Defenders

[Guest Kelly Ann]

Hi Chloe...is that O'Brian?!?!!?!?? Do you know JACK???? Couldn't help myself...it's such a pretty and unusual name and being a 24 fan...well..forgive me? We have LOTS of CG her in Florida and ya'll do an outstanding job too...I'm in the flight path of Clearwater AP where the helo's and planes come out of...we've got a cutter stationed in Tampa Bay, toured it once a while back. There's LOTS of vets..retired, in-active and active here...keep posting they'll roust out. Saluting as a civilian, Kelly Ann

[Guest SharleahLynn]

Although Veterans Day has come and gone , the many Veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice can not be here to see .

I myself would have made this post sooner, but I was on the road trying to do rescue of one of our sisters, so please forgive the time delay . We often do not think of those who have done what those who did not come home have done . Sometimes , we forget, sometimes many choose not to remember , and then again , there are some who just do not care about the ones who have fallen , in any case , it is sad to see this . While I was driving , I heard a song on the radio that simply struck a nerve with me . I do not know how others feel about our fallen , but the Artist on the song kind of opened my eyes and made me think more about the way we all neglect to honour the price they paid so this nation can be free . Free hmmmm, that is maybe a bad choice there , free to be ridiculed for standing up and defending our homeland . Doesn't seem right now , does it? Free to be spit on and called names like murderer and worse . And what makes things even worse is the ones who are Trans, return home to be beaten or even killed on our own steps . How sad is that I ask .

But anyway , here is a link to that song I heard while driving. I hope it means something to all who have served and returned . It is an honor to to meet you all , and I salute those of us who did make it home . This is especially for those who were not fortunate enough to come home . I salute you all .....

Here is more for all to see ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FRYiCIXxd4...feature=related

[gennee]

My three years in the service were three of the best years of my life. I am proud of my service ad look back on it fondly. On Memorial Day, I reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I have marched in the Veterans Day parade and feel so proud to be a part of this unique group of men and women.

I didn't know that I was transgender until four years ago. I had no intentions of joining a veterans group but when I attended a meeting by American Veterans for Equal Rights I felt at home. This group is an LGBT veterans group. I have met many GLBT men and women who served their country proudly. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

Gennee

[Guest SharleahLynn]

My three years in the service were three of the best years of my life. I am proud of my service ad look back on it fondly. On Memorial Day, I reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I have marched in the Veterans Day parade and feel so proud to be a part of this unique group of men and women.

I didn't know that I was transgender until four years ago. I had no intentions of joining a veterans group but when I attended a meeting by American Veterans for Equal Rights I felt at home. This group is an LGBT veterans group. I have met many GLBT men and women who served their country proudly. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.

Gennee

[/quote

If there was to be anything changed , would it be serving sooner? Sorry , had to ask that one . Love and Salute SharleahLynn

[Guest Gloria13]

If You serve your country, it doesn't matter if you go off to war, that's just the luck of the draw. The fact is you served. You are right there with all of the others. You deserve the same honor also.

Our country has a long istory dating from Continital Congress til now of loving the service person until the conflict is over and then seeing us as a reminder of bad things and they shun us right up until they need us again to keep them safe.

And it is always the same, when our country needs us, the service person will step forward and do it again no matter the price. It takes a very special kind of person to do this. That is why I am proud to be counted among those very special people. I am proud to be Vetran and always will.

MHO

Gloria

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

From a former member of the Canadian Military, I can only say Thank you to all of you who did and are serving. We will never forget the work you have done and especially those who gave all of their tomorrows for our today.

[Guest Gina9223]

Retired Navy. Served 20 years in the Air Navy and retired as a First Class Petty Officer.

While in the Navy I served with 3 MtF (one of whom was my supervisor… I didn’t even suspect anything until the suicide attempt) and 4 FtM (one I went out with, one who taught me to walk, talk and act like a man… that is sooo funny too!) and 2 46XY CAIS (the most beautiful and sweetest women you’d ever meet)

I was in the Navy for 6 years when they (and me) found out I was biologically weird. The squadron flight surgeon was strongly for me being Intersexed and maybe a poly-morphic chimera (46XY/46XX with a changing blood type and hormone levels) [i managed to stay in mainly because I kept getting gay and lesbian doctors who Cared for ME, which was totally cool. Only occasionally got a klunker straight.)

While on NATO cruises I encountered 3 MtF service members from our allied countries. Currently one of my online friends is in the CAF…(Canadian Armed Forces).

Hugs,

Gina

[Guest kate90g]

Currently serving in the 82nd airborne as a cavalry scout 2 years in joined when I was 17

[Guest Steven22]

I served 4 years during this Iraq/Afgan Campaign, and did not get deployed. My brother and I were stationed on the same base in seperate units and he got deployed 2 times his 3rd time coming up in Oct. I havent seen combat but I have been a instrument of it have seen its effects on those that return home and those who dont. I am humbled and ennobled by their sacrifice, from Nathan Hale to LCpl Ford (last Tanker I know of that has died in combat while serving with 1st Tank 1st Marine Division 29 Palms, Ca) Hail, and Far-well.

-Lauren

[Guest SharleahLynn]

As previously stated , it makes no difference if you served in a hot zone or here at home, the fact remains that each one here was/is willing to stand up and go do a job defending the homeland from bad people and terrorism. I wish that I could return to serve again , but return as my real and true self , I would gladly pay the ultimate price to keep everyone free of thr horrors or wars and other altercations that endanger our homeland. SharleahLynn

[Bulldog1948]

hear, hear well said. Thinking of the soldiers that have fallen before me and the ones to follow, makes my heart deepen with sorrow.

I served in ASA during Nam. Scored too high on the entrance test and they nabbed me. So instead of 2 yrs I served 4.

Right now our grandson [ he'll soon be a major] is off to Afghandstand; he's in MI. He's not allowed any family contact at all. I think he knawing on Taliban butts somewhere. His wife is a Capt in the 82nd AB. And, they have a beautiful 4 month old daughter. Our fervent prayers are that he will return back home safely.

So, God Bless all of our Veterns.

Mike

[Guest SharleahLynn]

Let us hope and pray that all our service people return home safely and pray that there is an end to taking lives . SharleahLynn