Military Vets...I would like your opinion on something that happened...

[ZOA NOM]

MD, my grandfather was 501 PIR HQ, and stood in the room with Brig Gen Anthony McCauliff when he wrote "NUTS" on the response message to the surrender demand from the Germans surrounding Bastogne, and I will tell his war stories till I die, and I will teach my kids to tell them and never EVER forget them. Sadly, we have lost that generation, effectively. I don't think we will ever see their kind again.

Crazy world that your father and my grandfather may have known each other.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by ZOA NOM

Sadly, we have lost that generation, effectively. I don't think we will ever see their kind again.

A bit of a thread hijack. I served 27 years and was involved in most everything from Vietnam through DS1 and I can say I saw "their kind" each and every day I was in a combat zone. A lot of kids today drive me crazy with their lack of work ethic, but when you are a combat arms soldier (as I was) or Marine, those kids at the tip of the spear are every bit the warrior that we attribute to the "greatest generation." I was proud to serve with each and every one of them. If you don't believe me read up on some of the stories coming out of the recent conflicts. Read up on the Medal of Honor awards. Tears still come to my eyes when I think about their heroism and sacrifices.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

A bit of a thread hijack. I served 27 years and was involved in most everything from Vietnam through DS1 and I can say I saw "their kind" each and every day I was in a combat zone. A lot of kids today drive me crazy with their lack of work ethic, but when you are a combat arms soldier (as I was) or Marine, those kids at the tip of the spear are every bit the warrior that we attribute to the "greatest generation." I was proud to serve with each and every one of them. If you don't believe me read up on some of the stories coming out of the recent conflicts. Read up on the Medal of Honor awards. Tears still come to my eyes when I think about their heroism and sacrifices.

Thank you, both for your service and this comment. I'm in my 50s and have grown up around "the greatest generation" all my life, many fine people but I don't buy it for a minute that "they don't make 'em like they used to." I've met too many fine young people, both military vets and regular civilians.

[gacook]

Originally Posted by SamC.

M.D., My 28 years in the Marine Corps says "Poser". The Corps does have Marines who do Finance - ( MOS 3451/3452) and they may deploy into harms way. They are however at the major combat bases ( Camp Leatherneck, Al-asad) They are most definitely NOT out at the FOBs (Forward Operating Base). The young man may indeed have worked as a Rifle Range Coach, but those details are normally short duration, several weeks to couple of months. So, chances are pretty good the young Marine has seen no combat and has no direct knowledge of what he speaks.

As for there being a specific DOD "award" for having killed an enemy combatant, there is none. The existence of such would be completely counter to our US military ethos. The Marines, Soldiers and Sailors ( ok, SEALS) that I know personally who have engaged/killed the enemy do not speak of the matter. We share our experiences in terms such as your Dad does.

I appreciate you telling your Dad's story. Keep telling it. Teach it to your children so they may in turn tell theirs about what Great-Grandad did to help secure their future.

Semper fi!

^^This.

[M.D. Holloway]

This past month my daughter told me she wanted to attend the naval academy or Westpoint - become a doctor to repair wounded or practice on bases for familes. She has the brains and discipline. This was her idea and it brought a lump to my throat.

Thinking back - maybe in a different universe or time I would have done the same.

Not sure how she came up with that but I hope it sticks.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by rot 911

a bit of a thread hijack. I served 27 years and was involved in most everything from vietnam through ds1 and i can say i saw "their kind" each and every day i was in a combat zone. A lot of kids today drive me crazy with their lack of work ethic, but when you are a combat arms soldier (as i was) or marine, those kids at the tip of the spear are every bit the warrior that we attribute to the "greatest generation." i was proud to serve with each and every one of them. If you don't believe me read up on some of the stories coming out of the recent conflicts. Read up on the medal of honor awards. Tears still come to my eyes when i think about their heroism and sacrifices.

+1000

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

This past month my daughter told me she wanted to attend the naval academy or Westpoint - become a doctor to repair wounded or practice on bases for familes. She has the brains and discipline. This was her idea and it brought a lump to my throat.

Thinking back - maybe in a different universe or time I would have done the same.

Not sure how she came up with that but I hope it sticks.

Kinda reminds you of the "greatest generation"???

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by speeder

Thank you, both for your service and this comment. I'm in my 50s and have grown up around "the greatest generation" all my life, many fine people but I don't buy it for a minute that "they don't make 'em like they used to." I've met too many fine young people, both military vets and regular civilians.

Yep, plenty of fine young people from the current generation! It kinda rubs me wrong when people don't acknowledge their sacrifices.

[M.D. Holloway]

Every generation never lives up to the previous. I read a quote once about how lazy, useless and pathetic the current generation was. That there was no hope for the future and that humanity was doomed.

It was written by some one from ancient Greece when started a dominate contry for decades and decades.

I think we will be fine.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Every generation never lives up to the previous. I read a quote once about how lazy, useless and pathetic the current generation was. That there was no hope for the future and that humanity was doomed.

It was written by some one from ancient Greece when started a dominate contry for decades and decades.

I think we will be fine.

Me too.

[afterburn 549]

Something I have started doing as of late. Esp if i suspect it.
I ask if they have ever heard of "stolen valor" and what they think of the situation.
Now it is possible they are real and have not, BUT even if they are real they will have no problem with you versifying it and or explaining it.
Sometimes I just ask trick questions -" If a mos was subtracted from a dd214 what would you get?"
If they were not in the Military this will throw them,even if the new what a dd214 is. You can ask any B.S question and look for the results.
An other words if they were in the military it will be EZ to figure out.
There are a couple fake ones around here and i go out of my way to tell anyone and everyone.
Like already said, I have found the fakes are more then ready to share a "story".

[yazhound]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

This past month my daughter told me she wanted to attend the naval academy or Westpoint - become a doctor to repair wounded or practice on bases for familes. She has the brains and discipline. This was her idea and it brought a lump to my throat.

Thinking back - maybe in a different universe or time I would have done the same.

Not sure how she came up with that but I hope it sticks.

You must be very proud. Congratulations! That's tremendous.