Where Are Our Veterans Hiding ?

[Guest jemanda]

I am a veteran of what has become known as "the border war." One that was fought on the border of what was then South West Africa (now Namibia) and Angola during the 70's and 80's. There is a whole generation of seriously traumatised males in South Africa who went through anything from 2 years to 9 months conscription, and a possible 13 years of callups there after. When the government of South Africa was finally changed in 1994 all of these veterans were literally dropped to sort themselves out. When we came out of the military there was no debriefing, or counciling or assistance for us. One day we were in a war zone, the next day we were back in civvy street trying to start our lives, in most cases having gone straight out of school into the military. Many came back with severe cases of PTSD, and as messed up as so many Vietnam Vets were when they came out of Vietnam. To this day the current government has never acknowledged the service we gave to our country, and, for that matter, neither did the previous government that did this to us in the first place.

Am I proud of my 2 years? yes and no. I am glad its over and would never do it again for all the tea in China. Was it good for me? yes and no. Would I be here if I hadnt served in the military? chances are I would have, I think I was inclined to dress before the military. It did help me in later years with work and studying, that discipline meant a lot, and when I left home was very able to look after myself. It also left me with PTSD and hearing loss. It also left a sense of guilt, especially in context to the things that happened and how they fit in with the realities of today. There is also a bitterness about those wasted years that were flushed away, and an incompleteness that I have never been able to shake.

I found my niche in remembering the many lost soldiers we have, and I battle to keep many things under self control. I watch so many of my generation males battle their ghosts and over the years more have turned to the internet and self publishing and written their stories for the world to see. I look at the current generation of bling crazy, materialist youngsters with no direction in this country and just shake my head in dismay, heaven help us if we ever have another world war.

The South African veterans biggest failure IMHO is that we never turned to each other for help. The primitive support structures that a few tried to set up failed dismally. And, there is no official help, there is no place to go to when we need somebody to talk to who will understand. We have nowhere to remember our dead.

Yet, today when I see the soldiers march I feel the pride that goes with seeing a well disciplined column, and I salute them for what they are doing. And when I see the World War Veterans with their medals and their poppies I feel sadness that they are diminishing, and we who are left have to carry their memory with us, and I fear that we may not be up to the task in South Africa. I know though, that outside our mixed up country many other Vets will hopefully feel that that same pride, and if they are wearing a skirt at the time, or reading a fashion mag in the closet, chances are we could all relate to each other.

My aopologies for rambling... and to al those Vets out there. I salute you.

[Guest Zenda]

I am a veteran of what has become known as "the border war." One that was fought on the border of what was then South West Africa (now Namibia) and Angola during the 70's and 80's. There is a whole generation of seriously traumatised males in South Africa who went through anything from 2 years to 9 months conscription, and a possible 13 years of callups there after. When the government of South Africa was finally changed in 1994 all of these veterans were literally dropped to sort themselves out. When we came out of the military there was no debriefing, or counciling or assistance for us. One day we were in a war zone, the next day we were back in civvy street trying to start our lives, in most cases having gone straight out of school into the military. Many came back with severe cases of PTSD, and as messed up as so many Vietnam Vets were when they came out of Vietnam. To this day the current government has never acknowledged the service we gave to our country, and, for that matter, neither did the previous government that did this to us in the first place.

Am I proud of my 2 years? yes and no. I am glad its over and would never do it again for all the tea in China. Was it good for me? yes and no. Would I be here if I hadnt served in the military? chances are I would have, I think I was inclined to dress before the military. It did help me in later years with work and studying, that discipline meant a lot, and when I left home was very able to look after myself. It also left me with PTSD and hearing loss. It also left a sense of guilt, especially in context to the things that happened and how they fit in with the realities of today. There is also a bitterness about those wasted years that were flushed away, and an incompleteness that I have never been able to shake.

I found my niche in remembering the many lost soldiers we have, and I battle to keep many things under self control. I watch so many of my generation males battle their ghosts and over the years more have turned to the internet and self publishing and written their stories for the world to see. I look at the current generation of bling crazy, materialist youngsters with no direction in this country and just shake my head in dismay, heaven help us if we ever have another world war.

The South African veterans biggest failure IMHO is that we never turned to each other for help. The primitive support structures that a few tried to set up failed dismally. And, there is no official help, there is no place to go to when we need somebody to talk to who will understand. We have nowhere to remember our dead.

Yet, today when I see the soldiers march I feel the pride that goes with seeing a well disciplined column, and I salute them for what they are doing. And when I see the World War Veterans with their medals and their poppies I feel sadness that they are diminishing, and we who are left have to carry their memory with us, and I fear that we may not be up to the task in South Africa. I know though, that outside our mixed up country many other Vets will hopefully feel that that same pride, and if they are wearing a skirt at the time, or reading a fashion mag in the closet, chances are we could all relate to each other.

My aopologies for rambling... and to al those Vets out there. I salute you.

Kia Ora Jemanda,

Slightly off topic but just thought you might be interested in this http://www.pfc.org.uk/node/725 it’s about forced sex change operations performed on gay South African troops during the Apartheid era...The South African government at the time wanted what's known as a 'heteronormative' military...

Not unlike Iran's push for a 'heteronormative' society when they perform sex change operations for free or a small fee, It sounds great for the genuine transsexual person but the catch is if one happens to be gay they too are forced to have this surgery or face death....

Metta Jendar

[Guest Donna Jean]

Dang! Ok, SharleahLynn...I'll try this again! I'm not hiding out and am around the forums a lot, just not here Posted something similar to this a couple days ago and ...you guessed it!

Boom! Gone along with a lot of other stuff, so.............

I'm an Ex Air Force person...Loadmaster on C-130 in Viet Nam and same on C-141 and visited 26 other countries in this wild world. I was proud to serve (even if I was scared of getting my butt shot off in 'Nam) But I made it. I wanted to say Happy Veterans Day to all the vets even if it is a little late.

I've been to see the "Wall" and it is one moving expirence for me and it never fails to turn on the water works.....Johnny M. is there...went down in a C-5 with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans and nuns heading for the states....

Dale P. is there..still missing ..pilot of a dustoff chopper...him and his crew never found....

Dana R. is there- went to Loadmaster school with me and went down in a C-123 at the end of the runway at Da Nang ..died all tangled up in the controll cables......

I'll bet that if they saw me today they'd say.."WOW, Donna Jean, you made it back. And you're looking good, too!"

Aw crap....

I still love you guys.......

Donna Jean (snif...)

[Guest lydia]

Hello All,

Good to see so many other Vets here,and Thank You,Shar for calling us out every so often. I wish my best for each of you

Thank you for your service and I am proud to have served with you.

Hugs, Lydia

[Guest little boy blue]

U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Journalist.

I served from 2002-2006. I was enlisted for 6 years, but they found out I was gay and honorably discharged me under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2006. I served on the USS Constitution in Boston for 2.5 years, 6months at Ft. Meade, MD, and 9 months at Navy Information Operations Command Sugar Grove, W.Va, where someone outed me and my separation was started before I could decide if I wanted to fight. I ultimately decided if the military didn't want me because of my sexual identity, they didn't deserve me. I was Gosh darned good at what I did, stepped up knowing the consequences of my service, and wouldn't take it back if I had the choice. Until the military starts accepting transgender people, and until "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is abolished, I will never consider going back in.

On another hand, if you know a LGBT person who is having issues or is going through DADT separation, please tell them to contact the SLDN; www.sldn.org SLDN is a non-profit organization built specifically for LGBT and supporters going through issues with MILPERSMAN 1910.148.

Thanks to all of you who came before me to pave the road for safer passage for myself and others in our community. I love all you vets.

[Guest traci]

I was an Airman with the United States Air Force. I served from 1992 to 1996 with the 429th ECS "Raven Keepers" as a jet engine mehanic. I served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Provide Comfort in Daharahn Saudi Arabia.

[Guest suzanneCO]

Now that I am older, I better understand my military experience. I was 21, 115lbs, It took me 3 tries to get into the army becouse my low wieght. I was going thru a self revolt, hiding my fem self, acting ultra masculine, to be honest I am very surprised I am still alive. I joined the army in 1989 became a radio operator and paratrooper. I was stationed with an artillery unit with the 18th airborne corps in Fort Bragg, NC. I saw limited combat in desert shield/storm and when I returned home I think I finnally had gotten it out of my system. While I was still in denile, it helped me understand I dont have to be who everyone wants me to be. The three years I spent in the army were another life, very self destructive, with the alcohol, extreme risk taking and loneliness. But I am very proud of that person reguardless, I served my country honorably and accomplished tasks most people would have failed at.

[Guest SharleahLynn]

It is about time we start seeing our Veterans begin stepping up to the plate and letting the rest of us know that you are there . It is with great honor that I salute you one and all ... and humbly say thank you , because our sorry government does not wish to give any of us the pleasure of having someone say thanks for what you have done to defend this great nation. Again , I say thanks to you one and all .............I SALUTE YOU

SharleahLynn

[Guest Karen-1954]

When I was in the Army, I did not understand why I felt the way I did and the Army had no idea about it at all. Back in 71 and 72 it would not have gone over well even if I had understood. All I knew was I was not happy being a guy, that is probably why I joined the Army and voluteered for Vietnam.

[Guest Donna Jean]

When I was in the Army, I did not understand why I felt the way I did and the Army had no idea about it at all. Back in 71 and 72 it would not have gone over well even if I had understood. All I knew was I was not happy being a guy, that is probably why I joined the Army and voluteered for Vietnam.

Hey, Karen..............

Same for me, sweetie...I jumped into it with both feet ..combat crew C-130's

hauled trash all over 'Nam..into and out of hot zones...I had to prove to myself that I could beat this terrible thing inside me (of course I was wrong) All the "Macho" in the world didn't change me and I came to realize I was pushing against the Empire State Building and it wasn't going to budge!

Peace started to set in only when I accepted my self.....

But, I wouldn't trade my experience for the world...serve my country proudly and truly see the world!

US Air Force

Military Airlift Comand

438 Airlift wing

Peace in the world

Donna Jean

[Guest SharleahLynn]

FOR ONE AND ALL........... Self acceptance is th first step to being who we truely are . I applaud you one and all .

SharleahLynn

[Guest Donna Jean]

FOR ONE AND ALL........... Self acceptance is th first step to being who we truely are . I applaud you one and all .

SharleahLynn

Thanks, SharleahLynn ....That is truly the magic moment......Self acceptance...

It's like all those years dragging a heavy bag of rocks...then one day "BINGO!" you realize..."Hey, let go of the bag, moron!"

That bag is laying back there in that field and I'm walking away from it!

Who is that looking back at me in the mirror....?

Reflective Donna Jean

[Guest mia 1]

I didn't serve with great distinction, got drafted but had signed up for the USAR and the day I got my draft notice, I also received a notice to be sworn in by the lcal reserve unit. Believe me there were no rich realtions who got me in, just plain luck. So I was sworn in, and next thing I was in Ft. Dix for 6 mos. going through basic and then A. I. T. After that got a 60 day leave of abscence{sp} and then signed up for my senior year of college. After graduation, went back into the reserves and tried to get out as a war protester. No luck. Finished serving with a hospital unit helping the wounded get through the crap that was in their head, not a war hero or anything close to seeing combat, but that's what I did.

Thought I would post it to let the real veterans know what they did while the home front boys went to school and weekend "warrioried" once a month. Mia

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hey, Mia!!!!!

So I was sworn in, and next thing I was in Ft. Dix for 6 mos. going through basic and then A. I. T. After that got a 60 day leave of abscence{sp} and then signed up for my senior year of college.

Ft. Dix was connected to McGuire Air Force Base...I was stationed there for a while..Flew on C-141's to Europe and all over the middle east out of there..........You shoulda looked up and waved!

Flying Donna Jean

[Guest mia 1]

That's right the f 4's and the rst of those jets kept us up all night long. You boys in blue looked good to us grunts. But hung out at the Pig N Whistle at Wrighttown. What a dump, oh thanks for including me in the armed forces thread..........Mia.

[Guest Donna Jean]

That's right the f 4's and the rst of those jets kept us up all night long. You boys in blue looked good to us grunts. But hung out at the Pig N Whistle at Wrighttown. What a dump, oh thanks for including me in the armed forces thread..........Mia.

HAaaa ha ha ha ...

Mia, honey...

I lived in Wrightstown..I had a trailer at the approach end of the runway...At night the landing lights of the C-141's lit up my bedroom for short periods of time!! I Loved it!!!

See..we ARE kindred spirits!!!

Over and out!

Donna Jean

[Guest sherri girl]

Hi, SharleahLynn

Im a 20% disabled Marine Corp Veteran of the War on Terror (IRAQ WAR) unfortunately I was injured while repairing an AH1W Cobra Light Attack Helicopter with HMLA 367 out of camp Pendleton CA. just before the war started the first waves of attacks had begun in both Iraq and Afghanistan before i was discharged and ironically I now work for the VA. Im completely out as a transsexual every where but work lol, But as soon as the feds adopt a new discrimination policy that will change as well... My time in service was difficult, because to some degree i started crossdressing to help neutralize my desire to transition, luckily for me i had close marine friends that understood and kept my secret safe! But other than being transsexual I had fun and was only harrased by one marine but my friends held their ground and stood up for me when he tried to rat me out...I often miss the Corps

THANKS TO ALL OF THE VETS OUT THERE THAT SERVED AS WELL

Sherri

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hello, Sherri !!

I'm Donna Jean and I'm a Viet Nam war vet...loadmaster c-130's...

Welcome so much to our community! Hey, I have this cart with coco and cookies on it and you may have as much as you want! As Sally says, There's no calories in virtual food!

It' so nice to have you here and I hope you enjoy your time here ...you will meet some really nice people of all kinds and types...but, all wonderful!

Kick off your shoes and sit in this nice comfy chair....

And being Air Force I don't say this for just anybody, but.....

SEMPER FI

XXOO

Donna Jean

[Guest lil.michelle.leann]

Hello all.

Iam a ex-Army for a 2 1/2 year term in the Active reserves from 93-95 Admin Personal. I stationed at Kansas University ROTC unit.I then transfered to the NAVY for 4 more year. 95-2000. I changed MOS's to Aircrew survial equipmentman.(PR) I packed parachutes for the ejection seats on F-14's and F-18 Super Hornet's and worked on the pilots personal fight gear. I was stationed at VF-101 Grim Reapers in VA BCH, VA. For 2 years of this I was on loan to the Navy nation color gaurd and perfomiing drill teams in DC. For the other 2 1/2 years I worked with traveling AirShow unit doing any and all airshows or movies during this time.

During the last airshow I was part of I was working on a seatpan and stood up. AS I did the exhuast from another aircraft caught me and sent me flying down the fightline. I landed close to 200 yard a way. When I land on my bottom side, when I did I compresssed and shattered 3 vertrebras in my lower back. I am now partially paralyzed from my belly button down. I have little to no feeling and limited use of my legs. Up until that point I had planned to make it a career.

After my discharge and rehab, I went to work with Centex. The company that makes all flight masks and helments for the milltary for 4 years. I traveled to most bases duing that time for testing and custom fitting of aircrews.

On 9-11. I was visting with my old comanding officer as everything was starting in his office at NAS Oceana. I ended up stuck on base for the next 3 weeks. Myold comand treated me like I was still a member and I was proud to helping them in a time of need.

I am proud of my time I served and would not change anything about it.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hey Michelle...

I see that you've been around aviation a lot...me, too... I packed a lot of cargo 'chutes in my day and dropped a lotta junk! (C-130 and C-141 loadmaster) USAF

You have had a VERY interesting career and it made for interesting reading for me.

If there's anything we can do for you just give a hollar, ok?

Girls can fly!

Donna Jean

[Guest amie]

I was in the Navy. Not exactly the greatest years of my life, but a valuble ex. nonetheless.

[Guest Konnor]

I was in ROTC for a while, loved it and wish I could have commissioned. I got DQ'd for a stupid medical reason and not a day goes by I don't regret being honest. There were so many people that stayed in just because they lied about their medical history. Nothing like having a pilot slot secured and then having your lifelong dream shattered! Grrr....

Ah well, I'm getting over it. I'm dating a wonderful man in the Navy, so I still get my fill of the military life. It's hard enough from this side of things, so I have the utmost respect for all you vets. Thank you for everything you've done/are doing for our country. My hat is off to all of you!!

V/r,

Konnor

[Guest karma]

I joined the army and served with the 2\11 cav Ft Irwin as a 11b from 05 to 07. I hated my time in but yes i did serve. and no they never did make a man out if me. Im here though so hoowa.

Awalys Karma

[Guest Lisa F]

I am a proud veteran of 21 years service just retired this July from the Coast Guard and by August, with all the restrictions gone I was able to recognize my true self. What an epiphany! Now the fun begins...

Lisa

[Guest Donna Jean]

I am a proud veteran of 21 years service just retired this July from the Coast Guard and by August, with all the restrictions gone I was able to recognize my true self. What an epiphany! Now the fun begins...

Lisa

So we meet again!....

Hey Lisa.....Again welcome....21 years is long enough.....

Yes, the TRUE FUN does begin...right now!

Thanks for your service, Hon....

Donna Jean

USAF

RVN

1969-70