Did you serve in the military? If so, thank you for your service! This poll is for the ladies and gents of the audience, so don’t be afraid to vote.
If you feel like leaving a comment and telling us when and where you served, we’d love to hear your stories. Thanks!
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I did just over 20 in the Air Force. I call my retiree ID card my ‘club card’ because it makes me a member of one of the BEST clubs out there. Many people are veterans, but less are retirees.
As for thanking me for my service, it was my pleasure, my honor, and my duty. All I ask is that you live and act as a citizen worth offering my life for.
I am proud to have served in the USAF for 28 years. I believe the strength of our military is in how the “combined forces” unify our military strength. I learned to appreciate the commitment and patriotism of my “brothers in arms” in the other military branches. I will alway remember when I was serving in Vietnam during TET and was “saved” by the 25th Infantry. I also served in 2 joint assignments with the Navy and appreciate their flexibility and professionalism! HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO ALL WHO SERVED IN ALL BRANCHES OF OUR MILITARY!!!
I did not serve in the military but my son did as a Marine, my step son served as a Marine and now is an NCIS agent and his wife served in the Navy. Happy veterans day to all who did serve and to those still serving.
Military spouse for 29 years,does that count?
absolutely!
Toughest job in the military the spouse!
A good supportive spouse made my career a lot easier to endure. She had to work very hard as a Battalion Commander’s wife in Germany. While we went to the field, she had many duties taking care of the dependents left at “home”. Absolutely, spouses COUNT! Thanks for your service.
Yes, most definitely. If it were not for our wives running and keeping things going during our deployments life would have sucked. A military spouse had as much stress put on them as their military member, whether male or female. My wife did exceptionally well for those years with holding the whole basket of responsibility while deployed. She deserved the medals I earned.
22 years, 2 active wars.
27 years Navy/Army. Vietnam Veteran.
10/03/1967-10/31/1993 USN.
I didn’t but my husband did and have 5 grandson who are military.
3 years, 9 months, 27 days, USN, Vietnam.
USAF Phan Rang AB, Vietnam 1971-72.
USN USS ENTERPRISE CVAN65 1959-1962
Although my lottery number was in the immediate draft zone, an occurrence at my draft physical wound up giving me an exemption.. I was told by the lady at the draft board she would be drafted before I would.
I am a proud Navy veteran and retiree of 22.5 years. Enlisted in 1965 and served on destroyers, cruisers, repair ships, minesweeper, and amphibious warfare ships LST and two LSD Class. Two trips to Viet Nam in the Tonkin Gulf. Served on nucleus crew for two new construction ships an decommissioning crew for USS BOSTON CA 69. Two tours at U. S. Navy Safety Center. I served in the Repair/Damage Control field and was E7, HTC until commissioned as CWO 2 7141 designator. Retired as CWO 4. I never regretted any of my service to this nation and proudly wear the uniform when the appropriate and authorized events occur.
To all Vietnam veterans… “Welcome Home”!
Thank you fellow veterans! I served 31 years in the Army. I still miss it….
U.S. Army, Infantry 4 years 10 months. Proudly served this Nation.
US Navy 5 years. Wanted to do more but god had different ideas. Now 100% disabled and still kicking.
Yes, would go back and do it again. Great times. Wish I had stayed for 20+. Made some great firends.
12 years USAF.
Thank you for the honor of serving.
USAF Retired, Sep 72 – May 93
(BMTS) Lackland AFB, Tx (Sep – Nov 72)
McConnell AFB, Ks (Nov 72 – Aug 75)
Torrejon AB, Spain (Aug 75 – May 80)
(Break in service May – Dec 80)
Goodfellow AFB, Tx (Dec 80 – May 88)
NAVAIRSUP Naples, Italy (May 88-May 92)
Holloman AFB, Nm (May 92 – May 93)
Government contractor Kirtland AFB, Nm
(Aug 94 – May 14)
Retired 31May 14
U.S.Air Force, 1968-1976. It was an honor to serve my country.
US Air Force Retired, 25 years (Apr 1993 – Jun 2018)
To all my brothers and sisters in arms, past and present, Happy Veterans Day.
22Years in the United States Marines. Retired 1977.
USAF ’62-’66! Proud to have served and would do it again!
It just so happened that I was draft age between wars (back when there was a “between wars.”
24 years in the USAR, retired as E-8, 31 yrs ago. One of the smartest things I did in my life was to stay in the reserves to get a some retirement money and Tricare for Life insurance.
CO Air Nat Guard, 6 years, Phan Rang Viet Nam, 68-69
I did not serve in the military but worked as a military contractor my whole working life.
Not the same sacrifice, I agree.
112th armored cavalry Texas National Guard, 6 years. Joined just at the tail end of the Korean “conflict”. Trained at Fort Hood. Received deferment and Honorable discharge when Ordained a Lutheran Minister.
Brad…….USN 4+ years, DLI, NSGA Hanza Okinawa ’76 – ’78
I retired from the US Army after 23 years of service. My wife served 6 years, my son and daughter each served 4 years. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Lottery #366 in 1972.
Lottery #121 in 72 don’t know for sure but was told they got to 119 that year
I reluctantly joined the Navy to avoid the draft. Best thing I ever did. I loved my 4 years as a Navy journalist, left with the GI Bill, obtained a college degree and had an incredible career. Probably wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t joined. Go Navy!
Back in the mid 60s, we were drafted, we went to Vietnam, we came back and not alot was said about what we did or didn’t do. As I was leaving the plane that morning a group of fellow Americans were spitting and yelling ” baby killers” at us.
I’m sorry that happened to you – but I am glad America has come to realize we can ‘love the warrior, but hate the war’. I am glad you made it home, and hope you have made peace with your time over there. Afghanistan may not be as traumatic for my generation, but we still shake our heads about that mess – which in a lot of ways made the same mistakes. As my Father says, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
I know the feeling, I came home on emergency leave and in the Oakland airport I had an experience with a couple of hippies. In the restroom. Without going into details I walked out they didn’t for awhile.
Thank you to all you veterans! I myself did not serve. My dad served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict and my son served in the Marines in Iraq. God bless our Vets!
I volunteered, joined the United States Air Force in 1962 serving Ground to Air & Air to Ground Radios . The mental wounds of Viet Nam still linger but fortunately are under control. When we returned home there was no welcome, there was no parade, there was no flag waving. We were deemed baby killers and spat upon. Many of my brothers and sister in arms came back in black bags and never got to live out their lives. Many who did survive came back with what is now known a PDSD and are still suffering. It was not just my generation that suffered. You can trace suffering all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Even today, those who served in the Middle East have returned home with problems. The VA serves us as best they can but it is not enough for many. The discounts for veterans and the “Thanks for your service” is nice to hear. However the brotherhood and comradery of having served our country will not be truly realized by those whose who have not. Stay safe, Stay well
Well said. The return home was underwhelming.
I probably wouldn’t disagree with people in the comments if I hadn’t made a career out of the Navy. Then again, my family has a tendency to argue…..
USS Barney DDG6
USS SanJacinto CG56
USS Caron DD970
NTC Orlando
NavSubTorpFac Yorktown
USS Ford FFG54
USS Nimitz CVN68
NavInfoBureau
Mobile Public Affairs Team San Diego
USS Nimitz was CVN 68
Fat-fingered it… Thanks!
To all here who have served, thank you and God bless.
Served 26 years in the Army; retired 1992. Vietnam 68-69 with Special Forces. Spent 8 years in Germany; Cdr, FAST C, 3rd Armored Division; Cdr, 118th Support Bn, 8th Infantry Division. My better half served as an Army Nurse; 5 yrs Active and rest in USAR. We retired to Colorado Springs in 1994.
My three brothers served. GOD BLESS ALL WHO SERVED AND ARE SERVING!
It was my privilege to serve as an Air Force chaplain; ’75-’80 USAFR; ’80-’05 Active duty
Served in Fairbanks, Alaska 1960-1961 with 199th Ord Det and had the Nike Herucles missiles ready to shoot down planes from the north.
jim a
US Navy 1964 / 1968 ….. USS Oriskany CVA 34 …. MM2….. Had 3 Brothers that were Sea Bees… I was the only one that went fleet…. THANK YOU to ALL THAT HAVE SERVED and CURRENTLY SERV’ing…. GOD BLESS YOU…. STAY SAFE, FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF for SERV’ING…..
Served in in the U.S. Navy from March ‘59 until October ‘86. Happy Veteran’s Day to all who served.
I served in the Air national guard for 6 years from 1979-85
I joined the Air National Guard in 1953 as a Jr. in Hi school under a deferred entry program following the Korean conflict. Served in ND, Calif and Alaska units. Full time and part time. Two yrs. active credit. Received a direct Commission as a deserving airman at 17 yrs. service (E6). Transferred to the USAF Reserve. Retired as a major with 42 yrs. 7 mos. and 2 days total continuous service. Best, most gratifying accomplishment of my entire life.
I served in the Air Force. Then got a civilian job with the Army. Retired with almost 37 years federal service which included my Air Force time supporting the Warfighter. Thanks and God Bless to all who served.
I proudly served 7 years 7 months to the day in the US Marine Corps, including a year and 13 days in Vietnam. I returned home 17 days early on emergency leave because my wife and new baby were in the hospital for surgery plus I was due for discharge on November 10. Everything went well.
US Army 1966 thru 1969. SE Asia 13 mo. 1 day. When got back to the States we were not allowed to wear our uniforms in public. Was in Chicago during Democratic Convention. What a mess! Being in uniform would have been dangerous.
My brother a Marine in China in 1945 received a telegram which said, “Another Marine hit the beach today. Mom’s doing fine! I became a Marine 19 1963 a few days short of 18 years later. I was in SE Asia in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Once a Marine always a MARINE!
No I didn’t serve. But was a Air Force brat. My Dad was in for 25 yrs. My brother was in the Army for 4 yrs. Thank you to all the Veterans for your service!
The draft ended as I left high school but I applied for an Air Force Scholarship. But I flunked the physical for a pilot (very picky back then). But I worked in the Defense industry doing military avioncs systems.
US Army March 1970 until March 1996. Mixed AD and USAR. Retired 1996 after a major reorganization in the USAR program. Retired and enjoying life. It was my pleasure to serve.
Joined the Army Oct 11, 1966 at the age of 17, took basic Ft Lewis, Washington. Completed Combat Engineer Training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. Also known as little Korea. During my 23+ years included 4 tours in Germany 2 tours in Viet Nam. A short tour at Ft Hood, Texas where I met the love of my life and we are still married after 48+ years. 1 tour at Ft Benning, GA. And 2 tours as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor at Ft Leonard Wood. Retiring in January 1990.
I served 29 years in the Air Force. Loved every minute of it! Women served too!
Yes I served my 20 years with the United States Air Force. I think the best years of my life. I loved the structure things done by the book not the wing it attitude of the outside world. The friends I made foreign and at home. Visited 37 countries and never would have been able to afford such if not for the military. My children got to see and visit places most children will never get a chance to. And moving every 4 or so years might be difficult but they made many friends and still converse today with. Military brats they weren’t and how others parents were impressed with their respectfulness, honesty and structure they presented. I’d do it all over again.
Yes, 1969 to 1989
After 12 1/2 years as an Air Force officer, I got out to raise two boys in central Montana. I joined the Army Reserves and did another 11 years as a supply Sgt. Loved the structure and adventure.
Yes, served 1967, discharged 1970. Was in Vietnam 1967-1968 and in Germany 69-70, rest of time was in U.S.
Failed my physical! My twin brother passed and served.
USAF 1977-1981.
USAF, 1975 to 1980. Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine. Was an AF brat for my entire childhood and saw the whole country. Great way to grow up.
USAF, October 1966 – October 1970. Assignments: Cigli AFB in Izmir, Turkey, and Westover AFB in Massachusetts.
You are the first person I’ve heard of who also served USAF in Cigli AB, Izmir. I was in Usaf Security 1959-62, 11/2 year in Izmir. From time to time I look through photos and 8mm movies from then. It was an eye-opener experience. Art Ruggles
1973-1978 Army Reserve Unit. At now defunct Persideo. Letterman hospital in ICU/CCU and NICU. Enjoyed a couple summer camps as a nurse for a boy scout camp just outside Yosemite.
I guess that I am a little shocked to see that only 3% of respondents say they are a woman and they served. I was an active duty army nurse, a nurse in the reserves, and a civilian nurse for DOD while serving with my active duty husband. All in all, this covers 20 years of my life. Women in the armed services are usually independent and adventure seeking. Anyway, that is my experience. Wonder where they are? RVing is a great time for my retired spouse and me.
1969-71 US Army. Ft Knox~FT Sill: Basic, AIT & Artillery Combat Leadership; Vietnam: 20 months in 25th Infantry and 1st Cav Airmobile (less 2-month all expenses paid vaca in Cambodia in May~June 1970). I was in 102 howitzer batteries on guns and then in Fire Direction Center, always split battery with just 3 guns providing direct support. Proud to have served – would do so again. History: Dai Viet militarily conquered southward from the 12th century to mid 1800’s when French came. Reunification was nothing more than “we want back what we had conquered” to Ho and Giap. The south and central deserved to have their independence – including from the French.
Thank you for your Support. I was with the A 1/5 Cav and arrived in Country in December 1970, and hear stories about the drive into Cambodia. In 1972, back to Tigh Nin and help the ARV’s again in Cambodia. Was at Fire Base Mace. Great guys and thank you for your Artillery Support on my missions.
Tom Cronquist