Veterans day is just around the corner and it got me thinking. Who are the doper veterans? The experience of being in the military does change your life one way or the other and does help shape your opinions for the rest of your life. I know it changed me. I know a few have mentioned their experience such as extank, Mr Moto and Airman Doors. I want to know who else we have out there.
For the record I am about to finish my 17th year in the army. 5 active duty and the rest national guard.
Former squid here. Served four years on the USS Virginia CGN 38, was part of the deactivation crew.
My service is something that I’m glad I did. I’m also glad I’m out.
Roll call needs to be in a different forum.
Moved from IMHO to MPSIMS.
I hasten to add that I consider this neither mundane nor pointless, it’s just not suited for IMHO.
I am a retired Infantry officer. I taught at the Airborne School (amongst other places) and have about 270 jumps.
Active duty Chief Boatswain’s Mate with the U.S. Coast Guard checking in. This Feb will be 15 years.
Despite not knowing what I want to do when I grow up, I think I’ll at least stick around for 20.
Former U.S. Army MP… served 3 years.
The military taught me self reliance and responsibility, two things I often see missing in younger adults today.
Did 5 years in USMC, discharged from Active Duty in December 2004. Still in the IRR until July of 07.
Former Paratrooper here - I did time in Italy, as well as stints at Hunter AAF and Bragg.
I don’t regret it for an instant, but I’m glad I’m out.
Retired from the Army - spent 23 years as a musician and mostly had a blast.
Retired Seabee Chief and Vietnam vet here.
Army Captain here. (Hopefully) 5 months left on active duty.
4 Years US Navy. Electricians Mate on USS Ranger CV-61 now decommissioned.
4 years, US Army Spec 5. MOS was electronic repair (33S), trained at Ft. Devens and was stationed in the old Panama Canal Zone (Ft. Clayton).
Cool - I was at Ft. Amador (when it belonged to the US) for 5 years. They had to drag me out of Panama kicking and screaming I liked it so much.
Navy. Machinist’s Mate 1st (SW), AC&R tech (yes, I was a fresh air snipe)
I was stationed with the PHM ( hydrofoil) squadron in Key West Florida;
I did some shore duty at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, home of the test pilot school;
I did a tour on board the USS LaSalle, forward deployed to Bahrain;
and I was stationed on the USS Wainwright in Charleston, South Carolina when I started having seizures that ended my 10 year military career. April would make 25 years, if I didn’t have to get it out on a medical.
Stupid seizures :mad:
Army, four years. I mostly loved it, but I was still happy to ETS.
7 yrs active duty, Army, Major, Medical Corps, “Conserve the Fighting Strength.” Got out in '90 just prior to Desert Shield. I was given responsibility before I thought I could handle it, but learned to handle it fast. Learned everything I know about leadership and learned to value those who knew more than me (regardless of rank). Developed tremendous respect for the NCOs and the line officers. I am a different person and a better person as a result.
Sorry, it’s been a while - “Preserve the Fighting Strength”.
CPO, U.S. Navy, Seabees, 1956-79.