This may have a large response - tradgang & the military seem intertwined. To start, I'm a proud veteran, a former paratrooper with the 509th Airborne. Proud to be a brother to a Vietnam-era paratrooper w/the 101st, and an extremely proud son of a member of the OSS in WWII. My family came to America in 1732 & fought in every war/conflict in our country's history. Veteran's Day is a day of appreciation and reflection for myself & my family. God bless & care for all you veterans & all the necessary folks who support our military. Freedom truly isn't free.
Eddie Paulsgrove
Radarman on the USS Waddell DDG-24...Vietnam 71,72, and part of 73. ;)
Gene :wavey: :thumbsup:
I am the proud son of Lt. Col. William A Hamilton
1st Air Cavalry. 2 tours of Vietnam.
I am the proud Grandson of US Navy Petty Officer Alexander Hamilton, WWII Pacific Theater.
I am the proud Grandnephew of CB Sylvster Brown WWII Pacific Theater.
Army National Guard and transfer to active duty Marines, after bootcamp at Parris Island. That's right I went thru basic training in the army at Fort Jackson and bootcamp at Parris Island. I was not aware at the time but when leaving another branch you must complete bootcamp in the Marines. I went thru SOI and became 0311 and after a year in the MEU I went for further training for the MOS 8541. Got my hogs tooth and the rest is who and what I am. Beirut 83 Happy Vets day! My family has had a member in service since the civil war. Family that I know of served in WW1 and had a great uncle who served in WW2 and Korean war Father and Uncle served in Vietnam. My uncle did two tours as door gunner 67-68. Beirut 83 for me and if one of my son's or daughter's go the legacy will continue.
Army Combat Engineer from 1997 to 2005. Spent 2003 / 2004 in the sandbox playing tag and blowing up Haji's equipment. Military family on all sides. Two brothers served in Iraq, three nephews serving now including Iraq and Afghanistan, step dad served in Nam, Uncles in Korea, Grandpas in WWII.
I am a Veteran of the US Air Force 74-76 Beale AFB, 17th FMS Admin Clerk and 9th Wing Sq Security Police LE section.
Many family members prior to what is listed go way back to the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
Great Grand Father US Army WW1
Grand Father US Army WW2
Father US Navy Korea
Step Dad US Navy Korea
Brother US Army State Side
Brother US Marines Desert Storm
Nephews X3 US Marines Iraq still serving, 2 have returned, one still over there.
Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraqi Freedom Vet. 15yrs next month and still going. Currently full time with the Oregon Army National Guard JFHQ.
Thanks to all past,present and future! Happy Vets Day. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
I have traced my family in this country to two years after the Mayflower. We have fought in every war since that time. I was a Boatswain mate 3rd class on the USS Vincennes CG49 from '86-'90 in the persian gulf. My father and his brother were in Vietnam. Their father was in Korea and my mother's father was part of WWII. I don't know how the others are related, but they have been some one from the family in all the other conflicts involving this country. Most famous story is about a relative gathering men and floating on logs into Raritan bay NJ at night, and attacking British ships that were anchored there. Thanks to all who have written that blank check to our country that could be payable with a life. Just so it is trad, my ancient ancestors hunted with stick bows.
1st of the 81st Pershing II Missle group
1/25th Target Aquisition Battalion
1973-76
My father fought in Burma in WWII. He also flew "The Hump" with the US Air Corps, and was shot down more than once.
My grandfather was in the first wave of Marines to land on Iwo Jima and was wounded there.
It is my firm belief that US Servicemen of the WWII era saved the world, and that we can never thank them enough for the sacrifices their generation made on our behalf.
God bless all of the servicemen of that generation, and all who have served our nation.
10th Mt Div 88-91 11H
Second Lt., 104th Div., ROC Army (Taiwan). Although a different country, we were using pretty much the same equipments and systems as the US Army.
Bless all of our veterans - no matter their service or current status. Bless your hearts, one and all.
USS Thomas Jefferson 618 FBM Submarine
Me Kilo and Lima co. 3/2 Marines,Grand father 2nd Marines 22yrs-retired DI MGSGT, My uncle 20 yrs-retired Fighter pilot Marines LTCOL,God bless you all
95B-V5; 980th MP co Herlong Ca, 236th BSB Augsburg Germany, 64th MP co Ft Hood TX/GITMO, 1988-1994
USAF 437th transport wing Charleston SC 91-99 C17 Globemaster. Take time to think what those before gave for us to be able to enjoy a great sport and way of life. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
2nd Intelligence Bn., USMC 1996-2001
Naval Aviation 73-77 Helicopter Combat Support Squadron, out of NAS North Island.
Mike Gerard
My son was attached to 10SFG in the initial assault on Iraq as an interrogator.
I was a Warrant Officer gunship pilot with D trp, 3/4 Cav, 25th Inf Div, in Vietnam 1967-1968.
My Dad was career Army, served in all three combat arms, retired as Msg.
My grandfather was a corporal in WW1 in an aviation unit.
Dad was WWII fighter pilot, later career Air Force. Son was a Submariner, USS Birmingham.
I was US ARMY 1965-1968; 1st LT. C Btry, 2/44th Pershing at Ft. Sill. Later Capt. GAANG, Commanded C Btry, 1/230 M109 Howitzer Battery at Savannah, GA.
M Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry 1975-1978
Grandfather was a Marine, two uncles served---a sailor and a soldier, my brother I were both sailors. I was a Boatswains Mate on USS El Paso and at SBU-13.
Grandfather killed aboard HMS Hood WW2
Step Granddad Army North Africa WW2
Dad fought in Rhodesia against terrorist invaders
Me Royal Navy Desert Storm/Shield and every other armpit of the world that needed sortin`
Det 1, 6/122 49th Lone Star. I was a re-fueler for a Tank unit
US Navy, AE-33 '70-'72, member Tokin Gulf Yacht club.
11th airborn 127th combat engeeners, very prod of it.
USAF 1976-1982
Avionics Technician-- F-4's then F-15's
Communcations/Navgation/Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist
Last 3 years with the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan.
Uncle served in Vietnam.
God Bless America.
Ditto what ber643 said!
I would like to encourage all vets to wear their dog tags visibly today. We need to show the current generation how many of us stepped up to the plate when our county needed us.
I am trying to start a new trend with the wearing of our dotages. The response has been really great to this idea, Spread the word!
Army Jan67-Dec69 helicopter crew chief(OH6A) at Ft Knox then field maintenance in Germany, 582nd Transportation Co.
Father, USAF WWII.
Uncle, USAF, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, joined when it was the Army Air Corps, flew P38's for bomber cover in WWII, flew helicopter rescue in Korea, advisor during early Vietnam, retired Bird Col. USAF.
Uncle, 23 years USN, retired Commander.
Self, USN, IC PO3, aboard the USS Kennebec AO36, 24 months off the coast of Vietnam, Tonkin Gulf and South China Sea, 1964-1968.
That's not a bad idea at all, Eric (but then you are usually filled with good ideas - IMO). I know mine are in the house somewhere - I'll have to see if I can find them (half the time I can't even find my backsides - on a good day - LOL).
Proud father of a 4th Brigade 10th Mountain soldier in Afghanistan now.
Climb to Glory!
Thanks vets!
US Army PSYOP Specialist 98'-03', Sergeant, Paratrooper , 9th PSYOP BN(A). Loved making that propaganda!
Was with the 82nd Airborne from 1962-1963 and 11th Airborne Parachute Supply and Maintenance (rigger) in Germany from 63-65. Had jumps in Georgia, Alabama, NC, SC, Germany and France.
My hat is off to those who served in battle and survived. My thanks and prayers are for those who were killed or handicapped.
My Grandfather, Served as a machinist, planner estimator as a civilian for the Navy. My Father as in the Air Force Reserves
I joined the Air Force in 1986, and served as an aircraft fuel systems mechanic mostly, spent 3 years as a quality assurance inspector/ excersice evaluator. Retired in 2006, from the 366 air expeditionary wing, in Mountain Home Idaho, as a Tech Sgt. (E-6)
Air Force 446 medical
Proud son of a WWII B-25 pilot,instructor, Lt.Col retired, USAF, (92 years old now and still going strong, sharp as a tack). I did 8 years, USAF, two tours fighting the gooks in Nam. Aivonics Tech on RF-101's, RF-4c/e's, AC-130 gunship's.
God Bless and THANK YOU!! All of You other Vets, and especially the boys in "The Sandbox" right now.
United States Army - Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 66-67; HQ, CINCPAC, J3 Operations Division, Camp H.M. Smith, Oahu, HI 67-69.
My last active duty station in the Navy was Senior Advisor to the Royal Saudi Naval Force Eastern Flotilla, Jubail, Saudi Arabia. After spending thirteen months in that position I resigned from my active duty commission and transferred to the reserves where I retired after 10 years of service. I had a combined 22 years and 8 months of service.
Bill
Infantry Officer Army Reserve 89-99
Father, Special Forces Sgt. Maj. 4 "official" tours in Vietnam.
Grandfather, pilot WWII.
A dozen uncles in WWII with a few buried in France.
FCCS(SW), US Navy Retired (1986-2006)
Served on the USS Bainbridge CGN-25, USS Thorn DD-988, Decomissioned the USS Spruance DD-963, and retired from the USS Carney DDG-64.
Spent most of my career as a technician on the Phalanx Close in Weapon System, and then leading the same technicians. I finished my career as the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Training Supervisor on the USS Carney.
I wouldn't trade my Navy days for anything! I visited 33 different countries.
US Army Sept 1970 july 1974
U.S. Army 5th core Giessen germany..75-77 lance missle ..target surveyor..
Thanks vets...
Shawn... :wavey:
Former Marine, just want to say thank you to all that have served and are serving now. THANK YOU!!!
US Army Signal Corp, 2002-2007, two year long tours in Iraq providing tactical comm's. First in my family to serve but hopefully not the last.
Happy Veterans Day to all.
PRC(AW)- Parachute Rigger Chief, US Navy Retired (1977 - 1998)
Plenty of deployments, some good, some not so good
D.C. National Guard 72-78. I helped keep our nations capital safe from protesters.
Pretty much the response I figured. Reading through all the responses is humbling, lots of years in service, lots of sacrifice. It's truly an honor to be associated with such a large group of patriots.
Speaking of which, someone please tell Chris Surtees that this is one day he can brag about his service to our country - Chris is the man!!
Thanks to all for everything you've done & I pray that all our fine men & women in service now come home soon.
Eddie Paulsgrove
I was rejected by the military because of a bad left eye so I am the only male family member to not serve in the military.
Grandfather US Army ... WW I
Dad US Navy WW II, Korea
Step Dad US Army WWII, Korea, Vietnam
Brother Gary US Air Force
Brother Dave US Army
Can't believe I left out my father in law, who was at Pearl Harbor 7 Dec 41 and retired out of the Texas NG as a full bull.
My aunt, who was a nurse in Korea during that conflict.
Thanks to all who serve/have served!
Thank you gents...I have never served. My brother is with the 3rd SF Group, just home from Afganistan. I am the only dude in my family not to work for one of the branches...was due to work for the Navy right out of school then had a bad orthopaedic injury and was turned loose...God Bless you guys for going for me, my family, and this country!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." George Orwell
63rd Combat Engineers and Vietnam Vet. 66-68
Golf Co, 2d Bn, 9th Marines in Vietnam in 65-66 as a grunt. Dad was a Navy pilot flying Wildcats, Hellcats, Corsairs off aircraft carriers in WWII.
Served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Rep of Viet Nam,Sky Soldier,as a grunt.
Air Force Civil Engineer Dirt Boy for 9 years. Broke my back in the sandbox and wasn't aloud to play any more. My Grandpa was a Marine sniper in WWII. I have 2 cousins in the Army, 1 enlisted and the older brother is a Captain.
Thank you and God Bless you to all who have served and who are serving!
USAF 77 - 82 WCS (weapons control systems)Mechanic on F4 C's & D's.
Sister VietNam USAF
Uncles WWII Army
I Salute you my Brothers....
As For Me;
I was Regular Army,19D Cav Scout from 1980-85. I was with 3/2 ACR Pond Barracks, Amberg Germany, 3/70 Armor Ft. Polk La....Texas Army NG from 87 to 93 Scout Platoon 1/112 Armor, 49th AD. "If You Ain't Cav , You Ain't Sh**!!
My Father was a WWII Vet, 34th Infantry N.Africa,Sicily,Italy.
My Uncle was a WWII Navy Vet, USS.Tennessee
My Uncle (Moms Side) WWII Vet, Airborne Ranger, Jumped D-Day and was wounded at St.Lo.
My Cousin was a Vietnam Vet, Airborne Ranger, advisor to Viet. Ranger Batt. 3 Tours.
I Love this Country, and I and My Family are Proud to have served her. God Bless this Country and God Bless all of you my Brothers. Sutty
Commanding Officer USCGC Katmai Bay 1983 to 1985.
10 years active duty 1975 thru 1985 United States Coast Guard.
USAF Seargent 1977-1981.
US Army 1968-1972 E-5 Germany and Vietnam(69-70)
4/60th An Khe Quad 50's mounted on 5 ton trucks
Thanks to all my fellow veterans(former/retired/active duty) for their service!!
God bless,Mudd
PS: As soon as the mail runs I'm heading to Columbia for a free meal at Applebees.
USMC 67-69 (E-4), 26th Marines. Just got back from my free lunch at Applebees. Bunch of us old jarheads went. Every employee in there, most very young, thanked us.
Food was great.
US Army, Airborne Ranger, 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
Rangers Lead The Way!
One for the Airborne Ranger in the sky.
871/980th combat engineers, USAR 89-95 My grandfather and dad served 20 years each with a tour in Vietnam. My brother did some time in the Corps. Good bless all of you and all of those who served and continue to do so.
Boiler Technician, Plank Owner USS Stein DE 1065
'71-'73.
Served Jan 81 - Jun 04, US Army MP and CID. Enlisted for 2 years with plans of getting out after that. I was enjoying and stayed for the haul.
Dad Army 55-57 Panama
Uncle, Army Korea
Grandpa Army WWI
Cousin - Army Iraq
Cousin - AF currenly serving
Cousin - Navy - Gulf War
I salute all veterans, thank you for your service and continued service.
Nick
Army from 1970 to 1994, retired and enjoying it! If it happened during this time frame, we problemly had a hand in it....Brother next to me (older) is retired Military also... next to my oldest brother is a Korea war vet.
Infantryman, C Co. 2-7 Cav, 1 Cav Division, 1996-2000
Grandfather USN during the Great War.
Father USN during Vietnam
Myself Active duty 20+ years Navy I have served on the USS Connolly DD-979, USS Bainbridge CGN-25, USS Thorn DD-988, USS Peterson DD-969, USS Stump DD-968, USS Arliegh Burke DDG-51, USS Laboon DDG-58, and currently teaching our next generation of Sailors at Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, Va.
US Army, 71-74, one tour in Vietnam as an AH-1G Cobra Crew Chief, 238th Aerial Weapons Co. and 60th Avi Co. Proud son of WWII AAF P-51 pilot and career USAF LtC Fremont Stillman.
United States Navy 1973-1986. Served onboard Frigets & Destroyers. Oldest son USMC (Force Recon), youngest son USA (Special Operator). I can trace me military roots to the Revolutionary War. To my knowleddge, there has never been a generation which did not have one of my relatives serving. My service has cost me my health. My youngest son was killed in Afghanistan. But freedom is never free and the memorials and monuments throughout our country are built on the blood and sacrifice of our service men. God Bless America.
Army 199th Infantry Vietnam 1967-68
Me - USAF 1984--89 Cold War, 6903rd Electronic Security Command (a cousin is still in)
Dad - USAF 1950--76 Korea & Vietnam (another cousin was in Vietnam and didn't retire until after I joined)
All of my uncles served during WWII
Uncle Dick - US Army Air Corp & AF 1941-- 1953 WWII, Berlin Airlift, Korean War (there's been an Adams in the Air Force since before there was an Air Force)
another Uncle was Army, then joined the AF, two more uncles were Army during WWII, a fifth was Navy
Grandfather was a foreman in the CCCs and was offered a commission in the Army but turned it down --- couldn't enlist in WWI since he only had one eye
Great-great grandfather was in the Confederate Army and was one of Gen. Robert E. Lee's bodyguards.
Farther back, ancestors saw service in the Revolutionary War, and French and Indian War and an Ensign in the New Kent County militia in 1701/2
William, a member of the Order of The Morning Calm
USAF...'92 to '96
1st FF, 94th FS
Langley AFB, VA
Saudi Arabia in 1993 and 1995
Iceland 1995...this was a fun deployment!
Weapons 46250 on F-15C...go "Load Toad's"!!!!
Thanks to all!!!
Josh
Still active SFC. 13 years in January. Current assignment at West Point instructing future LT's.
3 tours OIF/OEF
2nd Infantry Div (A Troop 7th CAV) Korea
3rd Infantry Div (64th AR), (69th AR), (D Troop 10th CAV) Ft. Benning & Stewart, GA
3rd Armord CAV Reg (A Troop, 1st SQDN) Ft.Carson CO
4th Infantry Div (B Troop, 10th CAV) Ft.Carson CO
If you aint CAV.....
Thank you to all our Servicemen and women for your sacrifice! Happy Veterans Day!
Ancestors fought in French and Indian War, Revolutionary War (both sides), War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War (both sides), WW1, WW2, Korea and VietNam.
One uncle was a China Marine was captured at Corrgidor in 1942. He died in May 1945 while in captivity as a POW in Japan. Three uncles joined the USAAF and were KIA flying B-24's, P-47's and B-26's in WW2. Only one uncle survived WW2.
My father was in Korea in the USAF Air Police, I was in VietNam in the USMC 1st MarDiv and the 1st MAW.
Wish I would be recalled to active duty.....
Charles
USMC (ret)
I was in the Army, 304th MP Co.. Operation Desert Shield / Storm in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, & Kuwait. I come from a long line of soldiers! God bless all of you for your sacrifices for our country!
USCG '62 - '66, then USCGR for ten years; aviation mechanic, SAR crew, rescue swimmer, coxswain on "42" SAR boat, also survival instr.
Grumman Albatros Seaplane and H04S rescue helo flight engineer. survived two open sea crashes and one land crash; I try not to fly much anymore.....
USS Wainwright CG28 '81-'85
Gunner's Mate Missles
usmc..2nd field artillary group,forward observer and fire directional controllman for 8" howitzer battery 1974 - 1976
8 years Army Reserve. Started as a mechanic, cross trained into a field medic slot when I transfered to the 801st CSH @ Ft. Sheridan. Thanks to those that fought! Happy Veterens Day.
-Jeremy :coffee:
-Near as I can tell I'm the first from my dad's side of the family to serve in the military.
Marines 1991-1995. Motor Transport. Okinawa and Camp Lejune.
Army Infantry, 1-87 INF, 10th MTN DIV, OEF IV.
1-16 INF, 1st ID.
Now an artillery officer with C Bty, 1-142 FA, Arkansas National Guard. (I wanted to get back home where I could hunt and fish a lot more) ;)
I'm Scotts-Irish/Cherokee, and have had family here since way before it was official. We've fought in everything and then some.
USMC 88-89
1982-1984 82nd Airborne, 4/68 Armor re-des 3/73
1984-1993 U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights" HALO status
1993-1998 HALO instructor West Point Military Academy, West Point NY. HALO status
1998-2002 4ID, 1 Bde, Force XXI, 3/66 Armor
USAF 1985-2005. Worked in Supply and Ground safety. Retired as an E6. My wife stayed in 24 years and retired as an E7. Dad served in the US Army for 11 years with the 82nd Airborne 1959- 1970.
My dog tags are in my shadow box that was presented to me during my retirement ceremony. Might find a spare set if I look around the house some.
I salute my fellow vets.
1 st.Mar. Div. 11th Marines 87-91
U. S. Army 1987-1993, 31C, Single Channel Radio Operator;
Ft. Sam Houston
Korea
Ft. Stewart
Desert Sheild/Storm with 24th ID
Korea
Thanks to all. Joseph
Army National Guard 88M (Truck Driver)
Iraq 2003-2004
Iraq 2008-2009
3rd Great Uncle - Confederate cavalry commander and aide to Jefferson Davis
Uncle - Navy Captain - medical doctor now deceased
Uncle - Army Lt. Killed at Battle of Bulge in Ardennes
Father - Army Air Corp - B-26 Pilot now deceased
Me - U.S. Navy, PN3 with VF-41 (F4's) aboard USS FDR, CVA-42 1970-74
BTW - That was a very nice "Banner" up top the last couple days for the Veterans - presumably done by "Admin" (or and/or Terry) - Bless your heart also - whoever is responsible.
My home unit was 101st airborne. TDY to Nam in 61 62 and 63.Was an "advisor" during that time period. Frank
I was able to get my idea printed in the local paper. Walked through Lowe's, Walmart and Regency Mall to see if any other vets beside myself had their dog tags on. Didn't see a one.
Still think it is a good idea but we need to start spreading the word earlier next year, I bet it will catch on
If you think this is a good idea but have lost your dog tags, there are plenty of places on line to buy replacements.
Here is one.
http://www.dogtagsonline.com/
I'm still looking for mine - perhaps I'll find them by next year - LOL. Thinking back, as I recall, I had one set with my enlisted Serial # on it, then got another with my officers # on it. Now they use members social security # as our serial # but I hear they are going to take it off the New ID cards (for security reasons). If I have to order/get a new set I wonder what number I'm supposed to use - worse than a "multiple guess test" LOL.
Still a neat idea, Eric. Could probably start promoting it now (by e-mails, etc.)
1988-2008 US Army Field Artillery. Was in 1st Gulf War with the Big Red One. It appears I'm in good company here.
2nd RECON Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 1978-1984
Father: 82nd Airborne, POW most of WWII, survivor of Battan, death march on the island. Retire with 33 years service.
Me: US NAVY ( SUBMARINES) 1972-1993.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!