Combat veterans, I need opinions....

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MachIVshooter

MachIVshooter

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I want to know if this is something you all would appreciate. I have a friend who recently returned from Iraq. We will get together this weekend for the first time in nearly two years. I am picking up a Springfield Mil-Spec stainless for him. The issue I need opinions on is this:

I am having the gun engraved. The left side will read

SPC (his name)
For your service in the United States armed forces
Thank you

and on the right I want to have the POW/MIA insignia engraved.

Is this a gift a veteran soldier would appreciate, or is there a better idea?
(also, he does not currently own a handgun, so he certainly needs one to ensure his family's safety, including his as-of-yet unborn daughter)
 
That's a phenomenally cool idea. Wish I had friends like you!

In all honesty, he will be happy just to be back on American soil and in the company of family and friends. Your support, handshake, and 'welcome home' will be all the thanks he needs...

Your thoughtfulness will certainly be highly appreciated, I'm certain.
 
I don't know if I would do the POW/MIA deal, that is unless he was one.

Service members are allways proud of the units they belonged to, maybe have it engraved with his combat unit patch and motto with Iraq 2004-2005 or what ever appropriate year.

Of all the things I have from the Army, my Big Red One divisional coin is the thing I cherrish the most and have in my pocket every day.

If you need help finding the patch and motto we can probably help find it if you know what his mailing address was while he was deployed or the unit/base he was in CONUS

Since you listed his rank of SPC he is Army, I would probably change your inscription to say US Army.

He now wears a unit patch on his right shoulder, to people in the Army, that patch is priceless and a sign of honor. Just a thought.
 
Mach
A hell of an idea. The POW/MIA thing *is* about respect and represents much more than meets the eye. My hat (or bandanna as it may be) is off to Ya.
Biker
 
My "friends" (4F) wondered where I have been for the last 4 years. Wish I would have had one like you. I have my zippo lighter that I had engraved while in RVN. Don't smoke anymore but still carry it every day as a reminder of much tougher times a long time ago.
 
I wouldn't do the POW/MIA - unless you know he would love it. It's a personal item, not a promotion of a cause, whoever worthy.
If he shows it to someone in 30 years as your givft, will everybody ask him "Have you been a POW?"

Same with slogans, mottoes, etc. - the one on a personal gift should relate directly to the person in question.

miko
 
Great idea, but the POW-MIA is used by AMVETS and VN Vets. It is great, but his unit crest would be better for this one. I have Fidem Meam Noto on mine. (I am faithful) You could get the past tense of that to symbolize his service.
 
I like the general idea...

But would also omit the POW/MIA insignia. I'd engrave either his unit crest or the seal from branch of service (Army, Navy, etc.).
 
I think the POW/MIA thing is a little off, too. How bout "Joseph P. Smith, USA" Iraq

and on other side a slogan like "This We'll Defend." or some other relevant saying. Of course, if he's other than Army, you have to adjust.
 
I don't know if I would do the POW/MIA deal, that is unless he was one.
Click to expand...

I was never a POW but I have worn a POW/MIA religiously since joining the Army in 1983.
Follow the link in my signature to read about John Brooks who is my POW.
It's about honoring those that gave all for us and respecting them.

I personally would rather have a POW insignia then my unit crest.
 
viet nam
Panama
Bosnia
Desert 1

My personal opinion Don't do the POW thing. The best idea here was engrave his unit crest.
Guys coming home can be really weird. Mom cooks everything he's ever loved and all he really wants is a Big Mac. It can be strange. and for God's Sake don't ask the million dollar question and shut up anybody that does ask it.

and in the end have you considered he just might not want to be thanked?

to those that said POW/MIA as a sign of respect thanks but for my .02 and many of my brothers it's a very painful reminder. Very Painful.

But that's just me

AFS
 
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