Service Men

[lars5277]

I read the thread about Ironheand's son several times, and didn't reply though I wanted too. Most people know I am Active Duty Air Force. I have been for over 12 yrs. I have never served in a hostile area before. I have asked several times, but never been given the opportunity. I have my fears and doubts like every other man. I just wanted to tell you something. Your son and I have 2 things in common. The first thing is we are volunteers. We chose this path, for what ever reasons we had. The second thing is we knew for the most part what we were getting into. I can tell by his picture and his rank that when he enlisted he knew there was a war going on. I came in right after the first Gulf War knowing my chances of seeing combat were pretty good. That makes him a brave man. Here is one thing all parents need to know. Everyone says that people in the military are like family. That has got to be one of the most true statements ever made. I did four years in Alaska and only saw my mother for 3 days during that time. I had a mom up there, several dads, and lots of brothers and sisters. Your son has that too. I saw those men and women every day of my life for 4 years. We worked together and played together. Your son is surrounded by hundreds and thousands of people that care for him and love him. They will do everything they can to make sure he comes home with them. He is their brother too. We serve in the best military in the world. We have the best tools, training and resources. We serve beside the best trained men and women in the world carrying the best equipment. We serve because we choose to. I know this doesn't take away the fear and doubt. I haven't figured out how to do that for my own mother, wife, and children. I just hope it provides a little comfort to you and your family.

For the younger members of BP.net. This is not a recruiting statement by any means. The military is a HARD life. It is not a commitment to be taken lightly. I would suggest college before a commitment to the military.

I posted a new thread because I didn't want to hijack his.

[jglass38]

Good stuff there. My thoughts are always with the men and women serving our country.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

When I was a kid I wanted to be in the military, but for how often my glasses fall off, get broken, get dirty, etc, I would feel at a major disadvantage

Im not even eligible for Lasik

[lars5277]

Here is one more comforting thought. I did 3 months in Saudi Arabia back in 94/95, before the Khobar Towers bombing. Oct 94 Sadam put about 60k troops on the border to Saudi, not far from where I was stationed. I was quite disappointed. I got absolutley no trigger time, but I did develope a mean game of Spades waiting for my chance. Your son will have a lot of free time out of harms way. Send him a deck of cards or two. He will need them. I know we could never fond a pack at the shoppette.

[frankykeno]

Mike was stationed in Saudi after the Khobar bombing (May to September 1997). He was stationed at one of the airports right outside Riyad (hope I spelled that right). Before that he'd been stationed in Germany for 3.5 years in Darmstadt and Kitzingen.

[Ironhead]

Lars....Very nice post.

I know what you mean about the military family conection. I myself served in the Army from 1979-83 and come from a very long line of military families. My son allways has wanted to join the military, then after 9-11 he was just ingrossed with joining when he was eligable, which he did the minute he graduated high school. Brandon has made this Father very proud!

[ARamos8]

Oct 94 Sadam put about 60k troops on the border to Saudi, not far from where I was stationed. I was quite disappointed. I got absolutley no trigger time, but I did develope a mean game of Spades waiting for my chance.

If ever the opportunity should present itself to perform one's (service memeber) primary duty, a thoughtless action to say the least because of the training; the fighting continues (mentally) long after the trigger was squeezed.

I'm proud to say that I have graduated now to just 1 restless night a year (I got off easy)... My prayers go out to all service members around the world.

[frankykeno]

Well said Tony. A good reminder to all of us that long after the active service is done we need to be there for our loved ones that served to keep us safe. Maybe that's a hug, a beer with a buddy, an understanding shoulder, a safe place to vent, PTSD counselling, whatever it takes to get them back to what life once was. I doubt anyone can face these things and remain unchanged or not need some sort of supportive environment as they try to get back to regular life.

[Ginevive]

My neighbor got home recently; he was in Iraq as a plane mechanic and he retired this year (think he's in his 50s or 60s?) He was pretty shaken up though he didn't let it show mostly; he had a nervous breakdown and I think he attempted suicide; not 100% sure what happened but the awesome thing is, my boyfriend and him have really bonded.
It is def. true that we need to be there for those who come home after service.