tennesseeboy Posted June 19, 2009 Share 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkAF43 Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share 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.) I agree totally, you make very good points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullpen Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 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...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damj Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 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 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Wild guess on my part-navigator? I think they call 'em the Weapons Systems Officer. Smart bombin' Saddam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I think they call 'em the Weapons Systems Officer. Smart bombin' Saddam. WSO=WIZZO. Got it. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede316 Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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