Military Best

[OLD SARGE]

MILITARY BEST

militarybest.com

 

[Van]

As a young person, recently discharged from the military, there did not seem any purpose in declaring my non-combat veteran status. Many years later, as a smaller and smaller fraction of our citizens are vets, it has become culturally appropriate to "honor" our vets.

But we must draw the line carefully, and not seek recognition for personal advantage. I remember a story about a political candidate with 3 purple hearts. He had certainly been in combat and in harm's way. But the injuries were minor. My uncle, on the other hand had just 1 purple heart, but he had been left for dead during battle of the bulge, and his parents, my grandparents, actually received the "we regret to inform you" telegram.

Fortunately, when they went to collect his body, they found he was still alive. All in all, he spent more than a year in recovery, but he not only lived but was able to walk again. I never feel like claiming I belong in his category, an American hero.

 

[Salty]

As a young person, recently discharged from the military, there did not seem any purpose in declaring my non-combat veteran status.

When I first ETS - I went to the state employment agy - - veterans were given priority service. I am proud of my GI time - I do not demand special privileges - but will take reasonable advantage.

My Uncle, on the other hand had just 1 purple heart, but he had been left for dead. Fortunately, when they went to collect his body, they found he was still alive. All in all, he spent more than a year in recovery, but he not only lived but was able to walk again. I never feel like claiming I belong in his category, an American hero.

This is the reason, I would like to see - say 3 levels of the Purple Heart - 1) minor injury 2) major injury 3) extreme injury (ie loss of limb), KIA ---- Thoughts?

 

[OLD SARGE]

Times have changed. Because of the PACT Act, I am now rated 80% with the VA.. I did 20 years, never saw combat, but was stationed where I could have been exposed to Agent Orange. I never saw myself as a candidate for DAV membership, but here I am.

That is an interesting thought, but they did not make distinctions when the medal was created. A wound is a wound. It is something you would not have gotten had it not been for your military service.

Non-combat service is still service and the coach could have put you in the line of fire anytime he pleased so the risk was always there. When I looked at a transcript from the Army it showed my six earned MOSs and the Instructor cert. It also showed that I had the 11B MOS despite never going to infantry school and having done boot in the Air Force. Thus every soldier as well as a Marine is primarily a rifleman even if you are cook, JAG or other POG MOS.

 

[Van]

Times have changed. Because of the PACT Act, I am now rated 80% with the VA.. I did 20 years, never saw combat, but was stationed where I could have been exposed to Agent Orange. I never saw myself as a candidate for DAV membership, but here I am.

That is an interesting thought, but they did not make distinctions when the medal was created. A wound is a wound. It is something you would not have gotten had it not been for your military service.

Non-combat service is still service and the coach could have put you in the line of fire anytime he pleased so the risk was always there. When I looked at a transcript from the Army it showed my six earned MOSs and the Instructor cert. It also showed that I had the 11B MOS despite never going to infantry school and having done boot in the Air Force. Thus every soldier as well as a Marine is primarily a rifleman even if you are cook, JAG or other POG MOS.

Yes, I had to keep my qualifications with the M14, even though I had been assigned to administration duties.