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Alyosha
05-24-2014, 12:25 PM
I am so surrounded by these guys that I forget how awesome and special they are. I intended to make a Memorial Day tribute to my husband who served and died in service to the United States, but I realized that life is for the living and so I want to honor the other "devil dogs" on this forum and thank them all for their service.

Call outs!
@Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) was a combat vet who was there in Karmah (spelling booboo?) where they helped the locals kick Al Qaeda out of their city. He didn't lose a single member of his squad.

Also, I've never thanked you in all this time for your service. Thanks, smoopy!

@Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866) @The Wash (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=906) @Terminal Lance (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=909) were all scout snipers and then moved into other special forces groups. They were in both Iraq and Afganistan.

@Cthulhu (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=872) was part of a company that (he can correct me) was outside of Fallujah during the surge

My husband was Force Recon and died in 2008. This video shows what he did (although why the fuck they chose a Canadian band's song I don't know) as his job.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW963Z6c6vQ


I forget sometimes with all their long hair that these are still some dudes who can kick some ass. Also, they are all my heroes. My grumpy, foul mouthed, smartass life-saving heroes.

If angels cursed...that would be these guys. I love all of you. ((kisses))



I also want to thank the other vets: Peter1469, Nathanbforrest, Rebel Son, protectionist, Bob, and anyone else I forgot.

Oh and Sage of Main Street thank you too.

Perianne
05-24-2014, 12:27 PM
Amen!

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 12:35 PM
I'm a little partial to the Marines because I was married to one!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRlQPD6Xiw


He loved the Marine Corps even more than Codename Section. Yes. True. My husband crapped red, white, and blue turds. :)

I'm trying to remember to not be sad and to honor his commitment.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 12:40 PM
This is mostly for my husband since the other guys are anarchists now.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1QmeEdFOSc

He'd get all teary singing this song. He was very cute with his fuzzy head and digitals on, hand over heart singing. :(

Green Arrow
05-24-2014, 12:47 PM
http://youtu.be/rJO7lJIxG10

Green Arrow
05-24-2014, 12:50 PM
And to the living:

Thank you. I don't have any "support the troops" banners because I make my support tangible and active by fighting for an end to unnecessary war that is not in the U.S.'s (actual) defense and extensive veteran's programs. A lot of people I know and love are in the military or veterans, both living and dead.

Dark Mistress
05-24-2014, 01:32 PM
I'm a little partial to the Marines because I was married to one!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRlQPD6Xiw
Alyosha
It's okay to be sad though while remembering and honoring that commitment.


He loved the Marine Corps even more than @Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866). Yes. True. My husband crapped red, white, and blue turds. :)

I'm trying to remember to not be sad and to honor his commitment.

Alyosha
It's okay to be sad. (( Hugs ))
Thinking about you friend.

Bob
05-24-2014, 02:50 PM
I am so surrounded by these guys that I forget how awesome and special they are. I intended to make a Memorial Day tribute to my husband who served and died in service to the United States, but I realized that life is for the living and so I want to honor the other "devil dogs" on this forum and thank them all for their service.

Call outs!
@Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) was a combat vet who was there in Karmah (spelling booboo?) where they helped the locals kick Al Qaeda out of their city. He didn't lose a single member of his squad.

Also, I've never thanked you in all this time for your service. Thanks, smoopy!

@Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866) @The Wash (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=906) @Terminal Lance (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=909) were all scout snipers and then moved into other special forces groups. They were in both Iraq and Afganistan.

@Cthulhu (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=872) was part of a company that (he can correct me) was outside of Fallujah during the surge

My husband was Force Recon and died in 2008. This video shows what he did (although why the fuck they chose a Canadian band's song I don't know) as his job.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW963Z6c6vQ


I forget sometimes with all their long hair that these are still some dudes who can kick some ass. Also, they are all my heroes. My grumpy, foul mouthed, smartass life-saving heroes.

If angels cursed...that would be these guys. I love all of you. ((kisses))



I also want to thank the other vets: Peter1469, Nathanbforrest, Rebel Son, protectionist, Bob, and anyone else I forgot.

Oh and Sage of Main Street thank you too.

How sweet. Thank you very much. While I did not see combat, I am certain that I served with men who saw it once Johnson opened up hell for them to be in.

It got super personal to me when the soldier who was my favorite uncle was killed in Korea.

He sent home a copy of the poem Hitch in Hell

I don't have the entire poem







http://forum.quoteland.com/groupee_common/ver1.3.7.2147483647/platform_images/blank.gif (http://forum.quoteland.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/99191541/m/624101703?r=1471062951#1471062951)
posted 01-17-08 07:05 AM
Hide Post


If only there were a book that gave reliable sources for all famous quotations... Wait! There is one! The recently published Yale Book of Quotations has the following:

When the final taps is sounded and we lay aside life's cares,
And we do the last and gloried parade on heaven's shining stairs,
And the angels bid us welcome and the harps begin to play
We can draw a million canteen checks and spend them in a day.
It is then we'll hear St. Peter tell us loudly with a yell,
"Take a front seat, you soldier men, you've done your hitch in Hell."

Frank B. Camp, "Our Hitch in Hell" (1917).

Cthulhu
05-24-2014, 03:02 PM
I ran convoys, patrolled the empty desert looking for pissed off bombs, did detainee transfer, and saw nothing. All with weird stuff happening in the background. The best kind of deployment - a boring one.

Bob
05-24-2014, 03:04 PM
Story of Mom's baby brother, who died in combat at Taejon, Korea days after the war started

I call Gene, my favorite uncle. Actually I had other uncles that were very kind to kids.

Gene did magic. We kids would hover around Gene and he enjoyed entertaining us. Gene played his guitar. We loved his songs. Gene was artistic. We loved his poems. Gene showed me photos of war as a young lad.

Gene was born and raised on a 660 acre section of farm land in Oklahoma. Gene was almost born with a rifle in his arms. In the Army, he could shoot super well with his rifle held in his hands, not up on his shoulder. He was super quick to spot snipers.

Gene was a Combat engineer. Those guys have to remove the things the Japanese put onto the beaches to prevent landings. So a Marine followed him.

Gene was on one of those Pacific Islands during WW 2 and suddenly his helmet strap was slashed. He came that close to dying on that forlorn Island. Gene whirled at the sound of the shot and caught a glance of the rifle that nearly ended his days on earth. Gene opened fire on the place the barrel vanished into. Fortunately he nailed the guy. Gene used to practice as a youth on Prince Albert tobacco cans.

Gene returned to the snipers location. There he found the man, stone dead. Turns out the Japanese was educated at UC Berkeley and was called to duty upon his return to Japan. He kept a diary. Gene was able to read it or have it translated since the sniper was fluent in English. I believe the snipers tally was over 100 men. I saw the snipers rifle and probably the diary. I don't have an image of the diary in my mind as I do the Jap sniper rifle.

Gene was at Japan when Korea broke out. Gene was combat ready and a SGT. Gene sent the family his final letter the day ahead of his death.

Gene told us

Do not worry about me. I am proven in combat. I am a professional soldier. Worry about those sent here to fight alongside me who have almost no training. They are likely to die. Now, I was in the 9th grade I believe when we buried him. I have since visited his grave.

Gene, you no doubt are with GOD

You did your hitch in hell... twice
Eugene V Avants

Born in Brewer, Pittsburg, Oklahoma, USA on 1923 to James Edwin Avants (http://records.ancestry.com/james_edwin_avants_records.ashx?pid=72334807) and Mary Revelle Durham (http://records.ancestry.com/mary_revelle_durham_records.ashx?pid=94947271). He passed away on 20 Jul 1950 in Korea.

AVANTS EUGENE - RA39294119 - 1950/07/20 - CA - Alameda - KIA - 3rd Engr C Bn-24th Inf Div

History of his unit

http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPageHistory/1,13506,104052|706612,00.html

In 1949 the strength of the 3d Engineer Battalion was greatly increased and the accent placed on training a tactical engineer battalion. Training was continued throughout that year and into 1950 with all companies performing long periods of road maintenance. Extensive periods were also spent in the field on the various maneuver areas of Kyushu. The results of this training were apparent in July 1950, when, on a three day notice, the battalion moved to Korea with the rest of the 24th Division to stop the onrush of the Communist Forces into South Korea and therefore were the first combat engineers to serve in the Korean Campaign. The battalion furnished Engineer Support throughout the Kum River campaign. Company C was cut off and suffering heavy losses in Taejon. Later, the 3d Engineers further lived up to the combat portion of their designation when they were committed as Infantry along the Naktong River for a period of three weeks. The Distinguished Unit Citation awarded to the 24th Division for its actions during the period from July to September 1950 also attests to the high character of the battalion's service during that time. The battalion furnished engineer support to the Division in the long pursuit north to within 15 miles of the Yalu River and the retrograde movement south, in the face of the Chinese menace. There are few roads in Korea which have not been improved and maintained by the 3d Engineers, and few rivers which have not been bridged by the "Eager Beavers." The battalion was located in Korea until November 1953 at which time they transferred to Japan to remain there until January 1954.

Matty
05-24-2014, 03:13 PM
God Bless these guys. Such spirit and can do attitudes. Fox ran this story yesterday.


http://video.foxnews.com/v/3584088710001/wounded-warriors-turn-to-sky-diving-to-build-confidence/#sp=show-clips

Perianne
05-24-2014, 03:23 PM
God Bless these guys. Such spirit and can do attitudes. Fox ran this story yesterday.


http://video.foxnews.com/v/3584088710001/wounded-warriors-turn-to-sky-diving-to-build-confidence/#sp=show-clips

Wonderful story, Matalese. Thanks.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 03:24 PM
And just think we have all these warriors on this forum. :)

Perianne
05-24-2014, 03:25 PM
And just think we have all these warriors on this forum. :)

I think about that sometimes when I see stories like those. And when our guys have a bad day on here, or elsewhere, maybe we should give them a break for all they have done.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 03:27 PM
I think about that sometimes when I see stories like those. And when our guys have a bad day on here, or elsewhere, maybe we should give them a break for all they have done.

Yes. I have to remind myself of that sometimes. They "go" places where you can't follow them. I could be more sympathetic that's for sure.

Bob
05-24-2014, 03:31 PM
I told my uncles story in part and would appreciate the family member or the service man telling his or her story of a departed warrior. Thanks. I edited my post on my uncle several times.

I tracked down the army battle report and read what he was doing prior to dying in a rice paddy in Korea.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 03:52 PM
Here's the thing Bob

people like my husband or Codename or The Wash or Terminal Lance when something happens to them all you get from the government is "it was a training accident".

That's what we get. We send them overseas and if they don't come home we get no answers and there isn't closure.

...

Ethereal or Cthulhu's mom and wife would be told where exactly they died and what happened to them. I wasn't allowed to know until 5 years after it happened and it's highly classified so I cannot tell you.

I can say that he died in the line of duty and that everyone who did come back said he was brave, that if it weren't for him they would not be here.

:(

Perianne
05-24-2014, 03:54 PM
Alyosha, why doesn't the government explain?

Cthulhu
05-24-2014, 03:57 PM
Here's the thing @Bob (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=1013)

people like my husband or Codename or The Wash or Terminal Lance when something happens to them all you get from the government is "it was a training accident".

That's what we get. We send them overseas and if they don't come home we get no answers and there isn't closure.

...

@Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) or @Cthulhu (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=872)'s mom and wife would be told where exactly they died and what happened to them. I wasn't allowed to know until 5 years after it happened and it's highly classified so I cannot tell you.

I can say that he died in the line of duty and that everyone who did come back said he was brave, that if it weren't for him they would not be here.

:(

I never did like that about the service. Family should get to know what happened to their loved ones. Opsec is important, but we need to re-evaluate what we're doing and why we're doing it if we can't let the families know what they were doing.

I don't think any parent should have to out live their children, but if they do, they deserve to know why.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 03:57 PM
@Alyosha (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=863), why doesn't the government explain?

Their missions are classified. Sometimes it is intelligence gathering, sometimes it is rescue operations, sometimes what normal people would call an assassination. Some would say that they go over the border illegally into nations not directly involved with a Congressional war act.

Lots of reasons but they'll tell you "troop safety". Peter1469 or Ethereal or Codename Section could explain better.

Perianne
05-24-2014, 03:59 PM
I could not stand to NOT know how my husband, or other family member died. So sad. :(

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 04:01 PM
I could not stand to NOT know how my husband, or other family member died. So sad. :(

Yes. I didn't have a "body" well...blegh...anyway...for a long time I expected to get a call from him saying it was a mistake and he was coming home.

:(

Peter1469
05-24-2014, 04:10 PM
If the mission is classified, which is typical for special ops and not infantry, then if you die, your family gets told it was a training accident. Alyosha explained it just fine.


Their missions are classified. Sometimes it is intelligence gathering, sometimes it is rescue operations, sometimes what normal people would call an assassination. Some would say that they go over the border illegally into nations not directly involved with a Congressional war act.

Lots of reasons but they'll tell you "troop safety". @Peter1469 (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=10) or @Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) or @Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866) could explain better.

Bob
05-24-2014, 04:36 PM
Here's the thing @Bob (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=1013)

people like my husband or Codename or The Wash or Terminal Lance when something happens to them all you get from the government is "it was a training accident".

That's what we get. We send them overseas and if they don't come home we get no answers and there isn't closure.

...

@Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) or @Cthulhu (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=872)'s mom and wife would be told where exactly they died and what happened to them. I wasn't allowed to know until 5 years after it happened and it's highly classified so I cannot tell you.

I can say that he died in the line of duty and that everyone who did come back said he was brave, that if it weren't for him they would not be here.

:( Alyosha

The Army NEVER told my grandma, the kin he designated they contact, what happened to Gene.

It was in recent years I located the actual combat report and though they did not name Gene, it was clear he was to blow up a bridge at Taejon.

Mom, at the point Gene died was visited by him as she tried to sleep. Gene told her he died fast. She saw a vision of him laying face down in a rice paddy.

When I got the combat report, I paid attention to time of day, type of terrain as well as any facts of the combat report that could deny my mothers vision.

All matched perfectly.

His body was not returned for about 6 months. At first the Army said he was missing in action.

Bob
05-24-2014, 04:42 PM
Here's the thing @Bob (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=1013)

people like my husband or Codename or The Wash or Terminal Lance when something happens to them all you get from the government is "it was a training accident".

That's what we get. We send them overseas and if they don't come home we get no answers and there isn't closure.

...

@Ethereal (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=870) or @Cthulhu (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=872)'s mom and wife would be told where exactly they died and what happened to them. I wasn't allowed to know until 5 years after it happened and it's highly classified so I cannot tell you.

I can say that he died in the line of duty and that everyone who did come back said he was brave, that if it weren't for him they would not be here.

:(

Before we get away from this, there are actual training accidents.

In Germany, 1963... Tank driver has head crushed when he crawls into tank head first to retrieve property. As he went in, he turned on the master switch for lighting and unfortunately his duffel bag was against the gun tube switch holding it on. His parents no doubt were told it was a training accident.

We experienced a helicopter crash with the loss of life something like a half dozen, maybe more. Parents told or wives told they were training.

Vietnam out of 58,000 combat deaths had 10,000 of that number as training accidents.

How one died is of no consequence. The family lost them and misses them just the same.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 04:43 PM
There are training accidents and there are "training accidents". You'll never know the truth if the person was in special operations.

Bob
05-24-2014, 04:47 PM
There are training accidents and there are "training accidents". You'll never know the truth if the person was in special operations.
Alyosha

Well, if somebody lost a soldier that was told how he died, let them post it today.

Maybe you think the family is told how he died. I don't think they are told. My grandma never found out. She would have told us.

There are forums for the family of the lost soldiers who want to know how he died.

You have to locate a person who was there who recalls. That is a long shot.

Alyosha
05-24-2014, 04:57 PM
@Alyosha (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=863)

Well, if somebody lost a soldier that was told how he died, let them post it today.

Maybe you think the family is told how he died. I don't think they are told. My grandma never found out. She would have told us.

There are forums for the family of the lost soldiers who want to know how he died.

You have to locate a person who was there who recalls. That is a long shot.

I know now. I just cannot post it.

Bob
05-24-2014, 05:07 PM
I know now. I just cannot post it.

How did you find out Alyosha?

Codename Section
05-24-2014, 05:40 PM
I knew Al's husband from my SSBC and I saw him once again in Afghanistan. He was a little older than me and a lot more frosty. Good marine and I honor his service.

birddog
05-24-2014, 10:41 PM
Thanks to all my fellow Vets, and a special thanks to all the Gold Star family members!

Bob
05-25-2014, 12:18 AM
Thanks to all my fellow Vets, and a special thanks to all the Gold Star family members!

I also thank all vets.

Bob
05-25-2014, 12:19 AM
I knew Al's husband from my SSBC and I saw him once again in Afghanistan. He was a little older than me and a lot more frosty. Good marine and I honor his service.

I understand. Thanks.

Adelaide
05-25-2014, 11:27 AM
I forget what I was watching last week, but there was a man who had 120 plus surgeries and lost all limbs except his right hand. I actually cried - that really bothers me. I think it's hard for anyone non-military who doesn't know many or anyone who has served to really understand the sacrifices. It is a lot less common up here to serve in the military. I know one person (a peer) peripherally who went Army, and my grandmother's 'manfriend' was Royal Navy and met and guarded the Queen but never saw action (he's in his 80s). No one in my family has ever served that I know of. We just happened to be born at the times when we wouldn't be forced into either of the Great wars, and I'm fairly certain they wouldn't have allowed German immigrants. In fact, my city is German and other than commemorations to Queen Victoria and Elizabeth, I can't think of anything that says my city went to war. Not like large areas like Newfoundland and Labrador or Quebec. We had to change our name during WWI because other cities would not trade with Germans - so now I'm curious if recruitment didn't occur here at all due to that same opinion.

I also have to say, I think it's nice that Americans devote a day other than November 11. We had a statutory holiday last week to celebrate the Queen's birthday and Queen Victoria (the monarch when we became a dominion). Pretty stupid in comparison. On November 11 the country comes together, though, and it's not a statutory holiday. Poppies are worn by everyone. Moments of silence happen pretty much everywhere at 11am. Major events with vets are planned with bagpipers in city centres. In school they spend the day showing you footage/pictures of wars, like the battle for Vimy Ridge. Our massive Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France is a testament to the pride we have in our military history. We were the bad ass Canadians that got shit done... and lost an absolutely shocking percentage of our population but gained our sovereignty in the process. Vimy was the defining moment for us, at the cost of 7000 men and a wounded 4000 men.


Anyways, thank you to all the Americans who have served their country from this non-American, because really you have not just served you own country but have in some/many cases served large parts of the world as well. Without your commitment and sacrifices who knows what the world might be like.

Paperback Writer
05-25-2014, 01:45 PM
I want to thank the vets on this forum, as well. I've learnt much from them. I know now that moonshine will knock you on yer arse after one glass. I found out that pork barbecue is the best meat in the world. Biscuits aren't remotely sweet and when covered in gravy are simply divine. I also learnt that if you swear you were in Iraq or Afghanistan, especially if you claim you were British special forces and knew Prince Harry you will get a blowjob because American women love veterans!

Perianne
05-25-2014, 01:51 PM
I know now that moonshine will knock you on yer arse after one glass. I found out that pork barbecue is the best meat in the world. Biscuits aren't remotely sweet and when covered in gravy are simply divine.

Paperback, you have just begun to understand and appreciate southern cooking. Hang around Codename for more.

Paperback Writer
05-25-2014, 01:54 PM
Paperback, you have just begun to understand and appreciate southern cooking. Hang around Codename for more.

I intend to. Tonight is more of the same plus his lunatic friend is bringing some type of spiced crab.

Perianne
05-25-2014, 02:01 PM
I intend to. Tonight is more of the same plus his lunatic friend is bringing some type of spiced crab.

D'oh! Is that Aldo?

Bob
05-25-2014, 02:06 PM
I want to thank the vets on this forum, as well. I've learnt much from them. I know now that moonshine will knock you on yer arse after one glass. I found out that pork barbecue is the best meat in the world. Biscuits aren't remotely sweet and when covered in gravy are simply divine. I also learnt that if you swear you were in Iraq or Afghanistan, especially if you claim you were British special forces and knew Prince Harry you will get a blowjob because American women love veterans!

Where did you find women around his part of VA?

Don't spread the word about the food. We have kept it a secret from the Brits.

Paperback Writer
05-25-2014, 02:07 PM
D'oh! Is that Aldo?

I don't think that's his name. Codename Section could tell you. He ate a candy bar out of a bird's arse last night. It was bloody brilliant.

Codename Section
05-25-2014, 02:10 PM
I don't think that's his name. @Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866) could tell you. He ate a candy bar out of a bird's arse last night. It was bloody brilliant.

Naw, it's him. It's his old forum handle.

Perianne
05-25-2014, 02:13 PM
I don't think that's his name. @Codename Section (http://thepoliticalforums.com/member.php?u=866) could tell you. He ate a candy bar out of a bird's arse last night. It was bloody brilliant.

I'm sure it's not his real name. Do you remember the guy on the other site that stirred the pot CONTINUOUSLY? He went by the post name of Aldo Raine.

Perianne
05-25-2014, 02:14 PM
Naw, it's him. It's his old forum handle.

HA! I knew it! Tell him "hi" from Perianne.

Codename Section
05-25-2014, 02:20 PM
Will do!