re; Thanks to all Service Personel
hey My thanks to you all, Was In USAF 66-70 , rolling the Heavies " 52's" , never saw country but many friends did, most of which came back, I feel the same as ya'll do the military really helps you to take on the responsability early on, Thanks again Everyone . Hey Bib-Overalls, I noticed your from Jonesboro, Do you happen to know Ken Spargo ?
Things have sure changed.
I entered the army in late 71 ( I enlisted rather than be drafted, with a draft # of 13 it was kind of a no brainer). As a young private E nothing I remember being spit on in St Louis by a young "lady" as I got off the bus in uniform to start leave prior to going to AIT. Like most of my peers I was where I was becuase I was raised to believe that duty to my country was a requirement you didn't shirk. I couldn't understand what I had done to deserve being treated like that from a stranger.
I spent the next 20 years bouncing around the world (by the time I got out of AIT my MOS had already been pulled out of Vietnam). I did assignments in areas that were less than friendly (one that comes to mind is the airport that was mortared 20 minuets after we took off) but am not classified as a combat vet, which is OK with me, I've never pretended to be anything I'm not. I've been out about 12 years now and really don't think too much about that part of my life anymore. I had what I considered a full and interesting career and draw my retirement check every month.
Then about a month ago when I went in on the post (Ft Huachuca) I had to stop for the ID card check at the gate. The young PFC at the gate (in about 100 degree weather) looked at my ID card and said "thanks for serving your country Sarge". I can't believe how much that meant when sincerely said by someone of his generation.
I thought I'd pass that sentiment on from both him and myself to the rest of you out there.