OT -- A Salute on Veteran's Day

I have a nephew who started calling me when he was a young teenager each Veteran's Day to thank me for my service. (I'm a Viet-Nam Era vet who happened to go to the Republic of Korea.) I thought his calls were pretty special. He's now in college and about to go to Texas for his basic training in the Wisconsin Air Force Reserve.

Joshua's calls always meant a lot to me. So I, too, say thanks to all you veterans. I'm interested in where you served.

David

This country's sacrifices have been enormous.
But what really gets me is how our GI's are just ordinary guys, not elitist military school guys, like in Germany....yet they kicked butt all over the word. Don't forget the industrial workers who stayed home and gave them the equipment. This country produced 100,000 tanks in WWII and about 300,000 aircraft..no other country could do that and fight two wars at the same time!When WWII broke out we only had 200,000 men in the military. It is nothing short of a miracle that we resurrected the military, fought two wars at the same time and won. It is a lesson we never forgot, although our present military could still use some beefing up. I know the young people don't like it and neither do the Moms and Dads, but, let's face it folks, we need the draft again.

As for the A Bomb, my only regret is we did not have more of them at the time. The Japanese are the most barbarous people on the face of the earth and stupid us, we buy their cars. The young people over there still hate us. The South Koreans won't let us sell American cars there, yet we buy their Hyundais. Wake up America.

I don't mean to forget Vets of all wars, Korea, Viet Nam and the superb soldiers now fighting for us in Iraq. A Toast to the American GI...the most motivated, the most can-do, individual discision maker and the most adaptable and inventive soldier in the world.

By the way, my Uncle flew Sabre Jets in Korea..knocked Migs out of the sky, but crashed landed several times, screwed up his circulation and he eventually had to have both legs amputated...sunk into a deep depression and died a broken man. Any of you guys disabled out there, please don't live that way. Get help and pick yourselves up. We are all proud of you and want you to perk up and live your life. You deserve it. Gee, a tear coming to my eye. I had better stop. God Bless the USA

I remember when I was young my father talking about his service in WW II and Korea. I had heard it so many times that I tried to sneak out of the room when the war stories came up. Now that I am older I appreciate more and more the service that the men gave to our country.

My fathers service..... ...

Inducted into the Army June 8, 1942. Trained at Camp Wallace, Galveston and Tyler, TX and Camp Davis, NC. Assigned to anti-aircraft unit at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX. Served in South Pacific, Australia, Dutch, New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan; involved in Invasion of Biak Island. Awarded two Bronze Stars and Good Conduct Medal. Discharged December, 31, 1945 as first sergeant.

Tour of the Pacific: 227th AAA
Landed in Sydney Australia then to the to the Islands of New Guina, landing first at Millany Bay then to Port Morsbey and then to Good Enough Island then to Fintchauen then to Herlandia then to Biak Island then to the Philippines then to Japan and then back to San Francisco, California.

Recalled for the Korean War 1st January 1949 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as a communication officer. Discharged 6th April 1953 with the rank of Master Seargent.

Last year my Mother layed the wreath at the local service here in town and my son played taps.

Thanks to all the people that serve and have served.