Posted on Aug 18, 2014
SFC Mark Merino
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Do you require your own room just for your military wares?
Is Household 6 having a meltdown? When does it officially become "too much?"
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Responses: 23
SSG William Patton
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For many years my military memorabliia stayed in a couple of boxes in the back of a closet. One day, when I was bored, I decided to see what was in the boxes and only then did I realize just what treasures I had forgotten about. I found old ribbons, last worn when I came home from Vietnam, the orders sending me stateside and orders for my ETS. I had the uniform, now much too small, a pair of Ho Chi Minh sandals, dry rotten, my jungle boots also dry rotted, ratty jungle fatigues that were mildew laden and most important, a P-38 used to open C rations. That device brought back more memories, both good and bad, but it started me on a journey to embrace my service. I have accumulated many artilces of clothing and head gear reflecting the units I served with and aspects of my service that I now hold dear. That walk down memory lane helped me to overcome some of the demons that have haunted me for years and most importantly, make be very proud to have served my nation.
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Cpl Dennis F.
Cpl Dennis F.
>1 y
SSG W.P. I like your style!
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
SSG William Patton Please allow me to say welcome home and I truly thank you for your service to this great nation. I wish I knew a way to repost your remarks so that everyone could hear your strong words. Giving a "thumbs up" is not enough. It should be a forward in a book that veterans need to read. I wish I was a rich man. I would fly to Louisiana and give you the sharpest salute I have in me and shake your hand. I have no right to comment negatively on what some people did to avoid serving. I wasn't there. I wasn't even born until 1968. But those of you that went where your country required you to go have my utmost respect. I believe that the only thing worse than facing the carnage in Vietnam was returning home and not receiving the respect that you all so deserved. Others did everything they could to get out of Vietnam. You and those like you went and did the impossible. You never lost a major battle. You loved each other like brothers and you kept the faith.There will never be a bond as strong as what the Vietnam Veterans share with each other. We came home to cheers and accolades because our nation knew it had wronged all of you and we have reaped the benefits of your suffering and sacrifices. I thank you for sharing your words and feelings. I am honored to know you as a Vietnam Veteran and as a brother.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
SGT (Join to see) Thank you for serving in BOTH Iraq and Afghanistan. Keep your treasures safe and keep in touch. You rock!
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SSG William Patton
SSG William Patton
>1 y
SFC Merino, I am at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you and thank you for your service to our great nation.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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Lets just say I'm prepared for what ever situation arises.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
Respectable :)
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
>1 y
Prior Preparation Prevents...
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
P P P :)
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SGT Richard H.
SGT Richard H.
>1 y
Ditto.
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1LT Nick Kidwell
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I have gorilla boxes full of stuff still, and I've been out for 7 years.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
You are NOT alone big daddy!
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
>1 y
Well, I figure the BDUs will be good for hunting someday, as will the snivel gear. Just strip off everything "Army" but my nametape...

Sad thing is, my boy is going hunting with me for the first time this year, and they fit him better than they do me.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
No better way to talk about the good old days with our kids.
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1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
>1 y
That's part of the reason I've kept at least 1 full uniform of each type I had, even the old winter PTs. They carry many stories, especially the DCUs I deployed in.
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