Things That Stick With you

[phil441]

Watching the Northern Lights in Goose Bay, Labrador in '61 - '62. They looked like giant green curtains being drawn across the sky. If the wind wasn't too high a few of us would drag folding chairs up to the barracks roof to watch. (Wearing parkas and 'iron pants' of course.)
I wasted a bunch of 35mm film trying to get a picture but just never got the hang of it.

[csm14thbn]

After 27 yrs in the army and multiple deployments, for me it was June 5, 2010. I was the Task Force CSM for the anniversary jump into Normandy. I was the Jumpmaster on the left door and after I exited and checked canopy I started looking down at the Norman countryside and couldnt believe what those guys must have been going through in 1944! My hair stood up on the back of my neck and I couldnt believe I had the honor of jumping into the same area. There were about 400 paratroopers jumping that day(American, British, French, German) and we had to work our way through the crowd (about 20,000) to turn in our parachutes at the turn in point. By the time you made it through the "gauntlet" you didnt have a patch left on your uniform! Everyone wanted a souvineer or to take pictures of you with their kids. It was a pretty amazing event.

[Michaelp]

Nobody looks up to anybody who comes later. We did our time already.
We will look you in the eye and accept you as one who has earned his place in our ranks as a veteran.

[Nick Riviezzo]

Michaelp, I know we haven't agreed on everything in the past and I have to say that your post above leaves alot to be desired. That is a crappy attitude and demonstrates the high esteem you have for yourself. I know next to nothing of your "war record" but if you can't look up to these young men today you have lived a jaded life. BTW, never say never and never say nobody 'cause pal I am not with you on that point of view. Nick

[cwartyman]

I look up to those that served before me and I look up to those that served after me whether that service was in Peace or War. For they have done what many have not. One cannot choose where they are sent but by god they went and did what they had too. Yes, those that went into harms way are a special breed but those who served and did not have to go into harms way are just as special as they were still willing to do it if called on. In the end all gave some and some gave all and all those who have served this great country in its armed forces are deserving of respect.
Mack
USMC
1988-1995

[Bill F]

Had a 1st shirt who used to say "some of the sorriest excuses for human beings crap between a pair of combat boots".
In this day and age where most people don't serve they sure are looked up too by me.Combat time has nothing to do with it.Anyone who served knows that is in Gods hands.
Time to youtube the Henry V speech.

[Michaelp]

So you suggest that as a veteran I should look up to some body who has served as well?
That indicates taking an inferior assessment of one's self. English 101

I say again, I will look a new veteran straight inthe eye and welcome him to our ranks.

Get a clue, Riviezzo, you ain't the "GI Joe of the Internet"
You're just another one of us that did his time.
I'll leave the stories of personal heroism to you and your big head.

[Bill F]

Yes,I find volunteer service to the nation,in our armed forces,to be admirable.No matter when.

[Nick Riviezzo]

Michaelp, I have deleted my inital response to your ignorant personal attack on me. Suffice to say,I put in 23 years of active duty. I went from Private to Major by way of Warrant Officer Aviator and was Commissioned in Viet Nam.I did three combat tours in RVN,one on the ground and two as an Aviator and have been well decorated for my service.So, yes I am proud of my record. Why don't you tell us of your service? But most of all,tell me why you think you're too good to look up to other vets,some have done more than you and I combined. If,of course,you are the holder of the Medal Of Honor I might could understand your attitude But,of the few MOH soldiers that I have had the privilege to listen to,they have always given the credit for their valor to their fellow soldiers. No, I am not a MOH soldier but neither am I too good to salute those of lesser rank first, nor am I too good to look up to those who have followed us. It is a matter of respect and in order to receive respect one must respect himself and earn it from others.Take pride in yourself,but take pride in those that have followed us. Just my,not so humble opinion. Nick

[armorkav]

A-Freakin_Men! Attaboy Nick.

[Kirby]

As a flight commander at Ft. Rucker in the early 80s what that stuck with me most was the look of pride on the faces of the parents each time we graduated a class of new Army aviators. It made think that just maybe what I was doing really was worthwhile.

[Nick Riviezzo]

Kirby, I retired here at Mother Rucker in Feb. '86 and taught in Primary and Advanced Divisions for the contractor until Jan. 2010[24 years]. I believe that is what I was saved for during the perilous times. I wish I had kept accurate count over the years but I think something on the order of 325-350 students "suffered"under my tutelage! Thank God I know of none that were killed.
Armorkav, It was my honor to Command two Air Cav Troops as the Acting Commander[I was a Captain and they were Major slots] But, I believe my finest accomplishment was to Command a ground Armored Cav. Troop[ C Troop 1/10 Cav. at Fort Carson,Co.Very few of us Aviator types got the chance to get a ground command. Thank you for your encouragement. Nick

[Kirby]

Kirby, I retired here at Mother Rucker in Feb. '86 and taught in Primary and Advanced Divisions for the contractor until Jan. 2010[24 years]. I believe that is what I was saved for during the perilous times. I wish I had kept accurate count over the years but I think something on the order of 325-350 students "suffered"under my tutelage! Thank God I know of none that were killed.

You and I may have crossed paths down that way. I spent 80-84 teaching Contact and Combat Skills. My flight's callsign was Crusader, pretty sure that one has fallen victim to political correctness by now.

Came back as a contractor in 90 to teach primary. I was in Mobley's bunch upstairs in one of the hangers teaching primary, can't remember the callsign now. Ended up teaching the CH47 transition on a special contract 90-91 during Desert Shield / Desert Storm. I wish I had kept count of the students myself.

[Nick Riviezzo]

"Mobleys bunch"= Vikings. I was grabbed out of primary to teach OH-58 when Primary went to Huey. When the TH-67 came in the OH-58 contract went away and I was put in your sister flight[Defender] with Will Dillonaire.Small world, my friend. Nick

[Griff Murphey]

The smell of any of the old time type mosquito repellent does it for me. Also diesel fumes somewhat bring back "entrucking."

I find shoe/boot polishing very relaxing.