Forty Years Ago Today (Vanity)

08/23/2009 | Me

[Gay State Conservative]

I had a strong need to somehow note an important...actually,pivotal...day in my life.It was forty years ago today that I raised my right hand and took the oath of enlistment of the United States Army.I was scared out of my wits (as,I suspect,were most guys entering the service in '69...and other years).But my "hitch" was *far* less "eventful" than that of many.I never got close to combat.Or even to a combat theater.And I,unlike so many,most certainly never got close to "bravery" or "courage" and I also never got close to the UCMJ either.As I said...uneventful.In fact,so uneventful that I feel a fair amount of guilt.It was that guilt that compelled me to visit Vietnam last fall.Being there was a very powerful experience for me.But that's another (long) story.But the thought of all the suffering...all the tears...all the bravery that Soldiers,Sailors,Airmen and Marines displayed there never left my mind for a single minute.

I learned much from my experiences and the Army,to its credit,survived my presence.

[poindexter]

Thank you for your service!

[fullchroma]

I,unlike so many,most certainly never got close to "bravery" or "courage"

I would strongly disagree. Thanks for your service to our country!

[andy58-in-nh]

You missed Woodstock for that???

LOL. God bless you and thank for your service to our country.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Thanks for your service.

Those of us who cherish liberty do greatly appreciate the sacrifice of all those who serve in the armed forces.

[LearsFool]

Freedom requires defenders, not all of whom are asked to kill and to die in its cause. Thank you for your service.

[Doogle]

time flies...if I close my eyes..I can hear the constant whining of jet engines,the smell of burnt wood,the cool and heavy touch of iron,the complete darkness of a moonless night,the feel of the drivers seat of my favorite truck (one that ran dependably),the heat and humidity,the taste of .10 coors beer at 6am,......on and on

[siamesecats]

Thank you for your service.

[Doogle]

yeah 1969..*smiles*

[Impy]

Drafted or did you join?

[Gay State Conservative]

Drafted or did you join?

Joined...out of fear of my draft board lady (Jeanette K Tice...I *still* remember her name).As it turns out I would have been under the first draft lottery held in December '69.I wasn't aware of any of the lottery stuff until the day I read about the results.Well,I was #327 in that lottery.

I cried myself to sleep that night.

[Squantos]

Yep.....sawadee cop !

[Impy]

Ouch. I couldn’t have handled that.

I’m glad you don’t regret your service.

[Gay State Conservative]

I’m glad you don’t regret your service.

No,I don't regret it now.I sacrificed so little in comparison to many others that it would be disgraceful for me to have any ill feelings toward the Army or the country.It taught me,most importantly,what I was able to "endure".That lesson has served me well in my life.

[DMZFrank]

I am a Viet combat vet from the same time period as you. If your service was honorable, then it was every bit as essential as mine. Maybe evem more so, depending on your job.

Welcome home Brother and thank you.