Trashcanistan(2001-2002) the box (2003-2004) back to the box from 2005- 2006 and got hurt and came home 11Bravo 75TH RANGERS/3RD B/Comp/Redneck Platoon fORT BENNING.... R.L.T.W. RIP,VIC

I started out in the Coast Guard for the first 4 yrs('96-'00) and hated it, though I've been all over the Pacific and just about everywhere in the Caribbean. So, I said hello to the DoD and the Army where I finished the rest of my obligation as an 88M driving HET's. Even though I had orders to the sandbox, I never got to go. A trip to sickcall changed all future plans as a soldier, so I ended up watching my buddies board the bus not knowing if I would see some of them again. I spent my last year at Ft. Benning as a reject picking up another MOS as a Combat Landscaper. Now I am a disabled vet with a pulmonary disease that I'd never heard of and the govt. saw fit to classify me as 100% service connected? Still given the outcome, I would do it all over again and it will forever be an honor to have worn the uniform of a soldier and to have served. To all those continuing to serve, thank you for all that you do to protect my family and to defend our freedom. Ruck-up and drive on, HOOAH!

13 years in the Navy here as a Interior Communications Electrician:

USS Gunston Hall LSD-44 from 1997-2002
Southwest Regional Maintenance Center San Diego, Ca 2002-2005
USS Austin LPD-4 Decomm 2005-2006
USS Nassau LHA-4 2006-Present.

Good man. All men should serve if they are able. I served in the US Army June 71 to August 82. Vietnam Veteran. 3 years in West Germany. Some Stateside duty Ft Knox, Ft Polk, Selfridge ANG Base with US Army 28th Air Defense GP for the Detroit Area. I would do it again........ James

8 years in Army..
2 years in Germany with 1st Infantry Div
1 year in Bosnia with 1st Cav / 10th Mnt
1 year in Kosovo with 10th Mnt

my grandfather was in the marriens. retierd as a drill sarg. my brother in law is a marrien over in san diego. he works on some kind of recon boats. And last but not least my cuzin just left to Ittaly With the air force.....

i just want to say thanks for what you all do.....

Just went over 23 years in the Navy last month and if they allow me I am planning to do a full 30 years. My best times have been while stationed onboard aircraft carriers (Carl Vinson & Theodore Roosevelt). Right after the 9-11 attacks we were locked down on the TR for 3 days then got to go home, get our seabags packed, return to the ship and we deployed to start dropping warheads on foreheads. We did 159 straight days at sea before we saw dry land again. I wouldn't trade that deployment or experience for anything though.

I'm not a Veteran, but let me take the time to thank each and every one of you who have served in any branch of the armed forces... I truly appreciate you! Freedom isn't free... unfortunately, too many people fail to realize that. My dad too is a Veteran with 18 years in the Army. He was medically discharged due to an IED attack in Iraq in OIF a few years ago... Here's a pic of him:

Again, thank you guys for doing your part. You've got my support!

I'm another old fart......USAF aircraft mechanic. Vietnam veteran 1971 Cam Rahn Bay C7A caribou's. Also worked on B52's in the states.
Just want to say from one veteran to another THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE.

old fart here
THE ONLY RA & BALTIMORE in 67
21mos in RVN
airborne inf pathfinder & 2nd trip door gunner
1968 1969