LVZ2881 Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 Joined the US Army. Leaving for Basic training @ Ft. Jackson, SC on May 18th. going into Field Artillery.
LDO Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 Congratulations! Just remember- they're not really going to punch you in basic training. It's all a mind game. They will push you to your limits and beyond. Go for a duty station overseas. You've got the rest of your life to see America. Uncle Sam will pay you to live in another country. You can't take a bus trip to the Paris Air Show from Fort Hood. If you never fire a shot in anger, remember it's because you're a part of the best military in the world, and that's why not many want to mess with you.
crazyjim Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 (edited) Congratulations James and thank you. About 40 years ago I was a forward observer for a 105mm battery. The gun grunts of the 1st Battalion/13th Marines could pump out rounds all day and night when needed. They were fantastic to work with. Don't know much about the Army - except they Ain't Ready for Marines Yet. Best of luck to you. Edited March 5, 2010 by crazyjim
disabled modeler Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 Hi James....Thanks for your support of the best country in the world! My brother-in-law is in Germany and loves it there. Gods Speed to you, We are all honored by you.....Mark
MikeMc Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 Hi James....Thanks for your support of the best country in the world! Gods Speed to you, We are all honored by you.....Mark We will never forget...
Jantrix Posted March 5, 2010 Posted March 5, 2010 As a veteran, I say thank you for serving. Best of luck to you.
walt francis Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 James, congrats my man, I salute you and my son that is leaving the 20th of the month for the airforce to be a fireman.
majel Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 Congratulations James, and thank you for your willingness to serve and for your dedication to our country. My son spent four years in the Air Force and his enlistment was one of the proudest days of my life. I salute you!
Fuel Coupe Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 Congratulations James and thank you. About 40 years ago I was a forward observer for a 105mm battery. The gun grunts of the 1st Battalion/13th Marines could pump out rounds all day and night when needed. They were fantastic to work with. Don't know much about the Army - except they Ain't Ready for Marines Yet. Best of luck to you. Jim I have been reading alot lately about the Vietnam "conflict" definitely interesting. Mostly autobiography stuff. I wasn't born until 68 but my dad almost reuped to go over as a sniper... Kinda glad he didnt...
crazyjim Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 Shane - "conflict" is the wrong word - use "WAR"! And was is hell! Going to boot camp was the first time I was away from home without Mom & Dad. I was scared. We learned real quick to take care of each other to stay alive. The worst part was coming back to the States (we referred to it as The World). People treated us like garbage. They spit on us and called us nasty names. We just did what we were told. I starting working in 1970 and nobody knew I was a Vietnam Veteran until 1982 when I went to the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall). Thankfully, and I believe it's because us Vietnam Veterans, present military are treated with the respect and honor they deserve. Look at all the positive postings here for James. They won't be scourned and ridiculed when they return from serving their country. There are a ton of books and movies about the Vietnam War. One of the best, in my opinion, was Phil Caputo's "A Rumor of War". His outfit was basecamped almost exactly where I was - but he was there several years before me.
Fuel Coupe Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 (edited) Shane - "conflict" is the wrong word - use "WAR"! And was is hell! Going to boot camp was the first time I was away from home without Mom & Dad. I was scared. We learned real quick to take care of each other to stay alive. The worst part was coming back to the States (we referred to it as The World). People treated us like garbage. They spit on us and called us nasty names. We just did what we were told. I starting working in 1970 and nobody knew I was a Vietnam Veteran until 1982 when I went to the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall). Thankfully, and I believe it's because us Vietnam Veterans, present military are treated with the respect and honor they deserve. Look at all the positive postings here for James. They won't be scourned and ridiculed when they return from serving their country. There are a ton of books and movies about the Vietnam War. One of the best, in my opinion, was Phil Caputo's "A Rumor of War". His outfit was basecamped almost exactly where I was - but he was there several years before me. I agree Jim Hence the "" around conflict. The books Ive read really tell the true feelings and accounts of what happened. I will definitely go find the book your suggesting. There are some of us while too young to have been alive when you were there will always be proud of your service. James forgive me for railroading your thread It wasn't my intent. I just always make it a point to remember the guys who went to Vietnam and say something to them as well. Edited March 6, 2010 by TxRat
crazyjim Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 My apologies too James. Bear in mind that you're not just joining the Army. You will become a Veteran and therefore, become part of a brotherhood. As we say, "Stand tall, be proud, never forget".
LVZ2881 Posted March 6, 2010 Author Posted March 6, 2010 Shane & Jim, no problem....It's interesting conversation.. and thanks to everyone for the kind words!!
crazyjim Posted March 6, 2010 Posted March 6, 2010 Thanks James. One more word of advise - start or continue to work out to get your endurance up. Unless things have changed, you'll be doing a lot of running.
James Flowers Posted March 7, 2010 Posted March 7, 2010 Just a question? Why is it that most people join the Army or the Marines? What is wrong with the Air Force or Navy? It seems you never hear of someone joining either of those to branches. Good luck in you new adventure.
crazyjim Posted March 7, 2010 Posted March 7, 2010 People join the Marines to try and become part of the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.
LVZ2881 Posted March 7, 2010 Author Posted March 7, 2010 Just a question? Why is it that most people join the Army or the Marines? What is wrong with the Air Force or Navy? It seems you never hear of someone joining either of those to branches. Good luck in you new adventure. The reason I didnt join the Air Force or NAvy is very simple.. I'm too old!! I'm 33, max enlistment age for Air Force and Navy is 29. besides the age deal, the Navy and Air Force are more technical and are harder to get in.
WickedWelder Posted March 7, 2010 Posted March 7, 2010 God Speed my friend! Take care and THANK YOU!!!! We have never met and probably never will, but you have my utmost RESPECT and you will be kept in my prayers. Gary
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