OT - a question for the veterans on this board

[HuskyNan]

A couple of years ago I was in the San Diego airport when a planeload of uniformed troops came through a gate after deplaning. The entire concourse stood and applauded them as they walked by.

Something similar happened to me this year - as preboarding began, the airline person on the microphone said any person in military could preboard before the "regular passengers" and about 6 young people in uniform lined up. The boarding area broke into applause until they entered the jetway. The spontaneous gesture brought a tear to my eye.

 

[vtcwbuff]

"I still will never forgive Jane Fonda or watch anything she is in"

In the early 70's Jane Fonda urinal cakes were very popular on the ship I was serving on. I have fond(a) memories of christening her daily. Another traitor that got away with it because politicians have no stones.

It was one thing to protest at home, quite another to cavort with the enemy on a gun emplacement that may very well have killed American servicemen.

Hanoi Jane

 

[veryolddog]

I spent over 23 years in the Marine Corps from 1967 to Jan 1991. I have mixed emotions about being thanked for my service as I was one of those spit on when I returned home from Viet Nam. I really don't want to be thanked. I did this because I wanted to and most of the time, I like it because I thought I was doing some good. If people want to wear camo, then wear camo. I don't own any camo and don't want to anymore. What bothers me most, is watching a Movie Director's interpretation of combat. Only a rare few have captured the emotions and the quasi reality of the scene. I find myself yelling at the TV because something is so misrepresented by "jollywood".

If people want to do something for the VET, give us outstanding medical benefits better than those who serve in Congress. Give us major discounts in the retail marketplace. Give us cost of living increases instead of excuses and better retirement pay than folks who work in Washington.

 

[meyers7]

He has advanced a rank within 18 months, 4 letters of commendation and most importantly for a submariner - earned his Dolphin in under 12 months.

Dolphins

And yea, they are not really Dolphins, but that's what we called them. Did he like getting them "tacked on"?

 

[CL82]

Dolphins

And yea, they are not really Dolphins, but that's what we called them. Did he like getting them "tacked on"?

They are the fish dolphin,

not the mammal dolphin like Flipper.

 

[vtcwbuff]

They are the fish dolphin,

not the mammal dolphin like Flipper.

CL82 I think you are correct. The submarine warfare insignia depicts a stylized bull dolphin. This was copied from the Navy's History of the Submariner's Dolphins " Today a similar design is used: a dolphin fish flanking the bow and conning tower of a submarine."

My personal best dolphin (now the politically correct Mahi Mahi) a 49 3/4 lb on 12 lb test line caught off Key West.

 

[CL82]

CL82 I think you are correct. The submarine warfare insignia depicts a stylized bull dolphin. This was copied from the Navy's History of the Submariner's Dolphins " Today a similar design is used: a dolphin fish flanking the bow and conning tower of a submarine."

My personal best dolphin (now the politically correct Mahi Mahi) a 49 3/4 lb on 12 lb test line caught off Key West.

How long did it take to land him?

 

[vtcwbuff]

I did not serve but our youngest son is serving in the Navy as a submariner - hence my avatar. My father served in the Navy in WWII as did my father-in-law. My uncle served in the Army in WWII in Europe and servived the Battle of the Bulge.

1. I have no problem with the military paying for half-time shows - its called publicity and marketing. And it is a budgeted item.
2. The use of camo wear and items is okay I guess. Just doesn't do anything for me.
3. For those who say "thank you for your service", if they are sincere then fine. Our son does appreciated it. And there have been times when a restaurant will pay for his meal. Considering what enlisted personaal are paid, that's a very nice thing to do.
4. Our son is a great one for pointing out there errors of many military shows. We often talk about them over the phone or facetime when we get a chance. But its difficult when you are doing 40 hour shifts!

The military is a great career for those who can deal with military discipline. Our son already has accumulated over 60 credit hours in IT. He has advanced a rank within 18 months, 4 letters of commendation and most importantly for a submariner - earned his Dolphin in under 12 months.

You have a right to be proud of your son. The submarine service has always been known for being the best of the best.

For what it's worth - the pay isn't that bad. Base pay is a bit niggardly (word from Kibitzer) but as a qualified submariner he will also be drawing sub pay and sea pay. On top of that there are housing and subsistence allowances (which are not taxable) free medical and dental, subsidized life insurance, commissary privileges etc. Depending on circumstance a young E-4 with but 2 years of service, could be making $40 - 50K plus whatever the other bennies are worth.