What do you consider a veteran ?

[dzswoop717 5]

When I got to Ft Bragg after jump school to be placed at my permanent party station. I got to the unit and there was only a hand full of people there, the entire unit was in Gernada. During the three years I was in, I shined a lot of boots, ironed a lot of uniforms, and ran many many miles of pt. I chased women, drank beer, and made 1300 skydives. I never got an article 15, and was honorably discharged at the end of my enlistment. I never feel like a veteran when I compare myself to the men and women who have seen war and paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

[streaker 0]

I served from 68-72 during the Viet Nam War. I was never assigned to bases in Viet Nam. Had I been ordered to Viet Nam I would have gone willingly and done my assigned duties.

Do I consider myself a veteran? Absolutely.

Do I consider myself a combat veteran? Of course not.

Thanks to all the combat veterans out there that had to serve under extremely difficult conditions!

Have a yippee ki ya day!

[dzswoop717 5]

Well said.

[Rickendiver 6]

I enlisted in US Army 1974-1976. Vietnam Era, but stayed in CONUS (Huey Medevac's). I do consider myself a veteran- but definitely not a combat veteran.

I never considered this to have an expiration date:

I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

[davjohns 1]

I've taken that oath and the officer's version (which leaves out the portion about obeying the President). I have administered that oath dozens of times. There is no expiration. It is in the nature of most oaths that they are for a lifetime. They define who you are more than they define what you will do.

If you took the oath, you are a veteran.

Yesterday marked 30 years of service for me.

I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet..

But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course.

[rehmwa 2]

  keithbar

I never describe myself or even think of myself as a veteran. I went into the army right out of high school. Did 4 years. From 79 to 83. But it was peace time. My dad wad a veteran . Over 28 years in the army green beret. Two tours in Vietnam. The young guys today over there getting shot at and blown up are definitely veterans..what does everyone else think qualifies?

what? is that like KINDA pregnant?

I really don't like this whole - "you aren't (I'm Not) REALLY a ______" mindset

not REALLY a vet (example - unless you saw battle)
not REALLY a skydiver (example - unless you have 1000 jumps)
not REALLY a parent (example - if you only have one kid)

((seriously, this seems to be a frequent affliction with skydivers, I wonder why))

a 'veteran' is defined pretty clearly
I served, took the oath, left honorably, I'm a vet. All these guys that are, I'm am NOT going to ever approach them with the attitude of their service being more or less of value to the country.

If you are proud of your dad, and those in combat, you can build them up without taking yourself (and by inference others) down.

Thank you for your service, Vet.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[JerryBaumchen 1,442]

Hi rehmwa,

  Quote

((seriously, this seems to be a frequent affliction with skydivers, I wonder why))

Usually only on the internet or a Saturday evening after the 3rd beer.



Jerry Baumchen