Replies

RE:

"...in the Navy we are actively discouraged from wearing our uniforms in public."

That's a bloomin' shame, too.

Was a time when it was considered a good idea to go on liberty, I gather from my "Swabbie" Veteran buddies, with no less that a half dozen or so Shipmates - but the uniform was worn with pride.

And any who messed with one, messed with all.

Of course, that was before the age of PC Law and rule.

Met a P-3 Driver from, I assume, up your way in Brunswick at the local dump the other day and struck up a friendly conversation - tried to let it be know that I was a Veteran and appreciated what you all are doing for us up there.

I don't suppose that ElQuida has a lot of submarines lurking off of our shores like the Nazis did in WW-II... but heck; who knows?

Just yesterday on the way back from visiting our Daughter, we went by the American Legion Post in New Glouchester and saw a young Sailor in his dress whites outside; it is a grand thing to see, IMHO and gives us a sense of pride and security to see the uniform out and about.

Despite the peace-weenies making all the noise and fuss, there remains a lot of silent support for you folks around, even here in the PR of ME. And if any of you *ever* get dissed or hassled for being a member of our Military at any business in the area, in or out of uniform, please let us know... and a lot of us old Vets will be taking our business elsewhere, after a few phone calls are made and letters are written so that they (and the public) will know exactly why.

Please don't hesitate to consider your Veteran's organizations, particularly the American Legion (Founded 1918, of which your humble correspondant is a Member), as your local Civilian advocate and resource any time, Mate!

As far as we are concerned, any who mess with one (you) STILL messes with all - which, by the way, includes US!

These Vets are from the Brunswick Post, BTW. Scene look familiar?

Since you are serving during a time of War, you can join the Legion even while on active duty, as far as I know. If you are interested in meeting the vets of your local Post, I can find out contacts and where & when they meet for you.
You and your Mates would be more than welcome to visit any Meeting of the Post - ESPECIALLY IN Uniform!

Do you ever get down to see Paul Bennett in Freeport (Freeport Trading Post on Rt. 1 just No. of Bean's)? I've seen a lot of the fellows from BNAS in there buying "stuff" - they must be quartered in off-base housing I suppose, so as to have a place to legally stash their goodies.
Uniforms would be welcome in there, of course, and I would not be surprised if the normally tightwadded ol' Paul would even spring for a soda now and then for a Customer in uniform - but we understand why you have to keep a low profile these days.

It's a bummer that ME will not practice "Reciprocity" with CWPs like the States do for Driver's Licenses. But given the current political climate in this State, it is a miracle that even us Residents are still allowed to get them - or possess firearms at all (legally).

I know that there are provisions for an out-of State Service Member stationed in ME to get a Hunting Licese - but I'm not sure about CWPs. Check around with your Mates; it might be doable.

A copy of the State Law pertaining to CW Carry can be had at any local Police Station or SP Barracks, as far as I know - as well as a CWP application.
The BPD could probably advise to some extent, or let you know if there is any precident for BNAS Personel getting ME permits while stationed here, or what procedures are required if so.

Brunswick is a pretty nice little Town, as Maine Towns go.

Perhaps we'll meet you down at Bennetts - or at the "Fat Boy" Diner some time, eh?

For God and Country:
(Motto of the American Legion) -

UJ - Americanism Officer, Anderson Mayberry Post #91

>>You and your Mates would be more than welcome to visit any Meeting of the Post - ESPECIALLY IN Uniform!<<

Wearing a uniform is the easiest way I know of to make strangers feel confident they know who you are.

I could go downtown and in less than one hour buy a complete set of dress uniforms, probably for every service we have. Greens are as common as cigarette butts.

My reason for stating this is I am reminding you to NEVER to accept packages or fullfil requests from strangers in uniform until you verify their identification. Don't just ask to see their dog tags, ask for their ID Cards and verify who you are speaking with.

Every GI has his ID Card within reach. It is never forgotten at home or left in the car.

Do not say to one man, "May I see your ID Card", ask the entire group, " May I say your ID Cards please?" This is something a GI is very comfortable with. He shows the dang thing to use the restroom in a building where his face isn't recognized.

I believe the number in our current military forces is around 30% of 'foreigners'. Infiltration into the public areas is a simple thing to do for terrorists, especially if they are in a uniform!

Stay alert around strangers. Remind your family members not to assist anyone in uniform until they have seen an ID Card.

Hey, UJ, thanks for all the iggies and info! I'll sure keep that in mind. I had planned to join the AL or VFW after I retire, didn't know I could while AD.

I've shopped at Paul Bennet's store before! Bought a .45 from him once upon a time. He's the only gun shop owner I've ever heard describe HIMSELF as "So crooked, when I die they'll have to screw me into the ground!". Might have to drop by again. I also like to browse the racks down at the Kittery Trading Post.

You're right about why that crewman you met was nervous. Wearing a Flight Suit out to places like the dump is strictly verboten. Strange, too...the Air Force has no problem with their guys doing it.

"I don't suppose that ElQuida has a lot of submarines lurking off of our shores like the Nazis did in WW-II... but heck; who knows?"

Anti-Sub Warfare is only ONE mission the P-3 performs. We also do long-range patrol and surveillance/reconnaisance. My last deployment, we patrolled the Med in ENDURING FREEDOM, hunting terr weapons smugglers. We also did "feet dry" missions, some over Iraq. One of our crews narrowly avoided a SAM over Baghdad during the first days of the war. They all recieved Air Medals with "V" device. We also did some stuff we can't talk about...EVER. (hehe).

We can carry a multitude of sneaky sensors, and just about every bomb, mine, rocket, missile, or torpedo in the inventory; all at once if we want to. Sadly, most of the time "over there" we went out completely unarmed. They wouldn't even issue us pistols.

P-3's have been the "eyes and ears" of battlefield commanders for years, we just don't get too much PR. I have a buddy who, to this day, gets tears in his eyes when he remembers the video he shot, from an unarmed P-3, of Americans being dragged through a dusty Mogadishu street. Our birds were there, and Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and a bunch of other hotspots.

We patrol the Carribbean chasing drug runners, watch the straights of Florida for illegals, and keep an eye on the coasts for lost boats and people.

The Mighty Hunter, ORION, may be old at 40+ years, but he still stands the watch.

Hope to see ya around someday!