During the Vietnam era I went through Basic and AIT on active duty and then served six years in the Army Guard and Army Reserve principally in an Infantry Support Battalion. I was a Mess Sergeant and rose to Staff Sergeant.
I considered those that had served in combat areas as having bona fide credentials I did not have. I look at my son’s six years in active duty Army from 2002 to 2008 with service in Korea, Afghanistan, Qatar, and other sand-box areas. His uniform looks a lot more interesting than mine and I respect its merit and his.
Thanks for your service.
I’ve always held those who served in combat as a notch above.
Except those WW II guys. I never asked where they served. I just knew they helped save the world.