My response: I would love to go. But the military isn't taking mid-40's fat guys with bad knees.
Yea, I know.
I had my hopes up when DoD announced they were taking retirees back in – then they qualified it by saying we would have to pass a physical and a PT test.
Back in Viet Nam we had a “new” crewman report aboard. He was over 50 y.o., needed a cane to walk, and had a medical profile not allowing him to be around loud noises or weapons (!). He was not allowed to set, stand or walk for prolonged periods. He had made the Normandy landing, was hit and medically retired.
He was recalled for Korea, made the Inchon landing, was hit and medically retired. He was called back for Viet Nam. On his first trip with us into Hue he was hit and again medically retired.
I figured if he could do so could I. Oh well …
They're not taking any late 40 guys either...I offered to bring my own weapon (A/R15), provide my own ammo and buy my own uniform. Even wrote the President (probably put me on a 'nut list'). BTW, my knees are fine! ;)