives for us DAILY, and serve in the Armed Forces.
Today is MEMORIAL DAY here in the States, and it is a day set aside to honor the brave individuals that serve in the military, and lay their lives on the line for their home and country.
FOR THIS, WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL!!
I personally only know of two people that have served in the military here on the forum: GLENN WILLIAMS and DAGGER!
I am sure there are more, and if you have served in the military (in ANY country, not just the United States), I would like you to reply to this, list your rank, and the branch of the service you are (or have, in Glenn's case) served in.
I would like to take this moment to SALUTE you, and show my appreciation of all you have done.
Thank you more than words can say!
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Post by glennwilliams on May 28, 2012 5:49:46 GMT -9
1st Lt, USAF, SAC, 809th Combat Support Group, FE Warren AFB, WY
But also: Maj LeRoy L Williams, USAF. 6th Bomb Wing and others (My dad) Lt Cmdr Ezra O Williams, US MSTS (think Army running cargo ships, so Navy ranks) (my grandfather) Maj Fred Crigler, USAF, SAC, SR71 RSO (backseater) (cousin) Sgt Bernard O Williams, 101st Airborne, Vietnam (cousin) Maj (and soon to be Lt Col) David Foisel, Space Command Calif Air Guard (One of the few guard units with a 24/7 mission managing the Milstars) (my son in law)
Then there's the Terrell ancestor we don't mention because we think he rode with Quantrill.
So, in Heinlein's terms, we gotz a lot of citizens (and a few horse thieves) in our fambly tree.
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Post by stevelortz on May 28, 2012 11:59:36 GMT -9
I was a Machinists Mate 3rd Class in the United States Navy Submarine Service, nuclear trained, from 1970-1976. That was Viet Nam era, and I certainly wasn't regarded as a hero then, except by my own family. I didn't do anything that I regarded as particularly heroic, though I was willing to put myself into some peculiar situations.
My wife is doing some research into her family history during the War Between the States, and they talked about something they called "duty-brave", which meant being brave enough to do the things you were expected to do. Everybody was expected to be duty-brave. Courage meant going above and beyond the call of duty.
My dad fought in Italy during WWII. He earned a bronze star in the Naples-Foggio campaign, but the only stories I ever heard him tell were about driving around in a jeep telling soldiers to strap their helmets on. When he was in the ICU as an old man, after suffering his final stroke, he had flashbacks, and was swearing at his troops trying to get them to advance in the face of German fire. Sobering...
Steve
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Post by WaffleM on May 28, 2012 17:47:40 GMT -9
A true heartfelt thank you to all those who have served and are serving to keep all of us free!
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Post by glennwilliams on May 29, 2012 6:32:12 GMT -9
Although yesterday was specifically to remember those who've passed in service to their country, when I was in the Air Force I had a rare opportunity to meet a real hero. My super-military job was actually to run the transient quarters on base that was an historical site. When the Vietnam POWs were released, we had one come through and ask for quarters. As he was an Air Force captain, he would have been given a dorm room. I gave him the VIP quarters (Three story red brick, seven bedroom, silver service, etc) and thanked him. Made my year.
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Post by kiladecus on May 29, 2012 9:58:12 GMT -9
My wife told me that I was thinking of Veteran's Day. I told her I know what I am doing... I honor those that stand on the wall so my family can sleep soundly at night.
I don't just think of you on one or two days a year, but EVERYDAY.
I could mention my dad, step-dad, brother and countless nephews, cousins and so forth... I just want the "real-life heroes" here to know you are in our thoughts, prayers and minds. ALWAYS!
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