Posted on 10/17/2004 4:19:39 PM PDT by Incorrigible
...
Thomas is among a group of soldiers age 50 and over being called to active duty . Like many, he is a "citizen soldier," a member of the National Guard or Reserves, where soldiers serve part-time. They tend to be older than their active-duty counterparts and are increasingly being deployed overseas to augment active-duty troops.
Of the 160,000 men and women deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, 4,119 are 50 or older. At a time in life when most people are looking forward to retirement or eyeing Florida real estate, these soldiers are leaving behind corporate jobs and grandkids. Some even voluntarily postpone military retirement to go to war.
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As of late last week, 10 of the more than 1,085 soldiers to die in Iraq were 50 or older, according to the Associated Press' War Casualty database. That is a tiny fraction of overall fatalities and those men were more likely to die of medical causes, including heart attacks and heat stroke, than their younger counterparts.
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No matter what their age, all troops must pass a physical examination and periodic fitness tests that include a two-mile run, push-ups and sit-ups. The rules require an exam every five years and Thomas last had his in 2002. The military also allows soldiers to take medication for blood pressure and other illnesses.
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"I don't mean disrespect, but some of them are physically starting to slow down," Bates said. "It's 50-50. I also think they're a great asset, a lot of them Vietnam vets. They know what they're doing, even if they don't talk about it."
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"Gen. MacArthur said, 'Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,'" Shissler said, quoting the military icon Douglas MacArthur.
"Well, we're not fading away yet."
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(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
I wish they would let me seve again.
Whew, good thing I'm only 49 until election day!
seve = serve
No doubt they were eager to serve. Many others who are not being called up are no doubt disappointed!
"Some even voluntarily postpone military retirement to go to war."
Thank you for putting the country first.
Thank You for your service to our country.
An American tradition--ablebodied men of all ages volunteer to serve their country in the bravest ways in the toughest times.
There were Civil War soldiers in their 60's and 70's.
There were WWII soldiers and sailors as young as fourteen or fifteen.
God bless every man who has willingly served this nation!
Don't give up just yet, old friend.
If the losers keep flim flamming the ignorant populce, the war is sure to come to us.
It does not frighten me in the least.
You also sir!
I know a Vietnam Vet, a Sergeant Major in the Army Reserves, who has been in Iraq for about a year now. He got about a month's leave after 8 or 9 months and then went back again. He's exactly the sort we need, skills-wise and attitude-wise, but he's no spring chicken. He's dog tired. He's doing his duty, however, like the rest of them, with no complaints or quotable quotes for the press to feast upon.
Should you have the chance, can you tell him people you have mentioned him to have said, "Thank you"? Not big people, not elected officials, just plain old folk?
Hubby was 53 when he deployed..1sg for two Avn Co's....a few of the Chinnok pilots were older than him...VN Vets...Hubby was the ninth oldest...one pilot sent home to retire on his 60th birthday...a lot of experience to these two companies.
I think I will. I e-mailed him when he got back to Ft. Bragg, but I think he has e-mail access over there.
Well Tonk ... lets you and I go down to the recruiter and give it a shot ... all they can say is no thank you ... Gramps
My brother had a VietNam vet in his command in his Army Reserve unit in Iraq, a retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Watching them roll away to do their duty was a little easier knowing Gunny had seen it before and would have his sits about him. Thank God for the mature soldiers. Thank God for all of them (all of you.)
I just turned 50 in June, Icorrigible:
Was Active AF from 1972-'76. Reserve AF from '76 to present. My Reserve Unit and I are looking for a 90 day TDY out of CONUS early next year.
I'd rather not go. But I'm needed and signed the papers. So, I'll get all my stuff and affairs wired and in order. Pack up and go!
Jack.
Unless they're on a deadly silent mission....those emissions will get 'em bagged every time.
("Hey Corporal! Pull muh finger!")
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