Vets out there

[West Penn Nscale]

20 years Army National Guard and one tour in Iraq 2005-2006 Ramadi, Please think of  the fallen Soldiers,Marines, Airmen, Sailors, they were the best this country had and they gave thier life to defend it ...

[XRAY]

 To all my fellow vets out there throughout the world thank you for your service. And to the families of the fallen your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

7 1/2 years active duty (Duck Hunter) 1st ID(Gemany with a tour in the sandbox), 11th ADA (Fort Bliss)

2 1/2 years reserves 7th ARCOM (Germany)

 John

[rs2mike]

scubaterry

. This is our weekend so its ok to toot our own horn.
Terry

 

 

To everyone that has served...... I feel you are MORE THAN entitled to "toot your own horn" Whenever and wherever you please.  For it is what you all did that gives us what we have today.  I have many friends that have served or are just finishing their time.  I let them know every chance I get how grateful I am.  Had things panned out differently for me 9 years ago I too would be in service flying C-130's most likely out of youngstown ohio.

 

THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING U DID!!!!!!

[dstarr]

 I served six years in USAF from 1964 to 1970, including a tour in South East Asia in 1968. 

[subman]

Jason          You are right about the sans. They say or I was told that you are not a true boat man until you have screwed up the sans blowing & venting process as I did the first time I did it on my own just before morning quarters. Not wanting to miss them I cleaned up as best I could but still smelled like a full porta potty After quarters I had to clean up the head until it smelled like roses.The COB made me the official san tanks blower for 2 straight weeks.I studied the procedure until I could do it in the dark. As far as trading the fish in I never met a man who after earning them would trade them in willingly for surface craft.

[CTValleyRR]

Hamltnblue

 That's what they have empty cans for.

Sonar could use one though, along with a coffee pot, and spare ice cream machine 

I hear ya!  Unfortuantely, the Navy gets final approval on the design, and they think it's good for their sailors to suffer.

Seriously,though, you guys should get a look at the inside of a Virginia-class fast attack.  It's almost like it was actaully designed to hold sailors, rather than adding them as an afterthought like the 688's.  Pretty slick machines. 

[locoi1sa]

 Let us all remember what this holiday is really about.

  A very heartfelt THANK YOU to the fallen comrades. With out your sacrifice we would not have the freedom to enjoy a hobby such as this.

  Nothing ticks me off more then hearing someone say this holiday is the beginning of summer and time off from work. It tends to cheapen what so many have died for.

  Take a few moments of your holiday to salute the REAL reason we share this freedom.

        Pete

[tomkat-13]

 

 

I am an US NAVY VET 1972-1976 SK-3

USS LEXINGTON CVT-16

USS L.Y. SPEARS AS-36

NAS Miramar

But today I wish to remember all who are not with us. One is my Father-in-Law Don Cole who flew 23 Missions in a B-24 Bomber as a radio-gunner in the 15th AF. 459th BG 757th BS ETO.

Also remember all of the Disabled Vets who have given so much.

God Bless America!

 

[Hamltnblue]

 That's what they have empty cans for.

Sonar could use one though, along with a coffee pot, and spare ice cream machine 

[jguess733]

CTValleyRR

Now I build submarines at Electric Boat

 

 

Can you do me a favor. When you guys design and build the next generation SSBN, can you put a urinal out near CAMP in the Missile Compartment? All the future Missile Tech's would appreciate it.

[yankee flyer]

 Four years in Air Force, 56 through Jan of 60 as electronic tech. Only had to deal with the cold war. I spent a year in Alaska 7000' up on a mountain top helping to look for Ruskies. Hardships? Well I did spend a few minutes on guard duty at 45 degrees below otherwise good food, warm buildings and 250 friends going stir crazy. 

Thanks to all that had to go in harms way.

Lee

 

[CTValleyRR]

10 yrs USN as a Supply Corps Officer, and a veteran of the first Gulf War.  USS Normandy (CG-60), SEAL Team TWO, USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN-708).  Now I build submarines at Electric Boat-- gets in your blood.  I also grew up in the village of Boalsburg, PA, one of several towns in the country with a legitimate claim to be the "Birthplace of Memorial Day".

Speaking for myself, just because Memorial Day is an observed holiday for us Yanks, that doesn't make anyone else's service to and sacrifice for his country any less valuable.  As we celebrate our service to our country, take a moment to congratulate yourselves on your service.  You can be justifiably proud of it.

[Medina1128]

R. T. POTEET

ADDENDUM: although it is, perhaps, more appropriate to tender a "Thank You" to our Canadian friends on November 11th--after all, Memorial Day was set aside in 1868 as a day of commemoration for the (Union) dead in our recently concluded Civil War--I wish to tender to all of you a hearty thanks for your service over the years. We citizens of the United States are a little deficient in our knowledge of your military accomplishments so I will just take a minute here to reflect on some of those, if I may be so bold.

 

 And a rousing rendition of "Scotland the Brave" to you, as well! For those that don't recall the song, we "Yanks" used it in our Old Spice commercials.

[Medina1128]

cacole

I served 26 years in the U.S. Army and then worked as a civilian instructor at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center for another 16 years.

 

Ft. Huachuca! Hello, from a fellow "Zonie"! Oh, and retired Air Force, too.

[Colorado_Mac]

It's funny how this thread started 5 years ago and gets revived periodically. Of course, since I'm new here I haven't weighed in yet - Army 3 years counterintelligence commo and 3 years armor. Then 9 years as a DoD contractor for the Navy. I remember storing copies of Model Railroader in the empty ammo tubes on the tanks.

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

 

I salute all of you VETS and thank you all for your service to us all.   We are fortunate on this blessed Continent that we both have such valiant dedicated neighbors going both ways.

From the wide spacious Canadian Prairies I wish you a great Memorial Day week end and may all our Servicemen and Women come home safely.

Johnboy out........................................

[blackpowder1956]

I was a Navy physician from 1976-1984. I am now an Anesthesiologist in private practice. My father spent a 20 year career as a pilot in the USAF; F-86's in Korea to C-123's in Vietnam. He received a Silver Star for operations over Khe Sang. My wife served 11 years as a Navy Nurse. - Mike

[EM-1]

When my dad openend a letter for me from the draft board in Jan. 1965, he called them and told them where to find me- Flight 18, 3703 Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, (Yehaa!) Texas.  I was a Draft Dodger - I selected 4 years active duty in the AF instead of waiting to be drafted for 2 years active duty in the Army.  Beat the Draft by 3 weeks.  Spent 24 weeks at Chanute AFB in Illinois for AGE tech School, 18 months at Wheelus AFB, Triloli, Libya.  When I was getting ready to rotate Stateside, they asked me where I wanted to go.  Not wanting ro see sand anymore, I asked for East or West coast assignments.  Had the system figured out apparently, they sent me to Forbes AFB, Topeka, Kansas, just a couple hundred miles from the geographic center of the company.  While PCS there, I got to spend a 6 month TDY at Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, Mo, 4 months on 2 separate TDYs to Brasil, where I met and eventually married my wife of 41 years, and also got to see a little bit of Trinidad, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.  Barely had time to get familiar with Topeka.

One of the big scares was at Wheelus when an excited CQ came running through the barracks about 2:15AM calling out that we were on alert, and the code was DEFCON 4, not the usual practice code.  Turns out it was the big NYC Blackout.  False Alarm.   I was kind of numb already, since when I got off night shift two days before, I got a little over an hour's sleep, when 8th pulled an ORI (Operational Readiness Inspection).  So, I had an almost 24 hour duty day with.  Then with the DEFCON bit, I got another nearly 20 hour duty day with no sleep and two meals (K Rations, yet).  About 56 hours with maybe 3 hours sleep and 7 meals.

In spite of the long hours and hard pay,I had a great time, met a lot of great people, worked for a quality and competancy of supervisor I rarely had in civilian life, nearly became a lifer, and never regreted a second of the time.

[LooseClu]

USAF 1964-68 as a Russian Linguist and intell analyst.  Spent the last 1 year 9 months and 11 days in Alaska which made the decision to get out of the military and return to college (in a far warmer climate) a no brainer.  Retired now and living on a barrier island off the Texas coast( and I still really hate cold weather).

[jguess733]

I absolutely love it when sans are vented inboard. It's like living in a port-a-potty. Or when nobody can figure out how to work the ships entertainment system because meat head unhooked everything to plug a laptop into so they could show a power point for a training session. But I think the best is when we broach the ship just so those P-3 jockey's can find us. Heaven forbid they loose a war game. But I wouldn't trade my fish in for anything.

[Hamltnblue]

subman

hamltnblue part of my problem was those dam planesmen poping the snorkle induction head valve all the time while running submerged on 3 main engines Oh well Uncle Sam sends me a check every month for that. It only takes 6 seconds to have the engines suck out every bit of atmospheric pressure and pull a 6" vacuum and that feels like your ear drums are being pulled out of your head at least to me it did.

 

Luckily being on a nuke I didn't have the brains sucked out too often but now and then they ran the diesel during reactor scram drills.   Even worse was when they would stick the snorkel up and equalize pressure after the Hipac had been running for an extended period and not being at PD for several days. 

[RedGrey62]

While I served 27 years in the Air Force including two tours in Iraq attached to the 101st Airborne Division, we must never forget that Memorial Day is to honor those who did not return.  Unfortunately I knew a few of them and I was proud to serve with them.

Ricky Keil, 1981-2009, CMSgt, Retired

[R. T. POTEET]

I was a blue suiter for twenty years and 26 days beginning 5 Aug 1958. Did my duty in AFSCs 304X0--Radio Relay; 305X1--Computer Maintenance; 511X0--Computer Operations. Entered onto the retired roles 1 Sep 1978 as a Technical Sergeant (E-6). Had PCS assignments in Texas--of course, Mississippi, Turkey, Pakistan, Washington, Massachusetts, the Philippines, California, Vietnam--of course, Germany, Arizona, the Azores, and back to Arizona. I was an Air Force "Brat' and I didn't have what I would label a particularly "Good Career" and, had I known what was ahead of me when I took that first oath of enlistment at Fort Douglas, Utah on that  5th day  of August in 1978 I most probably would have remained a civilian; I hadn't, however, been out but a very short time when I began to reflect that no one could ever offer me any amount of money whatsoever for the experience of those twenty years.

To each of you who served, no matter what that capacity might have been, and when it might have been, I am grateful to God for your service and extend to you a profound "Thank You!"

. . . . . . . . . . and as a sidebar tomorrow I attain a big number seven zero . . . . . . . . . . thirty years and four or five more layouts to a hundred..

ADDENDUM: although it is, perhaps, more appropriate to tender a "Thank You" to our Canadian friends on November 11th--after all, Memorial Day was set aside in 1868 as a day of commemoration for the (Union) dead in our recently concluded Civil War--I wish to tender to all of you a hearty thanks for your service over the years. We citizens of the United States are a little deficient in our knowledge of your military accomplishments so I will just take a minute here to reflect on some of those, if I may be so bold.

In World War Two your contribution to the winning of the Battle of the Atlantic was second to none; your forces put up one of the stoutest defences in the defence of Hong Kong in December, 1941 following Pearl Harbor; you formed the majority of the forces that made the assault at Dieppe on the 17th of August, 1942; your 1st Army hinged the left flank on the advance into Belgium, Holland, and Germany in 1944-45. And if one really wants to read a story of military glory pick up a history book on World War One and ready about the 1917 battle around Ypres in Belgium and about a mudpit called Passchendaele. That has to be one of history's greatest feats of bravery. Well done, sirs; well done and I will thank you for your service over the years.

[don246]

drafted in dec. 65, 1year in colorado, 1 year in nam out in 67, from freezing to mold interesting is what i called it.

[scubaterry]

 Well I see this thread got another shot in the arm.  That's great, it's always good to hear fm fellow vets.  And I want to apologize to Crandell and all the  others for not including other militarys in my original post.  Even though it was posted a couple of years ago I just spent a bit reading all of the posts.   A vet is a vet regardless of country.  We all share that common trait of obligation and sacrifice for our countries.  Of course it was nice to spend a couple of days on a Canadian Destroyer in the Gulf.  The bar was open.  Crandell I don't know how you guys ever get anything done underway,

 I got into MRR'ing late in life so I pretty much ignored all the trains I ran acrossed during my 23 yrs in the Navy.  I remember Yakoska had a RR on base but I don't recall ever seeing any locomotives just the tracks as I stumbled over them after a night on the town.

 

[dadurling]

 20 years in the NH Army National Guard, retired in 2005. Deployments to Europe, Central and South America, two peacekeeping tours in the Balkans, but luckily didn't end up in the desert.

[BobL609]

U.S. Air Force, 1969 to 1973.  K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, U-Tapao RTNAS, Thailand, HqTAC Langley AFB, Virginia.  Salutes to all those who have served, are serving and will serve. 

[AltoonaRailroader]

I served 5 years in the Navy, 88'-93'. Four of them on the USS Caron DD-970 as a Gunner's mate. She now sits at the bottom of the Carribean off the coast of Purto Rico, and on the back of my leg as a Tattoo. I made E-5 before I got out and went to the Persian Gulf twice.

[cedarwoodron]

3.5 years Navy active duty 72-76, NAS North Island and NAS Moffett Field.

Glad I enlisted, Proud I served, Grateful to all others who did a turn or a career in any of the services!

[HaroldA]

This is a great thread and we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the vets who served in all time and in all places.  I was a Chaplain's Assistant at Fort Lewis Washington during Vietnam.  I still remember that during the last week of AIT the units would go through a simulated Viet Cong village and once they were done, my Chaplain and I would go out and serve communion to them since in the next few days they would be transported to the war.  To this day I think about those guys and the fact that for some the communion was one of the last things they did on American soil. 

Bless them all.

[Gil Janus]

USAF - 1962 -> 1966 - mostly with the 49th FIS as an Automatic Weapons Control System Mechanic/Technican - it means I took care of the MG-13 weapons system - radar, infra-red, tracking computers, weapons launch, etc - I did this work on McDonnell F-101B/F Voodoo aircraft - a very cool bird.

Since we were short handed, I also doubled as a Weapons Loader, so I got not only fix the planes weapons systems, I got to load/re-load the planes with their missles and rockets. Much fun was had - and my team won a few 3-days passes for being the best.

Gil

[subman]

hamltnblue part of my problem was those dam planesmen poping the snorkle induction head valve all the time while running submerged on 3 main engines Oh well Uncle Sam sends me a check every month for that. It only takes 6 seconds to have the engines suck out every bit of atmospheric pressure and pull a 6" vacuum and that feels like your ear drums are being pulled out of your head at least to me it did.

[O_Kamoto]

cleo3

Vietnam vet, Army, Chinook crewchief. Memorial Day is a very meaningful holiday for me. I didn't lose any friends, but many thousands didn't come home alive. Ken

 

Alright!  A fellow "hooker",

 CH-47D crewmember 2002-2008 OEF, OIF

[cleo3]

Vietnam vet, Army, Chinook crewchief. Memorial Day is a very meaningful holiday for me. I didn't lose any friends, but many thousands didn't come home alive. Ken

[richg1998]

Hamltnblue

subman

6 years Navy, 1  year various schools 5 years fast attack subs. Lost  hearing in left ear or would have gone the route. (You can`t stand sonar watches if you can`t hear)

 

Left ear because one ear piece was on and the right one off so you can hear others in the shack while chatting :)

I think most in sonar lost some hearing. I know I did. 

 

Been there, done that, have the T shirt. USS Mills T shirt actually. Leading sonarman on the Mills until Aug 1963.

Rich

[Hamltnblue]

subman

6 years Navy, 1  year various schools 5 years fast attack subs. Lost  hearing in left ear or would have gone the route. (You can`t stand sonar watches if you can`t hear)

 

Left ear because one ear piece was on and the right one off so you can hear others in the shack while chatting :)

I think most in sonar lost some hearing. I know I did. 

[AztecEagle]

Although I never served,I tried to enlist in the Reserves in the early 80's but couldn't pass the physical.

However,I've had two nephews who served in Iraq in the Army and one of my neice's husband served in Afghanistan as an demolitions expert in early 2002.

I salute all of you who served honorably and loyally past and present.

[richg1998]

 US Navy, 1959 to 1963. USS MIlls DER 383.

Another fallen this past Friday in nearby Ludlow, MA. Marine Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges

The city shut down the schools for the day to allow students and residents to watch the funeral procession into the city from Westover Air Base.

Rich

[subman]

6 years Navy, 1  year various schools 5 years fast attack subs. Lost  hearing in left ear or would have gone the route. (You can`t stand sonar watches if you can`t hear)

[cowman]

USAF '67-'71.  Gt Falls, MT - Thule, Grnld - Lockbourne, OH 

Hat has always gone off to "The Greatest Generation."  Also to those who served in Korea (the one I remember). those that drew Nam assignments (served with them) and now those who are serving in Iraq and Afganistan (hear the news daily).   There have been other "actions" that deserve our respect too.

Son, an AF Guard tech, been to Iraq twice.  Can't imagine the feelings of the families of those who served in WWII, so far from home with such slow communications.

Thank you to all that have and are serving.

[Great Western Rwy fan]

I Proudly served in the US AIR FORCE for 10 Years, Oct 1984- Oct 1994 as an "46150" AMMO troup.IYAAYAS HooRahh!!

3 Years at RAF Upper Heyford United Kingdom... Operation "Eldorado Canyon" Libya

3 Years at Hill AFB Utah... TDY for Operation "Just Cause" Panama in Dec 89 to take out Noreiga

1 Year at OSAN AB Republic of Korea

3 Years at K.I. Sawyer AFB Michigan

[Steam4Ever2]

20 years Army, RVN to "Almost Baghdad" with side trips to Panama and Grenada.  Mainly in the Cav.  Been shot, bombed, stabbed, and set on fire, but those were good days!  Why?  'Cause I'm still here to enjoy Model Railroading.  In the finest Cavalry Tradition: "A Toast to all our Fallen Comrades"

[Hamltnblue]

 8 1/2 years in the US Sub force as a Sonarman. SSN 698, SSBN 617, and instructor in San Diego.

[locoi1sa]

 Six years active 80 to 86. Germany, Ft. Knox and Korea (Above freedom bridge) Living in a GP medium through winter and monsoon season was no fun at all. Does anyone know if Warrior base is still there? I loved Germany. Pirmasens by the French border was great. When I got assigned to 3rd Armor I spent more time in Grafenwohr. Germany was great. The people were very friendly. I was only stationed states side for one year. Not long enough to enjoy it.

        Pete

[Santa Fe buff]

 I am a Vietnam vet.  I served in the USAF for 13 years.

 I was stationed in Texas, California, Guam, Thailand and Okinawa.

 

[dwhitetop2]

2 years active duty with 1 year in vietnam  68  69     Dave

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

US Army Retired: Master Sargent

US Army Special Operations Force (SOF)

19 years 9 month

"De Oppresso Liber"

The Best of the best

 

[trainf7]

Served four years in the USAF-K9-1967-1971.

[Top "BIX"]

Hi,  "Top Bix" here;  USMC  1967 to 2003, retired from HMM-364 (Purple Foxes [CH-46s]).  Towards the end of my career, If we were not deployed at Christmas, I would set up a temp layout for our Christmas party in the Hangar.  Three 12 x 10 alum  Air Force pallets set on top of 8 "54" cube embark boxes.  All covered with bolts of green camo sheeting with the Squadron's tree in the very middle.  Had 3 "O" loops with 2 "O-27" inside of them.  Ran 5 trains at the same time.  Lots of Kids young and old enjoyed it.  Boy, what a work load though for a 4 hour party!  Also, had to get the Hangar ready for work the next day so the whole thing had to come down after the party.  But it was surprising how many folks would help me put everything away back into the boxes and then into a couple of cars and/or trucks to put it back into my raffters back at the house in Oceanside.  Really miss all those Marines!  Had a couple of "carpet central" layouts in my room at MCAS Futenma also when I was deployed there!

[NYCfan]

Served 9 years in the 16th MP Brigade (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, NC. From '85-'91 was in the 108th MP Co (Air Assault), did the whole Panama, (twice, once in 88 then invaded in 89), and Desert Shield/Desert Storm thing. Got back and decide I'd had enough of deployments, so I re-enlisted for my last three years, (91-94) for US Army Garrison, (USAG) MP company as a Traffic Accident Investigator. Fortunately, I wised up and got out. Now I work as a contractor on Ft. Bragg and spend my time trying to convince my family that it would be fun for us to live in the garage so I can convert the house to the "ultimate" layout. So far, my wife of 17 years is not convinced. Oh well, guess I'll keep trying!!!

Joe

[cudaken]

 18th Air Born Ft Bragg NC. Military Police, then Recon, then CID. Now you folks know why I am not to smart. Only Brid S--T and Fools fall from the sky! I joined and finshed jump school just as the last grunts where pulled out of Nam.

 Came close to going to war, 2:00 AM and unit was wook up at 2:00 AM. We thought it was a COMET (test to check to unit was battel ready). Hit the tar mack at Pop AFB and was ready to get on the C-140. Then we where given LIFE Rounds, this was no Comet we are going to war.

 Went air born, touched down either in FL or TX still don't know for sure. 130 was refuled and over the ocean we went. After a hour the C 130 turned around and we went back to Bragg. This was a few year's before we took over Pan A Mall (soory about spelling) and the Commander and Cheif decied to back off that time. I am not a P--sy but FT Bragg never looked as good as that day when we sat down.

 As far as the Dems want us to not to win, sounds like Nam again to me. Should we have went? I think Bush was doing what he thought was needed from what he was told. I all so knew that winning the battle would be easy ad the ground war was. Far as stopping the idots that want to kill them self so they can go to heaven, well?

 

                           Cuda Ken

[Don Z]

I did 3 years in the US Army with the 1st Cav Division, 15th AG Co, serving as a would you believe a trombone player? My MOS was 02F20, trombone player, one each! One of my duty highlights was performing for then President Carter when he visited Ft. Hood.

Don Z.

[Meyblc]

Joined the USAF in 1988. Went to school to become a Tactial Aircraft Maintenance Specialist (F-16 Crew Chief) Was stationed at Hahn AB in Germany, then Shaw AFB in SC. Did the Desert Storm thing. Goy out and joined the Air National Guard and worked KC-135's in NH, A-10's / OA-10's in MA and finally moved back to F-16's in Vermont. Have been a member of the VTANG now for almost 10 years. I currently am full time guard at Langley AFB, VA working at our Air Sovernty Alert facility.

[Charlie]

I spen 11 (87-98) years split btwn Active duty AF as a Security Specialist and Army Guard as a 31 Charlie (Single Channel Radio Operator) and 31 Lima (wire doggie). I was w/the 52nd SPS at Spangbang er, I mean Spangdahlm Airbase in Germany. Ended up being medically discharged due to diabetes. Many memories and miss it greatly

Ch

[Conrail5]

Served 6 years as a ground pounder for Uncle Sam in the United States Army.

Alas, my old unit has been disbanded

It's a shame they won't let us "old school" soldiers back in to kick some Iraqi insurgent a$$ or light up a terrorist or two! 

God Bless

[Curmudgeon]

Hey, you know the Sinkin' Sara (CVA 60) is gonna be saved as a museum at the old Naval Air station in RI?

Quonset Point, I think.

Got the money, got the Navy and the State on-board.

(Story goes the Governor of RI went on a "tour", realized in a state emergency he could almost fit the entire state's residents on-board, and all the stuff is there, including the ALCO diesels for emergency power)

Gonna have a strip-ship to the Forest Fire (CVA-59) on the other side of the pier to get the stuff that's missing.

I heard the CVA-59 is scheduled for a Sink-Ex as nobody tried to save her.

[jacon12]

1961-64 Navy... U.S.S. Forrestal aircraft carrier.  When everybody was on board I had the company of around 5,000 other guys.  No females back then, dang it! 

JaRRell

[Santa Fe buff]

Hi!!

I was in the USAF for 13 years.

I am a Vietnam Veteran.

I was stationed overseas twice.

I was a Production Scheduler.

[Anonymous]

 yes we are out there, every year we meet at the nmra national convention we meet as a group,we will be there again in detroit,if your going ask for zack ,rich ,otto or jim we usually hang around the sig room.  we all have between 20 to 30 plus years in as indivials

[Ibflattop]

Served 6 years U.S. Army in Radio Communications.     Kevin

 

 

 

  " We are the eyes and ears of the Division!"

[stocksj]

Serverd 22 years in the Army retiring in 1999. Served in Korea (twice), Hawaii and Japan.

Proud to serve. Father and grandfather worked in the railroad.

 

  Go Intel

[stocksj]

Serverd 22 years in the Army retiring in 1999. Proud to serve. Father and grandfather worked in the railroad.

 

  Go Intel

[axeheadsq12]

nmcb 24 dixie doers. yes seabees can do , 96 to 2004

[stokesda]

Currently in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Going on 9 years active duty. My first assignment was overseas in Okinawa. Then I was in NMCB 40 out of Port Hueneme, CA - deployed to Guam, East Timor, and Okinawa. Then went to grad school at U. of Colorado (). Then to NAS Whidbey Island. Currently on 6-mo. temp duty in Iraq. My wife and I are expecting our first child about a month before I get back. I'm sure many of you who responded to this thread can relate to that!

Seabees CAN DO!

[Anonymous]

I,m not a vet, but I am  totally indebted to everyone who gave the ultimate sacrifice & those who are still sacrificing their lives so we may still have the freedoms that we enjoy every day in this country which the vets have made the greatest on earth!  My hat is off especially to the Vietnam vets who toiled in our little "police action" which I have been told 1st hand had fighting as fierce & deadly as any war. I'm truly humbled & thank scubaterry for thr reminder of the upcoming holiday. Thanks again to all the vets out there,  Tweet.

[Curmudgeon]

Retired USN, 20 years and 1 month, 1972-1992, served aboard FBM submarines and made 18 patrols as a Missile Technician.
USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657)
USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630)
USS Nathan Hale (SSBN 623)
USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN 655)

 

Geez.

We got a "part-time sailor" here!

What a life. three months on, and three months off.

Anyway, I was "Fast-Attack Tough", served on a big and black and never come back 637 class nuke.

68-74, and I still glow in the dark.

ET, SINS tech, but I got called on for the strangest things nobody could figure out how to fix.

East Coast, that's Murmansk......Med, all over.

USS SeaHorse, SSN-669.

Many years later, I was COB on the SS(B)-39 Cobra, a Foxtrot diesel boat....figured how how to make stuff to replace what was missing.....did some work on a Juliett in Rhode Island a couple of times, too.

Once you figure out what them Russkie designers were thinking, you can figure out the equipment.

[IRONROOSTER]

6 1/2 years U.S. Army half in Germany, half in D.C. - Dec 69 to May 76.

Enjoy

Paul 

[CSXect]

I missed this thread 1st time around.  Dad, 2 uncles & grandfather all in Navy as was youngest son.  Oldest son in AF, middle boy in Army, as was I, 22 months, 13 mo/20 days in Nam, A1/4CAV/1st Inf Div (Big Red 1), grunt, got out SSG E6.

When I worked for XEROX a lot of the guys were former military in the lab where I worked we had 2 Marines 4 Airforce 1 Navy and 1 kid just joined Army National guard. I was one of the few who had not been in the millitary. We had two sargents sargent Samons of the Marines and sargent Parsons of the Air force. And the Boss was a Captin in the Air force.

 

[lvanhen]

I missed this thread 1st time around.  Dad, 2 uncles & grandfather all in Navy as was youngest son.  Oldest son in AF, middle boy in Army, as was I, 22 months, 13 mo/20 days in Nam, A1/4CAV/1st Inf Div (Big Red 1), grunt, got out SSG E6.

[ShadowNix]

God bless you all!  Thanks for all the dedication and years of keeping me and my family safe.  I don't think we say it enough.  One of the best things about living near all the bases here in the NW is I at least get to pay back those serving in the Armed forces when they come to the hospital I work at.  Thanks again.

Brian

[dad1218]

 5 yrs 9 mo in Navy. USS Iowa (BB-61) & USS Guam (LPH-9). Took both to Persian Gulf. The Battleship was definetly alot more fun. Not the best part of my life but wouldn't trade the memories for the world. Very thankful for past, present and future vets.

 

              Gary

[CSXect]

Thank you all millitary personal enlisted and Vets alike.

[tomikawaTT]

Terry,

Thanks for starting this thread 'back when.'

Jeff,

Thanks for resurrecting it.

Spent 26 years in USAF; retired in '82.  Korea, three tours in Japan, one in Okinawa (the Air Force thought it was Japan, I knew better - no railroad!) three in SEA during the Big War Game, plus stopovers in Texas, California (twice) and Illinois.  When they sent me to South Dakota and told me I'd be stuck looking at concrete lined holes in the ground I decided to bail - but ended up spending a year in Tucson first.

I once figured out that I'd had hands on maintenance experience on 27 different fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, ranging in size from O-1 to B-52.  Can't name a favorite - they were all flying fuel, oil and hydraulic leaks (except the O-1, which didn't have a hydraulic system.)  Never actually touched either a Minuteman or a Titan.  By that time I'd been retrained as a statistician.

My hat's off to the folks to whom I passed the baton, no matter which service they call their own.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[scubaterry]

It has been so long since I posted this thread I was shocked when I saw my name on the byline. Apparently we have lots of Vets in the hobby.

My first ship was the USS AMERICA CVA-66. The only Navy carrier left that had a "Ping thru the hull" sonar. That made for some interesting manuevering. Now she is an artificial reef. Wow what a dive that would be. My last platform was an Aegis Cruiser.

I figure we may as well keep this one going just so we don't forget anyone.
Terry

[sunsetbeachry]

 9 months Navy, took one step forward and was sent to Marine sniper school, sent to 'nam and went to work for Air America. in 5/89 out 6/95 home 10/95  100% disabled  to much s*** in body

 chuck

[PA&ERR]

    4 years active in U.S. Army Security Agency 1965-1969 ,   to the P-3 jockeys , I did a 9 month tour on Adak, Alaska. They hid us Army types out at the Comm . Sta. on the north end of the island. Did Germany and many other places.

If you Army types would behave we wouldn't have had to lock you up in the Dinosaur Cage!

 

-George

[Metro Red Line]

I'm a proud vet. I take extra good care of the dogs and cats that come to my clinic daily.

Oh wait...

 

[reklein]

Muster time again I see. US Navy 64-68. One tour Tonkin gulf yacht club. Made false teeth on an A/C.

[richg1998]

Four years, US Navy. 1959 to 1963. Sonarman on the USS MIlls DER383. Built submarine periscopes as a contractor. Two years as contractor at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station. Twelve years as contractor building ASW helicopters.

 Rich

[inch53]

3 years AF, on the flight line, either in lauch or support. I got out after Nam, then went into INANG for 3 years, support

The best part of it for me was getting to see new places, even if it was from 35,000 ft.

inch

[waterline]

21 years in the Navy. Ensign to Captain. 5 destroyer types, 1 cruiser

[mikebonellisr]

US Army Ord. ...3years,3months and 4days
17 months in korea..83rd Ord.Bn. (Special Ammo.)
Saw lot's of steam,but did'nt pay too much attention because I thought it would be around a lot longer.

[Tilden]

  Thirty years or so in the Army, both active and reserve. 

  I think both Longs and Train Quest closed last year sometime (summer, I think).

Tilden

[GAPPLEG]

    4 years active in U.S. Army Security Agency 1965-1969 ,   to the P-3 jockeys , I did a 9 month tour on Adak, Alaska. They hid us Army types out at the Comm . Sta. on the north end of the island. Did Germany and many other places.

[Dave Vollmer]

Active Duty USAF (11 years and counting)...  Weather Officer.

OJG 1997-1998

OIF 2003

[Pdragon]

 23 1/2 yrs in the Air Force '61-'84. Worked in AGE as enlisted and aircraft maintenance as commissioned.

 Seymour Johnson

 Pease

 Hahn

 McClellan

 Da Nang

 Bitburg

 Plattsburgh

 Chanute

 Taught the Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course at Chanute for seven years after retirement.

It was an honor to have been associated with these veterans past and present.

[FJ and G]

Retired, USMC 74-95; jumped ship & now contracting for Army, updating their homepage daily (www.army.mil)

[dbradley]

3 years Army, Vietnam era, but did not goe to nam, 1 yr Ft Jackson, 2 in Germany, 1966-69.

Brad.

[PA&ERR]

3 years USAF, 6514th Test Sqdn

2 Years MD Air National Guard

17 US Navy, USS Enterprise (CVN-65) 1980-83, USS Tarawa (LHA-1) 1996-97.

-George

[Anonymous]

Hi Bill,

 Way too long no see.  Finally tracked you down (pun intended!)  Tried your old e-mail address

[e-mail]

 but it doesn't work.  I'll be driving from New York to Tallahassee next week and would love to stop by and see you.  Please e-mail me at [e-mail] or call me at 850-445-5410.  Look forward to seeing you.

Jeff Mandel 

[JPowell]

USMC - Jan 92-Jan 98 as a Postal Clerk w/ MCB Camp Pendleton and 1st FSSG H&S Bn.
2 West Pac's
- 93 onboard USS Comstock
- 97 onboard USS Ogden
1 yr tour in Oki Dec 94 - Nov 95 stationed @ Camp Kinser
- Cobra Gold in 95

NY Air National Guard - Supply Technician
Jan 2000 - Apr 01 as a Guardsman
Apr 01 - Present - AGR

JP

[wt259]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

wt259,

Well gosh darn it, if he was with 1st Tanks we were in Somalia together (well we were in Mogadishu at the same time at least). I probably did a couple of CAX's with him also at 29 Palms too. Small world isn't it?

Dave, I'm sure you probably did. He was at 29 Palms for all of his time, except for 3 1/2 years in Kansas City with the Reserves, and now 3 years on Okinawa, at the Jungle Warfare Training Ctr.
I think he spent all of his time in Mog. He was only there for a few months, they sent him back to the states when his father-in-law passed away.

[grayfox1119]

3 years in U.S. Army, Nike Ajax and Hercules Missile sites, 1959-62, fired missiles and attended training schools at Fort Bliss, and White Sands, New Mexico. Boston Air Defense, Bedford and Lincoln, Ma. 15th Artillery Group, 5th Artillery.

[Anonymous]

Retired AF in 83, after 23 1/2, years been a government contracter since retirement. Spent time in Nam, Thiland, Turkey, and Japan. Was lucky to spend some 16+ years at Randolph. We must never forget our comrades who have given their all for us to be able to enjoy the greatest hobby in the world, TRAINS. God bless them all.

[davekelly]

cwclark,

I'll say it again - what a small world!!

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Chuck,

I"m a sailor. Spent 4 years on USS Barnstable County (LST 1197) as CICWO/AsstOps. Was then with 3/11 (Marine Battalion) for 4 years as the Naval Gunfire Officer. Was the Asst/Ops when we were in Somalia. While on the Barn was part of a amphibious squadron with Saipan. Man that ship sure sailed smooth in rough seas as compared to our flatbottomed LST lol.

dave,
i remember the Barnstable County well..in fact, i spent a night aboard her...we were in Naples Italy and the seas were getting too rough to run liberty boats back to the Saipan (that ship was so big we couldn't tie it to a lot of the piers in the world and usually rode anchor in a lot of the ports we visited) they couldn't run us back to the ship so the Barnstable County put us up for the night...we sailed with the Barnstable County everytime we went on Med cruises...i had a picture of the Saipan towing the Barnstable county for practice and to the life of me i can't find the picture...anyway...had a lot of memories of the amphib navy...chuck

[davekelly]

wt259,

Well gosh darn it, if he was with 1st Tanks we were in Somalia together (well we were in Mogadishu at the same time at least). I probably did a couple of CAX's with him also at 29 Palms too. Small world isn't it?

luct and selector,

I'm sure the original invite was sent out to those of nationalities other than the U.S. We had a platoon of Canadians with us in Somalia and they were darn fine troopers and we were big time happy to have them with us!

[rexhea]

4 years U.S. Air Force, 1963-1967, Electronics Specialist
Brookley AFB (GEEIA), Mobile, Alabama
Camp Drake, Japan
Viet Nam (temporary duty)
Wake Island (Yuk! [xx(] )

To all those that have served and to those that are serving.....THANK YOU!

REX [^]

[jdolan]

4 years in the U.S, Navy,late 50's and early 60's.

Jack

[Anonymous]

Four years, Air Force- 2 yrs, 509 Bomb Wing, 2yrs, 90th Missile Maint. Sqdn- 1965 to 1969. I salute all of you who have responded and am proud to be among you! John M.

[wt259]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

dharmon,

Too bad about Longs. When I was stationed in California I used to love going there. Train Quest sounds tempting. Thanks for the info.

wt259,
Who was your son with in Somalia? I was with 3/11.

Dave, he was either still in 3d LAI, or had just gone to 1st Tank Bn. Not positive, but he did GW1 with 3d LAI, so it was probably 1st Tanks.

[RedGrey62]

Luc and Crandell, you are always welcome. I've served along side many Canadians from Germany to the United States to a few not so nice places around the world.

Rick

[Anonymous]

I would like to take this opportunity to give a heavy hearted thank-you to those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice(the reason we observe Memorial Day). You Will Not Be Forgotten!

In Memory
Of Our Fallen Comrades

Howard, Aaron
Jerrell, Thomas
McCoy, James
Miller, James
Moller, Nels
Powell, Dodge
Strehlow, William

TOUJOURS PRET!

[selector]

Twenty-nine years plus in the Canadian Armed Forces, first in the Cavalry in Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), a light recce unit, and then as a military psychologist. Did two peacekeeping tours, first in Cyprus in 79/80, and then in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2001.

I hope your invitation was extended to other nationalities. If not, I apologize.

[Anonymous]

31 years Royal Canadian Navy retired in 98.

To those who serve anywhere in the world to protect freedom, thank you so much.

For those who paid the ultimate price, we shall never forget.

Happy MRRing.

[ACRR46]

Served 3 years in US Army, 1966-1969. Spent 2+ years in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, 14th Armored Cavalry, 3rd Squardon as a surveyor, and office clerk.

Loved riding trains in Europe. Longest trip Rome, Italy to Frankfurt, Germany.

Frank

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Duce

11 years active duty navy and still counting.
1994-2000 USS Nimtitz I did two West-Pacs and a around the world cruise

I too was doing time on Stalag 68 for the "rush half way around the world to the gulf, then ru***he rest of the way home world cruise"

[Eriediamond]

Ten years Navy 1960-1970. Served on USS Bulwark(MSO-425) USS Lucid(MSO-458) MCB-4, and Naval Aerospace Recovery Facility-El Centro, Calif. Spent a total of 4 years in Nam. Chu-Lai and Da Nang areas. Did Market time on the Lucid and run "Mike" boats. Left my last tour in Nam just before Tet. Also operated out of Gitmo back during the "Cuban Crises".My son did a tour in HS-11, deployed on the USS America during the Kuwait deal. I was fortunate to spent a few days on the old girl with him on his return trip on the "Tiger" cruise they had. My heart is out to all vets, but especailly to those old "sweep" sailors that are truely the "iron men that sailed the wooden ships". Love ya all, Ken

[Duce]

11 years active duty navy and still counting.
1994-2000 USS Nimtitz I did two West-Pacs and a around the world cruise
2000-2004 Tried to take a little vacation on shore duty. But was wisked away to
security school due to 9-11 trained with the marines.
That was fun [xx(]. Then back to Naval Station Norfolk.
2004- USS Truman we just got back a month ago from the gulf.

I am an ABE I launch the aircraft of the flight deck. I run Catapilt #3 right now.
Ive been into MRR for as long as I can remember. However I have never done a layout. When I was young my dad would set me up on the kitchen floor and I would go to town for the weekend...lolololol Mom hated that[:D]

I just want to thank all you guys before me for your time in. What you have done is a great thing. My grandfather was a medic for the 101st airborne landed on d-day and stayed with them until Germany. Where we was transfered to the Pacific. My father and uncles were in the Marines in nam. Those were very hard times.

Thanks to everyone of you. You guys are the ones that keep me going.

[davekelly]

dharmon,

Too bad about Longs. When I was stationed in California I used to love going there. Train Quest sounds tempting. Thanks for the info.

wt259,
Who was your son with in Somalia? I was with 3/11.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

dharmon,

You at North Island? Gonna be in Coronado in mid June for a two week school. Hope the weather is good there! Is Long's still worth the drive from San Diego?

Yep...I'm at NASNI. Long's train dept is considerably smaller than it used to be. I doubt it will be around too much longer. They do still have some good stuff and stock isn't too bad, but unless you catch them at a sale, it's MSRP. I usually go there twice a year and load up on detail parts after the OERM swap meets. As I understand it, the guy that ran their hobby dept is the guy that owns TrainQuest not too far away in Moreno. Worth a trip? If you have nothing better to do on the weekend, swing up to the Orange Empire Railroad Museum in Perris, then hit Long's and TrainQuest, then maybe the aircraft museum at March.

Dan

[Anonymous]

I see we have some P-3 guys out there. I did 10 years active duty in the U.S Navy including tours in DaNang with VQ-1 and Yankee Station patrols with VP-40 out of Moffett Field. Go off active duty and went reserve with tours in VP-68 and VP-62. Retired as a Chief Avionics Technician. I work for Lockheed as an engineer on P-3s. WIll likely go my whole working career (only three years to go) working on the same airplane.

My son is in the Army. He has a Bronze and SIlver star for Afghanistan and Iraq. Proud of him and anybody who serves.

[rtraincollector]

17 years U.S. Navy
U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE CV-62 1975-1978
INDIAN HEAD ,MD. NAVAL WEAPONS SCHOOL (EOD)(STAFF IN GALLEY) 78-80
U.S.S. PORTLAND LSD-37
NAVAL AIR STATION MEMPHIS MILLINGTON, TN.
NAVAIDS GROUP GULFPORT , MS
U.S.S. WISCONSIN BB-64 (most favorite command something about being stationed on a battle ship you ever were you never forget it .)
USS ELPASO- LKA117

I enjoyed it and would do it all over again only left because got tired of fighting my weight problem.

Miss it still today.
Bless the ones over there and here in the us who are doing there duty so we can do as we please.

Bill Rifenbury

[wt259]

2 years, 11 months and 7 days in the Army, 3d I.D., when it was still in Germany. My oldest son is a S/Sgt, USMC, been in 15 1/2 years, GW1 and Somalia, currently on Okinawa.

[RedGrey62]

Still in, Active Duty Air Force, 24 years, at Ft Campbell, KY

HO Scale, Burlington Route, no layout right now (my wife tore it out to put in new windows in our home in Omaha, NE!)

Moody AFB, GA
Ansbach, Germany
Offutt AFB, NE
Yongsan, Korea
Kuwait
Bosnia
Ft Campbell
Iraq

Rick

[Doug Goulbourn]

Six years U.S. Army - 13 months Vietnam (Pleiku area) balance with 1st Cav . Father was combat engineer with first wave to hit Omaha Beach on D-Day. Father-in-law was bombadier with USAAFon B-25 in No. Africa. One friend was at Guadalcanal (WW II)with U.S. Navy. Another friend was with U.S. Army in Korea during that "police action". As Shakespeare wrote: "We band of Brothers". And yes, we are/were all model railroaders too!

Doug

[Anonymous]

I served 3.5 years in the Army. 1st Cav 91 ENG . I did 9 months in Bosnia, back in 1999, other than that I was in Fort Hood ,TX . As of Feb 2 2000 I retired from military service as a CPL[:D]

HOAH !!!

[rvanparys]

25 years USAF (active/reserve) 2 wars and I am now back in Afghanistan rebuilding the country.

[oleirish]

I was in the army for 23years,and every place I was stationed, when it was possable I had H.O. railroad with me.(nam 68-69 1STCAV).

OLE'IRISH
(JIM)

[mikebonellisr]

3 years,3 months and 4 days in u.s.army.17 months in korea.Spent a lot of the time at the railhead trainloads of ammo.All types of steam,but had not been bitten by the rr bug yet and just assumed that steam would be around forever,lost a great chance to photograph it.Then again,we were pretty busy,

[davekelly]

dharmon,

You at North Island? Gonna be in Coronado in mid June for a two week school. Hope the weather is good there! Is Long's still worth the drive from San Diego?

[csmith9474]

I did my four years active Air Force as a Cable Dawg and am currently Air National Guard combat weather. Comm to weather, what the hell was I thinking?? Anyhow, my wife is active Air Force and I will soon be full on dependant, excuse me, "family member". Got to keep this politically correct!

[samgolden]

Navy 4 years became an Electronics Tech. served 2 years on land and 2yr on a Mine Sweeper (ocean going).
135 foot bobing cork. Was an ET2 when I was discharged. Saw some of Europe and England, between Korea and Vietnam conflicks.

Sam

[JohnT14808]

4 years, 45 days in the US Navy. I was a Postal Clerk 2nd Class. I was stationed at several land bases on Oahu from Nov 1968 thru June of 1971. Got shipped out to Souda Bay, Greece in June and got creamed (head-on motorcycle crash) in January of 1972.
Spent the whole last year of my enlistment in the hospital, left leg in traction for two months then a body cast for another two months, once I got back to Balboa Hospital in San Diego. Once I was finally able to get out of bed, I spent a LOT of time at the RR layout in Balboa Park.
I have great concern for our fighting men and women all over the world. You don't have to be in a "shooting war" to be placed in jeapardy. Thank you to all current members of the Armed Forces.

[cefinkjr]

36 months in the Army -- 21 months in the Far East (12 in Korea [1st Cav/2nd Inf Divisions] and 9 in Viet Nam [4th Inf Div]).

Somehow managed to miss seeing railroads in Korea and Viet Nam [:(] [D)]

Chuck

[dharmon]

Active duty Navy P-3 pilot. 16 years 8 days ago, but who's counting....

[mersenne6]

Ping Jocky on a tin can during the Vietnam era.

[tigerstripe]

6 years Air Force,
Sand Box pt. 1

[bogp40]

6 years in US Navy, VP-92 patrol aircraft acoustic equipment operator (sub chasers). Flew in the P-3 Orion. Mine was only a small part, I admire all those who's service and sacrifice, allows us to have the freedoms we cheri***oday.
Bob K,

[georgev]

6 years in the Navy for me, in Aviation, 74-80. Made two Med deployments flying F-14s with VF 142, on the USS America, and the USS Eisenhower.

Was saddened to read that the Navy sank the USS America earlier this month, doing tests to see how much punishment a carrier can take. I can understand needing the tests but it hurts to think the old gal is gone.

George V.

[fiatfan]

4 years Air Police in the Air Force, two years aircraft security, two years as Desk Sergeant in law enforcement. 66-70

Tom

[bjdukert]

4 years Air Force One year Viet Nam during 68 Tet Offensive

[Anonymous]

20 years of service USAF, 1983-2003
Instructor/Evaluator Navigator KC-135
52 missions in Southwest Asia and 30 missions Kosovo

God Bless all our men and women who are currently serving...

and to all Veterans...

Thank you for your service to our country

[jrbarney]

Ten years, five days and "small change" in the USAF. After flight training the rest of my career was as an Electronic Warfare Officer on B-52s. Operational duty time span went from flying airborne alerts during the Cuban crisis through 6 months in SEA in 1968. Spent next 15 years improving the ergonomics of military and space electronics as part of the Owego, NY, design team for what was then IBM's Federal Systems Division.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[willy6]

Retired USN, 20 years and 1 month, 1972-1992, served aboard FBM submarines and made 18 patrols as a Missile Technician.
USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657)
USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630)
USS Nathan Hale (SSBN 623)
USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN 655)
[8D]

[roadrat]

I did 4 years in the NAVY aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
two weeks before coming home from the MED , Saddam invaded Kuwait and we
had to go to the gulf instead.
It took a long time but I'm glad that S.O.B.(Saddam) is rotting in a cell now.

BM3 Willaim "Spike" Robichaud

[exPalaceDog]

Let's not forget the great people at Model Railroader. It was the high point of the Old Dog's month when a new issue of MR reached the Da Nang AB base library.

Have fun

[exPalaceDog]

QUOTE: Originally posted by retsignalmtr

i was drafted into the army at age 19 in july 1969 and servrd til march 1971 with a year in vietnam. i was in an artillary battery and worked as a ground surveilance radar operator. i saw two trains while i was there. both of them were pushing several flat cars ahead of them to detonate any explosives on the tracks. i have a feeling that there are some seat banging politicians that will not let us win the war on terror like they did with the vietnam war. hug a vet today.

If the Old Dog remembers correctly, Model Railroader did an article on the railroads in Vietnam. You might want to look it up.

Have fun

[BurlingtonJohn]

retired 1 October 2004 after 23 years in the Navy, Senior Chief Yeoman. Served aboard:

USS Puget Sound (AD 38)
USS New Jersey (BB 62)
USS Missouri (BB 63)
USS Juneau (LPD 10)
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Can't complain about my years of service, was able to chase trains all over the world and get paid for it! :-)

Regards,
Burlington John

[Anonymous]

Air Force medic 7 years..2 years Del Rio Tx and 4 years Elmedorf AFB Anchorage Alaska..quite a climate change..great fishing though

[Anonymous]

4 years active-duty Navy, 1972-1976, USS Puget Sound (AD-38), Norfolk VA
'IC' electrician

[davekelly]

Chuck,

I"m a sailor. Spent 4 years on USS Barnstable County (LST 1197) as CICWO/AsstOps. Was then with 3/11 (Marine Battalion) for 4 years as the Naval Gunfire Officer. Was the Asst/Ops when we were in Somalia. While on the Barn was part of a amphibious squadron with Saipan. Man that ship sure sailed smooth in rough seas as compared to our flatbottomed LST lol.

[Anonymous]

USMC in the late 70's, member of Helicopter Squadron HMM-162. Aboard the USS Guadalcanal and the USS Inchon, in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, etc. Also was in Guantanamo Bay.

CWCLARK ...... HMM162 was aboard the USS Saipan shortly after I left in Mar 1980. Small world, isn't it.

I just have a small railroad layout, along one wall in my home office. Its one of many hobbies.

Ken

[WilmJunc]

Thank you to all who have served, and those who are still serving.

[Anonymous]

My service was in the Air Force for four years and it was well worth it.

[jeffshultz]

12 1/2 years in the Army (Intel) before going Individual Ready Reserve (sort of like being on retainer).
Recalled for 7 months in 2003 to wear these odd tan colored clothes, in the IRR since then...
Now I've got a decision to make if I want to re-enlist for another 8 in the IRR or let it expire next May.

[fievel]

I served five years in the US Army. I got to ride an army troop train into West
Berlin. First train ride in my life. It was great ! Berlin had an outstanding
subway system, including a portion which was elevated. Totally awesome.[:D]
My hat is off to those of you who served, especially combat duty.

[bow]

[scubaterry]

As I suspected their are allot of Vets out there. I served a year in Viet Nam (onboard an aircraft carrier) on the USS America and over the years served on a bunch of ships from the carrier down to a little frigate. My favorite ship was the USS Valley Forge (new era Aegis Cruser). I was an Electronic Warfare specialist. Thanks for all the responses and lets hear from the rest of the Vets. This is our weekend so its ok to toot our own horn.
Terry

[jrbernier]

2 years, 4 months in the Army(10 months, 20 days in Vietnam) - funny how we remember these things!

Jim Bernier

[retsignalmtr]

i was drafted into the army at age 19 in july 1969 and servrd til march 1971 with a year in vietnam. i was in an artillary battery and worked as a ground surveilance radar operator. i saw two trains while i was there. both of them were pushing several flat cars ahead of them to detonate any explosives on the tracks. i have a feeling that there are some seat banging politicians that will not let us win the war on terror like they did with the vietnam war. hug a vet today.

[lonewoof]

Four years active Air Force, then 18 years ANG. No overseas service; worked on fire control radar and navaids...

[trnj]

I was in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam era but served in Korea (1965-66). Saw some neat steam engines in Korea!

[MidlandPacific]

Five years in the 82nd Airborne Division........

[Anonymous]

I'm still in the Air Force, stationed at Beale, CA. I have been in for 20 years...and I'm an HO scale modeler.

[cwclark]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Chuck,

When were you on Saipan?

I was on the Saipan from late 79' to 82' when i got out in norfolk
i was on the Canopus from late 78' to 79'..that was good duty..sub tenders are usually tied to a pier and only go to sea for "liberty' cruises..the Saipan stayed at sea..just wondering why you asked since you said you were with the marines..were you on it too?

[davekelly]

Chuck,

When were you on Saipan?

[davekelly]

8 years active duty Navy including 6 months in Mogadishu Somalia during Operation Restore Hope with 3rd Battalion 11th Marines. Currently a reservist. My dad did 22 years in the Army including 2 tours in Vietnam and time in Korea during that "police action." Most Marines and Sailors I know love what they do - I know I do. If you want to know why we love it - look in the mirror.

[tjsmrinfo]

i served 9.5 yrs in the army my dad served 21.5 yrs in the army and my brother 6 yrs in the navy

tom

[cwclark]

I was in the Navy for 4 years aboard the U.S.S. Canopus AS-34 and the U.S.S. Saipan LHA-2...did my time in the fireroom and the oil lab..( I think i shouldn't have told the recruiter that i like trains..i guess he thought the steam kind because that's what i did in the navy ..boiler work..it was 130 degrees year round in some of the worst working conditions they could have offered, not to mention that it's nice to know that enemy submarines like to aim their torpedos at the boiler room) a BT3 snipe when i got out....one hitch was enough for me, but i did see half the world thru a porthole from the North Atlantic to the Indian Ocean...[;)] Chuck

[cacole]

I served 26 years in the U.S. Army and then worked as a civilian instructor at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center for another 16 years.