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Post by oswald on Nov 11, 2017 3:00:47 GMT 9
 I just saw a lot of posts that Jim Scanlon posted and thought I had to mention to all that I miss his comments and his special talents to include every one of us.
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Post by Jim on Nov 11, 2017 5:18:40 GMT 9
I just saw a lot of posts that Jim Scanlon posted and thought I had to mention to all that I miss his comments and his special talents to include every one of us. |
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Post by Jim on Nov 12, 2017 8:51:01 GMT 9
Most of we Air Force Veterans were just a few hours shy of experiencing what the following says about a veteran. Yes, we who put on the uniform of the United States military are veterans. There is no disputing that.... But take a good look at that guy with the haggard look, slow to smile, if he does. Willing to bet that he is a veteran of a different stripe. More than likely, he is a GRUNT veteran, either Army or Marine, maybe even an Air Force CCT veteran.. Those of us in here that were at DaNang, Bien Hoa,Cam Rahn Bay, Bien Thuiey, Tan San Nuht and other bases that I can't spell or pronounce if I could spell, we had our rocket attacks and VC infiltrations and we all got the familiar yellow ribbon with red and green stripes and maybe 1 or 2 campaign stars (I have 2 and I don't what they stand for) But, these guys, the combat ones from WW2, but especially from Korea, Viet Nam, and all of the Middle East Wars, the wars that had no victory desired or planned....The Old Sarge aka Jim Gier
As Veterans’ Day approaches, it is important for those who have never served to take a moment to understand the solitary world of a vet.
Millions of vets are and have been successful in all endeavors. They are doctors, lawyers, business people and a thousand other professions. Not all have PTSD; not all are the troubled, brooding, street corner homeless guy, although they exist and need help desperately.
No matter how successful a vet might be materially, more often than not, vets are often alone, mentally and spiritually each day and for the rest of their lives.
Vets’ stories are all different, but some elements of the common experience exist.
Many vets experienced and saw and heard and did things unimaginable to the average person. They also lived a daily camaraderie that cannot be repeated in the civilian world. In fact, many vets spend the rest of their lives seeking the same esprit de corps that simply is absent from their civilian lives and jobs. They long to spend just 15 minutes back with the best friends they ever had, friends that are scattered to every corner of the earth, and some to the afterlife itself.
Vets are haunted by visions of horror and death, by guilt of somehow surviving and living the good life, when some they knew are gone. They strangely wish sometimes that they were back in those dreadful circumstances, not to experience the dirt and horror and terror and noise and violence again, but to be with the only people a vet really knows, other vets.
Civilians must understand that for a vet nothing is ever the same again. Their senses can be suddenly illuminated by the slightest sound or smell or sight: sights of death all around, a living version of Dante’s Inferno; sounds so loud that they can only be described as Saving Private Ryan in surround sound on steroids; smells vast and horrific; rotting death, burning fuel and equipment, rubber, animals and…people. The smoldering ruins of life all around them.
All vets have these thoughts nearly every day. Some may experience them for fractions of second, or for minutes at a time. They replay over and over again like an endless 24 hour war movie.
Part of the solitary world of the vet is being able to enjoy complete bliss doing absolutely nothing. This is a trait grating to civilians who must constantly search for endless stimuli. Unbeknownst to them, the greatest thrill of all is just being alive. A lot of vets have an Obi-wan Kenobi calmness. After what they went through, how bad can anything really be?
As King said to Chris in Platoon, “Make it outta here, it’s all gravy, every day of the rest of your life – gravy…”
So many, if not all vets walk around each day lost in their own special story. They were once great actors on a giant stage with speaking parts and props. Maybe they were heroes and now they aren’t anymore. Maybe they helped save the world and now they can’t. Maybe they gave orders and now they take them. Maybe they thought that they could accomplish anything and now they know they can’t. Perhaps their lives now are smaller and slower and sometimes in the vet’s mind, just incidental, even though they’re not.
Most civilians are oblivious to the solitary life of the vet. But, it’s there. It’s the same eternal and universal philosophy, whether you fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan. The experiences may have been different, but the emotions are the same.
A problem with the solitary world of the vet is that the vet has a hard time explaining what he or she did to those who didn’t serve. Some vets want to talk, but they have no outlet. Maybe their only outlet is watching a war movie or reading a book about the conflict they were in.
How often do people say, “Grandpa never talks about Korea.” That’s because Grandpa knows no one can understand except other vets. That’s because Grandpa knows most people don’t care.
Part of this taciturn mentality is that vets speak another language, a strange and archaic language of their past. How do you talk to civilians about “fire for effect” or “grid 7310” or “shake and bake” or “frag orders” or “10 days and a wake up” or a thousand and one other terms that are mystifying to the real world?
You can’t.
All of this adds to the solitary world of the vet. Some are better at handling life afterwards than others. Some don’t seem affected at all, but they are. They just hide it. Some never return to normal. But, what is normal to a vet anymore?
So, this Veterans’ Day, if you see a vet sitting by themselves at a restaurant or on a train or shopping at the grocery store alone, take a moment to speak with them. Take them out of their solitary world for a moment. You’ll be happy you did. 
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Post by Gene on Nov 13, 2017 2:28:28 GMT 9
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Post by Gene on Nov 12, 2019 1:24:56 GMT 9
 . thank you, veterans
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Post by LBer1568 on Nov 12, 2019 2:37:17 GMT 9
As I was setting drinking a cup of coffee my wife said I needed a haircut. So I went on line and scheduled a cut at Great Clips. Message said I had a 30 minute wait. So I slowly went to get haircut. I was shocked, every seat was taken. I got a seat pretty quick and mentioned how crowded it was. Guy says, it's free haircut for veterans. So that explained why it was crowded. So I waited about 4-5 minutes and they called my name. I didn't complain, but could tell most guys there didn't go on-line and schedule appointment.
So after getting a nice free haircut I tipped girl more than normal. Golden Corral gives free meal for Vets as do most of restaurants locally. But I told wife I just want a couple Bratwursts with peppers and onions for dinner.
We are on eve of a winter storm warning. We are scheduled to get 2+ " of snow starting early afternoon. But ground isn't frozen so I will take a while to start sticking on roads and sidewalks. Grass will start pretty quick.
Happy Veterans to all, and to all a good night.
Lorin
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Post by Jim on Nov 12, 2019 11:56:03 GMT 9
Most of we Air Force Veterans were just a few hours shy of experiencing what the following says about a veteran. Yes, we who put on the uniform of the United States military are veterans. There is no disputing that.... But take a good look at that guy with the haggard look, slow to smile, if he does. Willing to bet that he is a veteran of a different stripe. More than likely, he is a GRUNT veteran, either Army or Marine, maybe even an Air Force CCT veteran.. Those of us in here that were at DaNang, Bien Hoa,Cam Rahn Bay, Bien Thuiey, Tan San Nuht and other bases that I can't spell or pronounce if I could spell, we had our rocket attacks and VC infiltrations and we all got the familiar yellow ribbon with red and green stripes and maybe 1 or 2 campaign stars (I have 2 and I don't what they stand for) But, these guys, the combat ones from WW2, but especially from Korea, Viet Nam, and all of the Middle East Wars, the wars that had no victory desired or planned....The Old Sarge aka Jim Gier
As Veterans’ Day approaches, it is important for those who have never served to take a moment to understand the solitary world of a vet.
Millions of vets are and have been successful in all endeavors. They are doctors, lawyers, business people and a thousand other professions. Not all have PTSD; not all are the troubled, brooding, street corner homeless guy, although they exist and need help desperately.
No matter how successful a vet might be materially, more often than not, vets are often alone, mentally and spiritually each day and for the rest of their lives.
Vets’ stories are all different, but some elements of the common experience exist.
Many vets experienced and saw and heard and did things unimaginable to the average person. They also lived a daily camaraderie that cannot be repeated in the civilian world. In fact, many vets spend the rest of their lives seeking the same esprit de corps that simply is absent from their civilian lives and jobs. They long to spend just 15 minutes back with the best friends they ever had, friends that are scattered to every corner of the earth, and some to the afterlife itself.
Vets are haunted by visions of horror and death, by guilt of somehow surviving and living the good life, when some they knew are gone. They strangely wish sometimes that they were back in those dreadful circumstances, not to experience the dirt and horror and terror and noise and violence again, but to be with the only people a vet really knows, other vets.
Civilians must understand that for a vet nothing is ever the same again. Their senses can be suddenly illuminated by the slightest sound or smell or sight: sights of death all around, a living version of Dante’s Inferno; sounds so loud that they can only be described as Saving Private Ryan in surround sound on steroids; smells vast and horrific; rotting death, burning fuel and equipment, rubber, animals and…people. The smoldering ruins of life all around them.
All vets have these thoughts nearly every day. Some may experience them for fractions of second, or for minutes at a time. They replay over and over again like an endless 24 hour war movie.
Part of the solitary world of the vet is being able to enjoy complete bliss doing absolutely nothing. This is a trait grating to civilians who must constantly search for endless stimuli. Unbeknownst to them, the greatest thrill of all is just being alive. A lot of vets have an Obi-wan Kenobi calmness. After what they went through, how bad can anything really be?
As King said to Chris in Platoon, “Make it outta here, it’s all gravy, every day of the rest of your life – gravy…”
So many, if not all vets walk around each day lost in their own special story. They were once great actors on a giant stage with speaking parts and props. Maybe they were heroes and now they aren’t anymore. Maybe they helped save the world and now they can’t. Maybe they gave orders and now they take them. Maybe they thought that they could accomplish anything and now they know they can’t. Perhaps their lives now are smaller and slower and sometimes in the vet’s mind, just incidental, even though they’re not.
Most civilians are oblivious to the solitary life of the vet. But, it’s there. It’s the same eternal and universal philosophy, whether you fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan. The experiences may have been different, but the emotions are the same.
A problem with the solitary world of the vet is that the vet has a hard time explaining what he or she did to those who didn’t serve. Some vets want to talk, but they have no outlet. Maybe their only outlet is watching a war movie or reading a book about the conflict they were in.
How often do people say, “Grandpa never talks about Korea.” That’s because Grandpa knows no one can understand except other vets. That’s because Grandpa knows most people don’t care.
Part of this taciturn mentality is that vets speak another language, a strange and archaic language of their past. How do you talk to civilians about “fire for effect” or “grid 7310” or “shake and bake” or “frag orders” or “10 days and a wake up” or a thousand and one other terms that are mystifying to the real world?
You can’t.
All of this adds to the solitary world of the vet. Some are better at handling life afterwards than others. Some don’t seem affected at all, but they are. They just hide it. Some never return to normal. But, what is normal to a vet anymore?
So, this Veterans’ Day, if you see a vet sitting by themselves at a restaurant or on a train or shopping at the grocery store alone, take a moment to speak with them. Take them out of their solitary world for a moment. You’ll be happy you did.  Well, went shopping this AM at Walley World, saw a Jarhead with 2nd Marine Div hat, called out "Hey Jarhead, how goes it? Talk for a couple of minutes and another Veteran hat comes in view- Navy... Hey swabby- feet wet yet? .... More talk, another hat comes in the front door. Hey- Grunt- nice to see you got out of that jungle-Welcome Home, more jaw jacking with 4 of us watching to see what hat comes in the front door..... Didn't have to wait long, yep another hat with a Marine under it... This time, no gray hair, no pot belly, stands tall and walks with a limp... We call out to him and each of us render probably one of the best hand salutes we have ever done... He looks at me and says "Sarge, how did you know I was a Marine?" I replied, "I counted the panels used to make that cover". "Huh?" I said "yep, the old fatigue cap the AF issued was similar but it only had 7 panels, yours has 9 and you fold it the same way we did when you put in your pocket".. His limp, a souvenir from Afghanistan, his age, 23 and I am more than 3 times his age... Another hat comes in - this time an Air Force Retired hat.. I call out, "Hey Sarge, how you doing?" He walks over and looks at each one of us shakes hand all around and looks at me and says, "Chief (my hat has the new E-8 Stripes on it), thanks for the compliment, but I was only a Major." The Marines beat me to saluting. Brought a big smile to his face. Security approaches and sees the hats we are wearing says, "carry on guys"... Never saw these guys before in my life. Hope they walked away feeling as good as I did. Yes, the ice cream was now a milk shake.......Never hesitate to approach one and make a comment, even if it is interservice jibes at one another... You took the time...... The Old Sarge |
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Post by Gene on Nov 13, 2019 1:28:03 GMT 9
very touching...but I thank you for your service... all those that contributed... logistics, maintenance, even those guys that just sat behind a desk... all made it happen. GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES...
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I just saw a lot of posts that Jim Scanlon posted and thought I had to mention to all that I miss his comments and his special talents to include every one of us.
. thank you, veterans
Well, went shopping this AM at Walley World, saw a Jarhead with 2nd Marine Div hat, called out "Hey Jarhead, how goes it? Talk for a couple of minutes and another Veteran hat comes in view- Navy... Hey swabby- feet wet yet? .... More talk, another hat comes in the front door. Hey- Grunt- nice to see you got out of that jungle-Welcome Home, more jaw jacking with 4 of us watching to see what hat comes in the front door..... Didn't have to wait long, yep another hat with a Marine under it... This time, no gray hair, no pot belly, stands tall and walks with a limp... We call out to him and each of us render probably one of the best hand salutes we have ever done... He looks at me and says "Sarge, how did you know I was a Marine?" I replied, "I counted the panels used to make that cover". "Huh?" I said "yep, the old fatigue cap the AF issued was similar but it only had 7 panels, yours has 9 and you fold it the same way we did when you put in your pocket".. His limp, a souvenir from Afghanistan, his age, 23 and I am more than 3 times his age... Another hat comes in - this time an Air Force Retired hat.. I call out, "Hey Sarge, how you doing?" He walks over and looks at each one of us shakes hand all around and looks at me and says, "Chief (my hat has the new E-8 Stripes on it), thanks for the compliment, but I was only a Major." The Marines beat me to saluting. Brought a big smile to his face. Security approaches and sees the hats we are wearing says, "carry on guys"... Never saw these guys before in my life. Hope they walked away feeling as good as I did. Yes, the ice cream was now a milk shake.......Never hesitate to approach one and make a comment, even if it is interservice jibes at one another... You took the time...... The Old Sarge 
