But why am I still "Running Through the Jungle?"
Last edited by a moderator:
If you enjoy the forum please consider supporting it by signing up for a NES Membership The benefits pay for the membership many times over.
Be sure to enter the NES/MFS May Giveaway ***Canik METE SFX***
Traumatic events in our lives stay in our memories for a long time. Sometimes they fade over the years, but unfortunately they never completely disappear.
It's not service, it's sacrifice.
Everyone who donned a US military uniform sacrificed something valuable to them or their loves ones. From missing half of their childrens' lives, to missing limbs, to traumatic memories, to losing their own lives.
Whatever was involved in the sacrifice is irreplaceable.
I have nothing but respect for the Veterans who came before me; but, you Vietnam guys are just something else. I refuse to believe that anything we got in OIF was a tenth as bad as the hell you went through. The way this country acted after the crap that happened over there is inexcusable.
I still have dreams about Iraq though; but, almost always about belligerent jack-assery with my squad. It's what I choose to focus on.
I wish I knew what my dad went through. He never told me.
It's not service, it's sacrifice.
Everyone who donned a US military uniform sacrificed something valuable to them or their loves ones. From missing half of their childrens' lives, to missing limbs, to traumatic memories, to losing their own lives.
Whatever was involved in the sacrifice is irreplaceable.
I suppose the weirdest thing about it is that many of the memories seem as though they just happened a day or so ago.
I think any significant moment in your life you will be sure to harp on. It's also crazy I've been home for almost a year. It feels like I could go right back, and in a way I sort of miss it.
I've thought about this and talked with other vets a lot - I think some of it stems from the lack of over-stimulation you get here at home. Wife, kids, jobs, bills, neighbors, extended family, etc, etc. Over there you had one thing to worry about - keeping yourself and your buddy alive and making it through.It feels like I could go right back, and in a way I sort of miss it.
Mike
I've thought about this and talked with other vets a lot - I think some of it stems from the lack of over-stimulation you get here at home. Wife, kids, jobs, bills, neighbors, extended family, etc, etc. Over there you had one thing to worry about - keeping yourself and your buddy alive and making it through.
It's weird, because while you feel like you miss it, on the other hand I wouldn't say it was easier. It was just focused to a point that most of our lives aren't over here. And I think human inclination is actually to crave that focus - you either hunt or you gather, do one thing and do it well. But most of us don't live anything even close to that here in America.
For me I kind of miss the sense of purpose, the excitement, and feeling like I'm a part of history. My civilian job is pretty mundain.
One thing is for sure. Nam vets are not all draftees as one guy eluded to hear. Rest in peace Bob. I've got your back after all these years. Semper Fi brother.
I didn't mean to imply that Nam vets were all draftees..... Actually my mom has a friend, his brother volunteered for something like 3 or 4 tours so his younger brother wouldn't have to go..... I was just saying that we younger guys are ALL volunteers..... And I respect all you guys, drafted or no....
My dad got the "go to war or go to jail" offer also..... He chose to go to jail though.....
Sent from my EVO 4G LTE using Forum Runner
Regarding your dad, he probably and without knowing made the single most sound long term decision of his life. He avoided being spayed and betrayed and that can't be a bad thing.
+ 1,000,000I have nothing but respect for the Veterans who came before me; but, you Vietnam guys are just something else. I refuse to believe that anything we got in OIF was a tenth as bad as the hell you went through. The way this country acted after the crap that happened over there is inexcusable.