Whom will you be honoring this Veterans Day in 2015? How will you honor them?

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:08:56 -0400

Thankfully this nation continues to honor the military dead on Memorial Day, the living military who are serving on Armed Forces Day, and those who have served this nation on Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is coming up in a few weeks and this year it falls on a Wednesday - sometimes known as hump day. I have humped weight around on my back while serving and know that many of you have done as well while many are currently carrying a lot of weight physically and emotionally.
On June 1, 1954 President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the legal holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day. Armistice Day had been established by President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919 "To us in America, the reflections of armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." The original concept for the celebration was for the suspension of business for a two minute period beginning at 11 A.M., with the day also marked by parades and public meetings.
Who will you be honoring this Veteran's Day? How will you honor Veterans?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Oct 15 at 2015 12:10 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:10:33 -0400

I will attend local parades and say a prayer for them and their families.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 15 at 2015 12:12 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:12:24 -0400

I feel very honored to have been able to serve this nation in uniform. When I enlisted at the end of the Vietnam War much of the country was opposed to the military and people in uniform. That was a challenging time to be a soldier. I am thankful that the nation honors veterans and thankful for each and every Vietnam Veteran and the veterans of all wars prior and since. May God bless America. We definitely need God. I have hope and pray for this nation every day.
On Veterans Day I hope to attend local veterans events and definitely plan on eating a free meal :-)

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 15 at 2015 12:13 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:13:47 -0400

BC Veterans Network 11 November 2015 Veterans Day Event

Response by CW3 Eric W. S. made Oct 15 at 2015 12:16 PM

CW3 Eric W. S. — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:16:49 -0400

I will be participating in the local parade. I will also be honored to see my son in JROTC marching in the parade as well.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 15 at 2015 12:34 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:34:28 -0400

For this veterans day and any day really, I'd hope that they ALL come home. They deserve it and then some. This might sounds callous but it's not; I will not thank any service member or vet for their service. It's become so "blasé" to say that, it's lost it's meaning. I don't want anyone to thank me for mine. We all did it because we wanted to. We know there is something bigger than us and we wanted to effect change in our respective service. We are not "heros", but common men/women who are able to do some very uncommon things when called on. Maybe I'm biased but f*ck veterans day. Veterans day is everyday someone can go outside and look out there and know someone has the watch to keep them safe. F*Ck veterans day being the military works long hours year round to allow us to continue displaying our way of life. With all that we do, we don't do it for recognition, but we do it for love. Everyday America stays strong is a veterans day. There are 365 days in a year, so every one of those days we are on CQ, Watch, whatever you want to call it, maintaining our way of live. I see no need to give a "special" day to recognize us when it should be done daily.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 15 at 2015 12:35 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:35:24 -0400

LTC Stephen F. I chose other because while Option 1-3 are all applicable, Both of my grandfathers served in WWII (One in the Pacific, one in Europe), my uncle served in Vietnam, my great uncles served in WWII, and my brother served in the USAF. So I will start by honoring my family members, most of whom passed away already. Sadly, I will be working that day as it is not a stock market holiday.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:47 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:47:23 -0400

Primarily, my Grandfather, who was a MOMM2 in WWII. I am very proud of him and his service to our nation. He was a great man.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Oct 15 at 2015 12:55 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:55:52 -0400

I have been asked for the second year running to be the closing speaker at the local HS Veterans Day Assembly. I will give about a 3 minute address Honoring all Veterans, War time and Peace time. I will probably start with the statement, "At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month 95 years ago today, the guns fell silent." of course that depends on the keynote speaker and what they say...I wouldn't want to repeat them....

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 1:58 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:58:18 -0400

Sir, I will be attending a Veterans Day parade in Vancouver, Washington. I will also be thinking about my father who was an Air Force Captain. My father served in WWII and Korea. He was killed in 1956 when his Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star crashed during a training exercise. My father's four brothers all served in WWII. The last Uncle to pass away was in January of this year. He had served in the Army Air Force.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 15 at 2015 2:46 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:46:55 -0400

LTC Stephen F. Sir, all who served have sacrificed. Certainly those who made the ultimate sacrifice must be honored, but I remember and honor all with whom I served, all who currently serve, all who served in the past, and all who will serve in the future. No greater honor exists than being allowed to serve in the military of the greatest Country.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Oct 15 at 2015 2:50 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:50:59 -0400

Having Lunch with my father who is a Vet....he served for 20 yrs in the AF.....who has agent orange.....and honoring myself and everyone else who has ever served and was discharged honorably.

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Oct 15 at 2015 7:38 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:38:11 -0400

1 and 2 - specifically, both of my sons, my Bro-n-law, my father.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 10:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:13:26 -0400

I usually attend a parade and a local ceremony in my community; and proudly put on my uniform. . I am grateful that most people have woken up to support our troops and veterans regardless of their political persuasions. I am not only grateful for all those who served especially in combat, but that I had the honor to serve as an American Soldier (even though I missed serving in combat) I continue to serve my country and its veterans in various military themed and veterans organizations.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 2:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 02:52:30 -0400

1 and 2 are a must Sir! I will also be honoring my Grandfather. My Grandfather served in the military in WWII. He participated in battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the American Defense medal, EAME Campaign Medal w/5 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Army Occupation Medal w/Germany Clasp and the Belgian Fourragere.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 12:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:24:38 -0400

I will be Honoring all Veterans. I will be driving with fellow Service Members in a Veterans Day Parade flying the Army Flag on my Jeep. Others will be flying their respsective branch on their Jeeps.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 10:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 22:10:20 -0400

I will sit in my tree stand thanking God I am alive and for those who didn't come home. I don't care if I see a thing. Thank You all.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 17 at 2015 3:14 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:14:37 -0400

I am going to be honoring options 1,2, and 3 of your poll God Bless America!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 17 at 2015 10:17 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:17:46 -0400

I am a 100% Disabled Viet Nam Veteran. On Veteran's Day my Dad's brother Mitch will be the "Guest of Honor". He fought in Korea, saw a LOT of action. Other than a few nightmares the week after he got home he says he does not have any PTSD-type symptoms. Thank the Lord for that. Among the guests in the Family Life Center at our church, there will be 10 men who served in WWII. They are all humble to a fault. It is MY honor to stand on-stage in the Sanctuary with those men when our Minister calls for all whom served this great country. Let us pray for no more wars or "conflicts".

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 18 at 2015 3:04 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:04:18 -0400

I am the guest speaker at a local community college and have been thinking about what I am going to say. In some way, I want to honor all of those who served but this has caused me to think a little more about that. Perhaps I will focus on the every day Americans who saddled up everyday in Afghanistan and Iraq who went and did their job every day for little pay and not know what might happen when they rolled out the gate.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 18 at 2015 3:52 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:52:20 -0400

This veterans day I will also be honoring veterans who died in training. Two friends of mine died in training accidents years and approximately 1,000 miles apart.
Cadet Reggie Johnson died in a training accident within one month of his graduation from West Point.
Captain Winburn Drew Harrington died in a ranger battalion training accident in the Honduras.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 18 at 2015 3:58 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:58:25 -0400

I will be honoring every member of the 52nd Infantry Regiment this Veterans Day including those who died in the service of this nation such 1SG George Brewster. 1SG George Brewster died October 1992 while assigned to C Co, 3rd BN, 327th Infantry Regiment. He was killed by a SPC in 1SG Brewster’s office following a maneuver exercise. George Brewster was one of the finest infantrymen I have ever served with. As a leader he challenged his men to do their finest and work as a team yet staunchly defended them when required.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Oct 18 at 2015 4:28 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 16:28:12 -0400

LTC Stephen F. Sir I wish I could. I will be at AT on that day, but they will be in my thoughts!!!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 18 at 2015 6:08 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 18:08:44 -0400

Among other veterans I will be honoring the memory of U.S. Army Major Ed Freeman, MOH recipient for actions in Vietnam in November 11, 1967. He took 29 wounded soldiers out of a battle zone in 13 separate flights of his Huey helicopter without MedEvac markings.
Ed Freeman died on Aug. 20, 2008 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Response by MAJ Randall Von Rosenberg made Oct 18 at 2015 8:59 PM

MAJ Randall Von Rosenberg — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 20:59:00 -0400

For me it was an honor & a privilege to serve our great nation! Despite her flaws America IS the greatest country & form of government the world has ever known. The world is a much better & safer place when America is strong & when America takes the lead. I was honored to do my part during my time & now it is time to pass the torch & the sword to the next generation of True Patriots willing to stand their watch for us & the USA. May God Bless our Patriots, our Veterans, our current servicemen & women, and The United States of America.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Oct 18 at 2015 9:27 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 21:27:26 -0400

I will taking my Granddaughters (age 4 and 6) to the local Veterans Cemetery for the annual veterans day ceremony. Then I will take them both to Knotts Berry Farm, it their Birthday and I get them in free on Veterans Day. They think I am the greatest Grandpa ever, eventually they will figure out that Grandpa is just cheap...lol

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2015 11:46 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 11:46:54 -0400

I don't quite know the answer to that because the topic is really expansive.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 3:53 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:53:18 -0400

Drink a beer to the memory of my Grandfather and Uncle......wine would be to highfalutin and they were to cheap for Scotch.....

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 10:27 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 22:27:29 -0400

The seven seals of the Reserve Components also represent our Veteran community for the past 15 years, and since the inception of our Militia in 1776. And let us never forget the sacrifices of our military Families.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 8:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:32:17 -0400

Normally I participate in several services, both as Patriot Guard, and in uniform. This year I will be in Saudi for Veterans' Day and won't even be able to offer a toast.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Oct 21 at 2015 6:39 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:39:09 -0400

I think, this year, I'm going to pay specific honor to my family... a brother US Navy, a brother US Army, a Sister US Army, a Cousin US Marines and a Cousin US Army. We all joined within a few years of each other between 1981 and 1984, and though we all got out at various times (I was the last one out (a glutton for punishment)) and with the exception of a little wear and tear, we all are still here... I was even fortunate enough to be in theater with my sister (Camp Striker, Iraq 2006... right outside BIAP)! To me that's pretty impressive!

Response by MSgt E. W. Forbess made Oct 21 at 2015 8:14 PM

MSgt E. W. Forbess — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:14:51 -0400

I agree with all selections presented, but I am particularly proud to be able to honor my father for his World War II service in the United States Marine Corps. This plaque was installed and dedicated at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX just last weekend.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Oct 21 at 2015 8:29 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:29:04 -0400

LTC Stephen F., I voted number one, but I would like to think that it meant those that served honorably. However, my favorite veteran has always been and always will be my father, LTJG Jack Curlee. My dad served in the U.S. Navy from JUL43 to JUN46 during WWII. He spent a lot of that time in the Pacific Ocean on USS LST-78. He died 10SEP15 at the age of 93. Requiescant in pace patris mei. SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sgt David G Duchesneau COL Jean (John) F. B. SGT Rick Ash MSG Tom Earley SFC Private RallyPoint Member MSgt E. W. Forbess
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", thought you might want to see this guy also!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 21 at 2015 8:52 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:52:32 -0400

As always..... get on the Harley .... ride to a Veteran's Cemetery ...... Think about those who have gone before and those who I have lost touch with ..shed some tears ..... ride home drained......

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Oct 22 at 2015 7:54 AM

PFC Robert Falk — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 07:54:43 -0400

More people need to start waking up and honor the troops period.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:11 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:11:02 -0400

My hats are off to all members, combat or not, and as well @LTC Stanley and Maj Kline, both were
pilots and commanders. My cousins both had storied careers with Stan all but dropping out of sight. Russell received the Distinguished Flying Cross, 12 Air Medals. I have previewed their accomplishments on TogetherWeServed Air Force, where I serve as a historian. Both served in WWII. Vietnam and Korea.

The aircraft Russell flew shot down the Aircraft on fire and his aircraft is still around today and named by him for his wife, (Unadilla Killa). The grave stone is to him and he is seen getting a medal here, The guy at the desk, LTC Stanley Kline, was commander of an elite squadron of Army Air Force.

Warren G. Harding, the former POTUS is a distant relative also and there are so many who served in my family, that it would take some time to complete. That said two deserve special notice, SMSgt Floyd Parton, who two years ago from Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) and SSgt Tooley, also of Air Weather Service, was stationed in Vietnam. He died from Leukemia in December of last year.

I worked with or for with both men and their losses are especially hard to deal with. SSgt John Bratton who also is on this site, also served with me at LRAFB, AR.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:22 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:22:00 -0400

A very special shout out to the Tuskegee Airman and the Weather Unit stationed with them. I keep in touch with foundation, who honor those veterans today. I am planning a bowling event to honor the Tuskegee Airman, so people do not lose sight of how special those men were and to honor our black veterans on this site... SSG Warren Swan SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Oct 23 at 2015 11:40 AM

SSgt Terry P. — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:40:19 -0400

LTC Stephen F. Honor all and forget none.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 23 at 2015 3:00 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 15:00:14 -0400

I am remembering and thankful for my paternal grandfather LCPL John Ford who fought with the British Army in WWI from the Gallipoli campaign through trench fighting in France and Belgium. He was wounded somewhere in Europe.
My grandfather died in 1967 after my family visited him in England. I believe he hung on to life to be able to see the group of grandchildren who lived in the USA. He was wounded somehow during the trench fighting in France and Belgium of WWI. Records for enlisted soldiers were largely destroyed during the V bombing of London during WWII. I do not have many memories of him having only visited him for a brief time. However, the character of his son my father was above reproach and I feel that my dad learned to be a man from his dad. I am very thankful for my heritage.
Here is a picture of my paternal grandfather John Ford which seems to be a picture from the Gallipoli campaign.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Oct 23 at 2015 9:26 PM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 21:26:30 -0400

I will be honoring them by getting a free meal at Appleby and many places who gives Veteran's free meal. I got to plan out my day perfectly to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Oct 23 at 2015 9:32 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 21:32:30 -0400

My old man was a Brit in WWII, although he wanted to join the Americans he was a British citizen at the time. He loved veterans day, and I loved to piss him off (jokingly) by playing Rule Britainnia. Will do this at his grave this year:-)

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 29 at 2015 12:41 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:41:14 -0400

All living veterans, including myself and everyone here on RP (even the politically liberal, LOL). Plus, I want my free cup of coffee from Starbucks! :)

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Oct 29 at 2015 12:47 AM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:47:10 -0400

Most generally I stay to myself. The way I went over, the way I came home, the way I was received. I still honor all who served and are serving now.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Oct 29 at 2015 2:02 AM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:02:53 -0400

I will also be honoring my father-in-law, USA Pvt Alma Kent Carpenter, Purple Hearted World War II veteran, 90 years young! Some German tried to panzerfaust him but he outlived him. Carried a BAR, but only on the insistence of his 1LT. Great war stories. I'll post his photo on Vet Day.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 1 at 2015 12:17 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 12:17:47 -0500

I feel honored to have served this country.
I will honor Papa; who was in the Navy. And I will honor all of our troops who came back with disabilities. And I will honor those who served; but never made it back.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 2 at 2015 3:50 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 15:50:22 -0500

Each year that I have been able to I have done my best to go out on Veterans Day and take advantage of the free meals or discounted meals offered to veterans each year. In years past I had no trouble eating two or even three meals throughout the afternoon and evening.
I am glad that more restaurants are offering free or heavily discounted meals to Veterans. Many restaurants take this opportunity to give back to those who have served this nation.
One day I hope that the offer will be expanded to offering discounts to spouses of veterans. We all know that our spouses kept up the home front while we were away and they are rarely honored for their years of frequently quiet service.
[This response was my description from a discussion that was merged today 11/2/2015]

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 6:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:07:37 -0500

LTC Stephen F., My dad, my son, my father-in-law, several uncles, my grand fathers, everyone in RP, and every veteran in all branches of the military.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Nov 2 at 2015 8:50 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:50:04 -0500

LTC Stephen F. All Veterans who have served,but especially these two.My oldest son(a Marine SSG) and my youngest son(an Army SGT).

Response by WO1 Jerry (JW) Brown made Nov 4 at 2015 12:01 PM

WO1 Jerry (JW) Brown — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:01:01 -0500

My Dad. a WWII Infantryman in the Pacific Theater.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 6 at 2015 11:05 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:05:25 -0500

I am remembering and thankful for a veteran who died a decade before I was born. Ernest George Ford was my paternal grandfathers's brother. He served with the British Army in France and Belgium most likely. Records for enlisted soldiers were largely destroyed during the V bombing of London during WWII.
Ernest George Ford and his wife were killed in their home in 1944 in Sutton, Surrey, England when a German plane dropped a bomb on their house. Their two youngest children survived - one was in a closet and the other was under a table. Families were taught how to best protect themselves from bombing in those days. My father explained how school children were able to put out an incendiary bomb which hit the roof of their London school.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 6 at 2015 2:38 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:38:33 -0500

I will be honoring one of my sons who served in 3/75 Ranger Battalion from 2008 to 2011. James E. Ford is pictured above when I was applying the Ranger scroll to his arm in February 2008 at Fort Benning, GA.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Nov 6 at 2015 3:43 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:43:00 -0500

When I make my first round through the plant at the begining of shift. I thank all the veterans on the crew for their service.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 4:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 16:00:44 -0500

I will be honoring every veteran but as always on memorial day and vetrans day I will make my way to the crosses upon 1stSgt's hill in San Mateo camp Pendleton to have a beer with the dearly departed.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 6 at 2015 4:54 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 16:54:40 -0500

I'm good for 1,2,3 and additionally the wives and mothers. My mother was a military brat herself having attended high school in post WWII Japan only to later marry my father who served for over 20 years. Once my father retired I then go off and sign up - she was there at Ft. Dix when I finished basic cheering me on. More than half her life she played a supporting role in the military community. She is in fact interned at Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida in the Vietnam section still serving as a silent reminder of the sacrifices endured by many like her. While I know this is a celebration for those that served I think my mother as well as many other silent supporters deserve a hooah as well.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 8 at 2015 3:16 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 15:16:28 -0500

After church this afternoon I discussed where several veterans would enjoy a meal together this Veterans Day. Our small and diverse group has one WWII Coast Guard veteran who served on a Higgins boat in Pacific landings, a USMC veteran from prior to the Vietnam War, and me who enlisted in the US Army at the tail end of the Vietnam War and was on active service supporting Desert Storm, OEF and OIF from a planning perspective. We have agreed to meet at the Manassas, VA Golden Corral which is very close to the national historic site of the Battles of Bull Run. We will be honoring those we served with from 1942 to 2008. I hope and pray that each veteran of the US military is able to enjoy this Veterans day while they celebrate the memory of those they served with and their own service.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 8 at 2015 6:30 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 18:30:57 -0500

This year will be somewhat different due to scheduled work, but I will find a way to fulfill my commitments and participate where I can to honor those before me, with me, and after me.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 9 at 2015 7:49 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 07:49:21 -0500

I will be honoring all of my brothers and sisters with whom I served.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 8:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 08:32:56 -0500

This is who I am honering. He was my Soldier in Germany for about 2 years, he became a good friend. He went through a very hard time when he was my Soldier. Never once did he loose his discipline or military bearing during his whole ordeals.

RIP Andrew.
http://kdvr.com/2015/11/04/bicyclist-killed-in-colorado-springs-shooting-rampage-was-iraq-war-veteran/

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 11 at 2015 4:04 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:04:02 -0500

This morning I went by the Red Robin Restaurant at the Dulles Town Center in Loudoun County, VA this morning after I went through my morning walk. On the one hand I was pleased that the restaurant was full of veterans and their families with 20 people waiting to be seated on the other hand I was disappointed because I needed to pick up my wife from work. It was great walking through the parking lot and seeing so many cars with veterans stickers on cars from Vietnam through Desert Storm, OIF and OEF. After I picked up my wife we went back an hour later and were seated right away. [I had asked my Lord and Savior for guidance on where to go and after I had peace about returning to Red Robin I asked Him that we be seated without a wait. I am thankful He said yes to my request.]
One thing I like about Red Robin is great French Fries which are bottomless. They were served hot and fresh. My wife enjoyed French Onion soup.
I hope that each of you are enjoying Veterans Day and that you are able to spend time with other veterans. SGT Randal Groover SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sgt Kelli Mays SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Robert Hawks SrA Christopher Wright COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. PO1 John Miller TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA TSgt Hunter Logan SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC John Shaw SSgt Alex Robinson SSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Nov 11 at 2015 4:08 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:08:22 -0500

I will be honoring my wife because she stood by me all those years

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 11 at 2015 5:47 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 17:47:37 -0500

I honor my father 28 yrs served a Mustang. He was and is my personal "Lead by example". Thanks Dad

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 11 at 2015 9:03 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:03:34 -0500

I just got back from an enjoyable meal where I fellowshiped with many other veterans. My wife and I met a couple who we have known for many years. The husband served in the USMC from 1960 to 1962. We ate at Golden Corral in Manassas, VA which is very close to where Bull Run was fought in 1861. While there I sat across from a recent USMC Master Sergeant retiree and his family. We discussed military retirement, Veterans Affairs disability treatment and social security. I encouraged him to research non-profit companies and the benevolent association which is focused on the USMC who could help him and his family throughout the rest of his life. I explained First Command and how they have helped me since 1985 at no cost to me.
I told him about RallyPoint and he was interested and wrote down the URL. Hopefully we will see Master Sergeant Curry on RallyPoint soon. SSgt Terry P. GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Nov 11 at 2015 10:33 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:33:53 -0500

I'm not going to honor PVT Joe Snuffy but all veterans of the armed forces past present and future. For me its not the free meal but the fact that theses men and women that paved the way for us by protecting this great nation foreign and domestic.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 12 at 2015 11:34 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:34:52 -0500

On the day after Veteran's Day I had an appointment at Martinsburg, WV VA Medical Center. I stopped by my favorite coffee shop to get a cup of coffee. I was somewhat surprised to be mildly chastised for not coming by that coffee shop because on Veteran's Day all veterans got a free cup of coffee. I live about an hour away and only go there to get a cup of coffee and/or coffee beans on my way to or from Martinsburg, WV VA Medical Center.
On a positive note my wife and I love to watch trains roll by. The coffee shop is located next to a train track. As I left the coffee shop a CSX engine came up the tracks pulling a freight train with tankers, box cars, a flat bed cars, etc. I thanked God that I was able to see a whole train go by. I had been praying for every person and couple He brought to my mind and praising God my whole way to the coffee shop. God not only meets our needs but fulfills our desires that are in accordance with His will for our lives.
I hope each that of you was blessed on Veterans Day and that you were able to bless other veterans and their families. Did anybody else get chastised for not doing something on Veteran's Day?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 11:55 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:55:34 -0500

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." - Ronald Reagan

I just want to thank all my brothers and sisters, past and present, close and far for answering our country's call. Rest easy for those home with loved ones and I pray for a safe journey to those that are still standing the watch.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 12 at 2015 8:06 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:06:52 -0500

I am still recovering from Veterans day which takes a toll on me each year.
My wife and I just got back from what I hope is my final trip this month to the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. [My eyes were still dilated from my optometry appointment in the early morning.] After leaving the VAMC my wife drove us to the Golden Corral in Martinsburg, WV where we hoped to meet a couple of our adult sons. Our two sons did not join us; but, I noticed several veterans eating in the restaurant with their families.
This particular Golden Corral restaurant prominently displays a flag for each of the military services including the US Coast Guard and has the POW/MIA flag as well. The flags are over the main aisle in front of the food where everybody can clearly see them.
To be honest this particular Golden Corral is the one I feel the most at home at. Our waitress had been in training last night and told us it had been packed with veterans and their families with a line out the door almost until 9 PM. She was not able to share in the tips last night because it was her last day of training so we have her a good tip. She told us she had worked in a nearby Ryans which closed recently. My wife reminisced about going to a Ryan's buffet restaurant in Texas many years ago with her extended family. As we drove back home we saw a beautiful sunset. I was reminded how God blesses us with specific blessing and more general blessing such as beautiful sunset.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA SSgt Alex Robinson @SSgt L Ol SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT Private RallyPoint Member SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Randal Groover

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Nov 13 at 2015 12:38 AM

Cpl James Waycasie — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:38:01 -0500

My Dad, ( Army Korean war) James, John, and Shorty Wells (three brothers that are my cousins. All Vietnam Vets.) My great Uncles Thomas, Rufus, and George White ( All three Army WW11 Vets) My cousin Tommy Millican ( Navy Seal Desert storm) and all the other military members in our family cemetary. We have members all the way back to the Revolutionary war, and both sides of the Civil war. I am thankful for every person who has ever served to keep us the land of the free and the home of the brave