Share your best... stories of the "Voluntold"

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 01:02:53 -0500

It's likely happened to all of us at one time or another, you didn't volunteer for an event... rather, somehow or someway you were *drumroll please*... "volun-told;" since we've all been there, I'm pretty sure there's some absolutely hilarious stories out there... so, what was yours? It could have worked-out well, and actually been an interesting and maybe even rewarding experience in hindsight, or maybe not so much! lol The aim here is to share those memorable events, duties, etc. that you were voluntold for, as well as any lessons learned, and wisdom gained. The idea here is to open a fun and enlightening inter-service conversation, on the one thing that we all definitely have in common across the "joint spectrum of operations." lol So, put on your thinking caps folks, pull up a keyboard, and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Dec 23 at 2013 2:32 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 02:32:31 -0500

There was one time when I was voluntold to drive a few Marines out to a training range to clean up brass. I had to drive out about 3 in the morning for some odd reason. There were a few times that I drove in my sleep. The Sgt in charge told everyone not to wake me because I drove the hummer much better in my sleep. I drove to that range so often I could actually drive it without looking.

Another Marine in my platoon once said that I spent so much time driving to the different ranges and training areas at 29 Palms, that I could tell when a rock moved.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 3:03 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 03:03:46 -0500

I was volunteered to do the CFC campaign while in Germany. I one-upped by attaining 1335% of the goal. lol

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 2:20 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 14:20:44 -0500

In order to encourage maximum discussion, here are just a few related conversations that you may find of interest; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Mar 1 at 2014 6:30 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:30:36 -0500

I was a Brand New Petty Officer Third Class on my first ship and on my very first port visit to a foreign country during my very first Mediterranean Cruise. On our Very First night I port, my section had the Duty and I was told that I was on Shore Patrol.

USS Cambria (APA-36) was a Fast Attack Troop Transport and we were carrying a fully equipped Marine Unit as a part of the Task Force. We were in port in Valletta, Malta. was really excited to be in a really foreign country, but bummed out at not being able to go out and have fun with my friends.

Shore Patrol on Gators is a little different from other ships. We went out in teams, Sailors and Marines making up each Team of two. My teammate was a grizzled combat vet, a Staff Sargent, willing to teach me about being on Shore Patrol. As we walked, he talked and told me Sea Stories of Ports all over the World and his various adventures. Finally at one bar, there was s fight and he went in to break it up, sending me to get help at the corner. I went and got the ready partoll back up and they took care of the survivors. Then the Sgt. and I resumed our patrol.

I learned two valuable lessons that night: 1) Always take a Marine on Shore Patrol if you can get one. And 2) Volunteer for Shore Patrol the First Night in a new port. You get to learn all the Good Places and where the fun really is.

BTW: on Shore patrol Sailors wore Arm Bands with SP on them, Guard Belts, and Night Sticks. The only exception was in Turkey. There we went out in three man teams, The third man carried a Radio and none of us carried a Night Stick. Night Sticks in Turkey were considered weapons and we were not allowed to carry any, but of was called for help, Turkish Military Po;ice would respond with their Night Sticks, Knives, Pistols, and Automatic Machine Guns,

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2014 5:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 17:01:44 -0400

I was voluntold so many times that I became numb and immune to it. I'm having a hard time trying to isolate a specific event. After awhile, I knew it was coming my way and I didn't even wait for voluntold status. I remember I voluntold to go to Kuwait a month earlier than advon to coordinate assets to expedite receiving our helicopters off the transports at the docks, attain local assets in case our maintenance containers turned up AWOL, and then locating a suitable airfield for the Squadron. This experience stands out the most because I had a 2 week old preemie at home with a respiratory monitor and heart monitor at the time. Poor little man's lung collapsed. It was invasion time in 2003 and I was going regardless. Voluntold!

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 31 at 2014 12:52 AM

SPC David S. — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 00:52:49 -0400

Special weapons detail. Nothing says fun like staring at some unknown ordinance for 12 hours. Thanks security clearance for that wonderful experience

Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Aug 31 at 2014 6:35 AM

SSgt Brycen Shumway — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 06:35:35 -0400

While I was stationed out at Beale AFB, CA; I got the lucky draw to be volun-told for the Honor Guard. I was somewhat interested in what they did; never expected that one.

Come to find out I was one of a small handful of people on the base who fit the exact dimensions for the bases mascot, "The Dragon-Lady". Mostly used in Parades down town Yuba City/Marysville.

So, yeah... That happened.