Veterans Roll Call

[rice paddy daddy]

Where and when did you serve? What branch? What MOS?

I was US Army, 1967-1970
I enlisted to be an armor crewman, but ended up as a cook (it's a long story but hey, I tried!)
Basic Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia
AIT at Fort Lee, Virginia
Stateside with the 46th Field Artillery at Fort Carson, Colorado

Vounteered in summer 1969 for overseas service in the Republic of Vietnam, which was granted.
I was sent to Quang Tri Province and assigned to the 75th Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
The Brigade was on loan to the Marines, came under Command And Control of the 3rd Marine Division, and operated with them along the DMZ from the Khe Sahn Plains to the South China Sea.

Honorably discharged as an E-5 after 2 years, 8 months and 28 days (yes, I was counting)

My avatar is the DUI (Distinctive Unit Insignia) for the 5th Infantry Division.
I was never a hero, but i did serve with them. 514 men of the 5th Inf lost their lives in Vietnam. Some were buddies, all were Brothers. Not day goes by that I don't think about them.

[Brewster the Rooster]

US Army Jan 1988 - Dec 1988 Hardship Discharge
MOS 77F Petroleum and Oil Logistics
basic Ft Jackson SC
AIT Ft Lee VA
ASI Ft Dix NJ
1st duty station Wiesbaden Air Base Germany
last duty station Ft Gordon GA
I enlisted for 5 years. I went in as E nothing, made PFC E-3 in 9 months. Honor Graduate at AIT, Several Letters of Commendation and Awards. While stationed in Wiesbaden Germany I was requested to come home on emergency leave. My wife at the time (stateside) abandoned my 3 yr old and 2 yr old daughters. A judge awarded me full custody of them and I was granted a hardship discharge. I loved the Army but my girls were much more important. I only served one year of my 5 years. I do not stand when Veterans in a crowd are asked to stand at an event and be recognized because I do not feel worthy to stand with those who actually served.

[rice paddy daddy]

US Army Jan 1988 - Dec 1988 Hardship Discharge
MOS 77F Petroleum and Oil Logistics
basic Ft Jackson SC
AIT Ft Lee VA
ASI Ft Dix NJ
1st duty station Wiesbaden Air Base Germany
last duty station Ft Gordon GA
I enlisted for 5 years. I went in as E nothing, made PFC E-3 in 9 months. Honor Graduate at AIT, Several Letters of Commendation and Awards. While stationed in Wiesbaden Germany I was requested to come home on emergency leave. My wife at the time (stateside) abandoned my 3 yr old and 2 yr old daughters. A judge awarded me full custody of them and I was granted a hardship discharge. I loved the Army but my girls were much more important. I only served one year of my 5 years. I do not stand when Veterans in a crowd are asked to stand at an event and be recognized because I do not feel worthy to stand with those who actually served.
Thank you for serving our country.
Your girls were more important than the Army, I'll for sure agree with that.
But I do not agree with you on your veteran status. You signed, raised your hand and took the oath. You are my Brother. You are every bit as much a veteran as me. You were dealt a tough hand, and you did what you had to do.
I'd be proud to buy you a cup of coffee anytime.

[Brewster the Rooster]

Thanks rice paddy daddy. I appreciate your comment and gesture. Everything happens for a reason and they are my reason. The oldest has an associates degree, is a para pro (teachers assistant) and soon to be school teacher and the next to the oldest is an LPN/ER nurse and soon to be RN. I am definitely a proud father of two beautiful (inside and out) young women.

[BugMan]

I joined USARMY in January 87 and actually entered service on April 15th 1987 after going to college for 3 years. Went in as an E-3. Basic at Jackson, AIT at Gordon and then to Benning for Jump School etc... Went to Korea and loved it up until the 88 Olympics were over. I had about 15 days left in country at that point and was ready to go. Headed back to Benning where some time later I left Active duty and went into the National Guard. Jumped around to a couple of units and ended up in Covington, GA in a Tow Unit. Loved the military up until that point. Left the unit in 1995 and despite the claims of my fellow soldiers did not look back and never missed it. Glad I was able to experience active duty and I learned a lot. Took advantage of every class I was able to take and every training opportunity I qualified for. I did everything I could to avoid AT with my NG unit so I went to 11M school, Air Assault in Ft Gruber, OK and even recruiting duty one year. I am sure it's a lot different in that unit now that they have had several rotations of active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, But in the early 90's going to drill was excruciatingly boring. I would have loved to set my CCT book in front of a claymore and blown it up. Probably the most fun we had was going to Ft Benning and Ft Stewart for live fire drills. I came to the conclusion that the new trend in the Military was deployment of NG units and realized that wasn't going to be congruent with my goals. When my 8 years commitment was completed I chose to leave service. I believe my old unit has been deployed 3 times since I left and rumors of another one coming up. I don't know how those guys do it. I would have lost my business after the first deployment. God bless those guys for doing what they do, because it is tough to be a civilian and a soldier.

[rice paddy daddy]

Thank you for serving our country, BugMan.

[Peacekeeper]

I joined the US Coast Guard in 1980 and planned on making a career of it. But due to a training accident I was retired in 1983 as an E4! I really did not ever think I would retire as an E4, I hoped I would make it to at least a Chief Petty Officer. But all in all, I am truly glad I survived my accident and life has been good to me since then. I really feel for all the other vets returning home today with injuries, both physical and mental, and truly thank them for their service.

My job in the USCG was a Telephone Technician, I worked in an ESMT alongside Electronic Techs. We repaired and maintained all the electronics and comm gear, including towers, I had 30', 90' and one 300' towers to maintain.

[rice paddy daddy]

Semper Paratus, Peacekeeper. Thank you for serving our country.

[Montgomery]

I joined the Marine Corps in '85 went to boot camp in '86, spent 20 years 3 months and 22 days, retired in '06. Seen a lot of places did a lot of things, got a lot of t-shirts and enjoyed almost every minute of it! I retired as a Radio Chief but had several different hats that I filled throughout my career; secondary MOS' include 0861 Forward observer, 2531 (0621), 2537 (0629), 4066 Small Computer Systems Specialist, 4068 Advanced Network specialist. Spent most of my time stationed at Camp Lejeune but did numerous deployments. 6 years at 2nd Tank Battalion (Forward Observer, Radio Operator), 4 years at School of Infantry East, Camp Geiger, 8th Comm Bn at Lejeune, MWCS-28 / MTACS-28 Cherry Point, I&I duty for three years. I retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. I wouldn't trade the friends and experiences for anything. Semper!

P.S. And yes, sometimes I really miss it! ;)

[ready2play]

Beginning of 2003 to end of 2010 (8 years) active army as an intelligence analyst. Also served as an armorer for 3 years, hazmat driver, piss tester and various other extra duties haha. Got out as E5P only because I injured my back and couldn't run or carry a lot of weight according to the Dr, and was recommended I get out as opposed to hurting myself further. Plus I wanted to pursue a career as an actor, and the military schedule definitely does not lend the extra time needed for that.

[Peacekeeper]

Beginning of 2003 to end of 2010 (8 years) active army as an intelligence analyst. Also served as an armorer for 3 years, hazmat driver, piss tester and various other extra duties haha. Got out as E5P only because I injured my back and couldn't run or carry a lot of weight according to the Dr, and was recommended I get out as opposed to hurting myself further. Plus I wanted to pursue a career as an actor, and the military schedule definitely does not lend the extra time needed for that.
You could not get a retirement? I retired as an E4 with my injuries at three years servive.

[ready2play]

You could not get a retirement? I retired as an E4 with my injuries at three years servive.

Well, I was too close to my contract expiring.they told me I could ETS normally, or extend and attempt a med-board which wasn't guaranteed since it was in a "my choice" situation to where it wasn't forced on me, just suggested to me to be a better option.... I elected for normal ETS which in hindsight was stupid on my part

[Peacekeeper]

Well, I was too close to my contract expiring.they told me I could ETS normally, or extend and attempt a med-board which wasn't guaranteed since it was in a "my choice" situation to where it wasn't forced on me, just suggested to me to be a better option.... I elected for normal ETS which in hindsight was stupid on my part
As long as you are happy in life, that is what is important. I am happy in my life, but I do get tired of being in pain for the last 30 years. The last three years seems to really getting worse. I need to go to the VA for a revaluation, but there are so many young people that I feel need help there more than I do.

[ready2play]

As long as you are happy in life, that is what is important. I am happy in my life, but I do get tired of being in pain for the last 30 years. The last three years seems to really getting worse. I need to go to the VA for a revaluation, but there are so many young people that I feel need help there more than I do.

I am happy, but annoyed at the VA disability process. Been a PITA since I got out. I am finally getting paid, but they denied quite a bit. I'm at the VA regularly for appointments...I have 2 this coming week alone. My brother was hurt worse than me...he is 3 years younger than me and on a cane in severe pain the rest of his life....and him and I sit at the same rating. Not a fair system at all when they go by what's on paper alone. The drs they have examine you that are supposed to be impartial just don't care...thus leading to the VA not caring because of coarse the impartial Dr only writes down a small bit of info which they in turn call inconclusive proof of the injuries. But I love my job now as an actor.... allows me to work when I feel up to it/when I want....Also a lot of fun, and meeting the A-listers all the time as my co-workers for that day or week or whatever is pretty awesome.

[Montgomery]

I am happy, but annoyed at the VA disability process. Been a PITA since I got out. I am finally getting paid, but they denied quite a bit. I'm at the VA regularly for appointments...I have 2 this coming week alone. My brother was hurt worse than me...he is 3 years younger than me and on a cane in severe pain the rest of his life....and him and I sit at the same rating. Not a fair system at all when they go by what's on paper alone. The drs they have examine you that are supposed to be impartial just don't care...thus leading to the VA not caring because of coarse the impartial Dr only writes down a small bit of info which they in turn call inconclusive proof of the injuries. But I love my job now as an actor.... allows me to work when I feel up to it/when I want....Also a lot of fun, and meeting the A-listers all the time as my co-workers for that day or week or whatever is pretty awesome.

Yeah, it's a "catch 22", you don't want to be labeled as a "sick bay commando" while you're in, but the VA wants to see it in your record...lots of injuries I sustained aren't even in my medical record book. I'm not complaining though, I avoided some of the more serious problems that I see other Vets suffering with, and for that I'm thankful. I still P.T. every day because I feel like I shouldn't take my good health for granted. Running sucks, but not being able to run would suck more!

[ready2play]

Yeah, it's a "catch 22", you don't want to be labeled as a "sick bay commando" while you're in, but the VA wants to see it in your record...lots of injuries I sustained aren't even in my medical record book. I'm not complaining though, I avoided some of the more serious problems that I see other Vets suffering with, and for that I'm thankful. I still P.T. every day because I feel like I shouldn't take my good health for granted. Running sucks, but not being able to run would suck more!


And the other catch 22 comes when you get out....I was looking at the possibility of 100%...as such, not knowing if the rating would be listing me as "employable" or "unemployable", I couldn't even GET a full time job for fear of losing my benefits and back pay since they are nullified if you work and then you get rated unemployable. In that time I defaulted on several bills I could not pay with my menial income at the time...seeking help did no good. I was a paid member of the VFW, and they DENIED me help because I wasn't working full time.... And I thought they were supposed to UNDERSTAND the VA system....my military credit cards took me OFF of a payment plan that allowed me to actually afford the monthly payments and said if I just paid what I had been paying my accounts would go into default, which they did.....THEN, they penalized the accounts with a 25% account balance charge for no payment, plus late fees and other charges....$6k I owed is now $11k, my SSN is government blocked so I can't even get a passport if I want, and none of the agencies set up to HELP in such a situation wants to help....again, because I am not maintaining what they consider "full-time" emplyent. Straight pisses me off. So though I am getting some income from it, my claim is once again in appeals (another 2 years I'm sure), and my credit is now screwed....I had close to an 800 credit score before all this BS. Talk about getting railed by a government run system...

[Montgomery]

I joined the US Coast Guard in 1980 and planned on making a career of it. But due to a training accident I was retired in 1983 as an E4! I really did not ever think I would retire as an E4, I hoped I would make it to at least a Chief Petty Officer. But all in all, I am truly glad I survived my accident and life has been good to me since then. I really feel for all the other vets returning home today with injuries, both physical and mental, and truly thank them for their service.

My job in the USCG was a Telephone Technician, I worked in an ESMT alongside Electronic Techs. We repaired and maintained all the electronics and comm gear, including towers, I had 30', 90' and one 300' towers to maintain.

Now SEE! Smart guy here...it was only AFTER I had been a Marine for a few years that I WISHED I had joined the CG! ;) Thanks for your service!

[Peacekeeper]

Now SEE! Smart guy here...it was only AFTER I had been a Marine for a few years that I WISHED I had joined the CG! ;) Thanks for your service!

Thanks for your service as well! The CG was a great choice for me, I love boats and law enforcement, so it was the best of two.

[NGIB]

Spent 20 years in the USAF, 1972 to 1992, retired as an E-7. Spent a lot of time in the Pacific, Okinawa, Philippines, and Korea. Enjoyed my time and I spent half as a boiler mechanic and the other half working manpower studies. Hard to believe that I've been retired 22 years this October...

[Peacekeeper]

Spent 20 years in the USAF, 1972 to 1992, retired as an E-7. Spent a lot of time in the Pacific, Okinawa, Philippines, and Korea. Enjoyed my time and I spent half as a boiler mechanic and the other half working manpower studies. Hard to believe that I've been retired 22 years this October...
Thank you for your service! The time does go by fast it seems.

[NGIB]

Two of my 3 kids served as well, both US Army. One did a tour in Afghanistan and the other in Iraq. My son was medically retired after 3 1/2 years with back trouble...

[Peacekeeper]

I can understand back troubles, I hope he is alright.

My father and his two brothers served, army for my dad and one of his brothers. The other brother was aif force. My grandfather was a signal man in WW1. My family has a history of military and law enforcement going back many years.

[ptarnuzzer]

Usaf 1980-2000!

[Georgiacornholesupply]

Usaf 1977-1994

[Innkeeper]

Where were you in Korea Bugman? I was with the 271st Aviation at Cp Humphrey's but we flew our missions all over the country. There was always a need for our Chinooks, I was there from Mar1987 until Jul 1988. Our sister unit the 213th did the para-drop for the opening ceremonies and we had the on call role for security. we stayed busy during the Olympics , but I did get a chance to go see some of the events when ROK government gave us tickets, they joy of being flight crew was I had to be allowed some time off to recover.

[rice paddy daddy]

Spent 20 years in the USAF, 1972 to 1992, retired as an E-7. Spent a lot of time in the Pacific, Okinawa, Philippines, and Korea. Enjoyed my time and I spent half as a boiler mechanic and the other half working manpower studies. Hard to believe that I've been retired 22 years this October...
Thank you for serving our country.
I ate in an Air Force mess once, man you guys lived like kings compared to the Army!

[MrsInor]

Air Force - 3 years '76-'79 - also early out hardship discharge. My mother was an only child and when her father died, her mother went nuts. Went home to keep mom from doing the same. 7th Weather Wing, weather observer and forecaster assistant, Andrews AFB (where there are too many chiefs and not enough injuns).

[rice paddy daddy]

Thank you for serving our country, SF.

[rice paddy daddy]

No sir...Thank you...if not for the facts of how America shamefully treaded its veterans from Vietnam, we would still be getting spit on. Its your generation that said never again will we allow that. So sir thank you from the bottom and the top of my heart.

RPD's face turns red.
"Aww, shucks, t'wernt nothin" says RPD as he looks down and stirs at the dust with the toe of his boot.
"Just doin' my job."

[Denton]

Yes, I served the military industrial complex. No, I didn't serve my country or protect the constitution, though that was my intention. Instead, and like the rest of you, I served that very entity about which president Eisenhower warned us.

Yeah, I am a pain in the butt. Just trying to keep it real. Not my fault.

[Rigged For Quiet]

10 years active US Navy. First 6 years on Submarines, one year in a JSOC unit out of Ft Bragg, from there I scammed 3 years in a Joint Services unit with FAST Marines augmenting a Terrorist Response/Hostage Rescue unit. Someone messed up and let a Techie get tactical, lol.

Made E-6 in seven years and was headed for the board for Chief when I zigged when I shoulda zagged, and fractured 6 vertebrae and blew out both knees. Game over.

[Old Soldier]

US Army 1976-2000
1976-79 172d Light Inf Bde
1979-82 3rd Bde, 9th Inf Div
1982-87 US Army Recruiting Command (I got drafted for this duty)
1987-89 DIVARTY, 5th Inf Div
1989-90 307th Sig Bn
1990-95 DIVARTY, 5th Inf Div/42nd Artillery Bde
1995-1996 304th Sig Bn
1996-2000 FORSCOM HQs

Retired Master Sergeant but somehow seemed to miss every single combat deployment.......

[rice paddy daddy]

US Army 1976-2000

1987-89 DIVARTY, 5th Inf Div

1990-95 DIVARTY, 5th Inf Div/42nd Artillery Bde


Retired Master Sergeant but somehow seemed to miss every single combat deployment.......

Ahh! A fellow Red Devil. Those years indicate Fort Polk?
Do you belong to the Society of the Fifth Division? The oldest continually operating unit society, 1919 to present.
http://www.societyofthefifthdivision.com/
If not, come and join us. Our annual reunion this year is in Nashville.

[Old Soldier]

Ahh! A fellow Red Devil. Those years indicate Fort Polk?
Do you belong to the Society of the Fifth Division? The oldest continually operating unit society, 1919 to present.
http://www.societyofthefifthdivision.com/
If not, come and join us. Our annual reunion this year is in Nashville.

They do indeed indicate Ft Polk, LA. No I do not belong to the society, never been asked before. Unlike many others, I LOVED Ft Polk, went to Korea twice so I could come back to the bayou, I'm even an honorary "Coon Ass"......

[rice paddy daddy]

Check out the 5th's website.
All those blue tabs down the side and across the bottom are clickable links.
Dues are only $15 per year - a real steal!
The 5th was still at Ft Carson when I was in.

[Eagle1803]

US Army Retired SFC....22yrs 1977-1999


thank you all for your service

[Imaexpat2]

USN Retired
Weapons Tech
1983-2004
Uss Midway
NAF Atsugi
NAMTRAGRUDET 4033 NAS North Island
NAF Diego Garcia
Uss John C Stennis
NAS Whidbey Island

...and now NAS Back Yard!

[*Paladin*]

MSgt, USAF Ret.
Security Forces
Combat Arms Instructor/Small Arms Repairman

Stationed: Nellis AFB, Osan AB, Fairchild AFB,
Malmstrom AFB, Elmendorf AFB, Mountain Home AFB.

Deployed: Haiti '95, Italy '96 and '99, Iraq '05-06, Afghanistan '09-10, UAE '11

[Old Soldier]

MSgt, USAF Ret.
Security Forces
Combat Arms Instructor/Small Arms Repairman

Stationed: Nellis AFB, Osan AB, Fairchild AFB,
Malmstrom AFB, Elmendorf AFB, Mountain Home AFB.

Deployed: Haiti '95, Italy '96 and '99, Iraq '05-06, Afghanistan '09-10, UAE '11

Hello Paladin, good to see another familiar face here!

[*Paladin*]

Hello Paladin, good to see another familiar face here!

Thanks Old Soldier! Good to see you, along with so many other familiar folks as well!

[oldmurph58]

U.S.Army 75- 89. 11b,11c,and for one tour 82c feild arty surveyor. 10% service connected. member nam vets of the cape and islands. liked the infantry, but got too old thats a young mans game.

[rice paddy daddy]

'Bout dang time ya checked in, Murph!!
:thumb:
Thank you for serving our country.

[9UC]

I jokingly tell people that I was a patriotic "draft dodger". In August of 1966, after flunking out of my freshman year of college, I joined the Air Force to keep from getting drafted, becoming a "grunt" and having to go to 'Nam. Ended up being an Air force grunt, a Security Policeman, and after a year and a half of stateside duty, volunteered to go to Vietnam. I ended up spending just over 21 1/2 active duty.
years of active duty, but it took me over 28 years to do it. I tell folks that I've always been a little slow getting things done. My first three years, as mentioned, I was in the Security Police, got to do the year of our Lord, 1968, the year of the notorious Tet Offensive, at Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN. Upon returning to the states I came to the conclusion that based upon my observations that I might be at least slightly allergic to lead, especially when in contacted with it at high velocity. I retrained into Accounting, specializing in the field covering Military Pay. Loved it, but missed the action of being an SP. After returning from RVN, I married what I thought would be the love of my life. Short life. We had one child, but the marriage only lasted less than five years. She decided that being a wife and motherhood was not what she wanted, and left us to our own devices. We divorced, I got full custody of our then 4 year old son. I put up with the AF's lack of tolerance with single parents for about three years and just past 11 1/2 years I told them to kiss mine and got out. After 5 years and entering into another marriage, I got into the AF reserves and became a munitions technician or bomb builder/assembler, for munitions hung on F-4Gs. After nearly two years of that I managed to get back on active duty, and the blessing of it all was I was reassigned to Accounting and found myself back in Military Pay. Having been been in Security Police, in accounting, and in munitions as a bomb builder, when ask at my retirement what I was going to do with myself, I stated before those attending, if I couldn't guard it or account for it, I'd just blow it UP.

All total, I've been assigned in three different quadrants of the US, and three countries other than the US. Have had three different assignments to the desert Southwest and have retired in 1993 to Las Vegas, NV.

70% VA service connected disability for our favorite weed Killer.

[rice paddy daddy]

Welcome Home, my brother.

[captdave77]

Army 37F Psychological Operations

[HuntingHawk]

Retired Navy 1970-1992. Served in Nam & Desert Storm.

[jimb1972]

US Army 91-94, 63B. Jackson for Basic and AIT Stationed FT Polk LA. Drank a lot of beer, was on the winning team of the Vernon Parish pool league, may still be a trophy with my name misspelled in the Longbranch saloon.

[dsdmmat]

US Army 1983-2003 20 years and 8 days
Started out 67N UH-1H Huey Mechanic, then went 67T UH-60 Blackhawk, they changed it to 15T by the time I retired.
Basic at FT Jackson
AIT At FT Rucker (Mother Rucker)
Went to Fort Ord, CA to start my career and Ended it at Fort Drum, NY.
Put over 1000 hours in the air in almost every thing that flew. The only things I didn't fly on were the AH1 Cobra and the AH64 Apache.
I even logged 7.9 hours in an OV-1D Mohawk.

[Smokin04]

TSgt (E-6) still active duty USAF.
Enlisted 1998 and still going.
Was 3P071 with an A shred (Canine handler) for 10 years...
Now a 1N0X1 (Intelligence) until I retire. Got 16 years down and 4-6 more...can't wait.

Perm assignments:
Lackland AFB TX
Vandenberg AFB CA
Moody AFB GA
Little Rock AFB AR
Goodfellow AFB TX
Seymour Johnson AFB NC

Deployments:
Kyrgyzstan, Iraq (twice, both combat tours), Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar (twice, both sucked), Saudi Arabia

Hope I don't have to go anymore...my body is pretty tired from all the moving.

[Kanman]

U.S. Navy 1972 - 77, then 81 - 92. total of 16 years. Evacuation On Viet Nam, then helped with refugee's in the Philippines. Participated in Grenada, there when Embassy in Beirut was blown up. Challenged Libya on there inter-coastal border. Picked up pieces of the Challenger when it blew up. Company Commander (Drill Sargent) at Great Lakes boot camp for three years. First Gulf War. I was a Signalman for majority of time. Last three years was photographer for special mobile intell teams. Out for medical after first Gulf War. 12 and half years sea duty. No not miss the Navy, DO miss the Sea.

[Ordnance21]

USMC 1974 to Aug 2002
11.6 years as small arms repairman, 17.6 years as Ordnance Officer. small arms and artillery.
DI Parris Island 1979-1982
Many tours in Division, 1st Mar Div, 2nd Mar Div. including DS/DS, Somali
Program Management team for Xm777 Howitzer, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 1997- 2002

[Reptilicus]

USMC 1973-1976 Didn't deploy anywhere other than the EM club. Too late for 'nam' and too early for anything else. But I was willing!

[rice paddy daddy]

US Army 91-94, 63B. Jackson for Basic and AIT Stationed FT Polk LA. Drank a lot of beer, was on the winning team of the Vernon Parish pool league, may still be a trophy with my name misspelled in the Longbranch saloon.
Did you wear the Red Diamond shoulder patch of the 5th Infantry Division? If so, you are eligible to join the Society Of The Fifth Division. We would love to have you.
www.societyofthefifthdivision.com/

[jimb1972]

Did you wear the Red Diamond shoulder patch of the 5th Infantry Division? If so, you are eligible to join the Society Of The Fifth Division. We would love to have you.
www.societyofthefifthdivision.com/
I did indeed wear the Red Diamond for about a year I think before we transitioned to the 2nd Armor division.

[Notsoyoung]

U.S. Army 1974-1994, Enlisted as 11B, basic at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. , AIT Ft. Polk, LA.
Re-enlisted at 26V, Microwave communications systems repairman.
Volunteered for SOCEUR Signal Detachment (ABN) in 1986 and remained until Retirement.

[Tlock762x51]

USAF 1978-1992

After Basic Training (Lackland AFB, San Antonio TX) and Tech School (Lowry AFB, Denver CO) I was stationed at Griffiss AFB (Rome, NY) where I worked on the flight line maintaining the MA-1 Weapons Control System on the F-106A/B Delta Dart Fighter/Interceptors of the 49th FIS. I was there from 1979-1987.

In 1987 I PCS-ed to Luke AFB, Phoenix AZ, where I moved to in-shop maintenance. I worked on the ATS, MTS, and TITE systems, maintaining the "Black Boxes" of the F-15A/B Eagle and later the F-15E "Strike" Eagle.

In 1989 I PCS'ed to Keflavik NAS, Iceland, where I continued maintaining F-15C/Ds of the 57th FIS.

In 1990 I PCS'ed to Bitburg AB GE, where I maintained F-15C/Ds of the 36th TFW while they were operating in support of Operation Desert Storm, and later Operation Support Comfort. I arrived at Bitburg too late to deploy, but I was #1 in our shop to deploy if any additional bodies were needed, and as such my bags were constantly packed to leave at a moment's notice. No notice ever came, and I did not deploy.

Tim

[omegabrock]

US Army
2001-2006 (5 years 9 days)
62B20p - AIRBORNE! combat engineer mechanic
basic/AIT - Ft. Leonardwood, MO
jump school at Benning - i was still 17, "keeper of the wings" - useless title that just says: you're the youngest and you probably won't make it through training
stationed at Ft. Bragg: 20th Engineer and 82nd
deployed to Turkey and Iraq (spent a couple of weeks in kuwait before we went into Iraq)
re-upped and reclassed at Shepard AFB for B-met (fixing hospital equipment) but couldnt finish training because i could not *adjust* from a combat unit to the (politics of the) medical field. long story short, taken from E5 to E3 and was discharged- general under honorable. now i am rated 100% and was unaware i could have upgraded my discharge

[rice paddy daddy]

US Army
2001-2006 (5 years 9 days)
62B20p - AIRBORNE! combat engineer mechanic
basic/AIT - Ft. Leonardwood, MO
jump school at Benning - i was still 17, "keeper of the wings" - useless title that just says: you're the youngest and you probably won't make it through training
stationed at Ft. Bragg: 20th Engineer and 82nd
deployed to Turkey and Iraq (spent a couple of weeks in kuwait before we went into Iraq)
re-upped and reclassed at Shepard AFB for B-met (fixing hospital equipment) but couldnt finish training because i could not *adjust* from a combat unit to the (politics of the) medical field. long story short, taken from E5 to E3 and was discharged- general under honorable. now i am rated 100% and was unaware i could have upgraded my discharge
since you have a service connected disability I would suggest you get in touch with a local chapter of DAV. If there is a way to upgrade your discharge they would know.
Vietnam Veterans of America to this day helps Vietnam vets who recieved "bad paper" because of PTSD get upgrades.
If there is no DAV near you, see if your local VFW or American Legion has a qualified service officer. Not all posts do.

[omegabrock]

since you have a service connected disability I would suggest you get in touch with a local chapter of DAV. If there is a way to upgrade your discharge they would know.
Vietnam Veterans of America to this day helps Vietnam vets who recieved "bad paper" because of PTSD get upgrades.
If there is no DAV near you, see if your local VFW or American Legion has a qualified service officer. Not all posts do.

i joined the American Legion. had some bad luck with DAV but it's something i didnt even think to mention to them. thanks for the tip RPD

[TJC44]

In the presence of all of the lifers present(20+), I humbly submit my credentials:
USAF 1982 - 1986,
Tech school @Kessler AFB,
2 yrs @RAF Fairford, UK,
1 yr Ellsworth AFB,SD
NAVAIDS, Comma Sq.

[rice paddy daddy]

Hey! Who are you calling a lifer? :suicide:
I did 2yrs, 8 mo, 28 days on a 3 year enlistment. If you were short when you got back to the States from Nam they just let ya go.
My biggest beef was after having made E-5, when I went down-country to Cam Rahn Bay to out process the SOB's wouldn't let me in the EM Club. They actually had a guy on the door checking. I had to go to the NCO Club with the lifers. Damn REMFs.

[TJC44]

2 years in the jungle would be like 20 stateside.

[Aussie Jay]

G'day.

New member to this site. Military experience - 20 yrs in the Australian Army Reserve ( much like your Nat. Guard ). Still active. Joined as Assault Pioneer, then Infantry, Transport, back to Infantry - but due to age/injury am now Admin. Never served overseas (not by choice, just circumstances would not allow me to go). Have a good friend in the Connecticut Nat Guard ( S/Sgt now) who did a few tours in the Big A.

To all those Vets, thanks for your service for the good of mankind and for the pursuit of freedom and justice.

[Montana Rancher]

Ha, sorry I just found this thread, my service is not substantial to some listed above but of course I am proud of it.

I spent 12 years in the Army

The first 8 was FDC in a field artillery battery, I made E6 as the section chief

The last 4 was in a M1 tank company where I was a E7 Platoon Sargent.


My ETS was June of 1991, just after the first gulf war, yes I know I am old but not as old as some others that have post.

My Daughter served in Afghanistan for 1 tour (attached to the 101 airborne as a welder), my son is a combat medic in a NG unit in Montana (not deployed)

It is hard to not be proud of everything though I realize most of it is a result of bankers.

God Bless the USA

[omegabrock]

Montana, is your daughter still a welder? Before I got out I heard talks of them combining that MOS with something else. A good buddy of mine was talking about he would have to reclass if it went through but I pcs'd before I heard a final word on it

[Innkeeper]

Ha, sorry I just found this thread, my service is not substantial to some listed above but of course I am proud of it.

I spent 12 years in the Army

The first 8 was FDC in a field artillery battery, I made E6 as the section chief

The last 4 was in a M1 tank company where I was a E7 Platoon Sargent.


My ETS was June of 1991, just after the first gulf war, yes I know I am old but not as old as some others that have post.

My Daughter served in Afghanistan for 1 tour (attached to the 101 airborne as a welder), my son is a combat medic in a NG unit in Montana (not deployed)

It is hard to not be proud of everything though I realize most of it is a result of bankers.

God Bless the USA

I was an FDC with a HIMAR unit POC chief when they Medically retired me, they are combining the Tube and rocket FDC's into one MOS later this year I worked Recruiting here at home while I was in the WTB so got to keep up on all the changes they have been making. Good jobs for welders down in the Detroit Tank plant she may want to look into it when she gets out, they love former military there.

[Montana Rancher]

Montana, is your daughter still a welder? Before I got out I heard talks of them combining that MOS with something else. A good buddy of mine was talking about he would have to reclass if it went through but I pcs'd before I heard a final word on it

My daughter is out now, got the GI bill and doing some Dental Tech training in Colorado.

When she went in she was Gungho about being a lifer, but after 1 tour in Afganistan and all the killing she got out as quick as she could. There are still a lot of scars there, and my first thought is why the F*&K do we have women in combat zones.

My second thought is, why the F$#K are we still there?

I think I actually know the answer.

That being said, I don't know about the combining of MOS's

[Jeep]

Jeep checking in.

Feb 89-93 USMC, 0341(60mm Mortars). First Gulf War from Aug 90 to April 91. Deployed to Okinawa and Korea.

2004-2007 California National guard, 160th LRSD, service in Irag and Bosnia as a Rifleman

[txmarine6531]

USMC
'02-'06 EAS'ed as an E-4 Corporal. Picked up E-5 Sergeant the last year of my inactive time.
6531 Aviation Ordnance Technician, AV8B Harrier
Cherry Point, NC
First unit was VMA-231, was there for a few months, was waiting for VMA-223 to get back from the boat. Once they got back I went over there. Was with 223 for 6 months at most when we got word that there would be 2 people from each gun squadron (3 Harrier gun squadrons on Cherry Point) getting transferred to VMAT-203, a training squadron. All Marines coming out of the school house were getting attached to gun squadrons because the war was cranking up. 203 ordnance shop was running low on bodies. Guess who got snatched up. And I was slated to go to Afghanistan Aug of '04 with 223. So I spent the remainder of my enlistment in "The Black Hole". Once you're in, you don't get out unless you reenlist or EAS. Any requests to switch places with a Marine from a deploying squadron was squashed immediately. Only places we "deployed" to was Yuma, AZ and El Centro, CA. Not a glorious enlistment to say the least, but we had fun.

Seriously thinking about Air Force Reserves as a second job and second retirement. Maybe get out of automotive if I get the MOS I want. Go to work in some hospital and work with the pretty nurses.

[SIttingElf]

Grew up as an Army Brat.
Joined Army Sep '73 .... E-1 three weeks into my 17th year on the planet.
Left active duty in 1984 and stayed IRR until 2005 ..... CW3
Medic - EOD - Helicopter Pilot

Now a spouse of Active Duty Air Force Colonel (select).

Never a day in my life at 59 without an ID card of one color or another!

[DerBiermeister]

Submariner -- not too many of us around

Not sure why, but as a kid I was fascinated with subs. I simply had to get on one. Joined the Navy just after graduating HS in summer of '61. This was of course before Nam hit the fan. Went through electronics school and then sub school. I'll never forget how we were one of only 3 subs that were operationally ready the day after the Gulf Of Tonkin incident. We quickly unloaded our dummy torpedoes and took on live ones, took on provisions, and skeedaddled west. Spent most of the next year operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. My sub was the very last diesel boat in the sub fleet. Also, she had the modern Skipjack hull, so the three in the class (Barbel, Bonefish, and Blueback) were VERY special and served a unique function (because we were SO quiet under battery) to go places that you wouldn't want to be caught. LOL
To this day, I still can't talk about it, and that was 50 years ago!

[Jeep]

Nothing but an old ground pounder here.

[Dwight55]

Somewhere I missed this thread, . . .

Anyway, . . .

Enlisted Sept 1963, Columbus, Ohio, USNavy, . . . Great Lakes (took my very first plane ride)
USNavy Electrician's Mate A school, . . . Great Lakes
USS Hamner, DD718, San Diego, May - 64 thru Feb - 66
Headquarters Support Activity Saigon, Feb - 66 thru May - 66
RivPatSec 90.11, Long Xuyen, An Giang Province, RVN, May - 66 thru Feb - 67
USS Wiltsie, DD716, San Diego, Feb - 67 thru March - 68
Did several years in Navy Reserve
Went over to the OARNG, . . . 1/166 Infantry, . . . made PSG, . . . became a family man with too many responsibilities, . . . gave it up after total of almost 17 years.

Looking back, . . . wouldn't want to do any of it over again, . . . but would not trade any of it off.

May God bless,
Dwight

[Dwight55]

My sub was the very last diesel boat in the sub fleet. Also, she had the modern Skipjack hull, so the three in the class (Barbel, Bonefish, and Blueback) were VERY special and served a unique function (because we were SO quiet under battery) to go places that you wouldn't want to be caught. LOL
To this day, I still can't talk about it, and that was 50 years ago!

Just a nosey question, . . . were you on the Bonefish??

Had a boot camp buddy went to school with, . . . all of us got our orders, . . . all but one went to Destroyers, . . . Wirt went to the Bonefish out of Pearl.

Saw them in port a couple years later, . . . he was no longer aboard.

Just wondering if you maybe knew him, . . . he was a good friend.

May God bless,
Dwight

[DerBiermeister]

Just a nosey question, . . . were you on the Bonefish??

Had a boot camp buddy went to school with, . . . all of us got our orders, . . . all but one went to Destroyers, . . . Wirt went to the Bonefish out of Pearl.

Saw them in port a couple years later, . . . he was no longer aboard.

Just wondering if you maybe knew him, . . . he was a good friend.

May God bless,
Dwight


No, I was on the Blueback -- SS581

[SGT E]

US Army 1977 to 1994 -US Army 2003 to 2009- US Army 2011 to 2014

I'm a 100% Deaf Vet...But loved to teach the troops even overseas after I got old and worthless....

63D Artillery Mechanic / 54E NBC NCO / Special Weapons in Artillery as well with the W34 Nuclear Artillery shell and even 13B Artilleryman

We had such a shortage of 13B MOS that they used Artillery mechanics as 13B and each gun section had one assigned..Training was hands on and over 15 of us mechanics got so good they dumped the 13C and 13D section chiefs and let us take the guns...Higher IQ ROFL!!!

Can you say 18 rounds of 204 pounds of high explosives through a Toyota Tundra Pickup truck windshield at 15 miles? My group was 4 feet but hell yea I'm bragging!

I especially enjoyed the Marines getting in over their heads.....We fixed it for em fast though!

[Ricekila]

Army - 101st - 5th Div - outta Dodge City -- early 69 to late 72

Ft Campbell Ky. 60 + jumps -- 20 combat -- E-7

Then they said you wanna sit in a helicopter ?

Little bird - D/G - C/C

[Ricekila]

Bonefish

SS-582 ?

Did I see you pop up in the gulf near the "Shitty Kitty" ?

[DerBiermeister]

SS-582 ?

Did I see you pop up in the gulf near the "Shitty Kitty" ?

Yes, the Bonefish was SS-582. I can't speak as to her operations.

I know that my sub, Blueback SS-581, operated off of Kauai back in the summer of '63 involved with strike exercises and tactics with a carrier task force. For some reason I do believe it was the Kitty Hawk and yes, we popped up about 200 yards off of her starboard side after firing dummy torpedoes at her. It was a lot of fun because I was one of the lookouts up on the bridge and in swim trunks getting a nice tan. Everybody over on the carrier was in dress whites. LOL

[Ricekila]

We got to land on her a few times delivering very important gooks if there was such a thing -- they served us up a great lunch --

[DerBiermeister]

Speaking of the 580 class, of which there were three (Barbel SS-580, Blueback SS-581, and Bonefish SS-582), my boat the Blueback is considered the LAST diesel sub in the US Navy. By her number, you would think it would be the Bonefish, because the Blueback's keel was laid (that is when they are assigned an SS number) before that of the Bonefish, but, the Blueback was the last to be commissioned. Blueback was built in my home town of Pascagoula, Ms, at Ingalls Shipbuilding. When I was given my choice of subs after Sub School, I jumped at the chance to serve on the Blueback. My father was a high exec at Ingalls. The Bonefish was built at New York Shipbuilding. The Barbel was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. I guess the Navy liked to spread around the wealth back in those days.

[slewfoot]

U.S. navy. Gunners mate aboard the USS Trathen DD530
1961-1963
2336
I am proud to say I was a tin can sailor and still am at heart.

[rice paddy daddy]

U.S. navy. Gunners mate aboard the USS Trathen DD530
1961-1963
2336
I am proud to say I was a tin can sailor and still am at heart.
The Tin Cans gave excellent fire support on the gun line off the Vietnam DMZ.
Of course, that is nothing new for the Destroyers - a handful of them literally saved the day on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. (Anyone who does not know the story really should take the time to look it up. Stephen Ambrose vividly described it in his book D-Day)

[Gunn]

I entered the US Army 27 July 1971, basic training at Fort Ord CA, AIT at Fort Benning. Stationed at HLMR, JUSMAG Greece, until 16 July 1976. Left the Army as an E-5

[juskom95]

I'll 'bump' this thread:

Active, US Army 2002-2011
519th MP BN Ft Polk, LA
I was officially a 31B/95B and 25B, but also was slotted as a 95C and a 96B
(Military Police, IT Specialist, Corrections Office, Intel Analyst)

[JBryan314]

US Army, 2011-2014. 35M, Human Intelligence Collector. BCT was in Fort Jackson and AIT was Fort Huachuca.

Went to Korea, Germany and Afghanistan.

Saw Japan, Turkey, Krygyzstan, Ireland, etc...

Had the honor to get attached to some SF units in Korea and in Afghanistan.

Army definitely changed me. Probably going to try to go into the reserves.

Anyway, hi y'all.

[juskom95]

US Army, 2011-2014. 35M, Human Intelligence Collector. BCT was in Fort Jackson and AIT was Fort Huachuca.

Went to Korea, Germany and Afghanistan.

Saw Japan, Turkey, Krygyzstan, Ireland, etc...

Had the honor to get attached to some SF units in Korea and in Afghanistan.

Army definitely changed me. Probably going to try to go into the reserves.

Anyway, hi y'all.

Welcome to the board.