Vets!
- Thread starter WayneB
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I saw the '65 Bob Hope show near DaNang. Sat in the rain & mud for 5 hours waiting for it to start, and it was worth it. I flew back to Travis Aug '67 for discharge and before I left a guy who had just come into the unit warned me about some people he called 'hippies'. I had no clue. I rode the Greyhound from Travis to the bus depot at 7th & Market in downtown SF. When I walked out the door, there were 4 or 5 of the grungiest excuses for human beings I had ever seen sitting on the sidewalk. They immediately started yelling at me. I felt like turning around and going back where I had come from. I was out 60 days before I went to see the local recruiter and reenlisted. I just didn't feel comfortable at home any more. Seemed like a lot of people assumed I was a warmonger just because I'd been in uniform.
I have to respond to the earlier comment about Walter Reed. My wife and I get our medical care there and, in our experience, you can't get better. They're a tremendously dedicated bunch of professionals, and care about the patients. You want to get some perspective on what's important, go there and see the many, many young men and women who are missing limbs. Just don't feel sorry for them - they don't want it and don't deserve it. All your respect, yes. I've talked to a lot of them and if you do, they'll restore your faith in their generation.
Now, about the government's 'senior management', I agree that most of them are more concerned about the $$ and how they can make themselves look good and get promoted than they are about doing the right thing.
I'd never been anywhere near Washington DC before I retired from the Navy. After seeing how things get done, I wouldn't have stayed in the Navy if I had seen it early in my career. It's really disappointing how many of our 'civil servants' have little or no interest in doing what's best for the "Fleet". I've worked as a contractor since 1986 and my focus has always been on trying to cajole the govvies into making their first priority be taking care of the troops. I've been only moderately successful.
Charlie
I have to respond to the earlier comment about Walter Reed. My wife and I get our medical care there and, in our experience, you can't get better. They're a tremendously dedicated bunch of professionals, and care about the patients. You want to get some perspective on what's important, go there and see the many, many young men and women who are missing limbs. Just don't feel sorry for them - they don't want it and don't deserve it. All your respect, yes. I've talked to a lot of them and if you do, they'll restore your faith in their generation.
Now, about the government's 'senior management', I agree that most of them are more concerned about the $$ and how they can make themselves look good and get promoted than they are about doing the right thing.
I'd never been anywhere near Washington DC before I retired from the Navy. After seeing how things get done, I wouldn't have stayed in the Navy if I had seen it early in my career. It's really disappointing how many of our 'civil servants' have little or no interest in doing what's best for the "Fleet". I've worked as a contractor since 1986 and my focus has always been on trying to cajole the govvies into making their first priority be taking care of the troops. I've been only moderately successful.
Charlie
Wagtail
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I hope that his link works, It's my first attempt...
Redgum - I Was Only 19 (1983) - YouTube
The song is called "I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)" by Red Gum... It's about the Aussies (and the Kiwis) who also fought beside the Americans in Viet Nam.
There's a bloke in the song called 'Frankie'... he's real... I've had the honour to meet him at a Mess Dinner. He didn't talk about the war or being wounded (he requires a 'minder' and explaination documents when going through airport security... there's that much schrapnel left in him), he talked about the reception that he and fellow wounded Vets received at the hands of Aussie hippie grubs! (the last three words are mine, he bore them no animosity)
Lord it was good to hear his story.
The Viet Nam Vets of Australia are a well respected mob these days & I'm proud to call them Mates. As are the youth of today.
Redgum - I Was Only 19 (1983) - YouTube
The song is called "I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)" by Red Gum... It's about the Aussies (and the Kiwis) who also fought beside the Americans in Viet Nam.
There's a bloke in the song called 'Frankie'... he's real... I've had the honour to meet him at a Mess Dinner. He didn't talk about the war or being wounded (he requires a 'minder' and explaination documents when going through airport security... there's that much schrapnel left in him), he talked about the reception that he and fellow wounded Vets received at the hands of Aussie hippie grubs! (the last three words are mine, he bore them no animosity)
Lord it was good to hear his story.
The Viet Nam Vets of Australia are a well respected mob these days & I'm proud to call them Mates. As are the youth of today.
I worked with a bunch of Australians in Viet Nam from 69-72. Great bunch of guys, hard drivers, but hard players too! Usually our parties wound up with me under the table and them kicking me awake to tell me it was my turn to buy!
I had (and have) at lot of respect for those guys.
I had (and have) at lot of respect for those guys.
QRTRHRS
Elite Member
We should also remember our fortieth president Ronald Reagan for his efforts to bring dignity to Viet Nam and Viet Nam era vets.
Also, the Aussies certainly did their part during WWII often paying the ultimate price.
Also, the Aussies certainly did their part during WWII often paying the ultimate price.
NativeSon
Veteran Member
Ran into some Aussie's one night on liberty in the P.I. Subic. They were off the H.M.S. Vendetta a destroyer. We had a heck of a good time and it was a great night(the best I can remember). Keeping up with those blokes was pretty tough. Reported back aboard ship that night out of uniform sporting and Austrailan H.M.S. Vendetta hat that I swapped my Dixie Cup for. I think we all put a dent in the San Miguel supply in Olangapo.
Charlie
Charlie
farmgirl19
Elite Member
Ann Margret has always been a beautiful lady, and a class act!
My thanks to all of you vets too!
My thanks to all of you vets too!
bindian
Super Member
Guys, THANKS for all Y'all's serivce. My son served on the USS Ingraham FFG61, a Frigate. He was headed for the Persian Gulf on 9-11. I was always so proud to see him. My daughter and I flew (we drove up also) up to Everitt, WA to visit him. He didn't wear his uniform either when we were there and he was not on duty. I asked why and he just said, "the higher ups didn't want us marked as targets".
hugs, Brandi
hugs, Brandi
Dr_Zinj
Veteran Member
Joined the USAF back in 1977 when it wasn't popular to be patriotic. Basic at Lackland, Tech School at Chanute, first assignment at Travis, the Alconbury, McChord, Kunsan, Pease, Florennes, back to Travis, Kadena, and finally retired from Andrews in 1999 when I said to heck with the lies, favoritism, and corruption of those appointed over me. Doesn't include the list of places I've been TDY or the year eaten by Desert Storm.
Military is still a good place for a young person to get a start and a good basis of comparison for planning what you want to do with the rest of your life.
Military is still a good place for a young person to get a start and a good basis of comparison for planning what you want to do with the rest of your life.
