Military: tell us your story

[hatetowait]

hmm I was lucky
well I missed the first gulf war as I was just in high school then joined the marines and missed the second gulf war as I have been a nasty civilian too long
I had great duty. I was infantry then went to special duty as a Marine security force guard. I was on sea duty and have been everywhere man. I did go to the middle east during peace time and it was interesting. Part of some operations in the middle east and bosnia. Never had a shot fired at me and never had to fire a shot (had some close calls though) spent my last year in Quantico, VA. I still remember the day I got out...ah it was wonderful. They made me get two haircuts as I was trying to grow my hair. for the last two months I was in I would go to the barber shop and say "give me the "Major low reg" haircut as I was a short-timer but I had to check out with the company 1stSGT and he did not dig the hair do and made me get a hair cut and I cam back with a Medium reg, and he was like "I told you to get a hair cut" so I went back and the barber re-cut it for free and laughed.It was a great journey. I went in 109 lbs and got out a very in-shape 150 lbs. In hindsight I bet I made my DI laugh in bootcamp on my first day with my platoon when we were lined up in our skivvies and shower shoes and he stopped in front of me as was like "what the f%*K do we have here...what are you a buck O five?" and I was proud of getting my weight up to just below the minimum of 110lbs so I could join and I yelled back with the straightest toughest face I could "NO SIR, THIS RECRUIT WEIGHS 109lbs SIR" and then all hell broke out....lol the best of times the worst of times
well here is my last photo with my "low reg" hairdo

[Gizmo]

"From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli"

I know, that's the U S Marines, but that's OK, they're part of the U S Navy!

Originally Posted by Navy News | March 20, 2006 USS Cape St. George, At Sea - USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) returned fire on a group of suspected pirates in the Indian Ocean, killing one and wounding five, approximately 25 nautical miles off the central eastern coast of Somalia in international waters at 5:40 a.m. local time, March 18. Cape St. George, a guided-missile cruiser, and Gonzalez, a guided-missile destroyer, were conducting maritime security operations in the area as part of Combined Task Force 150, a maritime coalition task force currently led by Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Hank Ort, when they spotted a suspect vessel towing two smaller skiffs heading west toward the coast. As Gonzalez’s boarding teams prepared to conduct a routine boarding of the suspect vessel, the two Norfolk, Va.-based Navy ships noticed the group of suspected pirates were brandishing what appeared to be rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers. The suspected pirates then opened fire on the Navy ships. Cape St. George and Gonzalez returned fire with small arms in self-defense. One suspected pirate was killed and a fire ignited aboard the main suspect vessel. Boarding teams from Cape St. George and Gonzalez took twelve other suspects into custody, including the five injured. The Navy boarding teams also confiscated an RPG launcher and automatic weapons. No U.S. Sailors were injured in the engagement. The Navy ships are providing medical treatment to the wounded suspects, continuing search and rescue efforts for any additional suspects and collecting further evidence from the vessel and skiffs. Royal Netherlands Navy medical personnel, including a medical doctor, are en route to assist from HNLMS Amsterdam. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region. On March 15, the United Nations Security Council encouraged naval forces operating off the coast of Somalia to be vigilant and take action against piracy. Pirate attacks against aid ships have hindered UN efforts to provide relief to the victims of a severe drought in the area.

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[Dsrtrmance]

I spent over two years writing a highly controversial book about my experiences in Vietnam. It was my way of dealing with the past and the memories. Synopsis of the story is at www.LuLu.com/Trentyoung

[Gizmo]

I just found out the armed services sponsor NASCAR teams.

http://www.military.com/NASCAR

Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

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[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by U. S. Military I Am Coming! Dear Terrorists, I am a Navy Aviator. I was born and raised in a small town in New England. I come from a family of five. I was raised in a middle class home and taught my values by my mother and father. My dad worked a series of jobs in finance and my mom took care of us kids. We were not an overly religious family but attended church most Sundays. It was a nice small Episcopal Church. I have a brother and sister and I am the youngest in my family. I was the first in many generations to attend college. I have flown Naval aircraft for 16 years. For me the flying was never a lifelong dream or a "calling," it just happened. I needed a job and I liked the challenge. I continue to do it today because I feel it is important to give back to a nation which has given so much to me. I do it because, although I will never be rich, my family will be comfortable. I do it because many of my friends have left for the airlines and someone has to do it. My government has spent millions to train me to fly these multi-million-dollar aircraft. I make about 70,000 dollars a year and after 20 years will be offered a pension I like baseball but think the players make too much money. I am in awe of firemen and policemen and what they do each day for my community, and like teachers, they just don't get paid enough. I respect my elders and always use sir or ma'am when addressing a stranger. I'm not sure about kids these days but I think that's normal for every generation. I tell you all this because when I come for you, I want you to know me. I won't be hiding behind a woman or a child. I won't be disguised or pretending to be something I am not. I will be in a U.S. issue flight suit. I will be wearing standard US issue flight gear, and I will be flying a navy aircraft clearly marked as a US warplane. I wish we could meet up close in a small room where I could wrap my hands around your throat and slowly squeeze the life out of you, but unfortunately, you're hiding in a hole in the ground, so we will have to do this a different way. I want you to know also that I am very good at what I do. I can put a 2,000 lb weapon through a window from 10,000 feet up. I generally only fly at night, so you may want to start sleeping during the day. I am not eager to die for my country but I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect it from animals like you. I will do everything in my power to ensure no civilians are hurt as I take aim at you. My countrymen are a forgiving bunch. Many are already forgetting what you did on Sept 11th. But I will not forget!! I am coming. I hope you know me a little bit better, see you soon...sleep tight. Signed A U.S. Navy Pilot Our Soldiers are one of our greatest assets! God Bless

SPS (Seven Patriot Salute)

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[MSG_McKee]

Originally Posted by Gizmo I just found out the armed services sponsor NASCAR teams. http://www.military.com/NASCAR Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. .

For several years now and the National Guard does well in NASCAR and the US Army has done VERY well on the drags circuit.

[buggsy63]

Well , I must say that i have the utmost respect for you folks.....I was a navy man myself (during the 80's).....not much happened for me personally...just saw lots of water lol!
On a side note: We just found out that my wife is getting called up to go to Iraq. She has been in the Army National Guard for 14 years now (engineer company...she builds bridges) She's leaving end of May.
I have always been very proud of her........but i'm also worried ....alot!

[hatetowait]

Originally Posted by buggsy63 Well , I must say that i have the utmost respect for you folks.....I was a navy man myself (during the 80's).....not much happened for me personally...just saw lots of water lol! On a side note: We just found out that my wife is getting called up to go to Iraq. She has been in the Army National Guard for 14 years now (engineer company...she builds bridges) She's leaving end of May. I have always been very proud of her........but i'm also worried ....alot!

I am in the same boat as you....my girlfriend is in the national guard too and may ship out. She finds out very soon...I would rather it be me than her..

[crawdadsolstice]

My son is presently stationed in Afghanistan, with the Army Transportation. Been there about a month. Back home, the focus has gone from Afghanistan to Iraq. What most don't realize is that our soldiers are still very much in harms way in Afghanistan. He said the base they are on was mortared the other morning.

I know a couple of others from my area who are Marine Reserves, who have been to Iraq a couple of times. I have nothing but utmost respect for all who serve in this capacity, during wartime or peace.

[carlintexas]

USN - '61 to '66: inlisted
Two WestPac cruises in Fighter Squadron 21 on the USS Midway (on the flight deck).
Patrolled the Formosa (Taiwan) Straights to keep the General 'Chang' from invading mainland China.
Fun with Russian Bison bombers north of Japan along the Aleutian islands.
This was Pre-Vietnam, however we were knocking down MIGs in '64.
Last 2 years in VX-4 @ Point Magoo, Ca. riding rear seat in F-4's quite a bit - big fun (mach two pin).

[MSG_McKee]

I see that many have loved ones either heading over to Iraq, or they are there now. I just came back in Jan, so if anyone needs anything ... I may be able to help. Just PM me.

[Gizmo]

An elderly gentleman of 83 years arrived in Paris by plane. At the French customs desk, he was taking a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry-on bag.

The impatient customs officer asked: You have been to France before, monsieur?

The elderly American admitted that yes, he had been to France before.

The cusoms officer said: Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.

The American replied: The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.

Impossible, said the officer, Americans ALWAYS have to show the passport upon arrival in France!

The American gave the Frenchman a long hard look, then said: Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, I couldn't find any Frenchman to show it to.

The customs official then welcomed the American to France with a hug and kisses (yccch).

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[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by military.com Navy Designates Next-Generation Zumwalt Destroyer Navy News | April 10, 2006 Washington D.C. - The Navy has announced April 7 that the first DD(X) destroyer will be designated DDG 1000. As the lead ship in the class, it will also be named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo R. “Bud” Zumwalt, Jr. Developed under the DD(X) destroyer program, Zumwalt is the lead ship in a class of next-generation, multimission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance, with capabilities designed to defeat current and projected threats as well as improve battle force defense. Zumwalt was appointed Chief of Naval Operations in 1970. As the youngest man ever to serve as CNO, Zumwalt cemented an acclaimed reputation as a visionary leader and thoughtful reformer. July 4, 2000, then-President Bill Clinton celebrated Zumwalt’s accomplishments and memory with the naming of the class and lead ship shortly after the admiral’s passing in Durham, N.C., Jan. 2, 2000. Zumwalt was born in San Francisco in 1920 and grew up in Tulare, Calif. He was a cum laude graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1942. As CNO, Zumwalt initiated wide-ranging reforms in a dramatic effort to revitalize the Navy. Time magazine hailed Zumwalt as "the Navy's most popular leader since World War II." As the Navy's senior officer, he increased the warfighting capabilities of the dwindling U.S. fleet by outfitting remaining ships with more efficient and sophisticated weapons. He retired in 1974. In 1996, he took over as chairman of the board of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. In addition to numerous decorations received from the U.S. Navy, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), the Legion of Merit (two awards) and Bronze Star with combat "V," he received decorations and awards from a number of foreign countries. In 1998, Zumwalt was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to the United States. Zumwalt authored two books about his life in the Navy. On Watch (1976) recounts his Navy career and warns Americans about the Soviet naval threat. My Father, My Son (1986), co-authored with his late son, Elmo III, is an account of their Vietnam experiences and his son's tragic illness. Compared to current U.S. Navy destroyers, the Zumwalt-class destroyer will triple both current naval surface fire coverage, as well as capability against anti-ship cruise missiles. It has a 50-fold radar cross section reduction compared to current destroyers, improves strike group defense 10-fold and has 10 times the operating area in shallow water regions against mines. The Zumwalt class fills an immediate and critical naval warfare gap, meeting validated Marine Corps fire support requirements. Last year, Congress fully supported the DD(X) budget request, and the Zumwalt class is ready to start construction. In November 2005, the Department of Defense granted Milestone B approval, authorizing entrance into Phase IV of the program, including the detail design and construction of the two lead ships. Under the Navy’s dual lead ship acquisition strategy proposed in the President’s budget for fiscal year 2007, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works will concurrently build the dual lead ships. Zumwalt will be delivered in 2012.

Admiral Zumwalt became CNO just seven months before I went on active duty. One of the things he did was to allow beards (ZGram #70) and allowed E-3 and below to wear civilian clothes when leaving the ship (ZGram #92), as well as SIGNIFICANT raises in pay. Everyone said I looked like Abraham Lincoln!

Here's his biography:
http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq93-1.htm

The Navy, the Department of Defense, The United States of America, and Gizmo all salute you, Admiral Zumwalt!

x 7

x 7

[voncion22]

I was stationed in Viet Nam from 6/69-7/70. My unit was ThE 1ST CALVARY AIR MOBILE BRAVO TROOP 1/9TH. We were a quick air and ground attack force. My most frightening event beleive it or not was'nt the fire fights with Charlie, it was one day during monsoon season we were flying about 3500 feet and our chopper a UH1-C Gunship was literally forced down by the weather. Thanks to the great flying of my two pilots and an we survived the force landing. I salute this forum for their acknowledgement of the Armed Forces here and abroad. I pray that the ones abroad will be sent home soon. WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER VIET NAM!

[Gizmo]

For me, the most heroic are the Hospital Corpsmen and Medics on the field of battle!


SGhS (Seven Grouphug Salute)

Source: http://www.military.com/features/0,1...l?ESRC=navy.nl

Originally Posted by Navy News | Bill W. Love | April 28, 2006 Corpus Christi, TX. - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Juan M. Rubio, 32, of San Angelo, Texas, was awarded the Silver Star Medal April 27 for conspicuous gallantry against the enemy Jan. 1, 2005, while serving as a Marine Platoon corpsman in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Silver Star Medal is the U.S. Navy’s third highest award for gallantry in combat, following the Navy Cross and the nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. Rear Adm. Thomas R. Cullison, commander, Navy Medicine East and commander, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va., made the presentation in front of the Naval Hospital located aboard Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. During the ceremony, Cullison spoke about the bond that Navy Medicine, particularly Navy corpsmen, share with Marines. “When we serve with the Marines and the Marines are with us, it’s a relationship that you can find nowhere else. The acceptance between these two groups is like no other,” emphasized Cullison. “The responsibility that we put on our young corpsmen in battle to perform and to save lives is incredible.” Clarifying that point, Cullison compared the controlled environment that he and other surgeons work in with the help of many others. “Young corpsmen who go to Field Medical Service School - usually straight out of high school - perform to save lives in combat, just as Petty Officer Rubio did, and they are amazing!” he said. Representing the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, Marine Maj. Gen. R. F. Natonski and Command Master Chief Kelvin Carter hand-carried the award to Texas from Camp Pendleton, Calif., and assisted Cullison with the presentation. He also brought a personal message with him for Rubio. “I talked to all the Marines and Sailors in Iraq before I left, and those back in Camp Pendleton, and they want me to tell you, ‘good job, and outstanding job!’ They are damned proud of you," he said. "Please continue what you have done for our great nation, the Marine Corps and Navy team, and also for the Hospital Corps community.” Rubio had already earned the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in the Jan. 1, 2005, engagement while serving with 4th Platoon, Small Craft Company, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command. The citation accompanying his Silver Star Medal detailed how a well-emplaced and determined enemy ambushed Rubio and members of his team along the Euphrates River in a complex attack. As Rubio and an assault element swept through the ambush site, insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device. Rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun and small-arms fire followed immediately after the explosion, wounding three Marines. Realizing the severity of the Marines’ wounds, and bleeding profusely from his own, Rubio low-crawled across open terrain, exposing himself to enemy fire to provide triage. Simultaneously taking care of three urgent surgical casualties, Rubio coached his fellow Marines who were assisting other casualties as incoming enemy fire intensified. After stabilizing the wounded for casualty evacuation, Rubio directed the platoon to provide covering fire as he and several Marines began moving the casualties towards safety. Without regard for his own life, he once again exposed himself to the heavy and accurate enemy fire, moving the Marines from the ambush site to the shoreline. Rubio’s Silver Star Medal elevates him to a distinctively exceptional category of valor among Navy corpsmen since the commencement of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and OIF. Only two others have been awarded the Silver Star, none have received the Medal of Honor, and only one hero has been presented the Navy Cross. Rubio does not consider himself a hero, though. While addressing the audience, he revealed who he believes are the true heroes, mentioning his two sons by name and that of the mortally wounded Marine Lance Cpl. who shielded Rubio from 90 percent of the IED's shrapnel during the engagement. “When people ask me what it is like to be looked upon as a hero, I don’t see myself as such, because Joshua and Mathew and every son and daughter who’s out there and who has family members in Iraq, they’re the heroes,” he acknowledged while fighting back emotion. “They’re the ones who sacrifice their fathers and their mothers. That takes honor, courage and bravery to go home every night and pray that their fathers and mothers come home safe. "And Brian Parrillo, this is for you, brother," he said. "Thank you for bringing me home.”