Are you a veteran?

[U-235]

Fast Attack Submarines

I was in the Navy from 1984 to 1990. I served onboard the Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine USS Spadefish (SSN-668). I was a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator. Here is a picture of the Spadefish loading torpedoes at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico.

U-235

 

[mljdeckard]

I am, but I don't usually make too much of it. Many have sacrificed for more than I have for much less reward.

 

[marlin1888]

Air Force, Served 24-years

15-years as a Combat Cameraman
9 Years in Internatonal Treaty Relations

 

[wulfbyte]

Army, 11B, 1982-1993

Operation Just Cause, TF Bayonet

Everybody seems to forget Panama, just as well as I sure would like to.

 

[OH25shooter]

U-235,

You might be interested in this site: http://www.uboat.net/boats/u235.htm

 

[ExSoldier]

Well, I'm a little bit late to this thread. FWIW: CPT IN & AR 1980-84 active duty and 1984-94 IRR. Veteran of the cold war. I trained to face the USSR in "toe to toe NU-KLEE-AR combat" (quoting Slim Pickens in Dr Strangelove) and never had to fire a shot in anger. Lost several buddies both in combat (Beirut or Grenada) and in many training accidents. Don't have to be in a war to give your life for your country. Started as a screwy LOOIE in the Infantry and did a later branch transfer to Armor in the reserves. Damn the Clinton RIF! I'd be an 05 at least and prolly in the sand.

God Bless all you vets who "saw the elephant" and served in a combat zone. We "cold warriors" are TERRIBLY PROUD OF YOU!

 

[jjduller1946]

No, I'm not a veteran. However, I've helped my Dad fit his artificial leg on. He lost his real one somewhere in Vietnam. I've waved goodbye to my brother when he went to Afganistan and kissed my husband goodbye when he went to Iraq.

If (when) my husband is sent back to the middle east I'll patiently wait for him to come home again all the while lighting candles and offering prayers for all our men in uniform, both past and present.

Selena

Selena, I found out long after I returned from Viet Nam what a heavy burdon my family paid while I was slogging through rice paddies. They watched Walter Cronkite every night as he told of 200-250 soldiers a week coming home in body bags and showing wounded coming off medivac helicopters.

Those who wait at home also serve. Thanks to you and all the Moms, Dads, sisters, brothers cousins and friends who lay awake at night fearing the visit from a Chapling and officer and hoping for the safe return of their trooper.

 

[jjduller1946]

eflat,

I served in the Peace Corps


Should that not count in your poll? I am proud of my service.

For what it's worth, I would have been the first to join the military

During the cold war would have have been amoung the "better Red than dead" crowd?
During Viet Nam you would you have served with your fellow faint of hearts in Canada?
During Korea would you have asked why fight the North Koreans and Red Chinese to protect South Korea?
During WWII would you have been with those who argued that we have no interest in protecting Europe from Hitler?

I respect service in the Peace Corps. My daughter did a tour in Africa.

But I am not persuaded by your willingness to volunteer for military service to protect our borders and your gung ho '...but for the overseas adventures of the last four Presidents (remember Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq I, Grenada, Panama)" I would have fought too' line.

If you do not like this poll you could do your own: Something like"

Where did you serve your country:

• Peace Corps
• Draft Dodger - left the country
• Draft Dodger - hid out at home
• College deferment during the Draft
• Local Law enforcement
• Federal Law Enforcement
• 1st Responder
• Military service

 

[tpaw]

oldironman writes:

dayuum son, glad you made it back!!

Thank you kindly. I was one of the lucky ones.

 

[Tony50ae]

I voted National Guard as that is my current duty though I did 9 years active duty Army. I am a 63B wheeled vehicle mechanic and also was Airborne and served over 3 years in the 82nd Airborne. Funny never deployed while on active duty, but deployed once with the Guard and am due to deploy late next year again...lol. I tend to shrug away from calling myself a combat veteran though. Technically I am but I know many others have gone through a lot. I prefer just veteran status for me.

 

[radmeter]

USAF Ret. Feb 1961 - Aug 1981

 

[ZigZagZeke]

USN 1966-1971, Nuclear Sub Weapons Specialist (ET1), WestPac.

 

[ZigZagZeke]

U-235, would those be Mk 48s they're loading?

 

[Freedomv]

Army Security Agency 1968-72

Electronic warefare- telemetry collection and analyst.

I also beat the draft by enlisting. (for 4 years)

Interesting work, bad duty locations for young men.

Vern

 

[Rey B]

USN 1979-2000 Fire Controlman CIWS and MK86

 

[U-235]

To: ZigZagZeke

Yes, those are MK-48's torpedoes being loaded in the picture. These particular torpedoes were practice torpedoes with no warhead, we were doing a torpedo shoot excercise where we shot the practice torpedoes at a surface ship.

U-235

 

[M2 Carbine]

1955 USMC
1964 Army Helicopter Pilot

 

[C96]

Utah Army National Guard 52-54, then joined the USAF to beat the draft.
USAF 54-58 Radar Tech on F86D's.

 

[littlegator]

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.


Just kidding, I haven't. Thank you all for your service to this great country.

 

[zeke707]

Cold War Veteran

Army from 1960-1966. Stationed on a Nike Ajax missile site Swedesboro, NJ during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later on Nike Hercules site Crete, NE. AN/FPS-75 ABAR radar tech. Radar maintenance training Ft Bliss, TX, basic training Ft Hood TX. Oh yes, that was *before* Nike shoes

 

[possum]

yes since 2003 to present, oif 3 12 months, and currently deployed for 15months, US. Army 11b E-5.

 

[RoadkingLarry]

Yes, those are MK-48's torpedoes being loaded in the picture. These particular torpedoes were practice torpedoes with no warhead, we were doing a torpedo shoot excercise where we shot the practice torpedoes at a surface ship.

U-235

Orange fish are a dead give away. We were down there in Spring of '92 and we actually got to shoot 3 war shots at a target on the instrumented range .

 

[SHTFmilitia]

I would like to hear from vets as well for advice, stories, honor and to learn more. If you are a vet please visit here
SHTFmilitia.com Vet Forum

 

[jlday70]

US Army 12 years

8 years 13B Field Artillery
4 years 55D Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Army National Guard 3 years 76Y Unit Supply Specialist.

 

[bikerbill]

Air Force 65-69, radio intercept operator, Chinese linguist, also served in Rep. of Panama ... no combat, tho I got my feelings hurt a few times ...

---

when they kick at your front door,
how you gonna come?
with your hands on your head
or on the trigger of your gun?