Did You Serve?

[Jane Paula Simmonds]

On Nov 11 is Veterans Day in honor of that please read this it is a bit long but think of what they gave up for you can read this.                                                                                                                                                                        This isn’t dark it’s just true…To understand a Military Veteran you must know:

We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.

We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.

We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.

We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.

We found new friends and new family.

We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race, or creed.

We had plenty of good times and plenty of bad times.

We didn’t get enough sleep.

We smoked and drank too much.

We picked up both good and bad habits.

We worked hard and played harder.

We didn’t earn a great wage.

We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.

We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.

We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.

We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.

Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us dealt with physical warfare, and most of us dealt with psychological warfare.

We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.

We participated in time-honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.

We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.

We have dealt with victory and tragedy.

We have celebrated and mourned.

We lost a few along the way.

When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.

We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.

We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.

We speak highly of our own branch of service and poke fun at the other branches.

We know, however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.

Being a Veteran is something that has to be earned, and it can never be taken away.

It has no monetary value, but at the same time, it is a priceless gift.

People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.

When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.

So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.

Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.

Share your stories.

But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.

I’m a VETERAN!

(copied from unknown author)

 

 

[RaeOfSunshine]

Thank you for posting this! It definitely resonates with my time in the service. This will be my first Veteran's Day since separating from active duty, and the label of "veteran" still just doesn't sit right. I definitely wasn't ready to stop serving, but on the whole I can look at my time on active duty fondly. Lots of good memories, and lots of good people.

[Ashley0616]

8 hours ago, Jane Paula Simmonds said:

On Nov 11 is Veterans Day in honor of that please read this it is a bit long but think of what they gave up for you can read this.                                                                                                                                                                        This isn’t dark it’s just true…To understand a Military Veteran you must know:

We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.

We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.

We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.

We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.

We found new friends and new family.

We became brothers and sisters regardless of color, race, or creed.

We had plenty of good times and plenty of bad times.

We didn’t get enough sleep.

We smoked and drank too much.

We picked up both good and bad habits.

We worked hard and played harder.

We didn’t earn a great wage.

We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.

We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.

We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.

We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.

Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us dealt with physical warfare, and most of us dealt with psychological warfare.

We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.

We participated in time-honored ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.

We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.

We have dealt with victory and tragedy.

We have celebrated and mourned.

We lost a few along the way.

When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.

We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.

We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.

We speak highly of our own branch of service and poke fun at the other branches.

We know, however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.

Being a Veteran is something that has to be earned, and it can never be taken away.

It has no monetary value, but at the same time, it is a priceless gift.

People see a Veteran and they thank them for their service.

When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.

So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.

Try to remember the good times and make peace with the bad times.

Share your stories.

But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.

I’m a VETERAN!

(copied from unknown author)

 

 

That's wonderful!

[missyjo]

That is beautiful..may I copy it to share with my employer as they try yo honor vers?

Thank You All and

Amen.

[April Marie]

It was my great honor to serve our Nation.

[KathyLauren]

In the US, tomorrow is Veterans' Day, but here in Canada, it is Remembrance Day.  Supposedly the distinction is that Remembrance Day is about the dead.  Personally, I like to remember all combat veterans, living as well as dead.  The living paid a very high price for their service, too.  Who can say which sacrifice was the greater?

 

My father and my father-in-law, both now passed on at ripe old ages, both served in combat in WW2.  They both went on to raise families without any treatment for their PTSD other than just "Suck it up, soldier!"  I honour them, too, on Remembrance Day.

 

According to the rules of the Canada's Department of Veterans' Affairs, I am considered a veteran: I completed Basic Training and I was honourably discharged.  And I will happily accept the benefits they offer for my hearing loss.  But I never saw combat, and I don't feel like I deserve the label of "veteran".  People like my father and father-in-law, they were the real thing.

[Jane Paula Simmonds]

1 minute ago, KathyLauren said:

In the US, tomorrow is Veterans' Day, but here in Canada, it is Remembrance Day.  Supposedly the distinction is that Remembrance Day is about the dead.  Personally, I like to remember all combat veterans, living as well as dead.  The living paid a very high price for their service, too.  Who can say which sacrifice was the greater?

 

My father and my father-in-law, both now passed on at ripe old ages, both served in combat in WW2.  They both went on to raise families without any treatment for their PTSD other than just "Suck it up, soldier!"  I honour them, too, on Remembrance Day.

 

According to the rules of the Canada's Department of Veterans' Affairs, I am considered a veteran: I completed Basic Training and I was honourably discharged.  And I will happily accept the benefits they offer for my hearing loss.  But I never saw combat, and I don't feel like I deserve the label of "veteran".  People like my father and father-in-law, they were the real thing.

My wife is Canadian She was a Officer in the Canadian Army she was a Major I was a enlisted in the US Army  I end become a Master Sgt I was told that is equal to your Chief Warrant Officer.  

[Ivy]

7 minutes ago, KathyLauren said:

But I never saw combat, and I don't feel like I deserve the label of "veteran".

IDK.  I was in a combat unit, but never in combat myself.  The potential for combat was still there.  I was drafted and don't consider myself any kind of hero.  I suppose I did my duty though.

My Father served in WWII, although also never in actual combat.  I also have a daughter who served in the Air Force.

I'm not a big military type person.  I just did my duty when called on as a citizen.

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I'm not quite sure of the distinction between veterans and folks who just did some time in the military.  I've been around military folks, but never part of it. 

 

My husband was a National Guard NCO.  I don't think he was ever deployed, but he absolutely won't talk about his service time.  I know his MOS, and that's about it....I stopped asking because he walks away or changes the topic every single time.  His father served in Vietnam, and definitely doesn't talk about it....seems to be a pattern - folks who serve don't talk about it much (if at all) with those who didn't.  

 

 

[missyjo]

my humble guess as to why they dont talk about it?

1. they worked on classified stuff.

2. they were taught suvk it up soldier

3. it's too painful fir they to relive it to tell us, n to what benefit? how can I make the pain better?

4. it's painful n they wish to protect us from the horrors they faced n may relive in nightmares n refuse to expose those they love to that pain.still protecting us. 

 

just my guesses

 

I did not serve so I have no insight or claim to honor. but I remain grateful. very grateful.

 

we can never say THANK YOU enough. to all who put on uniform, combat or not, you served on the team that protected us n our way of life. thank you n amen. 

[Ashley0616]

47 minutes ago, missyjo said:

my humble guess as to why they dont talk about it?

1. they worked on classified stuff.

2. they were taught suvk it up soldier

3. it's too painful fir they to relive it to tell us, n to what benefit? how can I make the pain better?

4. it's painful n they wish to protect us from the horrors they faced n may relive in nightmares n refuse to expose those they love to that pain.still protecting us. 

 

just my guesses

 

I did not serve so I have no insight or claim to honor. but I remain grateful. very grateful.

 

we can never say THANK YOU enough. to all who put on uniform, combat or not, you served on the team that protected us n our way of life. thank you n amen. 

All of those are very good reasons for us vets. Another reason is we don't know how to describe it in civilian terms. You would have to be well rehearsed on military terms and ideology. It's why we sometimes say you won't understand. 

[Jane Paula Simmonds]

I was awarded in my 21 years of being in the Army the Bronze Star with V, Legion of Merit, two Purple Hearts, three ARCOMS, and four AAM and four campaign ribbons Panama 1989 Gulf War 1990 and Somalia 1993 with three years in Latin America. NCO with a number 3, good conduct with two silver and one bronze oak leaf, Army overseas, army service my combat patch would be 1st SOC my last Duty would be 101st ABN AASLT I would have 7 stipes on my lower left arm four lower right arms I earn going to the upper left breast pocket and one Prest unit cre one Merts Unit on the right upper breast pocket exp M16A1, M60, M203, and M1911A1 tabs under the ribbons with my Sr Jump Master Badges and AASLT Badges and my left flap of the left breast pocket name tag right flap of the right breast pocket with the rank both upper arms Master Sgt 

[Jani]

Wow, very accomplished!  Thank you for your service Jane.

[missyjo]

Jane's, damn girl..hell of à solder n damn good looking girl too

giggles n winks

seriously thanks for service

hugs missy jo

[Jane Paula Simmonds]

On 11/12/2023 at 9:54 AM, Jani said:

Wow, very accomplished!  Thank you for your service Jane.

You do know I was trying to get killed in action or in traning then be found out being transgender in the Army during the time I was in the total banned and Do Not Ask Do not Tell. I saw what they did to one t girl she got five years in a Federal Prison with a Federal Felony with a Dishonorable Discharge she was a Staff Sgt in a another Bdg she was 11B ABN Inf with 13 years in this was 1996. They caught her walking out of a club with some cis females civilian at Fort Campbell KY. And my mos they can ask me if I was under the National Security Act if you have a very high Security Clearance they can ask you any question and you have tell them the truth. And I had a TS SBIG SCI with TK that is Top Secret Special Background Investigation Sensitive Compartnent  for Eyes Only Intell ( I been out for over 23 years now ) That was how scared I was of being found out 

[Jani]

Many of us did pursue dangerous military billets, civilian jobs, or sports.  I don't recall the data points, but transgender people serve in the military in large numbers compared to other groups. 

[missyjo]

sadly, I believe you're correct. I'm sorry political games n ignorance n hate pushes our girls there..so sorry

hugs

[Willa Kissing]

I served in the US Army from October 11, 1984, to August 11th, 1995. During my service time I achieved the rank of E-5 sergeant and was going to be promoted to staff sergeant if I had not left the service. I had all peace time service with a lot of specialty detail service time on task forces. Achieved the highest peace time medals and loved my time in the Army.  I left for by request of the woman I married. 

 

I wished when I served it was not illegal and dischargeable or prosecutable to be any facet of the LGBTQ+ community. If it had been the reverse and supportive back, then God would I have loved to proudly wear the female dress greens and blues uniform. 

 

Sincerely a proud Veteran,

Willa

[Willa Kissing]

On 11/13/2023 at 11:44 PM, Jane Paula Simmonds said:

You do know I was trying to get killed in action or in traning then be found out being transgender in the Army during the time I was in the total banned and Do Not Ask Do not Tell. I saw what they did to one t girl she got five years in a Federal Prison with a Federal Felony with a Dishonorable Discharge she was a Staff Sgt in a another Bdg she was 11B ABN Inf with 13 years in this was 1996. They caught her walking out of a club with some cis females civilian at Fort Campbell KY. And my mos they can ask me if I was under the National Security Act if you have a very high Security Clearance they can ask you any question and you have tell them the truth. And I had a TS SBIG SCI with TK that is Top Secret Special Background Investigation Sensitive Compartnent  for Eyes Only Intell ( I been out for over 23 years now ) That was how scared I was of being found out 

I was in the Army from 1984 to 1995 as a Military Police becoming a sergeant E-5 and ready to be promoted to E-6, and before I entered the service, I was just a cross dresser secretively from age 11 to 19 that I had to hide and forget about due to the Don't ask Don't Tell policies because I saw the soldiers arrested and was ordered to arrest them for being gay or Bi let alone anything else. I was so afraid of that dishonorable discharge and federal prison time that I just gave up cross dressing altogether while in the Army. A rough 11-year denial period, and yes what you have shared about persecution and prosecution during our service time was very real. I had a only secret clearance myself. 

 

Empathies to you and those persecuted and prosecuted, 

Cross dressing Willa

[Ivy]

Welcome Willa

 

I'm an Army vet.  But I never seriously considered it for a career.

I don't regret it, but I was glad enough to leave when I could.

[Lydia_R]

Welcome @Willa Kissing!  From my experience, there is a psychological toll from being in the military no matter how you served.

 

Thanks for your service @Ivy.  Being drafted must have been tough.  Every time I see you posting here, I remember that picture you shared of bread you bake every day!  I love that!

 

That post on Nov 9th on the last page from @Jane Paula Simmonds made me cry!  I started remembering flying on P-3's to Florida and Puerto Rico.  I remember how one of my bosses before I joined the military urged me to go out and see the world.  I remember the culture shock of it all.

[Willa Kissing]

Yes, there is and was a psychological toll, but it is how we chose to deal with those tolls that add up in our lives over our life that determines our own personal mental health. With me developing and growing my crossdressing has become my greatest coping mechanism/skill. 

[Beginsat43]

USAF, Crew Chief, KC-10A (Aircraft Mechanic), McGuire AFB, NJ 2001-2005