tennesseeboy Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 I appreciate the thanks, as do all of us vets, but frankly I felt it was my duty and privilege to serve my country. Part of the deal of being a citizen, I figure. Most of us will admit we got a lot more out of our service than we put in, duty honor country and all that, but also wisdom and loyalty to comrades (eryn and the ppp will probably blow a gasket at the comrade stuff.)
MarkAF43 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Posted June 19, 2009 tennesseeboy said: I appreciate the thanks, as do all of us vets, but frankly I felt it was my duty and privilege to serve my country. Part of the deal of being a citizen, I figure. Most of us will admit we got a lot more out of our service than we put in, duty honor country and all that, but also wisdom and loyalty to comrades (eryn and the ppp will probably blow a gasket at the comrade stuff.) I agree totally, you make very good points
Bullpen Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 JoeFerguson said: For those that joined, what would you say your primary motivation was? My motivation was much like Darrin's. I had to get out of Jimmytown, grow up ALOT, do something challenging, learn to do something besides play town-team baseball, work a crappy dead-end job and NOT end up sitting on a bar stool at the local bar in my hometown bitching about the same old thing every night. (wow that is one long-ass runon sentence and I was a journalist in the AF... ) I learned a trade in the Force o' the Air, that I really love and if it wasn't for enlisting, I probably never would have discovered my affinity for writing and shooting photos. Plus I met my wife courtesy of the military and that is by far the best thing I've ever done. One thing I've always been over-whealmed and almost "uncomfortable" with is depth of gratitude people express to me as a veteran. I've been to various public events like baseball games where they ask all vets to stand up and be recognized, which I don't normally do. One time I was at a game with a buddy of mine from back in WNY and he said "why don't you stand up?" And I told him, the spotlight and the applause kind of makes me uncomfortable. What I did in the military didn't ensure anyone's freedom, I didn't defend a piece of land or free any oppressed people. I guess I don't take what I did as that noble of an endeavor. I covered and wrote about what the real heroes were doing, I tried to make sure THEY got the credit THEY deserve. I don't know I guess I'm just wired different (shut up Beerball, don't get started on me...)
damj Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Bullpen said: One thing I've always been over-whealmed and almost "uncomfortable" with is depth of gratitude people express to me as a veteran. I've been to various public events like baseball games where they ask all vets to stand up and be recognized, which I don't normally do. One time I was at a game with a buddy of mine from back in WNY and he said "why don't you stand up?" And I told him, the spotlight and the applause kind of makes me uncomfortable. What I did in the military didn't ensure anyone's freedom, I didn't defend a piece of land or free any oppressed people. I guess I don't take what I did as some that noble of an endeavor. I covered and wrote about what the real heroes were doing, I tried to make sure THEY got the credit THEY deserve. Good point Bullpen ... When I look back at my service in Desert Storm, what I experienced is nothing compared to what guys are facing in Iraq/Kuwait, or faced in 'Nam, Korea, WW II, etc ...
KD in CA Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Jim in Anchorage said: Wild guess on my part-navigator? I think they call 'em the Weapons Systems Officer. Smart bombin' Saddam.
Jim in Anchorage Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 KD in CT said: I think they call 'em the Weapons Systems Officer. Smart bombin' Saddam. WSO=WIZZO. Got it. Thanks.
swede316 Posted June 19, 2009 Posted June 19, 2009 Quote You twidgets always get the best billets. I know I know choose your rate choose your fate! Are you teaching at NTTC Corry right now? No...I received a really good job offer from Raytheon back in 2004 and bailed. I now live in Australia and work as a Project Manager. I figure in 18 months or so it might be time to move back to Buffalo for awhile.
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