Posted on Nov 16, 2015
Do you think someone who has never been in a combat has the right to call themselves a veteran?
220K
2.97K
643
38
20
18
Let me apologize in advance to the people who find this question insulting... I'm just wondering what other people who served viewpoint is.
I personally went many years before I broke down and got "Desert Storm" Veteran tags, and the "Veteran" identifier on my driver's license... I'm still not entirely convinced that I deserve the 101st patch on my right sleeve, for the most part all I did was fix helicopter engines in the sand.
I have a great friend that served in the Air Force, and never left CONUS.
I have a relative that served on Aircraft carriers before Vietnam.
Both proudly stand up when "Veteran's" are asked to at public gatherings, but I always feel strange standing up.
Legal definition of "veteran" aside (someone who served at least six months and received an honorable discharge). I'm wondering more about how those of us that served feel about the term.
When a civilian hears "Veteran" I get the impression that they think we all stormed the beaches at Normandy, and for the most part I was really bored, played Spades and Tetris on my Gameboy during Desert Storm.
Should someone who was in the military during the Vietnam conflict (but never in theater) be allowed "Vietnam Veteran" license plates?
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", TSgt Hunter Logan , CH (MAJ) William Beaver , COL Ted Mc
I personally went many years before I broke down and got "Desert Storm" Veteran tags, and the "Veteran" identifier on my driver's license... I'm still not entirely convinced that I deserve the 101st patch on my right sleeve, for the most part all I did was fix helicopter engines in the sand.
I have a great friend that served in the Air Force, and never left CONUS.
I have a relative that served on Aircraft carriers before Vietnam.
Both proudly stand up when "Veteran's" are asked to at public gatherings, but I always feel strange standing up.
Legal definition of "veteran" aside (someone who served at least six months and received an honorable discharge). I'm wondering more about how those of us that served feel about the term.
When a civilian hears "Veteran" I get the impression that they think we all stormed the beaches at Normandy, and for the most part I was really bored, played Spades and Tetris on my Gameboy during Desert Storm.
Should someone who was in the military during the Vietnam conflict (but never in theater) be allowed "Vietnam Veteran" license plates?
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", TSgt Hunter Logan , CH (MAJ) William Beaver , COL Ted Mc
Posted in these groups: 
Military service
Purple Heart
Military service Purple Heart
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 358
346
346
0
You don't get to decide what you do in the military, and no one can dictate whether there will even be conflict while one is on Oath to the Constitution.
What makes a veteran is taking on the responsibility of being under orders that may lead you into harm's way.
I call Bullsh!t on this whole idea that only combat veterans can claim to be veterans.
What makes a veteran is taking on the responsibility of being under orders that may lead you into harm's way.
I call Bullsh!t on this whole idea that only combat veterans can claim to be veterans.
(346)
(0)
SFC Greg Bruorton
Any servicemember, having served for six honorable months, is considered a veteran, regardless if he hadn't seen combat.
(3)
(0)
Capt Walter Miller
I recently had an insight into this question. One of Sun Tzu's quotes, paraphrased, is that the acme of skill is not to fight and win one hundred battles. The acme of skill is to obtain your ends without fighting at all. For those of us who were in the Military while the USSR was the main enemy -- we did that. The USSR wanted no part of us. We obtained our end - the collapse of the USSR without engaging them at all. So we are not, many of us, combat veterans. We didn't have to be.
(6)
(0)
LTC James McElreath
Cpt Walter M,
I was one of the soldiers that entered the Army in 1974 and was sent to Germany, did my 2 yr commitment and went home. I served my time saw no combat and was later called a Viet Nam Era Veteran? I never gave it a thought. I went back into the Army for another 6 yrs on AD and still no war that entire 8 yrs. I do believe I am a veteran. I went to Iraq as an Army Reservist and spent time rolling on convoys, helicopters, C130, and whatever else that moved to perform my job in Civil Affairs. I know I was in combat and know to this day that I am not any more a veteran than before when I was not in combat.
I was one of the soldiers that entered the Army in 1974 and was sent to Germany, did my 2 yr commitment and went home. I served my time saw no combat and was later called a Viet Nam Era Veteran? I never gave it a thought. I went back into the Army for another 6 yrs on AD and still no war that entire 8 yrs. I do believe I am a veteran. I went to Iraq as an Army Reservist and spent time rolling on convoys, helicopters, C130, and whatever else that moved to perform my job in Civil Affairs. I know I was in combat and know to this day that I am not any more a veteran than before when I was not in combat.
(1)
(0)
SPC Mike Davis
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - I was required to take drivers test the other day. Asked if I wanted veteran on my license? What do I get if it is I asked. Nothing was the response. My response...No! I served and I know it. That is sufficient.
(1)
(0)
164
164
0
Hell yeah they are Veterans! Look at the 99% of the fat A$$ Fu<{tards walking around our country that disqualify themselves from service and would in no way leave the comfort of sitting on their asses while squandering the benefits provided from everyone of us that busts our asses to provide them. Best thank your relatives that had the courage to stand up and serve SPC David Hannaman, and be as proud of them as I am.
edited to add:
I gotta edit this first sentence as many are not walking around, their 20 something year old lazy asses are rolling around in the rechargeable scooters parked in the front of the store while our Korean War and Vietnam Veterans that earned that Purple Heart are struggling to make it on the earnest living they are making from hard work!
In a bad way right now, really angry if you cannot tell!
edited to add:
I gotta edit this first sentence as many are not walking around, their 20 something year old lazy asses are rolling around in the rechargeable scooters parked in the front of the store while our Korean War and Vietnam Veterans that earned that Purple Heart are struggling to make it on the earnest living they are making from hard work!
In a bad way right now, really angry if you cannot tell!
(164)
(0)
LTC James McElreath
CSM Michael U,
I thank you for your astute observation of the fine people that we had protect on the home front! There are a lot of good soldiers out there (men and women) that are doing their part to support those in the fight.
I thank you for your thoughts and would not wish them toned down what so ever! I would not except anything less from a CSM.
I thank you for your astute observation of the fine people that we had protect on the home front! There are a lot of good soldiers out there (men and women) that are doing their part to support those in the fight.
I thank you for your thoughts and would not wish them toned down what so ever! I would not except anything less from a CSM.
(0)
(0)
131
131
0
We can't all be trigger pullers and see combat. Some of us have to refuel the vehicles that get the trigger pullers to combat, service the aircraft that provide their air support, cook the food that feeds the grunts, provide the medical care for when they get injured, etc. My grandfather was a WWII vet and didn't feel legit because he was "just a cook". The two best times of the day are chow and mail call when you're away, so without him there would have been some hungry guys. There's always going to be the competitive nature between MOSs of whose life sucks more, but in the end our goal is still the same. Win.
(131)
(0)
MSgt John McGowan
Capt Chelsea Loungo. I agree with you. I supported aircraft for most of my career, went and pulled a long one in Thailand and TDY to Vietnam. Put 20 in and was in during the Cold War. Was on a flight line with over 40 loaded B52’s during the Berlin Wall face off. Crews in the bombers. Was at Homestead during Cuba failed invasion and there when they were released. I never look at myself as not a vet. More than glad to have served.
(1)
(0)
LTC James McElreath
CPT Chelsea L,
I really enjoyed reading what you wanted expressed. But you are so right as it does take those in the rear doing their very important missions, so the war fighters could do their job! Very well said!!
I really enjoyed reading what you wanted expressed. But you are so right as it does take those in the rear doing their very important missions, so the war fighters could do their job! Very well said!!
(1)
(0)
SPC Cesar Freytes
To all... please define combat in this new era. Is the assault in Somalia ( just an example ) in so called peace time not combat or is the infantryman eating steak in Bagram AFB during the heroic fight on terrorism with designer sunglasses combat . No insults intended.... We are all veterans even if you Air Force and Navy. 911 is not the big bang. Always feel proud of your service.
(0)
(0)
54
54
0
Absolutely. Anyone who served is a veteran. Maybe not a combat veteran, but a veteran for sure. I never served where bullets were flying over my head, but I'm certainly a veteran.
(54)
(0)
PFC Jason Jackson
It took me a long time to accept the title of veteran after I got out. Because I'd never gone to combat. My Father told me he'd kick my butt if I ever told him again I wasn't a vet. Been claiming it proudly since.
(4)
(0)
SPC Loreen Chesnes
If Only Combat Soldiers (shot at and returned fire) were the only soldiers, previous and currently serving, to be considered Veterans... Oh What A Small Group That Would Be. Only need one or two sheet cakes for that Party! ; P
(1)
(0)
50
50
0
You have the right to believe as you want. But, I served 14+ years on active duty and 8 1/2 years in the Army Reserve. I held 10 military ranks. I do not seem to meet your standard, but I assure you I am darned sure a veteran. I suggest you get off your serving podium.
(50)
(0)
Capt (Join to see)
SPC David Hannaman - If, I volunteered for Vietnam I would have had a 5 year wait. I freely admit that I did not volunteer.
(0)
(0)
Capt (Join to see)
SPC David Hannaman - Sorry if I misinterpreted you. Some seem to believe the fact that they got the assignment that those who did not are somehow inferior.
I disagree. The exception would be if someone dodged his/her duty. I personally do not know anyone that did that.
I disagree. The exception would be if someone dodged his/her duty. I personally do not know anyone that did that.
(3)
(0)
Capt (Join to see)
SPC Richard Kindschi - I mean that if I volunteered I would not have a slot for 5 years. My date of return from overseas was feb 1964 which is what would put me in line.
Guess I just had the right job.
Guess I just had the right job.
(0)
(0)
48
48
0
All that served are veterans when they get out; assignments are not in their power to control.
(48)
(0)
Capt Seid Waddell
PO3 Steven Sherrill, I got to Da Nang that way. Or at least RVN; I was not more specific.
(1)
(0)
SFC William Farrell
You chose to go to Nam Capt Seid Waddell? I actually reenlisted with country of choice Vietnam. I knew my twin brother was going and if he was, I was! And then I had to pay my damned way over as i missed my port call. One too many beers!
(4)
(0)
Capt Seid Waddell
SFC William Farrell, Lord, that must have been expensive. You couldn't fly military Space-A? I would imagine that they also extracted their pound of flesh too.
I left Viet Nam as my country of choice after my tour as well, but got Homestead AFB FL instead.
I left Viet Nam as my country of choice after my tour as well, but got Homestead AFB FL instead.
(0)
(0)
Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire
True first statement Seid, but I disagree with you last! I was standing at attention in front of our motor pool at El Toro, Calif, 1967 and was asked, "who wants to volunteer for MAG36 Hue VietNam. I raised my hand. I had complete power an control over my decision, to do my duty!
(1)
(0)
45
45
0
There are many who just didn't get sent to a combat situation. They still signed the blank check, offering to pay the ultimate price for freedom.
(45)
(0)
SrA (Join to see)
Very, Very, True. We Signed the Blank Check willing to give Our Lives for Freedom.
(2)
(0)
MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht
Funny thing, as a 19 year old kid I never thought of give my life to anybody. I wanted fly B-26s and bomb the hell out of Koreans. Kinda like going into a fight. I never thought I would lose. Anybody who meets the DOD definition of Veteran--is a Veteran. The VA wants to play games and seperate Veterans with Combat veterans. I knew an Army guy who flew on copters who got hit by a piece of shapnell right between his balls and but hole. It was enough to make it bleed. He said he did not care because now he can get his Purple Heart. I thought---damn-- a guy gets his leg or arms blown off and gets the same thing. All those medals and ribbons will not buy you a coffee latte at Starbucks.
(0)
(0)
SSgt Jeff Hulan
Very True. If you signed the check to offer up your life for freedom and for your country, it doesn't matter what you did. I did reconnaissance photo so I was not on the front lines, but rest assured, it was an important job. Just as the guy who refueled the planes... If you signed the check with your oath, then when you got out, you became a US Veteran.
(1)
(0)
36
36
0
Being in the military is a game of chance. You go where the military sends you. I don't blame them when the decisions where to go is out of their hands.
(36)
(0)
MAJ Ken Landgren
I have talked to Vietnam Era Veterans who told me with a hint of guilt they went to Germany or Hawaii instead of Vietnam. I told them there was nothing to be ashamed of as it was not their fault, and I was glad they did not go to Vietnam.
(2)
(0)
MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht
CDR (Join to see) - Dang, I would have stuck with the big guns. Lots more fun. If I went Navy, I would want a battle ship.
(1)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
CDR (Join to see) - unintended consequence of your statement is you made a joke! We need to smile and laugh more here on RP. I make jokes too though some of you may see me as uptight. good commentary CDR!
(1)
(0)
28
28
0
For the 7 people who voted NO. Please explain why you feel this way? Why do you think ONLY VETS who went to war/combat can be called Veterans?
Why do you feel one has to go to combat in order to be classified as a veteran?
Please step up and explain your selves. Enlighten us.
Why do you feel one has to go to combat in order to be classified as a veteran?
Please step up and explain your selves. Enlighten us.
(28)
(0)
SN Richard Simonetti
The VA did say I was a veteran but because my income exceeds a certain amount which is supposed to be the average income for where I live for someone like me who's retired that said I was not eligible at this time to enroll in the VA. Believe me, Im not Rockerfeller. I live on a small pension and Social Security and whats left of any annuitities I have. I served Honorably in the Navy. Any income like I have that I just mentioned came from a life of hard work and raising a Family. Why should my personal income deny me entrence into the VA? Oh yeah, they sent me a letter stating they would keep me on file! Yeah Right!
(2)
(0)
PO1 Joseph Glennon
SN Richard Simonetti - Contact the VFW and / or the AL, as well as a patient advocate at the VA... keep pressing, if you are (in fact) qualified to be treated by the VA. If/When they finally agree, if you're entitled to a rating, they'll pay you back pay to when you first petitioned (asked for a status).
From my understanding, your personal finances should only determine whether you pay a co-pay or not... that your finances shouldn't disqualify you from receiving your earned benefits. They also ask (us) vets if we have 2ndary insurance (TriCare doesn't count), regardless of our income.
On the plus side - now they're issuing Veteran Identification Cards - disability rating not required.
From my understanding, your personal finances should only determine whether you pay a co-pay or not... that your finances shouldn't disqualify you from receiving your earned benefits. They also ask (us) vets if we have 2ndary insurance (TriCare doesn't count), regardless of our income.
On the plus side - now they're issuing Veteran Identification Cards - disability rating not required.
(0)
(0)
22
22
0
SPC David Hannaman - All who have ever graduated from boot camp or OCS get to call themselves "Veterans." But, you seem to want to qualify that, somehow. To your point, I'd have to waive "Maggie's Drawers." <--(someone will get that.)
(22)
(0)
Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire
I constantly had Maggie's drawers and constantly got "chewed out" for it! lol
(0)
(0)
GySgt H.E. (Trey) Salmon III
Yes, I do. There have been some incredible Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who wanted to be deployed, but were not selected, or were not in a unit that was deployed. Yes, there are plenty who've dodged assignments, but I imagine there are more frustrated Veterans who couldn't go, than didn't want to go. My old Gunny used to saw when he looked at me and my buddy John Halpin's awards, "on my gravestone, I'm gonna have them put, Gunny Martin, all he wanted was one more war." Which he got! Semper Fi!
(2)
(0)
PFC Zanie Young
I might be young, I might have not fought, but I did serve, and I did make it through training, therefore, Maggie's Drawers are not required!
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google