''I am a Viet Nam veteran''- David Miller

Originally posted by: Candy Wright

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David, I've heard that some Vietnam veterans are uncomfortable being acknowledged.  My husband will not pass up a man or woman in uniform, or wearing a ball cap with any military insignia, any age, any war, without stopping and saying "thank you for your service."  I don't recall any who didn't seem to appreciate the gesture, but then who knows.  

 

For some reason I missed all the coverage of the horrible unwelcoming behavior of US citizens when soldiers were returning.  I think I wasn't watching much TV back then.  When the fog lifted and I saw footage of what went on I was shocked and ashamed that fellow Americans could be so hateful.  I didn't really understand it and still don't, other than people blinded by influences they don't fully understand and enjoying the media attention at their protestings.

 

I do appreciate your service.  A big regret in my life is not going into service myself.  The last few months of my nurses training, we had recruiters from the Army, Airforce, and Navy come to our school.  This was about 1967, or early '68.  The Air Force even flew my class to Keesler AFB (in a cargo plane!) and toured us through the base hospital, hoping some would sign on.  At that time we (RNs) would have gone in as Captains!  What a dummy I was to turn that down.  But being young (and dumb) I was excited to be out of school, on my own, etc.   Oh, well, at least I spend my last 35 years as a VA nurse.  Loved it, and we nurses truly loved our veterans.  I feel blessed to have served in that way, at least.  

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Originally posted by: Vegas Todd

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Yeah, my grandfather served in The War. Never left the continental US. Only son

Did he claim on an anonymous message board he was WW2 vet?

Point is, a veteran doesn't brag.

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Originally posted by: David Miller

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Candy and Boilerman - I appreciate your thanks, but like most Viet Nam era veterans I am somewhat uncomfortable with the acknowledgement that I receive. When I was in the service and when I got out, we who served were not thought of highly or recognized as being worthy of any kind of recodnition or praise or thanks. After all these years, I have not thought much of it. I served because it seemed the right thing to do and I don't regret the time I had in the service. I learned a lot about other countries and people that most Americans never get to know. Here in America we have a lot of people who don't have a clue as to what life is elsewhere in the world. We have it so good here - I get tired of all of the petty bitching and whining from those who are lucky enough to have been born here. By the grace of God, and for no other reason, each of us born here in America should be thankful. What we take for granted here, other people around the world would do almost anything to have. None of us had a thing to say about where we were born, or the color of our skin, of whether we were born into money or poverty. Think about that. All we really have is the time between our birth and the day we die - make the most of it and quit your incessant, petty bitching. Be thankful for what you have.  ---Sermon over.

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Originally posted by: MisterPicture

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Whether it's bragging or not is another issue.

 

But your grandfather was a WWII veteran. Anyone who says otherwise is wrong and rude. You know, like you.

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Originally posted by: Candy Wright

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"In association with (A) above, the Commemoration uses the term "Vietnam veteran" to describe those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location."

 

This is from the Vietnam War Commemoration Terminology web site.  The bolding is mine.  Look it up if you want to.  

 

Kevin and Vegas Todd, don't try to explain something you know nothing about. 

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Originally posted by: Vegas Todd

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That is true, you rate the VSM RVCM, but that's NOT how you framed yourself, pollywog.

As far as my ''personal military history'', that's none of your, or anyone else's business, until I say so.

You brought this up, bragging, not me.

Also, 4 years in and you rank HM2 without being in-country?

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Originally posted by: Vegas Todd

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''David, I've heard that some Vietnam veterans are uncomfortable being acknowledged.''

 

Uh... This isn't 1975.

They're acknowledged.

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Originally posted by: Candy Wright

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Uh, I referred to my husband being appreciative of anyone who served, any time, any age, any war, and wanted to let them know it.  That kind of acknowledgment.   Something I'd guess you would never do.  

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