What is the most memorable day of your military service?

2021-02-14T08:15:09-05:00

Probably 23 February when I went to boot camp and arrived on the famous "Yellow Foot Prints" that all Marine Corps Recruits stand on when they first get off the bus to begin their training to earn the title of United States Marine.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 14 at 2021 8:22 AM

2021-02-14T08:22:08-05:00

The day I took command of my first squadron. I was so grateful for the trust the Air Force showed me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 8:27 AM

2021-02-14T08:27:07-05:00

Being in country 3 days and witnessing a person almost beaten to death in a barracks at Grafenwoehr.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Feb 14 at 2021 8:37 AM

2021-02-14T08:37:48-05:00

The moment I went to S-1 in Bremerhaven to turn in some more education points for my standing on the E-6 list, and found out I had already made the cutoff. They had the new month's promotion list, and I had made it. I about wore my eyes out checking and re-checking the horizontal line (MOS) and the vertical column (Rank). And I made it, so I threw the paperwork in my hand in the trash.

Don't know why this one stuck in my mind so hard, but it is the most vivid memory of 22.6 years.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 14 at 2021 8:38 AM

2021-02-14T08:38:06-05:00

The day that I was prom

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 14 at 2021 8:39 AM

2021-02-14T08:39:36-05:00

The day that I was promoted to SGT, I was totally surprised by it brother Cpl Vic Burk

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 10:28 AM

2021-02-14T10:28:49-05:00

The first day of Boot Camp and my last day on Active Duty.

Response by SPC William Watson made Feb 14 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-02-14T10:41:41-05:00

My most memorable day in the military is the day I received a phone call from my sister saying that my wife at the time, who was back home in Louisiana with our newly born daughter while I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, drowned my firstborn 3-month old daughter in the bathtub.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-02-14T10:56:12-05:00

Cpl Vic Burk Standing on those Yellow Foot Prints, June 20, 1968, was a day not to be forgotten.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 11:05 AM

2021-02-14T11:05:48-05:00

The day I graduated, bootcamp!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 11:13 AM

2021-02-14T11:13:38-05:00

For me, the most memorable day of my military service occurred at the 8 year point. As an E-6 (E-7 selectee), I received my commission as an Ensign in the Navy. I was stationed at AFEES Omaha, Nebraska. The officiating officer was an Air Force Major (Major Kiefer), and witnessed by one Navy LCDR (LCDR McAuliffe), two USMC Captains, and one Army 1st LT (LT Hamje??).

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Feb 14 at 2021 11:20 AM

2021-02-14T11:20:21-05:00

In 1959 I was 18yrs old when I graduated from Boot Camp at Parris island. A Lt. addressed the
Plt, 332 after graduation and told us We were Elite, Their were only 180 thousand of us. At that moment I felt like I was one of the Best, Nobody was any better than I was. I'm 80yr's old now and I still fell the same way now as I did in 1959. Semper Fi.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Feb 14 at 2021 1:09 PM

2021-02-14T13:09:46-05:00

The day I retired. My wife and kids, my Mom and sister, friends and co-workers were there to celebrate 22 years of service. It was a great 22 years. Oh and a Col who I greatly admired officiated the ceremony.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Feb 14 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-02-14T14:13:05-05:00

The day we landed at El Torro MCAB in California from Vietnam. there was a SMALL contingent of civilians - probably dependents and retirees who applauded as we got off the plane. We were all in Marine Dress Greens. Then the taxi ride to LAX where, for the first time since I was SIXTEEN, I got carded in the airport restaurant and was refused service, so I ordered a glass of milk with ICE CUBES! Then, waiting for my flight, some suicidal hippy spit at me - missed but when I went after him, a Deputy Sheriff threatened to arrest me.
On the flight home, the stewardesses were literally "rude." When we landed in Pittsburgh, I waited until EVERY last person, including the flight crew got off. I walked down the stairs to the ground, and stood there for several minutes, amazed that I made it home.
I'll never for get that day.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Feb 14 at 2021 2:16 PM

2021-02-14T14:16:55-05:00

Getting promoted to SGT E-5 in the Saudi Arabian desert. I remember walking through the gauntlet, nothing but a big cloud of dust!!!

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Feb 14 at 2021 2:33 PM

2021-02-14T14:33:06-05:00

There are so many memorable days in my career. The early morning arrival at Navy boot camp and the short 3-4 hours of restless sleep. Walking across the brow to the quarterdeck of my first ship. The crashing of a hovering helo that I was controlling over my flight deck, my talker to the flight deck and his eyes going wide when the klaxon went off. While recruiting I had a recruit call me from boot camp, I was so nervous wondering why he was calling…after a short while I got the nerve to ask him and he said he wanted to thank me as boot camp was exactly as I described it. The day I got my commission in the Air Force. First time I was PCSd to become a clinic chief, still as a 2nd Lt. My first command of a deployable medical unit. And 37-years later, the day I retired. 17 enlisted and 20 commissioned.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 2:55 PM

2021-02-14T14:55:50-05:00

Yellow Footprints July 5, 1979 and Graduation earning that EGA. Was glad to leave MCRD San Diego in the rear view mirror. Although I didn’t go very far but up the road to Camp Pendleton.

Response by Cpl James Warren made Feb 14 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-02-14T15:08:30-05:00

Mine would not only be the day I arrived at MCRD, but more so the day Ingotmthencalm to deploy for war. I still remember that call like it was yesterday.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 3:17 PM

2021-02-14T15:17:16-05:00

Great question. So many * individual* moments to reflect on; however, when looking back I would have to say what is most *memorable* to me = *all* the great times serving with some of the best people I‘ve ever met. Wouldn’t be where I am today without those past experiences and the many friendships that have endured to this day.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 3:35 PM

2021-02-14T15:35:53-05:00

The day I reported to Chanute AFB and received the letter accepting me for the Airman's Education and Commissioning (AECP) This allowed me to complete my degree at Arizona State University and OTS.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 14 at 2021 3:48 PM

2021-02-14T15:48:37-05:00

The day I received my line number for promotion to major. In the 1970s, promotion to major guaranteed you would be allowed to complete 20 years of active duty and retire with pension. DOPMA (Defense Officer Personnel Management Act) was passed a couple of years before I was promoted. Being selected for major also meant you were augmented to the regular Air Force. I had been selected for a Regular Commission a year before the major's board met, so I had hope I might be selected for major. I also did the other stuff the Air Force told me to do to increase my odds of making major. I completed Air Command and Staff College by correspondence and completed my Masters Degree. I think Military Airlift Command Chief of Staff endorsement on my last OER before the board probably helped a lot. After 8 years as "Captain Coe" I pinned on major in 1980.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 4:04 PM

2021-02-14T16:04:09-05:00

The evening I met my wife (Nov 10, 1990) at the Marine Corps Ball, the day we got married (Dec 21, 1990) and our formal military Wedding ceremony a year later. We just celebrated 30 years together 8-ish weeks ago.

Don't get me wrong. Yellow foot prints are embedded in my brain housing group, graduation week, too many memorable moments over nearly 13 years. But through thick and thin, my wife and I are still moving forward!

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Feb 14 at 2021 5:52 PM

2021-02-14T17:52:18-05:00

There were many days I think were memorable. but I think the one that stands out in my whole career is the day I was struck by lightning with two other guys SSG Gruba and SGT Wooly.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 8:56 PM

2021-02-14T20:56:00-05:00

Day zero of basic no question about it. DS Horton's face screaming obscenities at me and then throwing my duffel into the atmosphere will be burned into my mind for the rest of my life.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 14 at 2021 11:46 PM

2021-02-14T23:46:01-05:00

Retirement and there is nothing else close.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2021 8:24 AM

2021-02-15T08:24:31-05:00

The day my petition in Navy bootcamp was approved by the commanding officer to go back to training whiles I was in the process of getting Administration discharge for not able to pass my swim qual on a set time

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-02-15T16:22:35-05:00

There are many deserving of a story, and each it it's own category, but here are a few.
1) Deployment wise, when I saw two grown men (local nationals) step out of the porta-potty at the same time.
2) Same deployment getting selected for direct commission knowing a butter bar was waiting for me when I got back.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Feb 16 at 2021 12:55 AM

2021-02-16T00:55:53-05:00

That would be the first night/day that I woke up in the barracks hazy believing it was all a dream then realizing it was real and wondering, "what was I thinking?"

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2021 1:04 AM

2021-02-16T01:04:02-05:00

The day I graduated from the Defense Language Institute. 20 straight months of the hardest academic work I've ever done, but I finally earned my title as a linguist!

Response by SPC Dave Parks made Feb 20 at 2021 5:51 PM

2021-02-20T17:51:56-05:00

the first time I rode in a huey and it didn't get shootdown ! was a door gunner lmmo

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2021 11:04 PM

2021-02-20T23:04:01-05:00

When I parachuted into the invasion of Panama. Night jump into an enemy drop zone while under fire.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2021 10:01 AM

2021-02-21T10:01:52-05:00

Making Senior Army. I was at Rhein Mein.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Apr 23 at 2021 9:39 AM

2021-04-23T09:39:10-04:00

Every day I woke up!

HOO-RAH!

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Apr 24 at 2021 5:19 AM

2021-04-24T05:19:11-04:00

Ft. Campbell, Ky. September 1998. After being promoted to SGT, my daughter shouted "Hey, it's not Major Dad (we used to watch every night). It's Sergeant Sid!" I'll hold that moment in my heart forever.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-04-24T16:42:47-04:00

Cpl Vic Burk Getting out! Excellent question with an enormous response Cpl Vic Burk .

Response by Sgt Jim Belanus made Apr 24 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-04-24T17:09:33-04:00

Nov 4 1974, discharge date

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Apr 25 at 2021 1:44 PM

2021-04-25T13:44:50-04:00

A couple of days spring to mind. One is the day that I was in the back seat of a T-38 and we flew supersonic (not very easy in a T-38).

Another is when I reported for duty at AF Plant 42, Palmdale, CA, to be part of the team that oversaw final assembly and checkout of the Space Shuttle Orbiters Discovery (the Challenger was still in the bay at the time).

One last great memory is when I pinned on Major (in the Reserves). I have a younger brother who was on Active Duty at the time. In the time I waited to be selected for Major in the Reserves, he hade been selected, then pinned on Major. However, due to the timing of everything, my date of rank had to be back-dated. Lo and behold, this date ended up being Before my brother's pin-on date. As it turned out, my brother was in Dayton at the time, and he swung the office where I did my Reserve duty, and we did an impromptu pin-on ceremony. But, in an instant, I went from being junior to him (as a Captain) to being senior to him (by date of rank). We've both been doing a LMAO about it, ever since.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Apr 25 at 2021 4:01 PM

2021-04-25T16:01:27-04:00

There are 3 days most that are memorable to me.
1) When my son was born and I was escorted by the MPs to the hospital (blue light special).
2) The day I took over a company as a 1SG.
3) The day my daughter was born.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Apr 26 at 2021 7:58 AM

2021-04-26T07:58:29-04:00

The day I received a graduation/commissioning ceremony invitation from a young Marine I recommended for the ECP (Enlisted Commissioned Program).
"Wouldn't be here without you, Gunny".

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made Jul 4 at 2021 9:33 AM

2021-07-04T09:33:10-04:00

1 July, 1970 when I showed up at West Point. It was the longest day of my life, but the Swearing In Ceremony at Trophy Point was impressive.

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made Jul 4 at 2021 9:34 AM

2021-07-04T09:34:39-04:00

1 July, 1970. First day of Beast Barracks at West Point. It was the longest day of my life.

Response by SFC James Welch made Jul 4 at 2021 12:25 PM

2021-07-04T12:25:50-04:00

I suppose, like many others, the plane leaving Vietnam and and turning out over the ocean, actually feeling safe for the first time in a year.
After that my greatest moment was winning the Gold Medal for the 800 meter event in the Commanders Rifle and Pistol Matches at Fort Clayton, Canal Zone in 1967-68. For a young Kentucky Shooter, beating the best Shooters in the Southern Command was the achievement of a lifetime! After I fired my last round down range, I cleared my weapon, turned and found over thirty people gathered behind me observing my shooting. The Majority were Special Forces NCO’s and Officers. I had won many matches growing up but never anything before or since equaled that feeling.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 21 at 2022 9:14 PM

2022-02-21T21:14:18-05:00

A Gunny hopped on the bus and started screaming, the guy looked insane. Then onto the yellow footprints.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 27 at 2022 10:52 AM

2022-02-27T10:52:49-05:00

First time stepping out of a C 141 at what 1800 ft to an LZ in Alabama, I was the last man in the last stick and I got to see every face in front of me as they stepped out, the look was pure terror. I think I yelled O Shit as I was falling. The sheer quiet was deafening by the time I checked things out the plane was gone and the air filled with parachutes. The first landing was a splat, I had a tough time judging height and I got caught looking down when I hit, I thought I broke my leg, I was so slow getting out of the drop zone the Black hats had me beating my boots, I limped badly for the week but completed the runs, but that was really gutting it out too.