Posted on Jul 16, 2015
All of us in the military have experienced thanks from the nation. But it is time to move on. Do You Agree With This?
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It ain’t what happens here that’s important. It’s what’s happening back there. Lieutenant, you’d hardly know there’s a war on. It’s in the papers, and the college kids run around screaming about it, but that’s it. Airplane drivers still drive their airplanes. Businessmen still run their businesses. College kids still go to college. It’s like nothing really happened, except to other people. It isn’t touching anybody but us. —Staff Sergeant Gilliland, “Fields of Fire,” by James Webb.
http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/16/3-reasons-to-stop-thanking-me-for-my-military-service/?utm_source=The+Federalist+List&utm_campaign=039812d8eb-RSS_The_Federalist_Daily_Updates_w_Transom&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cfcb868ceb-039812d8eb-83810921
http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/16/3-reasons-to-stop-thanking-me-for-my-military-service/?utm_source=The+Federalist+List&utm_campaign=039812d8eb-RSS_The_Federalist_Daily_Updates_w_Transom&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cfcb868ceb-039812d8eb-83810921
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Responses: 37
Suspended Profile
Was all set to toss BS flag on this.....but will say I have to agree with number 2 and 3.
However when it comes to number 1:
The fact that we are a volunteer force does not make our actions any less significant......if anything it makes the fact that we volunteered that much more worth being thanked for. After all everyone in the last 15 plus years who has voluntarily joined the service joined in a time of war knowing that it was not if they were going to get tasked to fight but when. This is the first generation of career military folks who joined knowing they were going to war.....I was never so amazed or impressed than when my son joined knowing that he would be deployed to Afghanistan with-in the first two years in service.....he is now a SSgt with 4 deployments under his belt and going strong.....how can we not thank these volunteers for stepping into our shoes and into harms way for us, our families, and our country.
Otherwise very enlightening article.
However when it comes to number 1:
The fact that we are a volunteer force does not make our actions any less significant......if anything it makes the fact that we volunteered that much more worth being thanked for. After all everyone in the last 15 plus years who has voluntarily joined the service joined in a time of war knowing that it was not if they were going to get tasked to fight but when. This is the first generation of career military folks who joined knowing they were going to war.....I was never so amazed or impressed than when my son joined knowing that he would be deployed to Afghanistan with-in the first two years in service.....he is now a SSgt with 4 deployments under his belt and going strong.....how can we not thank these volunteers for stepping into our shoes and into harms way for us, our families, and our country.
Otherwise very enlightening article.
SGT (Join to see)
MSgt Ronald Stacy , There's not enough words in our vocabulary to thank the men and women protecting our country. Personally, I believe they are taken for granted, by those who have no intention of putting their life on the line. It's not just the adversity of going to war, the soldiers of today also have to face debate over women in combat, ( A non issue anymore ), sexual preference continually in the news, women in Rangers School, all the BS associated with that subject, and , oh My God, what are we going to do if transsexuals are allowed to serve. Hello! They are already serving and I've read nothing that says they are horrible, terrifying, can't be trusted, soldiers. Think about it. In WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the beginning of the Middle East wars, all the soldiers had on their back was staying alive and protecting their combat buddies. All the current military volunteers have on their back, is everything that can be thrown at them that is negative. Yet, they still stay and serve. They're the ones who need our encouragement and thanks.
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SGT (Join to see) - Concur
PO3 Sherry Thornburg
I do get a little surprised when I get thanked for my service. Its been a long time now and the young woman on my avatar did her part with little notice. I understand the willingness to say thank you today is in some way making up for past wrongs to other vets. Saying thank you and saying a good word to anyone in the service now or of past service isn't something that should be gotten over. It is a sign of respect because the member DID serve and did their part, whatever that was for their country. That's enough to require a shout out.
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SGT (Join to see)
PO3 Sherry Thornburg, Thank you ma'am, for all your service. I sincerely mean that.
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After the reception we got from many (not all) when we returned from Viet Nam I make certain that to the best of my ability it will not happen to today's returning veterans. At the same time, I feel mildly embarrassed when others thank me for my service - that ship sailed decades ago.
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CAPT Gary Foster
Captain Wadell, from one veteran Captain to another thank you for your service in the Vietnam War. Welcome home. I know you told us it sailed years ago, but I have seen the tears in so many folks proudly wearing their VW Vet hats when I tell them the same. You have earned this generation's greatest respect!
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Capt Seid Waddell
CAPT Gary Foster, sir, we are not the same level of Captain as I was just an O-3 AF Captain; but I thank you for your kind words and I have the utmost respect for those that volunteer today knowing that multiple combat tours are certain.
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CAPT Gary Foster
Seid, rank is only a state of military achievement. Vets like yourself are national treasures, no matter what you did or how you served. What matters is you have a story to tell to motivate youngsters to consider at least a stint in the military, because there is no brotherhood quite like ours that brings service members from all branches, ranks, service periods and backgrounds together with mutual respect. Hand salute sir!
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SGT (Join to see) There was no war going on when I volunteered to enlist back in 1975. There were a lot of people that hated the military and California was not one of the greatest States to start your military career in back in those days. I loved serving my country and would do it again whether or not there was war going on. If they called me back today I would say when, where, and what time! I don't need to be thanked, but I enjoying thanking those who served and gave up most of their adult life, those who have come back (with less than what they left with), and those who gave everything! I don't need to be thanked! I feel good inside and feel good about me as an individual and what I could do for my children, their children and on an on!
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SSgt (Join to see)
1974 here and was only a couple of years too young to be drafted but I punched a guy in the nose in junior high for calling my dad a baby killer. I dare anyone to say that to my face even today.
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