Posted on Nov 1, 2014
SSG(P) Instructor
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Wow, I can remember so many instances....from falling out of a vehicle, almost near drowning in Pre-SCUBA, a super dark night jump, almost getting crushed between two ships, almost killed by a submarine, almost getting ran over by a tank in Desert Storm, live-fire drills. I either have 9 lifes, or it wasn't my turn to go. Do you have any near-death experiences while serving?
Posted in these groups: 78568930 PTSD
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LTC Lawrence Hoffman
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More times than I can count on 2 hands... 3 helo crashes, 1 near mid-air C-130 collision, 1 Halo mishap, 1 static line mishap, 1 short round (mortar), getting run over by a Humvee, LCM landing gone wrong in JOTC. These are the ones that come to mind immediately and they were all in training. Add the 2 combat tours and more than I care to remember. Lots of praying to the great Ranger in the sky.
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SSG(P) Instructor
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You must have many angels watching over you Sir, sounds like youvery had enough excitement to last a lifetime. I've only met one other person that has survived 2 Helo accidents. Yowza
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LTC Lawrence Hoffman
LTC Lawrence Hoffman
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Yeah and when you are young and single, it almost gives you a air of invincibility. Not a good thing in a combat zone.

My closest call came in 2002 when I almost died of a suspected brain aneurysm, less than 13 months after getting out. Was going through a divorce and knew I couldn't check out then. I had 2 young boys who needed their dad in their lives. Was very lucky on that one. Didn't know what was happening and kept packing my head with ice. 2 days later, I got someone to drive me to the Benning hospital and ended up getting evac'd to the regional hospital and spending 5 days in intensive care/critical care. Kind of makes you wonder if your angel will take a break and hoping that the 1SG has another one on the duty roster to take over. :-)

On the helos mishaps, great pilots. First crew VN vets and had done several auto rotations in VN for real. The other 2 crews - Special Ops and lots of flying hours and experience. Fortunately for all of us, they didn't run out of experience and altitude at the same time.

Lastly, call me Lance.
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SFC Mark Merino
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More than I am comfortable discussing. Bradley rollover in Germany in 1990 when road conditions were black. PFC driver, PFC (Me) Gunner, and SPC BC. The trifecta of nogo! I got to meet MG Shoffner (SP?) who came in a UH-1 (3rd ID CDR). Lots of talking transpired (that didn't involve me).
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SSG(P) Instructor
SSG(P) (Join to see)
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SFC Merino, you obviously made it because you are destined to do something great with your life. Yes, too many times.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
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And when that happens, we may never know.......
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SPC Paul Prevost
SPC Paul Prevost
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I used to keep track until I went to Iraq. After the 20th or so close call I got on a first name basis with Death himself. I believe in Guardian Angels, I am the proof.
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LTC Chief Of Public Affairs And Protocol
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None come to mind that are related to the military. Lucky, I guess.
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