Veterans Day Open Thread
Happy Veterans Day! Hoping that everybody is enjoying this day and the specific opportunities that open up for veterans this day.
Category: Open thread
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Everybody gets a 8455-00-281-3214 today.
I already have two (2). Feel old yet?
I also have two (2), but I’m so old I fart dust and can remember when dirt was just rocks.
Will see your 2 and raise you 1. Yes, that is a total of 3.
So there. (How do you spell thhhsssthst?)
Old? Yes, but not quite older than dirt. Yet.
Ha, ha! Had to look that one up. I also have 2. Just barley squeaked by and got the “Desert Storm” one in Feb of 1995.
You ain’t alone on that one. Got my first firewatch ribbon in bootcamp.
I take we are talking about the brotherhood of NDSM? My son will getting of of Great Lakes RTC in December as new member, but sadly his old man is not. All he earned was GCM, and Sea Service w/1 bronze star.
Claw,
I see you 8455-00-281-3214 and I raise you one 8965-00-922-5026.
Yeppers, Thank You.
But if you can, please make mine 8965-00-983-5795 “Hey Mabel, Black Label”, the official drink of Beer Frisbee./smile
Three.
Third !!!
It sure would be nice if we could gt rid of the oxygen thief from berzerkeley…..
I hope each of my Brothers and Sisters here in my TAH family has a wonderful day today.
First!
This is to announce my official retirement!
I love you all and I am still praying that somehow you guys will help get my pos brother put back in prison where he belongs!!!
Take care all my brothers and sisters!!
Take care,
Willy
Edited to protect PII. Congrats, WW.
AW1
Just as a reminder to any new commenters here on TAH that WW’s brother served as a 42D20 Specialist and was a proud member of the 56th Dental Detachment at the 85th Evacuation Hospital at Phu Bai, RVN from April 1971 to February 1972. He was on the front lines and in charge of all Dental Prosthetic Appliances and witnessed some of the most horrifying aspects of the war. That is why he receives (and will continue to receive) $3,500.00 + a month from the government./smile
Note to Admins: You have my permission to delete these comments if deemed inappropriate to the honorable nature of the day.
Congratulations, WW. Good to see you here again from time to time.
Who cares what number, oldest daughter just got breast lump biopsy results: BENIGN! Guess I gotta clean house today, suddenly seems dusty in here.
Great news! And among the best ways to celebrate the day.
Outstanding! The wife is a cancer survivor with more than 25 years cancer free. Prayers do get answered Dad. Now breath again and make sure your other daughters get screened.
Great news, David!
Great news David!! My wife is a 20 year survivor of a double mastectomy, I myself am a triple cancer survivor, never give up hope!!!
Hallelujah! Great news.
I feels for ya, David. My wife just got the same good news today.
I tend to stay home on Veteran’s day. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just that I feel I really didn’t deserve to be recognized. I served in peacetime, after Nam had ended and before the hostilities in 2001. The only deployment I had was when I volunteered to go to Panama and didn’t get there until Noriega had already been captured. My Reserve partner and I worked 14 to 16 hour days while there but it was pretty much all admin stuff and minor training. Our job was to train the Panamanian PD but once on the ground the FBI sent a horde of retirees who started a school for that purpose and told us we were not needed or wanted and could not train.
I spent 24 years in uniform and wasn’t selected to go to the sand box the first go round. Too senior an Officer by then and the regular Army Officers were practically fragging each other to get a slot and punch the combat ticket. I found out they were relieving Reserve and Guard Officers of their commands and taking over those units so they could claim combat / conflict command time for promotion.
I retired in 2000. Right after 9/11 I called milpercen to try and come back in any capacity to help. All I got was laughter on the phone and a dial tone after being told they had more than enough 0-5’s running around as it was. By the time they decided they could use help years later and contacted me, I had blown disks in my back and wasn’t fit for service any more.
I stay home and let the younger folks who did see the sandbox get the free meals and recognition as well as the Nam Vets who deserve a welcome home. I volunteered, had a career and did my job, certainly nothing spectacular. All my combat was at home in my civilian blue uniform.
OT, you served with distinction during a very uneasy time. Post Viet Nam left a hollow force and and the public perception of the military was poor- not many volunteered to serve. You did, and stood ready in the event of major conflict. The fact there was none is a testament to the deterrence you and those of your class provided. A generation of Americans were safe because of this. I can’t think of a higher calling.
AW1
Cold War Warrior
So we both went in in 76! Ya old fart…
Got word last night that my granddaughter and grandson #5 will be posting colors with the Pioneer kids at the next town’s Veteran’s ceremony today… guess I’m leaving the house after all.
Amen! Served 78-98. Missed the major conflicts. Also missed Grenada (The Picnic) and Bush I.
Yes, I was in the Rear with The Gear (commo), but I made sure those at the front could communicate (31E Field Radio Repair).I
“They also serve who stand and wait”.
I feel much like you do, I dodged the draft in the 60’s and joined the USAF, was in a valley north west of Qui Nhon on an Air Base, celebrated TET of 68 and then being not the brightest person, went through the list of KIA during a viewing of the mobile Wall and found out OVER 17,000 died while I was there. Came back to Nation who shunned all of us (easiest way to clear a room was for them to find out you were there), local VFW only took the local commander’s sons, found out VFW and Legion would not have anything to do with you ( WWII and Korean vets tagged us as cowards) as they had it in their minds that we lost the war and did not measure up to their standards. VA pretty much only accepted those who were medically discharged. Lost 7 from High School, 1 still MIA, 2 were close friends in school and almost lost another who was blown off the side of a tank who was lucky in that they saved the one arm and leg that were severely injured let alone his life. Now finally was able to be accepted by VA, don’t much give a darn about VFW or Legion, both of whom are slowly dyeing here. Somewhat bitter as to things in the past after Nam but still alive and watching the fourth generation of mine grow. Sorry admins as accidently hit on the report comment button when I started post.
Low key around here. The service I was supposed to participate in this evening was cancelled this morning, so a quick trip to the library and grocery (and may nix that one) is all I plan today.
This was a jam packed week. My allergies were doing their usual fall and spring thing (runny nose, sneezes, etc – y’all know how it is) so had a covid test Monday to allay any fears those around me might have observing my symptoms. It was negative, of course, but now I can prove it. At least as of Monday.
Everyone spend this day as you wish. Remember a veteran. Remember those who came before us. Remember those who might need a phone call to keep their connection with the rest of us strong.
I will be especially remembering the 5 members of my VFW post that we have buried in the past 2 months.
The best way to honor vets is to open the goddamn Post Office and Banks.
Thanks, y’all.
Went to a funeral (another one!) for a former member of my Sunday School class, fellow Scouter, and neighbor.
One of his best friends got up to eulogize him. Best Friend is a Green Beret (ret.) who told how he first met the deceased.
Green Beret was home with a leg busted in 3 places from falling out of a tree, our friend shows up and says “I hear you need your barn wired.”
Long story short – our friend wired his barn for free, to thank him for what he had done as a Green Beret to protect us.
That started a long friendship cut short by an accident on a deer lease last week.
Some folks put their thanks into meaningful concrete form.
Happiest of Veterans Day to all past, present and future Vets.
God bless America, Long live the Republic.
Missed a little forked-horn mulie buck Sunday evening. In my defense, it was foggy and pouring rain. Going back out this evening to see if he’s still there. Might even stock some venison!
Went and paid Honors to about 13 marked in the Old Church Burial Yard. Squooze it in between bands of rain. In my mind, they knew we were there even if no one else did.
I raise a glass to them and to all of the miscreanted d’weed/weedettes, where ever they are and however they served.
Went to Great Lakes Boot camp in Oct. of 1963 and was there when Pres Kennedy was killed, then down to Norfolk NOB to go aboard the USS Okinawa LPH 3 until Nov of 1966 then some time up in Whitestone Queens Navy inactive inactive Reserves. 1975-1977 up in Huntington Station Army National Guard where Capt Sherrow was and was mentioned here as a valor thief. I emailed Jonn my DD 214 to show the dates he was there. I Even made E5 as 11B which was some difference from taking 3 years in the Navy to make E4. No mail delivery today and my Sister can’t get her 20 or so mail order catalogues. And again a thanks to AW Ed for email Frocking me the 3rd class Crow. Don’t know why I waited so long when the record was in my folder inside the living room cabinet. Happy Vets day to all you Vets out there.
Here is a little light reading on the implications of Bush v Gore on the current unpleasantness.
https://redstate.com/shipwreckedcrew/2020/11/11/the-revenge-of-clarence-thomas-bush-v-gore-and-the-facts-underlying-the-new-pennsylvania-lawsuit-n278286
That reminds me to buy more popcorn.
8710-00-507-5912
NSN 8710-00-507-5912, 8710005075912
MINK FOOD
Federal Supply Classification
FSC 8710 – Forage and Feed
National Item Identification Number
NIIN 005075912
Codification Country
United States
Item Name Code
INC 30107
Criticality
(X) This item does not have a nuclear hardened feature or any other critical feature such as tolerance, fit restriction or application.
Hazardous Material Indicator Code
(N) There is no data in the HMIRS and the NSN is in an FSC not generally suspected of containing hazardous materials.
There’s mink food available via NSN? How do minks order it without an ULLS box?
Well, well, well. Great info to have just in case.
How much do you suggest we keep on hand for the potential invasion of marauding minks?
Those marauding minks could infect us all like the zombies in the “Walking Dead.” Mink have been reported to be infected with a new version of the dreaded ChiCom virus. These infected mammals could be the ChiCom’s secret weapon to take us out, since their engineered human virus hasn’t killed enough of us. So, let’s not be preparing to feed the mink hordes.
Will keep that in mind before encouraging any future cultivation and/or domestication of marauding bands of minks.
I wonder if the False Commander “Phony” Phillip D. Monkress (CEO of All-Points Logistics) takes advantage of all of the freebies for Veterans today?
Or does he still up it one on his highly questionable and yet-to-be-proven Native American, Navy SEAL and Law Enforcement claims?
Happy Veterans Day all
And thank you for your service!!!!!!
Skippy not skunk
😂😂😂😂😂
Got the Screaming Eagle e-letter for November 2020 just this morning. The headline reads:
“Division to Recognize Legacy of Vietnam Veterans With Honorary Air Assault Wings”
Looks like JRM was ahead of his time./s
Good Morning, Claw!
From the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Facebook on the subject:
ATTENTION VIETNAM SCREAMING EAGLE VETERANS: In honor of our veterans this Veteran’s Day, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is planning on recognizing our Vietnam veterans during the Week of the Eagles (June 21 -25, 2021). We would like to personally recognize those who served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) with the Honorary Air Assault Badge due to their contributions and execution of air assault missions during the campaign. If you, or a veteran you know, meets all of the following qualifications, please reach out to the 101st Airborne Division Veteran’s Association [101exec@screamingeagle.org or 931-431-0199] or your affiliated Regimental Association:
QUALIFICATIONS:
-Was in direct combat while assigned or attached to a combat unit in the 1st Cavalry Division, 101st Airborne Division, 101st Air Cavalry Division or 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) in Vietnam during the period from 1965 – 1972; AND
– Was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor , Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, or Medal of Honor or conducted 25 or more Combat Helicopter Assaults or a lesser number of “hot” Landing Zones; AND
-Graduated from Infantry AIT, NCOCC, OCS, IOBC, SERTS, CLC or RECONDO during the Vietnam war”
Veterans meeting all criteria will be eligible for the certification and authorized to purchase and wear or display the Air Assault Badge. Since this is an Honorarium Award, Veterans should not apply to the Board of Corrections to have the Air Assault Badge added to their personnel records. Veteran Regimental Associations will assist in the collection of all information before adding veterans to a mass roster in order to receive an Honorary Air Assault Badge.
Hmmm, glad to see that the Fakebook page threw in the Combat Action Badge as a qualifier.
Looks like the author of that entry and Dennis Nickell ( of the Apaches/Abrams tanks in Vietnam) were both ahead of the game./smile
Claw:
Was curious about the Qualifications:
“WAS IN DIRECT COMBAT while assigned or attached to a combat unit in the 1st Cavalry Division, 101st Airborne Division, 101st Air Cavalry Division or 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) in Vietnam during the period from 1965 – 1972”
Doesn’t DIRECT COMBAT mean engaging with the enemy?
“Graduated from Infantry AIT, NCOCC, OCS, IOBC, SERTS, CLC or RECONDO during the Vietnam war”
Did every Soldier assigned or attached to the 101st, no matter their MOS, take SERTS while Boots on the Ground in Vietnam?
Is that SERTS annotated on that Soldier’s Military Records?
Just curious.
Thank You, Claw!
Additionally, the BSM and the LOM are mentioned…and yet the OTHER awards are for VALOR.
So am guessing if one received the BSM for Meritoriuos Service or the LOM, they are entitled to wear the Bullwinkle Badge?
One would think if the Soldier was in DIRECT COMBAT, that their BSM would be a BSM with Valor and not a BSM for Meritoius service.
The LOM is throwing me off as well.
One last thing, Claw:
One of the qualifications specifically states
“Was in direct combat while assigned or attached to a “Combat Unit”..
The 501st Signal was a “Combat Unit”???
IMHO, I do not think What’s His Face meets ALL Three (3) criteria, especially the part about being in DIRECT COMBAT and being in a COMBAT UNIT.
Just my assessment.
😎😉
Re the SERTS: I went through it in July 71 as a brand new FNG shipped over from the states incoming personnel replacement. I don’t imagine that those who had already been in-country for awhile or were on a 2nd/3rd tour and transferred to the Division had to go through it.
As far as SERTS being entered into my records, Naw, never seen it written down anywhere.
Thank You, Claw!
I may be wrong since I was not Boots On the Ground in Vietnam, but I don’t think the 501st Signal was considered to be a “Combat” Unit or was in “Direct Combat”.
Just my personal assessment.
It’s never a good thing when your signal support is in “direct combat”.
SFC D:
I never heard of a Signal Unit being considered a “Combat Unit”.
Combat SUPPORT, yes.
Combat SERVICE SUPPORT for other MOS.
But NOT a “COMBAT UNIT”..
😎😉
I know some Infantry Officers who were deployed Forward during OEF and OIF who did NOT engage in DIRECT COMBAT with the enemy.
They do NOT have CIBs…they also knew based on Army Regulation that they were not entitled to the CIB.
C’mon ninja, let me get you dialed in and up to speed here. Iffen a low speed, high drag, throwed out of the GANG, moto grader operator, that never got further west than Ft Lost in the Woods MO can lay claim to being THE doorsnipergunnergreenrangerforceberetrecon that is still “killing dinks in the dark”, ergo, anyone that has at least walked past a recruiter’s office since 1954 is qualified to wear any and all bling on their gedunk shop outside the main gate bought uniform. This would include the French Cross for being the bugler at Dien Bien Phu. /s/
gabn/rtr/hbtd
KoB:
Was WAITING for ya, Buddy!
You made our day again on what you wrote!!!
Thank You!
😆😅🤣😂😉😎
gabn/rtr/hbtd
“Direct ground combat is engaging an enemy on the ground with individual or crew served weapons, while being exposed to hostile fire and to a high probability of direct physical contact with the hostile force’s personnel. Direct ground combat takes place well forward on the battlefield while locating and closing with the enemy to defeat them by fire, maneuver, or shock effect.”