To the US service members, It's been a rough week. Thank you all for your sacrifices

[drcoastline]

I struggled whether to post Whitney Houston's Star spangled banner, Lee Greenwood's god bless the USA, Kate Smith's God Bless America, tributes by John Wayne, Ronald Regan and others.

I think this is most fitting, The United States Air Force sings "God Bless America"

[Rick Lee]

I have to wonder what this last week or two, in addition to Milley's woke BS, will do for future recruiting efforts.

[Sooner or later]

Ft Sill has a graduating class nearly every week. After graduation they get some time off and they eat lunch at local businesses with family members that have come to town for the graduation. I make it a point to thank them for their service.

Yesterday, I new graduate and her parents sat at a table across from me. Dad had on a National Guard t shirt. The graduate was a tiny little thing. She might have been 5' and 100 lbs. Head shaved bald.

"Did you graduate today?"
"Yes, sir!"
"What base are you headed to?"
"I am staying at Ft Sill, sir!"
"What specialty?"
"Cannon crew, sir!"
"Thanks for your service. When my house rattles from future artillery fire I will know who to blame!"
Chuckles from proud family

They are always so damn polite and proud of their accomplishment. Kids transformed into adults.

[pwd72s]

Especially those who served in Afghanistan...they should have an extra dose of support right now.

I'm sure some here remember Leland Pate...who would post "from the sandbox". I hope he's dealing with current events well.

[upsscott]

Our veterans did their job and deserve our gratitude. Our government for the last 20 years does not.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Sooner or later

Ft Sill has a graduating class nearly every week. After graduation they get some time off and they eat lunch at local businesses with family members that have come to town for the graduation. I make it a point to thank them for their service.

Yesterday, I new graduate and her parents sat at a table across from me. Dad had on a National Guard t shirt. The graduate was a tiny little thing. She might have been 5' and 100 lbs. Head shaved bald.

"Did you graduate today?"
"Yes, sir!"
"What base are you headed to?"
"I am staying at Ft Sill, sir!"
"What specialty?"
"Cannon crew, sir!"
"Thanks for your service. When my house rattles from future artillery fire I will know who to blame!"
Chuckles from proud family

They are always so damn polite and proud of their accomplishment. Kids transformed into adults.

Polite is correct. Couple years ago, I was sitting next to a family with their kid in uniform and over heard that he just arrived safely back home from the middle east. I thank that young man on my way out. He was so polite and said " Thank you sir". My reply was, there's no need to call me sir. He smiled and told me that he wanted to just out of respect and wish my family a great day. There is hope for our young people after all.

Now, I just wish they bring back ROTA in high schools across America. They not only teach and demand discipline but they learn how to respect others.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by look 171

Polite is correct. Couple years ago, I was sitting next to a family with their kid in uniform and over heard that he just arrived safely back home from the middle east. I thank that young man on my way out. He was so polite and said " Thank you sir". My reply was, there's no need to call me sir. He smiled and told me that he wanted to just out of respect and wish my family a great day. There is hope for our young people after all.

Now, I just wish they bring back ROTA in high schools across America. They not only teach and demand discipline but they learn how to respect others.

A friends daughter. She has a bright future.

[jhynesrockmtn]

My son was in Kabul with the 3rd Cavalry back in 2018. He started that deployment at a forward operating base but got moved to Kabul to be an XO and work transportation logistics and security. I look forward to talking to him about this. The level of corruption there and speed at which their military and govt. failed is astonishing but shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Hopefully this is a master class in how not to do "nation building" ever again.