TAH Roll Call (Pinned)
TAH has a spirit of strong camaraderie among those who frequent here, both military and civilian. The diverse experiences and opinions that people share is invaluable. Over the years many have come and gone for one reason or another, however, there are many who have been here for years. Some visit hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or rarely. Whether by contributing, commenting, supporting financially or just lurking, your presence is welcome and appreciated.
With that said, we would like to conduct a TAH roll call. We encourage everyone to simply sound off and perhaps if you so choose, include a brief update of what you have been up to. We are especially interested in those that frequently commented in the past but have not in a while.
We look forward to your participation.
Thanks to Poetrooper for the suggestion.
Category: "The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves", Administrative
Present, former 1371, retiring this year, have already started my 2 yr long journey through the VA knee replacement program
I was once the embarkation NCO at 8th engineers back when computers had IBM cards. I totally got the first on last off etc. but those IBM cards totally went right over my head. I hope they have all their shit in the right bag by now.
Had one done at VA, one by a civilian. Pony up the bucks for a good civilian, worth every penny.
At my civilian job (2 more years).
Navy 1974-1991.
Air Guard 2004-2014.
Daughter, Granddaughter.
My much better half just passed.
Peace to you, Sir.
Sorry for your loss, SD.
Focus on being a good grandfather for that gal.
They’re everything now.
Here.
It’s winter in Aroostook County.
Plowing snow and fixin the plow.
I’m here until you kick me out, then I’ll mask my IP and come back as a sock named Malus Necessarium…
On a non-blog related what am I doing now, I’m actually updating some outdated aspects of my sailboat and considering a week or more cruise around Long Island Sound this summer…I’d like to sail over from Connecticut to Greenport and vicinity if I can make the time, or maybe sail back to Block Island this year….I’m upgrading the spreaders and considering a three blade prop as the extra thrust when needed will offset the minimal impact to sailing speed….
It’s always good to learn something that’s way out of your lane late in life, keeps the neurons firing appropriately and creates lasting memories for when we’re no longer here. If I’ve learned nothing else it’s really that, when you’re dead all that’s left is what people think or thought of their time with you. We’ve been taking anyone and everyone who wants to go out sailing with us for the last three years and will continue to do so until I’m dead or unable to continue sailing.
Wish we lived closer to you, VOV. I’d take you up on that. Some of the best times of our lives were on sailboats, especially in the Caribbean, where with Pensacola friends we chartered and sailed fifty footers through the islands. Once sailed on a 250 foot, triple-masted Windjammer from St. Martin to Martinique. Felt like a real swashbuckler breaking through those heavy swells beneath full sails and a full, tropical moon.
We’re high and dry in the mountains now…
I’d take you out in a heartbeat Poe and any of your family that wanted to come along all are welcome…I’m a more modest sailor these days, 30 foot Catalina but I’m in a sweet spot in central Connecticut. Nice little town and lots of shoreline…
The wife was sick last summer so we mostly were grateful for being at the dock in a slip and just using the boat as a summer getaway cottage…
She’s good now and hoping this summer will be another one of adventure instead of being stationary dockside.
Mother, Mother Ocean…
Present AD June 1986-June 2011
Fairly newly retired (civilian) to northern Michigan. Somehow i seem to be busier than i was when i was working. Thankful for all of you who stepped up.
Here, Sir!
As to how we see and categorize ourselves, a brief war story and lesson in life:
Back in the 60’s I was a hard-charging young corporal, the driver/RTO for the company commander in a rifle company of the 506th Airborne at Fort Campbell. One day the 1st Sergeant calls me in and tells me gruffly to report to the C.O. Report?
So I go in, salute, then stand waiting at attention until my boss, the guy I’m usually around all day, tells me to stand at ease, then says very stiffly and formally, “Corporal Poe, you are a very good soldier, smart, knowledgeable and resourceful.” I’m thinking,”Man this is going great–maybe promotion to sergeant?” Until he says, “But you are an absolute pain-in-the-ass to be around, what with that smart-ass, constantly wisecracking mouth. You have an opinion on everything when your opinions are unnecessary, unwanted and unauthorized.” My thoughts suddenly went from putting another stripe on to peeling one off.
The young captain continued, “What I want from you is for you to continue doing your job in the exemplary manner in which you have been but I also want you to keep that smart fucking mouth shut while you’re doing it! Is that understood?”
The First Shirt had this huge smirk on his face as I exited the orderly room. I wanted to strangle the bastard. But I did learn a lesson that day on self-perceptions and how much they can differ from how others see us. So that very day, I quit being a smart-mouthed wise ass.
Most of you probably wouldn’t agree…
Don’t change a thing Poe. I like ya just fine the way ya are.
Whether or not it works, that’s probably why the Army start pushing MSAFs…
(I actually have encouraged people to respond to those by quoting Burns.)
Oh, me? I’m still a damn lawyer doing damn lawyer stuff.
You misspelled lawer…
“lawer”
Never fails to be funny…
Air Force 58′-73′, Air Police, Admin, Club Management, 13 year MSgt selectee.
Army 74-78, Club Management CWO2 – refused to go regular to force myself out at 20 when I was 37 years old.
Army civil service 79′-98′, Club Management then Director of Community Activities, GS-12/13.
As I tell high school ROTC classes, the smartest thing I ever did in my life was enlisted in the USAF 3 days after my 17th birthday, and the second smartest was applying to become an Army WO after Nam’ because of the shortage of Army club managers (outside of the stockade).
Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer 99′-09′ great fun.
County election commissioner 03′ – present, state election commissioner 12′ – 18′, international election observer 05′ – 13′
Royal pain in the ass 58′ – present but also Super Granddad to 6 young ladies.
Former AF Intel, Currently going on 17 years of investigating health care fraud and drug diversion.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest but now living on the East Coast.
Present!
I’d say I’m a spider web/sea gull, mostly because every post I make here takes time away from work I should be doing for Uncle Sam. So to limit the amount of your tax money I waste, I only squawk on choice topics. 😉
Militarily, I’ve been in the NG for four years, currently as a 25A, but am working on reclassing to Cyber.
Oh yeah, I started lurking here sometime in 2015, after a Duffelblog article about SV used the legendary pic of Nick Androsky, AKA Master SGT Soup Sandwich. I just had to check out the source and rest of the story and have been checking in almost daily ever since.
100% civilian. Bernath is still dead. Shout out to LebbenB and Mustang1LT wherever you may be, sirs. Glad 2/17 ain’t AWOL no more.
OVER
AD Army 1991-1994 and NG after a nine year break in service with two ME tours during that stint and still going in Civilian Life!
Usually visit here every day, but only sometimes comment.
Australian Regular Army 09-14, still keeping my foot in the door as a reservist (I know, I know…ugh).
Reporting for duty at TAH.
USAF 74-80, field maintenance squadron of the 27th TFW and the 48th TFW, F-111D & F and then 25 years of corporate aviation maintenance before retiring from a LBO firm out of NYC (Gulfstream 2, 3, 4 and 5 also Falcon 2000 plus Sikorsky S-76B) I am more of a occasionally commenting lurker
1978-1989. Former Flight Medic with US Army Dustoff. Retired Paramedic (23 years). Thanks for continuing Jonn’s legacy.
I check in at least every day, AD Air Force 1991-2011 I am working a dream job at VA Tech.
Go Hokies!!!
VA Tech grad school 08-11
Former RA Infantry and Special Forces officer (1968-1974), served as a line rifle company commander in the RVN, commanded a Ranger (LRRP) company during my 15 months in the RVN (Viet of the Nam), served as a staff intel officer and ODA commander in the 10th SFGA the last 2 and 1/2 years of AD, then served in reserve components (SF Groups and PSYOP company) for 7 years thereafter; former lawer (36 years); private pilot; mounted cavalry re-enactor; cowboy action shooter; and all-around asshole and proud “dickweed.”
I have my gold spurs and Stetson. I want a saber and it looks like the Cold Steel 1860 Light one is pretty good. I don’t want a $40 Bud K one and can’t afford an antique.
What would be the definitive Civil War Cavalry revolver?
>Colt Army Model 1860
>Remington 1858
And Pietta, Uberti or Pedersoli?
Colt 1860 Army by Uberti, but I switched to a Pietta Remington 1858 repo because it is easy to change cylinders to a loaded one while mounted on horseback. Uberti’s usually have little better fit and finish. We liked the Pietta’s because you could buy them for about $150 back in the 1990’s and we beat them up; they looked like they had been in the civil war after a few years of re-enactor duty. The $40 sabers (and anything costing less than $160) are junk and usually have blades that are not tempered and bend easily. Go with the Cold Steel, they look historically accurate and have tempered blades.
I went 1858 Cimarron (upgraded Uberti) and 1860 Peitta. If I had to pick one I would keep the 1858. Better to have both!
I have a Uberti Walker Colt and a Pedersoli Navy Colt.
Uberti’s stuff is N/SSA approved and good quality.
I’d like a Pietta LeMat myself, although that may be the wrong Civil War Calvary for you…
The LeMats have become ridiculously expensive. You can buy 2nd gen percussion Colts LNIB for less.
Still here….lurking everyday…hope all is well with everyone…
Been around for ten years or so. 91B20, 2/505, 3rd. brigade 82nd. Airborne Vietnam 68-69.
USN 85-06, Russian/Tagalog linguist (count me in for Spanish and Portuguese as well).
Currently a scumsucking GS in Florida.
CTIC(SS) (Ret)
Here and currently working for no pay, although the USAR owes me some drill money that I’ll probably have to hound them about in a week.
Here!
Not posting as often due to a few health issues but I read every day.
I’m thankful for my TAH family.
I forgot…sorry.
Army 1968-1971 MOS-11B
Air Force 1972-1977 AFSC-305X4 SACCS 465L System
Glad to see you when you check in, Sparks! Here’s hoping your health issues subside.
Present. Been lurking here since around the time I retired a little over 6 years ago. It’s good to read comments from like minded people, and I appreciate the laughs.
Present!
Army AD ’76-’85 Engineer Maint
Army CWO ’85-’96 Maintenance Tech – 66AR 2AD
Contractor supporting USAR ’97-’11
Contractor supporting DHA ’11-’16
DoD Civ ’16-pres.
Enjoy reading every day! as said above, thanks for keeping TAH going!
Present!
I was Army artillery trained and then big green sent me to S. Korea and put me in the infantry (I KNOW). Iwas in ’71 – ’72 (six month early out for being in Korea). At 68 years old I’ve been telling folks that I’m gonna work another year or so – for the last 6 years. Hobby is training retrievers for hunt tests and field trials.
RIP Jonn.
29 year civilian firefighter, now a retired dickweed that checks in daily. Thanks for keeping the doors open.
Should have started with.
RA 76-79.
AR 80-82.
Former Army 79-87, USAR 87-94, Navy Reserve 2000-2007 now medically retired (too old, too broken) after trying to keep up with young Marine grunts as an over 40 Corpsman. Now I hang with the puppies and work in a hobby shop for a longtime friend (my dream job BTW).
RetiredDevilDoc8404: I feel your pain, 8404. I’m retired 8404, 8416 and 8453. The 8453 NEC is done away with. There was once actually a school, several weeks long, to be an EKG Technician. Hard to believe. That’s where I met my wife of 47 years. She was in the Army and we met in EKG School in San Diego, 1971.
Love being an 8404 but love more being an 8416.
I discovered this site searching for something exciting to watch/read/listen to after I had seen all the To Catch a Predator Videos. I had never heard of Stolen Valor before. I visit every day since. The Blue Falcon tournament. Bernath saga. I love reading the Comments the most.
Thanks for the daily dose of sanity.
Retired USAFR Security Forces
Retired PA State Police Trooper
Currently work for TSA
Air Force 1988-1992 enlisted (SATCOM); 1996-2012 officer (COMCAM/COMMO). Currently Air Force GS in the lower Alabama area (aka Florida Panhandle – insert joke/comment here.
– TAH highlight: Got to call out phony PJ John Turek in person. Had him banned from the American Legion Post I belong to.
As a side note: Being in such close proximity to the Navy Dive school our Legion Post has had its fair share of Phony SEALs attempt/fail to join. We have several current/retired master divers who can spot them from a mile away. It’s truly a sight to see them in action.
Sir, being a medic, would pay gold or one my Kamakas to see a SEAL break a poser down. Stay safe.
3/10/MED/b
Of “of my Kamakas”
Sorry for the error.
Sentiment is the same.
Present. U.S.N. 85-05, nuke MM. Now fixing ships at PSNS, and active in the VFW.
Frye…… Frye…… Frye…..
3/10/MED/b
TXARNG, 49th Armored Division,1987-1990;
3rd Armored Division, 1990-1991;
10th Mountain Division,1991-1994;
91C School, FT Sam Houston, MAMC, 1995-1996;
Evans Army Community Hospital, Labor and Delivery Ward, FT Carson, 1996-1998. ETS.
Been doing pediatric home health care nursing since I got out, but I came to the conclusion that I can’t help anybody if I lose myself in it, which almost happened. I have enough additional skills/qualifications/money saved to pick the right job when it comes along.
My Dad has been sick as well, so nothing like the family having an LVN on the couch next to his room.
Not nearly as impressive as some of you, but I think I did ok.
Peace to all.
Except for those who lie about their service, or lie over no service at all.
Fuck ’em
Roll Call? Great Idea. Thanks. 3/10/MED/b out.
Army AD 1987-1991. Cavalry Scout. Desert Shield/Storm.
I’ve been working for Satan (an unnamed CA State Agency) for 20 years as an IT engineer.
USAF – 20 yrs – O-5
ICBMs most of the time, 3 yrs as ROTC cadre (Duke Univ), bunch of schools, flying status on SAC Airborne Command Post. Retired out of Grand Forks, ND.
Civ time as Ins Underwriter – 22 yrs. Now totally retired and loving it.
Present!
But I’m not putting any history here that those DRG clowns can use.
kNoW wHaT i MeAn?
Present
Army, Active Duty, 11B Infantry.
13 years of service. Doing instructor time here in Fort Benning, GA ’til this Summer.
here…..ad 1976 1980 Marne barracks naples italy/sigonella sicily 77-78…weapons co 1/278-80
First time I’ve posted after years of lurking. Stop by several times daily.
USMC 92-96
USA 01-Present
Army Active Duty 1989 – 1992.
81mm mortar maggot, 2/9 Infantry, 7th (Light) Division
Operation Just Cause
Raising kiddos with my Wife and midway through a project management career. Good company and good friends.
Miss the Army every day and enjoy a running weekly group text thread with some of my buddies from service.
My apologies for letting too many emotions go. I remember so many times after something went down and the dust settled, saying, “What the fuck just happenened?”
3/10/MED/b: Brother, I saw nothing for which you should feel the need to apologize. You’re among friends here so feel free.
Thank you, Sir.
Nothing there to apologize for 3/10/MED/b
A few of us have been in similar places. I’m an ex-EMT-B, had POA for our father for the last few years of his life, and now for one of my brothers who had a stroke. Real easy to lose yourself in trying to care for others.
Fortunately Mrs. GB is very, very good about slapping sense into me when necessary – and listening when I need to vent.
If we’ve not been where you are, many of us have been in the next blind alley down the street. You’re good with us.
Thank you, Graybeard.
Present. Something about myself…um…I have a sister who once sneezed while she was eating noodle soup and a noodle shot out of her nose.
It was long noodle, not a flat one.
Outstanding! Thank you.
Retired Army Reserve officer and retired federal civil service employee. Fully retired since summer 2017. Enjoy long slow distance running, Jack Reacher novels, and horror movies. In my late 50s now, but still enjoy head banging to metal music especially Motorhead, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ministry, and Rammstein. Turn it up to 11!
I appreciate the collective brain power fueling this site and challenging me daily to think more critically about many political, military, and social issues.
Damn glad to see another over-50 metal head! Love me the old school you mentioned, but also 5FDP, Disturbd, Lamb of God…
Long time reader (Since 2009) and formerly a much more active commenter. Active 11B with 17 yrs, was a Recruiter, Drill Sergeant and two-time member of The Old Guard. Currently taking care of myself for the first time amd utilizing the military’s resources.
Officer of the deck, permission to come aboard:
A daily reader but have been lurking here for a few years and can’t remember how I found it. I usually refrain from replying unless I’m several beers deep or a post begs for a few F bombs and classy commentary.
USN 83-87 East Coast sailor (2nd & 6th Fleets). I retired from Navy life after my 4 year hitch was up. Harpoon & CIWS tech aboard a Knox Class frigate that chased Soviet subs around.
Now retired after a 23 glorious year career in law enforcement, 15 of which as an aviator (hence the previously posted desire to punch another former squid “O type” coworker in the mouth for being a fucking dickhead) It was absolutely the best job in the world and that I accidently fell into. A front row seat to world events.
Currently I’m an entrepreneur trying to make a run at something out of my sea lane.
I am still very close to a few shipmates that I served with. As I’m sure you all know, in the military you meet some extraordinary assholes, and some extraordinary friends for life!
All bullshit aside, it has been a true privilege and my honor to serve but no more uniforms for me.
Served on 1054 and 1060 always fun to see someone who had a Knox class experience
I served on 1097 the last of the class. I met a plank owner from 1052 at a funeral in Jersey a few years ago. Old(er) guy came walking towards me with his Knox ballcap hat on and I commented on it. Small bunch we are!
Present. Civilian. Checking in daily. Love that TAH is Political Correctness free.
Hey-o.
Female. Civilian paramedic, medically out of the game. Married to a veteran. Proud NRA members.
Been coming to TAH for about 7 years because I respect you people and your decidedly non-PC commentary.
Present.
OS2 USN 1988-1992
SGT NJARNG(31L) 1992-1996
When my employment does not get in the way, I spend my time flying an A320 on my computer and helping out on TAH.
Still trying to figure out what i want to be when i grow up…
USMC 1371 86-91 AD, USMCR 91-98
NY ARNG 01-09 11B, 68W 71T
USA 09-12 68W
Medically Retired in 12′ and now growing the best damn chickens who lay the tastiest damn eggs ever produced by man.
Spent a lot of nights on here just because it was better then going back to sleep, John and TAH was a life line by email for me when i needed it the most. so Thank you to everyone that ever wrote a post on here
Vetfromhell
AG1, USN
1979-1994
US Navy Ceremonial Guard, USS New Jersey, plankowner USS Carl Vinson.
Retired and on the wagon.
Best wishes to all fellow vets.