I took offence and I will matter. Davidmbedard is an arrogant troll, nothing more. Lame apologies and repeated bad behavior indicate an immature and arrogant person who is without character on their own merit and need to gain acceptance by minimizing and insulting the accomplishments of others. Weak minded people like davidmbedard have no business chiming in on veteran matters having achieved nothing himself. I looked at your bios, david, it's pretty empty like your social skills. If you are an adult I pity you, if you are a juvenile then learn to think before you speak or write- it's a thing called "maturity". Look it up in a dictionary if you don't understand what it means. Apologies only matter if you change your behavior; it is not a license to continue disrespecting everybody around you. Why don't you go to a VFW post or American Legion function (or similar Vet organization) and talk to people who've got a story to tell. Your brain might just expand a little, perhaps enough for you to understand what selfless service means and that you are not in fact the center of the universe.
Anybody who has ever served in the military, combat or not, from any country deserves respect and admiration. To those on the forum who have not served for whatever reason, I thank you for supporting veterans of any country in whatever capacity you can.
I normally don't feed the trolls, but this one crossed the line.
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
T-J,
Seriously, stay safe over there.
Here's a shot of me as OIC, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regimental Combat Weather Team in Al Rasheed, Baghdad, Iraq. This was my primary weapon, the Tactical Meteorological Observing System:
Me and my buddy, Saddam:
I'm a member of the VFW at-large post (14000) for active-duty.
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
The thoughts on this post rise above an opinion of any individual. To me, it's inescapable the debt we have to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, the meaning of this particular Memorial Day. Whether one agrees with the politics or not, there are 3,452 servicemembers who have paid that price in Iraq, that final measure of devotion. Something like 25,000 who have been wounded. Some lose their arms or legs, some lose their minds in war too. It's a permanent debt we owe, one which we can't forget. Especially now, this has got to be one of the most important days of this year; to think, to honor, to remember.
I think it only appropriate that members of this forum took a moment this weekend to pay homage. I'm glad that MR is not the only thing on their minds.
To all you currently serving - thank you, and God bless.
US Army 1984-1988
tangerine-jack wrote: I took offence and I will matter. Davidmbedard is an arrogant troll, nothing more. Lame apologies and repeated bad behavior indicate an immature and arrogant person who is without character on their own merit and need to gain acceptance by minimizing and insulting the accomplishments of others. Weak minded people like davidmbedard have no business chiming in on veteran matters having achieved nothing himself. I looked at your bios, david, it's pretty empty like your social skills. If you are an adult I pity you, if you are a juvenile then learn to think before you speak or write- it's a thing called "maturity". Look it up in a dictionary if you don't understand what it means. Apologies only matter if you change your behavior; it is not a license to continue disrespecting everybody around you. Why don't you go to a VFW post or American Legion function (or similar Vet organization) and talk to people who've got a story to tell. Your brain might just expand a little, perhaps enough for you to understand what selfless service means and that you are not in fact the center of the universe.Anybody who has ever served in the military, combat or not, from any country deserves respect and admiration. To those on the forum who have not served for whatever reason, I thank you for supporting veterans of any country in whatever capacity you can.I normally don't feed the trolls, but this one crossed the line.
God Bless & safe journeys TJ!!
When wars are over, there comes a time for forgiveness and reparations. Old enemies become allies, new enemies take up their causes.
It seems appropriate that we let David's apology stand at face value. He has twice expressed remorse for his offensive behaviour, even when he was exposed to the wrath of Tangerine-Jack.
Dave, that, fellow Canadian, was a very promising sign for me...that you kept temperance in your tone and words when you were rebuffed. There's a healthy spark of character there. It needs nurturing, but it is there and can grow to something very large.
You are a talented fellow who has a great deal to offer many of us...I think of CudaKen whom you were pleased to help. If you could learn to pause before you hit the "post" button, or maybe type out emotionally laden replies in Word first for pasting later, and think about those words for an hour, you may save yourself some heartache in the months ahead.
As a veteran of your country, I gratefully accept your apology, and would like us both to move on...so that we can meet as equals here. That you came around means a lot to me, since my service was for you.
-Crandell
god bless our veterans, every one
i would not be here today if a veteran had not put my life befor his when he saved me from a pack of dogs seven years ago. i was hurt badly so he took me to the hospital an got word to my mom an dad. hereos come in all shapes and sizes, in war time and peace time. heroes do not always fight in wars. they also fight fires, fix bikes, help people when they are in trouble, help your family pay bills, help the neighburs kids with their homework and be a freind when you need one. this man didnt have to help me an my family but he did. he says it was the right thing to do. hes on this forum an he knows who i am talkin about. he saved me an many others in his selfless acts of bravry. as he has goten older his health has becom bad an now i help him when he needs it. now i can start tp repay him for the bravery, kindness an goodness that me an my family came to know those years ago. i love this man as i love my own father an he loves me as if i were his son. he helped my mom an dad pay my hospitol bill. that was a lot of money, more than my dad could make in 6 months at the time. he didnt have to but he did. some time back, my father wanted to take me an my mom to the grand canyon but we didnt have enough money. this hero of ours gave us the money we needed for the trip. he didnt have to. when our van broke down for the last time he helped us get a good used van. he didnt have to but he did anyway. when i missed the bus for school he would take me to school. he didnt have to. the world has lots of people like him an we need lots more. thank you jeff for bein there when we needed you. thank god for our veterans
David Parks I am the terror that flaps in the night!
Specialist 4 Edward DeBolt reporting in.
US ARMY November 1971-January 1975
2nd Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade Ft Bliss Texas (Nike-Hercules missile specialist)
also 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Oikinawa, September 1972 to June 1973
Participated in Operation Linebacker 2 during December 1972 - US heavy bombing assualt on North Vietnam, 30th ADA provided high altitude air defense for Okinawa in case of any threatened reprisal attacks by Chinese air forces which never developed.
Served also in South Korea from June 1973 until December 1973 with 2nd Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Brigade .Returned to 2nd Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade in January 1974 until January 1975 at Ft Bliss Texas, served most of my time at McGregor Missile Test Range in maintenance.
My father Torpedoman 2nd class, Lloyd E.DeBolt Jr. ( now deceased) served with the US Navy from 1942 until 1946 aboard the US Naval Destroyer USS GUESST, DD472.DD 472, hit by Japanese Kamikaze during the battle of Okinawa in May 1942, my father was slightly wounded , DD 472 stayed in action, damage was mostly confined to the radar mast which the plane hit, narrowly missing the lower center section of the ship. DD 472 particpated in many major Pacific naval battles all over the South Pacifc, and also the Aluetians campaign.
My mother, also deceased, worked at General Electic in Ft Wayne and was the final inspector on the aircraft engine superchargers which were installed in B-17 and B-24 bombers, which were flown by a lot of very brave and courageous airmen against Hitlers 3rd Reich and Tojo's Japanese Empire.
My uncle, Robert Crosby, flew as a top turret gunner in a B-24 over Europe, and was severly wounded when a German 20mm cannon shell exploded against his turret. He lost most of his hearing, but he's alsso still with us and doing quite well with the use of modern day hearing aids.
My Uncle Cliff, also still with us, flew with the 9th USAAF ( Captain Clifford Gamble) as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot, served in the European theater of operations, and once flew as wingman to famed fighter pilot ace Franciis "Gabby" Gabrieski.
My grandfather Lloyd E. DeBolt Sr served aboard the USS Pennsylvania during WW1 as commander of "Battery "D", the rear 14 inch turret, and was also the ships journalist.
This past Friday( May 25th, 2007) we buried the remains of my 1st cousin, MIA for 37 years in Vietnam ( Captain Herbert C.Crosby Jr), US Army helicopter pilot, flew with the Firebirds, he was Firebird 91, lost in action on January 10th, 1970 along with several crew members.
Aircraft'Firebird 91" was never found, Herbies remains were identified (only a tooth and a dogtag) in December 2006.
Buried with full mlitary honors at Arlington National Cemetery, May 25th, 2007.
Also from my hometown of Ft Wayne Indiana, Lt. Richard Ewing Miller, KIA in North Africa during WW2, flew with Jimmy Doolittle on the famous 'Tokyo Raid', April 18th 1942.
My Uncle Abner was railroad engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad and hauled a lot of war materials out of Ft Wayne Indiana.
My cousin , actress Carole Lombard, travelled around the country entertaining troops and selling War Bonds.
She was killed in an airplane crash just outside Las Vegas Nevada while on a War Bond Tour.
My neighbor Margaret Ringenberg was WW2 WASP ( Womens Air Force Service Pilot) during WW2.
85 years old and still flying airplanes with about 50,000 hours of flight time.
She is a FAA certified flight instructor and also flies in many womens air derbies. There is an entire chapter about her in "The Greatest Generation" under her maiden name of Margaret Ray.
Also from Ft Wayne, WW2 fighter-pilot ace Walker "Bud" Mahurin, served in WW2 and the Korean war, was shotdown and became a Korean POW.
Wrote a book about it titled "Honest John"
We are free only becaause FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!!
God Bless America !!!
Thanks to all those who sacrificed their lives for the USA so we may live in freedom.
Ed DeBolt
Grabill, Indiana
aka "Thek4Kid"
You guys all make me proud! Keep it up...
TJ, Keep your head down and god bless. Dave, love the pic's. My cousin just got back and I have not seen his pics.... He was an engineer out there making things go boom (or NOT making them boom, more likely).
My grandfather was a navy bomber gunner on -bombers over the Pacific during WWII... shot down twice and he served our country with honor. Again, thanks for all who make our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (trains) possible. Thanks again.
Brian
P.S. Let us forgive those who have transgressed in this post and focus on the heroes who we wish to honor on this Memorial day.
T-Jack,
Just wanted to say God bless and come home safely, you'll be in my prayers. Thanks for all of your sacrifices and hard work.
Dave V. - awesome pic with Saddam!
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
Wow I read this entire thread and i have to say interesting. Some people will never understand what sacrifices were made and oh nvm..........
Myself i am a 30 yr old disabled vet ..served 11yrs in the army...been many places....went to iraq 3 times.... got shot 3 times and stabbed once...lost my brother over there...and countless friends.....i hope for a safe return for all....am very thanksful to those who will not come home....proud ...yes very...cuz not everyone can serve in the military ....I walk with a cane now..but im thankful to have both legs still.....i was shot in the heart and now have a diflibulator....but am thankfull its still beating....was shot in the shoulder but i still have an arm...i lost my wife and kids due to being gone all the time.....but i am very thankful everyday ...i have endure some pain and heart ache as every veteran has....but i would do it all over again if i could...id go back right this second if i could......i am very proud to be an american....and nobody can or will take that away from me!
hope everyone has a great memorial day and remembers what its all about!
Grandpa-Cold War
Dad-?????army?????
Thank you. I think it is nice to honar the soldiers.
zeke wrote:We are free only becaause FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!! God Bless America !!! Thanks to all those who sacrificed their lives for the USA so we may live in freedom. Wow I read this entire thread and i have to say interesting. Some people will never understand what sacrifices were made and oh nvm.......... Myself i am a 30 yr old disabled vet ..served 11yrs in the army...been many places....went to iraq 3 times.... got shot 3 times and stabbed once...lost my brother over there...and countless friends.....i hope for a safe return for all....am very thanksful to those who will not come home....proud ...yes very...cuz not everyone can serve in the military ....I walk with a cane now..but im thankful to have both legs still.....i was shot in the heart and now have a diflibulator....but am thankfull its still beating....was shot in the shoulder but i still have an arm...i lost my wife and kids due to being gone all the time.....but i am very thankful everyday ...i have endure some pain and heart ache as every veteran has....but i would do it all over again if i could...id go back right this second if i could......i am very proud to be an american....and nobody can or will take that away from me! hope everyone has a great memorial day and remembers what its all about!
And that, my friend, is what those who never served will never understand. A soldier lives a miserable life and often has to face a horrible death, but they keep going. Not for love of country, not for love of ideas or politics, but always, always, always, for the love of the brother soldier.
zeke wrote:We are free only becaause FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!! Myself i am a 30 yr old disabled vet ..served 11yrs in the army...been many places....went to iraq 3 times.... got shot 3 times and stabbed once...lost my brother over there...and countless friends.....i hope for a safe return for all....am very thanksful to those who will not come home....proud ...yes very...cuz not everyone can serve in the military ....I walk with a cane now..but im thankful to have both legs still.....i was shot in the heart and now have a diflibulator....but am thankfull its still beating....was shot in the shoulder but i still have an arm...i lost my wife and kids due to being gone all the time.....but i am very thankful everyday ...i have endure some pain and heart ache as every veteran has....but i would do it all over again if i could...id go back right this second if i could......i am very proud to be an american....and nobody can or will take that away from me!
Zeke,
You are a hero. Whenever I read stories like yours I am almost ashamed of my own service, because I have given far less than you have. My one trip to Iraq was far quieter than your 3 have been, and I didn't lose any close friends or family. Other than a touch of dysentery, I was completely unharmed (although I lost a lot of hair!).
You are an inspiration and why the American soldier can never be defeated on the battlefield. If the war is lost it will be lost in the court of public opinion and in Washington DC, but never on the battlefield.
Thank you for your service.
Dave Vollmer wrote: T-J,Seriously, stay safe over there.Here's a shot of me as OIC, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regimental Combat Weather Team in Al Rasheed, Baghdad, Iraq. This was my primary weapon, the Tactical Meteorological Observing System:Me and my buddy, Saddam:I'm a member of the VFW at-large post (14000) for active-duty.
Thanks for posting a pic of the 53. Boy does that bring back memories, especially the ones of the times we had to pack it up when we were done with it. The styrofoam transit cases never cease to amaze me, although they are pretty tough.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
This comment is to davidmbedard. You may not understand the blessings that you have recieved through the sacrifcices our citizens and families have made in the defence of freedom. I have served in the United States Navy and have experienced the sacrafices that our men and women make in serving our nation. I was injured while training stateside and I will spend the rest of my life dealing with the consequences. My grandefather died when I was 10 as a result of his military service. Numerous other members of my family have taken us the cause of freedom for this nation.
Memorial Day is a neccessary remembrance our bravest who gave all for us. We should remeber them everywhere in our lives. To say that our remebrance should be excluded fro one area for the convenience of a fool is insane. If it were not for the men and women we remeber today, he would most likely not have the freedom to make such a fool of himself.
God Bless the United States, her fallen soldiers, and their families. Please make a point of reaching out to the families today. They need to know that as Americans we are eternally gratefull for their sacrafice. If you are not, please fly our flag today in remembrance.
zeke wrote: Myself i am a 30 yr old disabled vet ..served 11yrs in the army...been many places....went to iraq 3 times.... got shot 3 times and stabbed once...lost my brother over there...and countless friends.....i hope for a safe return for all....am very thanksful to those who will not come home....proud ...yes very...cuz not everyone can serve in the military ....I walk with a cane now..but im thankful to have both legs still.....i was shot in the heart and now have a diflibulator....but am thankfull its still beating....was shot in the shoulder but i still have an arm...i lost my wife and kids due to being gone all the time.....but i am very thankful everyday ...i have endure some pain and heart ache as every veteran has....but i would do it all over again if i could...id go back right this second if i could......i am very proud to be an american....and nobody can or will take that away from me!
From someone who's never served, but "gets it" as much as a civilian can,
WOW!
davidmbedard wrote: ...not Model Railroad related...David
...not Model Railroad related...
David
Lighten up, David. No, it's not model railroad related, but it serves a purpose here. For all of us who haven't served it helps us thank those around this forum who have.
Every Memorial Day I go to a parade that features military personnel and flyovers... including a P-51 Mustang. Every time that beauty goes ripping by overhead, it sends a chill down my spine. It also reminds me the importance of telling my children why they're attending that parade and how grateful they should be to all the people they see in uniform.
Thanks, once again, to all those who have served. I'm sorry this thread turned ugly.
Bergie
I served 6 years in the Army,won a silver star in 'Nam..We had a saying in 'Nam that still holds true today...It don't mean nothing..That Silver Star won't get me a cup of coffee at the local VFW club.
Yes remember us but,above all remember and honor those that didn't come home.Those are the true heros that paid the ultimate price for freedom-in all wars..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
No I'm not going to bash David ,opinions are opinions.
Father - Merriels Maraders WWII Korea
2 Brothers both 20 year USAF Oldest brother purple heart in Nam
Myself 4 years U. S. Army 65-69 disabled
Thanks to all you current and past servers, we just do what we gotta do. Sorry I got in so late.
Jerry SP FOREVER http://photobucket.com/albums/f317/GAPPLEG/
Many thanks to those that remember what Memorial Day is about. It seems that a lot of people have forgotten. Thanks to those that remember that it takes 10 behind the lines to support one man on the line.
I am partially disabled vet. Germany 1967 to 1968, USATCC Karlsruhe. Built 1/5000 car at service club craft center. Attracted a lot of attention from others there. 1968 to 1970, Camp Darby, Italy with duty at Coltano communications switching center. Spec 5, Fixed Crypto Maintenance. Kitbashed Atlas Station and Atlas Lumber Yard in footlocker (still have both). Also super detailed Studebaker Avanti as rally car complete with 5 point shoulder harness, fire extinguisher, and driving lights. Started a lot of others trying to do similar for themselves. Scratch built narrow gauge boxcar.
Brother-in-law - 2 tours aboard nuclear missle sub.
Brother-in-law - Korean War duty.
Uncle - WWII Germany
Father not in military but forman on tank periscope line and air raid warden during WWII.
Grandfather - Disabled from Malaria, Spanish American War, Cuba.
Great, Great Grandfather - Disabled, Civil War. Horse reared and fell on him injuring back.
Niece's Husband - Shortly to retire from career in Air Force.
Proud to have served and thankful for the others that have also.
Doug
Doug, Thanks. My family has been in it for A long time to. Rufus Fitch, QM at Morristown, Jerimiah Bingham, a Vermont Volunteer at Ticonderoga at the original battle, then at the Evac. and also at the surrender of (damn, brain fart, Saratoga.). My gg's where Ruebin Johnson, a Methodist clergy in Jericho Corner's, now Sugar grove Twp., Kane, IL. he ran the Undergrond, along with several other's between Plano/ Yorkville and Aurora.. His father, Elisha Johnson, a devout, both Deacon's. Reubins son, Rufus Fitch Johnson, served 100-days in the 141st. in garrison duty in Georgia. They all came out here through Chituaguqua, NY via Vermont. Anyone remember the Chitiguaqua? Three first generation Nagles from free Ireland signed up for WWI. One Died and is buried in France. One in Mt. Olivert in Aurora. My grandfather George W. Scott served in the 17th. calvary in 1917, then stayed there until 1930. whem it became the 49th Motor Trans. Co., 1st. Calv. QT. His Grand father, George W Scott, served in the Illinois 21 & 75 Infantry in the Civil War. My own father was in the H&S Co., #d Amtract BN. 1stMarine Div, Camp. Penedelton. His sister married a Marine from Korea. My sister,joined the USMC. They wouldn't let me, I was a HS droput, and they weren't taking them AT THAT TIME (NOW THEY"D LOVE ME). An uncle in the USN, another in the USAF, Several In the US Army, along with friend of my sister's. And SO MANY MORE I have yet to find. I just wish I could have done MY PART. Them Bastards ( sorry, that was wrong, but my feelings, nontheless)refused me because I didn't have a college education. Theyn tild me to join the... Well anyway. I don't want to remove what my ancsestors have done since the beginning. They made this country. Old English going against there own. How hard that must have been? Noone really wanted that, It had to be done! Even those who fought on Washingtons side wished we still remain part of Britian when was over! The Civil War before the Civill War!
We fought hard for this country, often to our own disgarss ( the American Indians was neccesary, yet very digrassfull, we needed to populate the land Quickley! Anyone seriuos in history knows European powers were just waiting to take back what they had lost!) The cicil War wher all heros, as far as I'm concerned( Oh boy, the fIght I'm gonna get here) tHE WHOLE ISSUE ON SLAVRY WAS A minor ONE, JUST THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE SOUTHERS BACK. Even Lincoln refused to sign the Emancipation until he had screwed it up SO MUCH, he had no choice, the blacks where theonly ones left willing to fight. History isn't glorious, or beutiful. It's what it is. It was the DEMOCRATES that ruled the south, HHMMM. Most wher bankrupt and where more than willling to end nslavery, not just in one follow swoop, though. They wanted a more European end to it. And in the the end, it was just a minor issue in the larger issues the North was puttining on the South. Europeanns were lining up to dissect what was left. EVERYONE knew they had to reunite. The south invaded the north to end the war Quickly, to imposse THEIR "Articles of Confederation", the new Constitution. Europe was entie up the spoils. They both knew it. The worst war in our history, and yet the MOST UNDERSTOOD! It wasn't a war of slavery, Lincoln made several speaches making that clear. It was a war of constitution! I just find it hularious that it was Southern Dem. that vetoed anti-slavery, it was Dem that voted for Interstates that run through up and coming black neighborhoods. It was Republicans who went to war to stop this, yet blacks continually vote for there oppressores. What a little Gov. cheese, and a life time of dealing drugs without a job, will do vote a vote, eh?