Contest about Vets and the Military!

[smelvis]

Hello Bro's

Alright been long day so lets turn it positive, Since Jerrie's thread was so much fun I thought I would try a contest. So here goes, Veterans are very important to me so lets do a contest on why they are so important to you, us and everyone in the world.

No rules I will choose which I like the best, I will of course take into account the responses the entrants get. I may even break it down and ask for votes if there are a lot of entries and the call is to close for me to make myself.

So write what you want as long or short as you like as long as it's about Veterans and the Military and what they mean to you and why.

Lets say three winners. Ten sticks per winner and I promise to make the prizes worthwhile. I need at least ten entries or this is void.

Well get to writing and lets give this a week, say it ends next Tuesday at 10:00 pm Happy writing and put your heart into it, They Did!

Ps edited to add Of Course Vets can enter as well, Duh

Thanks

Dave

[teedles915]

Ok looks like I am going to get in early on this.

I am not a person who likes to show my emotions too often, and I don't really have a specific story to tell but here are my thoughts.

I am sitting in my underwear, at 1 oclock on the morning smoking a cigar, watching t.v., and messing around on the lap top. And that is why I am thankful for veterans. I can do all of these things because so many put their life on the line so I could have the freedom to do all of those things, plus all of the other things I get to do on a daily basis.

THANKYOU TO ALL WHO ARE OR HAVE SERVED>

[iRace559]

First off I just want to thank each and every veteran as well as everyone currently enlisted for serving our country. I can't even express my gratitude in words alone. The respect I have for you men and women is immense. My grandfather is a Korean War Veteran, and my Great Uncle who just passed last week served in the Navy for quite a few years.

I'm 19 years young and I'm a college student. I consider myself EXTREMELY fortunate. I have a loving family, I live in a nice house and have nice things. Like most people, I have my bad days where I think the world is coming down on me. Sometimes I take the simplest things in life for granted, like being able to wake up each and every day in my own bed. I graduated high school two years ago and was fortunate enough to go to college, while quite a few of my friends enlisted in the army. I feel so young sometimes. I forget that my peers are over fighting a war on the other side of the world. They risk there lives each and every day so that I can wake up and go to school and have an education; so that I can sit here on puff.com at 3 a.m in my boxers eating double stuff oreos. Without veterans, I may not be alive today, I may be speaking another language, the world as I know it would not exist. It really humbles me just writing this. If I win this contest or not, who cares? Showing my appreciation to the veterans of this country and to this forum is rewarding in itself.

So thank you veterans, thank you for everything you've done and continue to do. I must go to sleep now, I have economics class in 5 hours thanks to you.

[Slaterstogies]

I come from a long line of veterens in my family. I recently went to my great Grandpas funeral and they had the navy there to present the family with a flag in his memory. It was a very heart touching moment. Im glad that you opened a thread on this smelvis not because its a contest but because it gives everyone a chance to show our gratitude to those who ARE the heart of this country. Without everyone who has ever served for our country, NONE of what we know today would be possible.

[iRace559]

Originally Posted by Slaterstogies

I come from a long line of veterens in my family. I recently went to my great Grandpas funeral and they had the navy there to present the family with a flag in his memory. It was a very heart touching moment. Im glad that you opened a thread on this smelvis not because its a contest but because it gives everyone a chance to show our gratitude to those who ARE the heart of this country. Without everyone who has ever served for our country, NONE of what we know today would be possible.

They did that that as well at my uncles funeral as well. He was also a nypd cop for 30+ years so about 8 of them came in full uniform and served as pole bearers. It was really quite a tear jerker.

[Slaterstogies]

oops i did not mean to submit that last post i was only getting started sorry

I come from a long line of veterens in my family. My great uncle has two purple hearts. I recently went to my great Grandpas funeral and they had the navy there to present the family with a flag in his memory. It was a very heart touching moment. Im glad that you opened a thread on this smelvis not because its a contest but because it gives everyone a chance to show our gratitude to those who ARE the heart of this country. Without everyone who has ever served for our country, NONE of what we know today would be possible.
Graduating high school was weird cause a significant amount of people i knew joined the military. Upon seeing them again it was so weird to see how much of a stronger person they have become not only physically but mentally. I couldnt help but to respect but at the same time envy them. They were stronger and more courages then i was. They make a difference in the world. They help us live a better life. They go through struggles and go through things that not many people can. I can not even BEGIN to comprehend what they must go through. I am jealous that they know their purpose they have there roll. Each and everyone one of them is/has made a difference for the better in this country. I was always interested in joining the military but never came to grips and did it. I was too scared i admitt. That is why i respect anyone who has/is serving our country. Cause as im writing this down there are families who are without there loved ones praying everday for them. Or worse. Thats is why i do not waste my time envying celeberties or any famous people. I prefer to honor the real heros. The men and women who made it possible to be able to live the life i have thus far. I cannot possibly do anything to show my respects for the ones who served and the ones who died serving but assure you veterens that all the smiles i haved shared with family and friends is because of you.

[Slaterstogies]

Originally Posted by iRace559

They did that that as well at my uncles funeral as well. He was also a nypd cop for 30+ years so about 8 of them came in full uniform and served as pole bearers. It was really quite a tear jerker.

yea man i know what you mean. that was the breaking point for me. im very sorry to hear about your lose, i know how hard it is.

[RobustBrad]

First let me say thanks to everyone that is serving and that has served in the past.

If it were not for you, we would not have these boards to have this competition. You've put your lives on the line for our freedom and that is something we could never pay back. Every day I wake up I know it will be better than the last because of the groundwork you men and women have paved for us serving in the Military.

Now I'm not the emotional type of guy at all but a few years back when the wife and I were in Las Vegas (before we were married) we were having dinner at the Belagio. A the restaurant we were seated directly on the railing outside close to the water show. It was a great show and all ... then they played "God Bless the USA". It was one of the most positive emotional moments I've ever had.

It's the little things in life you learn to appreciate. Waking up to the women you love, walking your dog, life itself. All possible because of the freedom we have.

Thanks again,
Brad

[Stench]

What the armed forces mean to me..

I get to speak my native tongue
I enjoy imported coffee, cigars, electronics and most luxuries from afar
My children get to listen to outlandish music and wear weird clothes
I can worship as I believe and even talk about it to others
I have fuel to put in my vehicles to go wherever I'd like
I can vote for whatever candidate I feel will best represent me and I can vote them out if I was wrong
I can talk to friends on the phone or internet with out fear - at least for now
I can sleep easy at night knowing the worst threats to my family could be dispatched by myself

I am free to enjoy all the pleasures of living in the USA because someone's Son, Daughter, Father, Husband, Wife, Mother, or best friend has sacrificed at the very least their time to serve to protect our Freedoms and at the very most has made the ultimate sacrifice for what they have believed to be worthy of giving their lives. A simple "Thank You" to all those active and vets is just not enough, but it's a start. Thanks to all of you and God Bless!

[Jumes]

I've been blessed to know a number of vets throughout my life. It has always been the stories of sacrifice that have shown me how much we take for granted, and how much they have given to allow us to take things for granted.

My first conversation with a vet was when I was twelve years old. He was my neighbor and a WWII vet and former POW. The story that struck home most was the time in the prison camp when they were so excited to see they were getting special bread with sesame seeds. Well the sesames started moving and they realized they were maggots. I was just turning twelve at the time and the Vietnam war was in full swing in 1966. Our teacher at the time had us all write Christmas stories to vets over there and we sent them off, never knowing if they got them or not. To this day I think of them every Christmas. I would never have imagined that six years later that war would still be going on and I would be registering for the draft.

Later in life I met a coworker named Frank. Frank was the most laid back guy you ever saw, but everyone said to watch out cause you can't kill Frank. After several years working together, and knowing he was a Vietnam vet I asked him what they meant. He said he got shot six times over there and laughed. This guy was a quiet hero.

When I moved into my last house some twenty years ago, my neighbor was a WWII vet. He had served in Iwo Jima and had lost dozens of comrades. He was awarded numerous medals, is in his eighties now and just turned down an Honor Flight offer so one of his fellow vets could fly to D.C to visit the memorials. Just another example of willingness to sacrifice.

Get to know a vet, they will make you proud to be an American.

And don't forget to send those care packages. We last sent a bunch of our states conservation magazines and they were thrilled to see pictures of trees. Remember those little things we take for granted?

A son of my wife's coworker is currently serving and is always looking for things to pass out to his men. If you want to contribute but don't know a soldier, pm me or any of the other members who are collecting for our guys and gals. It will be lonely holidays for them.

[RobustBrad]

Originally Posted by Jumes

I've been blessed to know a number of vets throughout my life. It has always been the stories of sacrifice that have shown me how much we take for granted, and how much they have given to allow us to take things for granted.

My first conversation with a vet was when I was twelve years old. He was my neighbor and a WWII vet and former POW. The story that struck home most was the time in the prison camp when they were so excited to see they were getting special bread with sesame seeds. Well the sesames started moving and they realized they were maggots. I was just turning twelve at the time and the Vietnam war was in full swing in 1966. Our teacher at the time had us all write Christmas stories to vets over there and we sent them off, never knowing if they got them or not. To this day I think of them every Christmas. I would never have imagined that six years later that war would still be going on and I would be registering for the draft.

Later in life I met a coworker named Frank. Frank was the most laid back guy you ever saw, but everyone said to watch out cause you can't kill Frank. After several years working together, and knowing he was a Vietnam vet I asked him what they meant. He said he got shot six times over there and laughed. This guy was a quiet hero.

When I moved into my last house some twenty years ago, my neighbor was a WWII vet. He had served in Iwo Jima and had lost dozens of comrades. He was awarded numerous medals, is in his eighties now and just turned down an Honor Flight offer so one of his fellow vets could fly to D.C to visit the memorials. Just another example of willingness to sacrifice.

Get to know a vet, they will make you proud to be an American.

And don't forget to send those care packages. We last sent a bunch of our states conservation magazines and they were thrilled to see pictures of trees. Remember those little things we take for granted?

A son of my wife's coworker is currently serving and is always looking for things to pass out to his men. If you want to contribute but don't know a soldier, pm me or any of the other members who are collecting for our guys and gals. It will be lonely holidays for them.

Well said!

[blueeyedbum]

I never had the opportunity to serve due to a medical condition.

My father was a bazooka man in WWII. He came home from the war at age 20 with his left leg amputated above the knee.

During his life he struggled with his physical disability. Prosthetics then weren't what they are now, but he never let it affect his personality or the way he dealt with people. Always a smile and kind words for all. He had a 10th grade education and worked as a school custodian.

I live in the the city not to far from the VA hospital where he came for his medical treatment. When he came down for medical care I used to take time from work to go with him to the VA. He was a very social person and we would spend the day talking to other vets in between appointments. It was a humbling experience to spend time with those who have given so much for our country.

Some of my best times with him were spent in fishing. We'd do three or four weekends a year. He loved to fish. I loved to watch him, a big smile on his face, a cup of coffee in one hand having a cigar and enjoying a day on the water. Later in life he developed Parkinsons. We still went fishing. He could no longer set a hook but he did quite well once I got a fish on for him. He still could enjoy a cigar.

I all the time I spent around him I never heard him complain about anything (except my mother LOL).

He passed in 2000. He was buried in a local cemetery. The local VFW
did a full military funeral. The church was packed with vets, young and old, many in uniform from near and far. At the funeral I found out that he spent much time during his retirement visiting vets in hospitals in the area.

He never talked about the war or how he sustained his injuries. After he passed I received a letter form a man who was there. His unit was pinned down behind a wall and he went out in the open and took out a machine gun emplacement and was hit in the process.

He was a great man. Just one of many unsung heroes who have sacrificed so much for our country. An inspiration for me to live my life to his standards

Support our Vets.

[Navy_Chief]

Hello,

I just wanted to say thank you all for recognizing the sacrifice my fellow brothers and sisters have endured throughout their years of service past and present. I am currently still active duty and have been in the Navy for 15 years. My intention is not to enter, but rather thank you all for appreciating what we do for all of you. Thank you.

[dajones]

Veterans remember. The experiences we have are not just recalled, but imprinted--and permanently. Doctrinaire winds may blow this way and that across the intellectual wastelands of our campuses , but We. Will. Remember. And what we remember are real life lessons.

Diversity? I know all about it: and I don't need some fancy word (like "diversity") to legislate towards. Indeed, military diversity includes appreciation for different points of view, as well as respect (or true "tolerance") for religious, racial, cultural, and socio-economic differences. We are all green (in the case of Army, anyway).

Here's a story, and a true one: I was stationed for a time in DC and, as you can imagine, a frequenter of many a Capitol Hill bar. I remember (see, "I remember") dancing with a young and slightly tipsy damsel. We got to talking. She asked what I did for a living. I said I was a soldier. She spat in my face.

I stopped dancing. I smiled (after wiping away the spittle) and said, "Thank you." Her head nearly exploded. "I just spit in your face, and you say 'thank you?!'" she demanded.

"Yes," I replied. "Thank you."

"What the f*ck is that all about? Why are you thanking me?"

"Because I am doing a good job."

"What the f*ck are you saying? What are you talking about?"

And I replied, "In how many countries on God's green earth do you think you could spit in a soldier's face and get away with it? America is awesome! Thank you for reminding me that what I do has real value and practical application."

She shook her head. Then she moved close and we danced. She laid her head on my shoulder and clung to me.

Brothers, let me remind you of the words of Charles M. Province, U.S. Army:

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

[smelvis]

Originally Posted by Navy_Chief

Hello,

I just wanted to say thank you all for recognizing the sacrifice my fellow brothers and sisters have endured throughout their years of service past and present. I am currently still active duty and have been in the Navy for 15 years. My intention is not to enter, but rather thank you all for appreciating what we do for all of you. Thank you.

Hi Raul
Thank You Sir! some nice stories here, off to work good job guy's and stay safe Raul.

Dave