Hello

I never stepped foot in an active combat zone
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Besides Vietnam, I've been to Korea for 2 'Team Spirits', and though it may not be a hot war, it's still a cold war, and your ass was on the firing line, so don't denigrate your service just because they didn't throw lead your way. And I would remind you, there are few places on this rock where your ass was as close to being fired at as in that country with their looney toon neighbors. You were as you said...Lucky, and I'd rather be Lucky than good.
 
reaper28 said:
Yeah I lucked out, lost some friends though. Its hard to say u served when u have friends who gave all and I never stepped foot in an active combat zone
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I have not served in a combat zone. I have trained soldiers, battalion through corps level staffs and units that went to combat zones. Do not say you did nothing because that is not respectful to your friends who paid the ultimate price. Your presence here on earth should celebrate the lives of those you have known by being able to tell their stories that bring them back to life to those that did not know them and especially to all those who knew them. It is hard thing to do and a tough burden to carry but I believe that is why we who live have this obligation. I have lost some West Point classmates over the years and when we get together we reminisce about those who are no longer with us. It is why West Point refers to its cadets, its graduates and the dead graduates as the Long Gray Line. I am proud to call you a brother in arms. There are not many US folks who step up to the plate and volunteer to protect the US and that is a shame. It is still my privilege to serve my country during a time of war. I now step down from my soap box.

Again "Thank You" for your service and be proud of it.
 
Yeah I'm proud of it... just humbled by it. Too many ass clowns out there talk and pretend.

I was a combat engineer who was part of the cadre at sapper school as opfor. I also trained as a specialized dog handler, a small unit not many know about. Was trained by members for the UK and Australian army.

Then I reclassed as a fire fighter and am now anemployees for the navy as a civilian.

Lots a good times and memories and I never forget those I have served with.
 
I am only a "grunt", infantry. You know when everything goes to hell an engineer becomes a "grunt". ;)

Your MOS (Military Occupational Skill) training experience looks like you had some very unique experiences. Your UK and Australian army coalition training also sounds fun. I enjoyed my time training during one REFORGER exercise (1984) with Germans. Good times, good beer and good war stories after these coalition training opportunities.

Again welcome to the club.
 
A&O platton Bco 2nd Eng KTC Korea... im on the back left.
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Facman, thank you so much for the continued service. Your experience in dealing with veteran's issues are so valuable for those who are just leaving the service and have to deal with all issues that come with veteran benefits. I might have to tap you as a resource as I am about to begin life after the US Army.
 
fabishd said:
Facman, thank you so much for the continued service. Your experience in dealing with veteran's issues are so valuable for those who are just leaving the service and have to deal with all issues that come with veteran benefits. I might have to tap you as a resource as I am about to begin life after the US Army.
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Best advise I can give you is of you dont have a job lined up when you get out reclass in the reserves to something that applies to the civilian side.

I'm reclassed for 2 years got a bonus for it and between waiting to go to my AIT and the fact that it was only 2 years it went by quick.

I'm a firefighter now and work for the navy so I still am serving in away. The biggest thing I saw that was a problem for my friends getting out was they had no job skills to apply to the civilian world. So after a couple months they went back in active duty.
Usajobs.gov is a great place to check to see what requirements are need for civilian jobs on military installations.

Haven't u ever been at work and seen civilians that are making three times as much as you doing a job that's easier or even teaching you how to do your job as a soldier?

I did and now I'm the civilian with that job. Plus u get to apply your timed served towards retirement and preference over non vets.
 
I served 8 years in the Dutch army as an recon infantrymen. I did 3 tours (2x Bosnia, 1x Afghanistan). I left the army in 2007 to become a cop. I still am a cop and I still love to help those in need.

What ever you did in the army and how small your contribution may seem to you, you did your job with pride and honour. And never forget your army buddies. I lost some friends to in Afghanistan. Their isn't a day that I do not think of them or my time being over there.

I salute you!

Now get your ass on the virtual battlefield... :p
 
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