I was on a Huey in Nam. We use to joke that a pilot needed a college education to fly one, but a mechanic only needed a high school diploma to fix it. :lol:
Here's a young lad who has never 'served' but I don't think anyone needs to explain to him what it means. Boy Pays it Forward with Found Fortune | Military.com
Just the fact that you might have to be responsible for someone’s life, friend or foe is a huge responsibility, especially with highly restrictive ROEs in combat. I was going through boot camp when the Beirut Bombing took place, you would not believe the jaws that hit the ground when the DI said we were packing our trash and going to war.
Right out of boot and waiting for my class to start, I was in the Acey-Duecy club swabbin' the deck aboard Fleet ASW School San Diego the evening the Maddox was attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin. It got real quiet in there. The bartender poured a round for all hands (wasn't old enough, 21 in CA, but hey) and we hoisted a toast to the brave lads at sea.
Yup 1966 to 1972. Got in the Army the day before I got married, makes it easy to remember anniversary
Yup, I remember our anniversary. I just have to look it up couple times a year to make sure I remembered it correctly.
My wife forgot our tenth wedding anniversary. She came home from work, I had cooked a nice dinner, had candles, champagne and roses. She said, "What's this for?" I said, "It's our anniversary!" "Why didn't you tell me this morning!?" "I thought you were testing me!" "I didn't get you a present!" "You just did." I've had so much fun telling that story over the years, it is the best present she could have given me. Dave
Only thing that saved my bacon twice was the fact that we were so busy with work and kids we both forgot it. Longest lapse was near 3 weeks.
I wish I could live to see that day... ( not by any means dying from a disease, or planning anything...) but it is a proven fact that suicide is on a major uphill slope among vet's, hell 3 of my best friends have chosen to take their own lives since my last deployment in 2009... I have suffered some severe PTSD symptoms and even total blackouts since 2003 when I was driving the 3rd truck from the 101st to cross into Iraq... The VA keeps telling me "you need further evaluation"
:cornut: I've been on their list for a year but as a former CW2 PA (now they are commissioned officers in the Medical Specialty Corps with the PTs, OTs, and Dietitians) I can't commit suicide as it destroys the Kids and Grand Kids as they think that it was their fault and end up drug addicts and alcoholics themselves. I know that the VA is way behind but we have to find a way to drive on until the VA can clear their backlog. Keep going to the VA on line and especially go to your county VA office with any and all DD214's and medical records military and civilian. God Bless and Good Luck. Jason
I"m going to forward this, "Did you serve" link to my daughter, she works at a VA Hospital. She's served in Iraq, one and a half tours, in the Army. Maybe she knows someway to help, she knows the system.
My local VA rep is beyond helpful, he truly has the vets interest at heart. He is retired E-8 Navy and he doesn't really have much positive to say about the VA in DC.
There are TWO parts of the VA. "Compensation & Pension" and the "Medical" side. You have to get past C&P, before the "Medical" kicks in. The problem is with C&P. It is like their job is to keep you out, rather than help you get in. They make you jump through hoops, hoping you will get mad and go away. Hang in, keep the pressure on and you will make it. It took five years, but I got mine approved. Some states are better then others, even though the VA is suppose to be one organization. Can't say for other groups, but the American Legion has a Regional Service Officer, located right in the VA building for each state. They have the ability to go directly inside the center, find your file, ask what the problem is and help push it along. Make friends with this person and it really helps. Look up all you can on the internet and there is a lot out there. Make yourself smart on how & why claims are approved or disapproved, how they are worded etc, so you can make a better case for your claim. Sometimes they are looking for key words or phrases during the review process, so make sure they are in there.
Modfather hang in there. You have gotten sounds advice from those above me. Just don't give up and remember you will always have friends here if you need to talk. I have had a few friends that were on active duty commit suicide and I'm still not sure why. I do know it creates more questions than answers.
Thanks guys. I'm not going anywhere, but every day we lose another brother or sister in arms to this disease, and until the government can figure out a way to actually help soldiers who suffer from PTSD things aren't going to change.
I agree and that's why we have to help build a network and help out as much as we can. As usual the govt is going to do anything fast.