According to a recent survey somewhere between 42 and 48 of the British public support the country’s participation in the war — and the troops who are fighting it.
I completely missed the Vietnam Era in America by a solid 10 years. And even then I was busy doing things like taking long naps and eating baby food. So I, just like the vast majority of today’s servicemembers and military families have very little idea what many of our brave Vietnam War veterans experienced when they came home. Shame. Name calling. Disgust.
Today support for the war does not seem to be linked to support for our troops. While support in America for the war is around an all time low — 69 percent of those recently polled said they do not support the war in Afghanistan — it does not seem to translate to a lack of support for our troops. Even if you don’t like the wars, you probably take pride in supporting the serivcemembers and their families.
The Vietnam era is behind us, thank God.
But according to the reports I’ve read on the UK, like this one, that doesn’t necessarily seem to be the case across the pond. It may not have degraded into shaming yet, but British troops and their families do not seem to enjoy the public support we do in the form of military discounts from businesses, regularly being thanked for our service in public, etc.
No, we don’t necessarily want or think we deserve those things. But you gotta admit, they DO boost morale. So here’s my question:
If you faced somewhere between no recognition and downright public shame, would you willingly serve in our military?
Let’s be clear: I am NOT saying we serve today for the thanks we get. Service is called “service” for a reason. But a grateful public DOES help make us feel good about what we’re doing. And it helps guard our families from haters.
I’ve been thinking about this question a lot since deciding to write this post several weeks ago. I have a hard time imagining what I would do under that kind of peer pressure. I hope that I would say “yes” to service no matter what others think. But would I really? Would I really proudly say that we are a military family if I knew it would result in my son being bullied at school? Or my husband was spit at on the street?
So imagine for a second with me that despite an all volunteer force the same feelings that followed troops after Vietnam were present today. If you felt you had to hide the fact that you or your spouse was a servicemember, would you willing stay in the military? Take our poll below and let us know — then check out the results on the next page.
About Amy Bushatz
Comments
Since I live in a city far from an post, and my husband is deployed..I can tell you that some people do not appreciate the military…but…why wouldnt you continue to serve? You may have ungrateful people back home but it is a sense of satisfaction that they are fighting to make our life possible the way it is at home..and at least they are making it better for their families.
I served in the US Army on active duty from the 1950s to 1978, including a tour in Vietnam. I never felt appreciated by the non-military US population during that period of service. We got no discounts or any type of preferential treatment. Now, occasionally, people realize that I am a veteran and thank me. It is nice that they do so, but I am proud to have served anyway. Today’s troops should feel the same. Frankly, those who never served in the military haven’t got a clue.
For every 1 hater there are at least 4 prideful people that will shake your hand, and praise you for your service.
If roles were reversed, and I was the one in the Army I'd still do it regardless of how people feel. It's not about me, it's about the future, and feeling like you're part of something greater than yourself. It is those men, and women that selflessly sign over their lives in support of our freedoms, even your right to 'hate' on them.
Been there, done that. I served during Vietnam and immediately thereafter. The USO and our families, sometimes, were about the only ones that showed any appreciation for us. I really didn't care. I was doing a job that needed to be done.
A few months after we moved in to our new house at our new duty station (after being harassed constantly by our neighbors, threatened with their pitt bull, told they could do anything to us because they were related to a police office,etc) we were told by the wife she was glad we are a military family because "We will only have to put up with you for three years."
We never did anything to them. They constantly used our drive way as a parking lot for all their work truck. Blocked our drive way to make us late for work. Threatened physical violence against us. They definitely treat us bad because we are here temporarily.
Wren, you are definately living next to some serious trash! Thank you for your/yours service! I don't know where you are but that doesn't matter. The fact that they are related to a police officer doesn't give them any special privledges ~ I know because I am a retired Internal Affairs detective, as well as a vet. These sh$t Birds give you/yours any future trouble (start keeping a diary & including past incidents) go to the base/station Legal Officer/JAG Officer AND the Provost Marshal/MP Officer AND Chaplain and file WRITTEN statements with all 3 requesting that the issue be handled. You have the RIGHT to live in peace. If you want to go further, there is the AMERICAN LEGION and a host of other mil/vet organizations that can & will help. There is also the Attorney General for whatever State you are in ~ they won't tolerate the "we're related to a cop" BS! And, the relative who IS a cop won't appreciate his family jeopardizing his/her job. God Bless & Good Luck!
My grandfather was a US Army paratrooper in WWII, in the PTO, not Europe. There were the four major jumps in Europe against the German military, he made over 40 jumps in the Pacific performing missions such as forward recon, marking targets for Marine and Navy gunfire, and for US Navy and Marine aircraft.
He was the reason I served, not so that I could have people thanking me for my time in uniform, even though such thanks were greatly appreciated. So yes, even if I had not received a single thanks while in, I would still have served, as much to serve my country as to honor the men and women of what will always be the greatest generation.
I don't care if people like what I do in the military or not, yes it is nice to see support but if they don't that is fine as well. That is the freedom that me and people like me are giving them, and when people say they don't like the military I just tell them go live in Afghanistan or North Korea for a year then come back to me and tell me you don't like having the freedoms you are provided. If you like living in a country where you can say what you want and practice any religion you choice then don't attack the people that are risking their lives to provide that ability to you.
Air Force
Airman First Class
2 1/2 years
Deployed 3 times
Just saying there are a lot of people out there that don't like America just because we are who we are.
I joined the US Army in 1977. I stayed for 32 active years. I saw the appreciation and lack of thru the years. When there is trouble, we're appreciated, when there is none, we are a tax burden. Many times on my 4 combat deployments totalling 39 months and my non combat ones totaling only 27 months, I heard the phrase "thank you for serving" sometimes it was truly thanks and others it was thank you for not drafting my kids and sending them, you die instead!
I did 26 years of active duty and was spit upon in the San Francisco Airport when I got back from Viet Nam, On the Campus of both Washington University and St. Louis University while on Recruiting Duty,
Had Bricks thrown through my office Window in Madison Wisconsin, so I know how you feel.
In my time in the service I served in England, Viet Nam, Thailand, and the Philippines! I also served in numerous bases in the USA._When I came back from Viet-Nam we landed at McCord AFB we were advised to wear civvies if we had them, because the military in uniform offended the peace creeps. But since I detested the Peace Creeps, I decided to wear my uniform home. I flew all the way home Space Available. At Chicago the last stop before I reached my home town I bumped a Hippie._ I stayed in the AF and retired in 1980. I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. I didn't care what the civilians thought about me, and I still don’t _ The Air Force gave me my lovely Thai Wife in August we will be married 41 yrs. We now have a beautiful daughter
Bravo for you! I had the same experiences too;
CONT.
Who gave us three Outstanding and pretty Granddaughters, We also have a son who is an LtCol in the USMC he gave us a handsome Grandson. The would join the Old Air Force where the leaders backed their men, unlike the new feminized AF, along with its homosexuals with their outrageous behavior.
Correction,
Who gave us three Outstanding and pretty Granddaughters, We also have a son who is an LtCol in the USMC he gave us a handsome Grandson. I would re join The Old Air Force if I could where the leaders backed their men, unlike the new feminized AF, along with its homosexuals with their outrageous behavior.
Hell Yes I'd serve! there is no greater Honor, I only wished I had been a better Soldier & NCO in my 37 yrs of service, active & USAR, 2 wars several Articles & 1 Court M.
I remember when I got out & back from RVN in 69, I was having lunch with my Mom, when a man walked up & shook my hand & thank me, he was an old Classmate of my Mother's,Class of 43 , they knew something about Duty, Honor, & Sacrifice.
As a Viet Nam era veteran, I remember the cold shoulders I received from the public. Upon my arrival to JFK in New York in the dead of winter in summer short sleeve class B uniform, I waited 2 hours for a cab willing to drive home after being deployed for over 12 months. If not for the intervention of a Port Authority Police Officer I'd still be there today. Years later when my reserve unit return from O.I.F. we landed in the same airport but the feeling was completely different, our charter buses were escorted by the N.Y.P.D. and Nassau County P.D. it was very moving, felt great. Yes, I'd serve whether I were appreciated or not It's an HONOR to serve my country.
Damn right Gonzo…..I also have been there…Joined the Army in 1966..spent 8 yrs ,5 months total.. Remember well the first time I got back to Roanoke Va with three of my pals…We were in uniform…approached a group of girls….thinking we would get a welcome home…..Nope…one of the girls elected herself the spokesperson of the group and smugly announced… " You guys are BABY KILLERS ! We are not having anything to do with you !!! " My companions were speechless….I kept my temper,….got right in that girl's face and very quietly said…": YOU know that is a DAMN LIE !…..If it WERE true….you and all your teeny-bopper friends would be DEAD by now !!! "…… I watched all the color drain out of her face as she stood there with her mouth open…processing what I had just said… We walked away enjoying the silence… Today, when I wear my ball cap with the inscription " Viet Nam Veteran…" I have strangers stop me and sincerely thank me for my service… It's much like another veteran named Matt….who received his honors 42 years later….better late than never…
There's a reason we consider ourselves a military "family". It's because the important people in your life serve next to you and THAT is what counts, not what the public feels towards your profession.
I am not in the military but giving it a thought; but also, I am looking into law enforcement as well. I have been noticing every year there is less respect for law enforcement and it has not steered me away from going for it.
Truth be told, I sometimes actually feel a little uncomfortable for the appreciation people show. I know they all mean well, but it seems a little awkward to me when they come up and thank me. First, it's literally the family business. But the other is that I know people whose service has been much more taxing than mine (I have a disturbing tendency to be pulled off deployments at the last minute) plus my own knowledge that, by the time he was 24, my grandfather had flown bombers over Berlin in WWII and was then flying relief supplies into that very same city during the airlift. By that age, all I'd done was end up deploying to Qatar instead of Baghdad as was intended.
But, to directly address the question, I would still serve if I wasn't "appreciated". I signed up for ROTC before Iraq kicked off and the big "support the troops" campaigns started up. Being appreciated or treated indifferently would not affect my decision to serve. But it would be much harder if I was treated negatively.
I entered the service in 1969, did not have to serve overseas until I got off active and joined the NG, coming from SD I never had a bad comment come my way and remember many flights in uniform when WWII and Korean War Vets would buy the booze! As with CDS I feel uncomfortable much of the time when thanked in public, I do it because I believe in the USA and it is my turn to step up. I would do it regardless of the support.
I was in the Navy from 1967 – 1971 including 18 months on Swift boats in Vietnam. When I got out in '71, I found that I couldn't really relate to people on "the outside". Nobody it seemed thought as I did. Nobody wanted to hear about or even know about what I had been doing for the last four years. The world had changed and so had I. It took me about 3 months in CIVLAND to figure-out I didn't belong anymore. I marched down to the recruiter and signed-up for another four and stayed-in for a total of 26 years (retiring in 1992). I suppose the Navy was my "safety valve". But I liked it, I was good at it, and the Navy always took care of me. And when you went to sea, you could escape all the ugliness that was happening in the States. The Navy was my refuge and my strength. It gave me pride and worth, a place where I was wanted – and for that I will be eternally grateful!
went to vietnan and rode swits fora year station out of an tho,came back weht annapolis,on the y.p.s for a year and went back for two more yearsat metho as a advisor then got sent down to solid anchor for a month ,then back to metho i was in for 22 years
“If You Weren’t Appreciated Would You Serve?”
I did. I entered service in 1976, when we were still suffering the fallout from Vietnam.
What I have found truly amazing is the same people against military service are usually the same folks that are the first to scream the loudest when it is their homes and livelihood on the line due to some natural or man made disaster that only the National Guard has the capabilities to handle. Throughout history every time we have had the "Peace contingent" gain control of our government and cut the military it has come back to bite where the sun don't shine. Some folks never learn and those who protested in Vietnam are the loudest at lending credence and a platform to the newest bunch of anarchists, lowlifes, and disrespectful people who put down the military every chance they get. You can either fight for peace (sounds like an oxymoron I know) or you can wave a sign and shout for Peace, which has had a greater impact on actually creating the "peace" that the world is allowed to experience every so often??
Served in Vietnam, did not feel like anyone cared about me or any other Vietnam Vet. My father-in-law told me about 10 years ago that it would have been better for the US if all of us LOSERS who served in Vietnam would have been killed there. Have not talked to him since. I am proud of my service and my time in the U.S. Army. I would do it again.
Both are Great Careers! I'm a Vietnam Era Veteran who served 8 yrs in this mans Army. I got out to use my GI Bill an get my education. I then became a Police Officer for 10 yrs. before I was medically Retired. I Wish you the Best. I was Proud to Serve. On another page, I to experienced the cold shoulder as I arrived to Travis AFB from overseas. There was no one to Greet us. No Thank Yous,No Bands< No TV,etc. But we were all Proud Soldiers.
A recruiter told me – at 17 – that my country needed me badly at the tail end of the Vietnam era because "Somebody has to do it – and nobody else will." I was happy to oblige (what else would a former paperboy/Boy Scout/Junior Achiever do?).
Three years later – after having endured a nice little gift of saliva and the seemingly obligatory curse of "Baby killer!" while walking through the S.F. airport before going to Travis and across the pond (ohhh…so that's why it was "discretely" suggested that I not wear the uniform…) – I kicked it for another three years 'cuz by then when the (huh….I forget what he was called? Retention officer?) man said "Your country needs you badly – somebody has to do it, and nobody else will.", I knew it was true.
But six was enough as I am lousy at being strack. Truth be told, I HATED the Army…if I hadn't seen the reality of "Nobody else will.", I would never have tried to gut it out as long as I did.
I would have enlisted in the Navy no matter what. Nothing was going to stop me. If people did not support the military like how it was back in the Vietnam War, it may have affected my deciding whether to reenlist or not. I heard stories from my uncle, grandfathers, and great grandfathers about what it was like serving in various wars while in the Army/ Air Force. They chose not to reenlist due to the experiences, so who's to say I might not do the same in that situation?
I served in the '70s and '80s. In the '70s, few gave a rat's ass and some were openly hostile or derisive toward military members. That changed quite a bit for the better during the Reagan years, however. I was proud to serve no matter what.
I served from the end of Vietnam to the beginning of Desert Storm. Most of it was active, with two years reserves while I was in college finishing my degree, and then back to active duty. I served because I believed it was my duty, and a family tradition. I experienced the lack of appreciation in Logan, UT on the way home from Germany to attend my mother-in-laws funeral. Some punk called me a "baby killer" in a restaurant we stopped to eat in. I would have killed him if I could of got my hands on him, but cooler heads prevailed. Most people would just turn away from you when you were traveling in dress uniform, unless they were active duty.
Thanks Brother for all you did – and welcome home.
Semper Fi.
Enlisted in 1963, before JFK got whacked. Had no problems until I got home, when my father and the rest of the so-called "Greatest Generation" came down like a ton of bricks on me and "my guys" .. .. because we were all "dope-smoking, baby-killing Losers"!! (He apologized before he died, but, frankly, it didn't mean much by then.) "Appreciated"? Not hardly! But I didn't enlist for -that-; I enlisted simply because it was considered part of one's 'Civic Duty' as a citizen.
When I do something, I do it for my own reasons, not because someone is going to pat me on the back. It's nice when they do, but certainly not needed. OTOH, don't get in my face about it, either, because you =won't= like the 'results'. Would I do it over, again. Most likely, sure, why the hell not. Would I do it =today=? Not on a bet! Then again, I'm an older guy that knows too much and now has =ZERO= tolerance for BS and ChS! And no hesitation to tell you you have no clothes and/or your head where the sun don't shine.
YMMV…….
Freedom is a constant fight, if you give up the fight you will lose the right. There will always be people that think you can talk sense to a dictator. Reagan forced Gorbachev to tear down the wall threw military persistance not nice talk. I'm glad I served during that era and I'd do it again.
I returned home from Vietnam in 1971. Logged 500 hrs air combat time as pilot. At local store for Christmas buying toys for my kids I was told, "we don't take military checks". I applied for Bank America Card and was declined for no permanent residence. I was also told "don't wear your uniform in public' The worst part was it took 25 yrs before anyone, "not a family member or personal friend" ever said, "Welcome Home". When this happened I was standing in the front of the Vietnam Memorial. The gentleman looked at me and said, Welcome Home, I can tell you were there. He was another Vet. It wasn't until 2010 Veterans Day Parade, before anyone NOT a Family Member, Friend, or Vietnam Vet ever said, "Welcome Home". I was so speachless I didn't know how to respond. I served not to be thanked, but because I felt the obligation of those who served our country in years past. If I had to live it over again would I serve. Yes. I didn't do it for the thanks.
I served 31 years, 20 in the Navy and 11 in the Texas Army National Guard, 1 tour to Iraq in 2005. This is an Honor to me and my family. My son is also serving and if my other son could he would. If it wasn't for the men and woman serving in the Armed Forces we wouldn't have this freedom that we have. I am very proud of what I have done, and if the question was asked, "Would you do it again?" Yes I would do it all over again.
I served while Vietnam was happening. The service members were not generally appreicated then. I served because I believed in the need to help my country, and yes I volunteered.
I would have served even if I had known there would be people out there who would despise me for what I did (Active Duty Air Force from 1964 – 1969). I always traveled in Class A uniform; never really detected any ill feelings toward me. I wasn't checking out the crowd to see how they looked at me — I was always scanning around to see if I recognized anyone out there at the air terminals, etc. Many times, I simply met up with some other serviceman and waited for a flight with them while exchanging "war stories". I never got shot at, and never got any ribbons for anything except "being there, and for being in an outstanding or meritorious unit (as C.O. all my units were so designated.). But I knew that what I was doing was important to the big picture, and would not change a thing. As they said from the beginning, "your assignments will be determined by the needs of the Air Force, not by your personal desires."
Have a long list of military personal in my family tree all the way back to the civil war. Grandfather and dad were both in the US Navy. I joined the Navy back in the 60's. Spent two cruises in the Tonkin Gulf off of Vietnam. I enjoyed the entire time while I was stationed on the USS Intrepid CVS-11. Went around the world two times and visited many places. Wosuld not have been able to do that in my civilian life. Vietnam was not a popular war but I really didn't care what other people believed. I joined the US Navy to serve MY Country in time of need. I am still PROUD and GLAD I served my Country when I was needed. Would do it all over again if I was able.Have a lot of health problems since then, but would still do it all over again. Ken
I was raised in a many generational military family. We were raised to be Patriotic, love our country, our freedoms the Constitution provided us, & to be willing to defend those freedoms. Now, I’m a Sr. Citizen & thoroughly disgusted with what the politicians have done to our once beautiful nation. It deeply hurts to see what our military of all branches gave their lives to protect & today’s politicians taking those freedoms away!! It makes me sick at the extreme lack of care & respect our troops have today. They return from war with PTSD & get turned away because of politics,…& I personally find that criminal on or gov’ts part!!! Shame on them. It used to be an honorable act to “serve” this nation. Now, there’s nothing honorable about serving & being told your pay will be withheld, loosing your home while deployed, (it happened to 3 of my neighbors!! Thanks to good ol’ BofA), and coming home missing limbs, having TBI, PTSD, & having the VA that used to bend over backwards to ensure troops were receiving proper care on their return, to now be turned away & told to figure it out!!! Disgraceful!! My son returned with his left hand completely crushed from the vehicle being turned over in the war zone. His shoulder was dislocated, b he had other injuries. He begged for six months to go to medics to no avail. Outrageous!!! He was in such severe pain & actually started displaying his anger, that resulted in his having a hearing before his superiors, etc. The end result was they agreed with his anger & he was granted medical treatment (four reconstructive surgeries). Seriously,…who in their right mind would want to defend a nation that permeates in every branch, in every single Federal agency with corruption, dishonesty, lies, and huge lack of integrity. This all goes back to 25 yrs that I can recall with each year. Worse than the yr before. When my grandfather served in WW11, there was honor. He rec’d the Congressional Medal of Honor. Now, & the past 25 yrs has been ALL politics & sheer greed of those politicians!!! I will always support the troops that serve till the day I die. But I no longer have respect for those politicians in the House, the Senate, especially in Congress!! That have been making the decisions & taking our rights away. That also includes the Presidents that haven’t made their decisions to specifically defend our Constitution.
I was raised in a many generational military family. We were raised to be Patriotic, love our country, our freedoms the Constitution provided us, & to be willing to defend them. What used to be an honorable act has been made by this nations’ greedy politicians to not be so any more as they’ve increasingly taken away the freedoms the Constitution gave its citizens. Pretty much ALL the politicians running this nation now are disgraceful for NOT making their decisions that WILL defend & protect the Constitution of this nation. It’s disgusting the lack of accountability, the extreme level of corruption in every branch, in every agency, & the extreme waste at the taxpayers expense. No, it doesn’t surprise me at the lack of interest now in serving. Seriously, one would have to be insane to literally “want” to step into that arena & be involved in it. But then, most all in it have NO deep seeded integrity either for what is right.
I did serve – and there was very little appreciation during the Viet Nam War.
We came home to a very hostile America…they called us 'Baby Killers' and other enduring names.
But – I served…and proudly.
Even had a knife thrown at me…
G.R. Poole MCPO, USN (Ret.)
I served during the Vietnam War in the Navy. When we came home there was not recognition. I have a young man who join the Marine Corp. last year. He has made me proud to have served. He has changed my out look on what I did. I now wear a Navy Vet hat showing my service aboard the USS Yorktown. I encourage several young men I know to go through with their goals in enlisting in today's Service. I now have one Marine, one Air Force, one Navy. one I am talking to now is interested in the Air force reserve.
For those already in the military, nothing would change much. When it comes down to it, you don't fight for "truth, justice and the American way". You fight for your buddies next to you. By then, they have become your brothers or, in many cases, closer than brothers. These are the people who you would risk your life for and the ones who would risk their lives for you. You don't think about doing it for the country or the people back home. In a firefight, you don't even think about that world so far away. It's all about those dirty, stinking bad asses next to you who are doing what they are needed to do. I couldn't give a small chunk of camel sh#t what some liberal dope smoking hippy occupier of his mother's basement thinks about me or what I am out there doing. He had better stay behind me because he wouldn't last a half a second in front of me and I would dare him to try.
Vietnam – shot at & missed, spit at & hit.
Flew Navy jets there in combat for a year, then returned to a Navy town that ignored our squadron return, compared to today where returning non-combat reserve units get active media coverage. To me, this describes the US population in general during Vietnam: There was a shrill, vocal group that criticized returning veterans- a group that included this Ayers dude in Chicago as well as some people who are in politics/Congress today who now love the vets because its PC. Then there was the group that had WWII/Korean War heritage who supported vets. In the middle was the huge majority that did not/would not ever serve who wanted nothing to do with Vietnam – outa sight, outa mind. My added perspective was that I was a native of this Navy town, i.e., high school, etc. To this day, the majority of some very fine people & old friends have no clue I was in Vietnam.
A far away place, a long time ago. I served & would again.
I served from 1962 to 1967 was in Ft Stewart Ga when JFK was killed, Went on to Germany where I re-upped and asked for 1 cav in Vietnam, got those orders with a year to go. Served my year in at first beautiful Gods Country, by the time I left that place had turned to Hell's whole. I was married so I got out and went home to a wife that put up with all my fits and is still with me 46 yrs later. I finall got up the nerve to visit the wall 8 yrs ago and the memories swallowed me whole all the brothers that had each others back no matter their skin color as it took all of us together to make it home, Sorry Guys but our Govt SOLD us out with Trade agreements! Yes I would serve again as my son and 4 grandsons have and still doing! Just hope that We the People see new Faces in Congress that will remember the vow that each soldier swears by to Uphold the CONSTITUTION of this Country!
You don't serve to be appreciated, One joins the military for many reason but In my 15 years in I never met anyone that said wow I joined to be appreciated by a civilian population that has no idea what we do where we go and never read the constitution. They appreciate Jersey shore and football players. In my city we had 3 policemen killed in a gun fight and they have parks named after them and monuments. If you want to be appreciated be a Firefighter everyone loves them. If you want to serve your country right or wrong no matter who is the president who is your commander who gives you orders join the military
I served from 1985 to 2010 in the Army in numerous capacities. I frankly never felt particularly appreciated by neither the Army nor the general populace. In all that time I think I only had someone say thanks for your service only a couple of times and those were close to my retirement time.
Ultimately, it was not what I joined the military for and was seldom an issue worthy of discussion. I did what I did for the Country and me.
The only time the lack of appreciation bugged me was when we came back from Iraq in 2009. We came back on a C-17, in the dead of night, sitting with all of the other spare parts. We didnt have anyone to welcome us and werent allowed to see our families for several days…. that kinda sucked.
Dont worry, things were set right when I retired. I had the general of the Army Reserves decorate me and really made a go of making a big deal of my service…… loop closed
I am proud of my fellow servicemen and the people who now give support to them, I was a Vietnam vet and remember being told to not wear our uniforms ashore for our own safety. Fortunately being in the Coast Guard, most did not recognize our uniform, mistaking us for a foreign navy. Why the people of the 60's and 70's liked them better than us is beyond me. And yes the Coast Guard was very much in Vietnam: Granada, Panama, Desert Storm, etc…
Keep making me proud people.
I came in during Vietnam and stayed. I was an enlisted man for 6 years and an officer for 18. I remember being confronted and cursed by protesters during and after Vietnam. I experienced our internal, racial difficulties in the 70's which were all but hidden from a disinterested public. By the 1980s we were putting the Army solidly back on its feet and the public hardly noticed. I retired shortly after the hoopla of the First Gulf War and returned, unwillingly, to my hometown of Minneapolis (I wanted to stay in the Army).
What I didn't anticipate when I got out of the Army was the manner I was treated by people, and employers, who were supposedly supportive of me and my family. My employer, a Fortune 300 company where I became the training director, instructed me not to reveal that I had been in the military and to say, instead, "I had worked in government". When visiting my home, my boss became upset with me for displaying my awards, citations and plaques instructing me to take them down before any of my co-workers saw them.
My wife was subjected to countless questions regarding her employment history. She was constantly asked to explain why she changed jobs and locations every two to three years. Several times she was turned down because employers were unwilling to pay for a criminal background investigation involving several states and a foreign country even though she had a security clearance!
My children were questioned several times each year by teachers and school staff as to whether or not they were abused by their parents especially their father who had been in the Army. In fact, on teacher accused me of brutalizing my son during a parent / teacher conference I had initiated when my son's grades had dropped. Fortunately, the school counselor was the daughter of an Army colonel.
I later found that because it's easy to successfully file a "Hostile Workplace" suit when an employer hires a vet or an active member of the Guard and Reserve, most employers avoid hiring them or let them go once their background / status is revealed. "Why" you ask? (1) Because only disabled vets are a protected class subject to discrimination law protection. And, (2) because insurance companies place a surcharge on "Employment Practices" and "Management Practices" insurance when vets or Guard and Reserve members are employees.This is done because all another employee must do to prove that a "Hostile" work environment exists is document that they are "seriously" discomforted by the presence of the service member or vet. The service member or vet's actual behavior doesn't even matter! Oh. As for health insurance concerns, employers are rightly concerned about being stuck with the bill for a service-connected medical problem not only for the service member but their spouse and children.
Would I do it again? Would I serve? Yup! You bet!
I recognize that the pride I have and my family shares with me as a result of my service comes with a bit of humility. Being a soldier at arms is, after all, only the world's second oldest profession. But, may it always be the most honorable!
I did not serve to be appreciated, I because it is what I believe in. Defending a nation who's values were founded by men who believed in a better world.
It doesn't matter if the sheep don't appreciate the sheepdogs. It would be nice to have them say thanks once in a while, but that isn't why we signed up. We signed up because it is a job that has to be done, and that job isn't for everyone. We know when we signed up what we were in for, and it is a privilege to serve.
I served because I had a military obligation. The thought of being appreciated never crossed my mind.
Did 23 years in the Navy. First for adventure, second time because I liked it. The 70s, 80s were great. 1990 -2001 got way too PC for me. Would do it all over again. God Bless America and those who serve/served. The current POTUS has got to go!!!
I enlisted in 1975, a tie immediately after Vietnam and the military was not supported by the public. There were still signs in Norfolk in parks that said Sailors and Dogs, keep off the grass!!! % sailors that I know personally, were mugged on Coronado beach by local teens carrying baseball bats. All of my friends were hospitalized for more than just a few days, but the court found the teens only guilty of Public misconduct and fined $50 bucks each. The said that local boys would be boys and that maybe the sailors should go hang out on some other Public beach. These are just a few examples of the attitudes in and around Navy bases. Yet, I was proud to serve and stayed for 21 years.
I served for a total of 15 years, and when my service began (mid '70s), to say that I wasn't appreciated was a collosal understatemnet.
I did, and I'd do it again. I did not join the Marine Corps to please those with their panties in a knot – I served because I believe in this Great Nation. I served because I felt that everyone who enjoys and partakes in all the United Stated has to offer should contribute.
And I did it so that those who insist on p1ssing and moaning could continue to p1ss and moan without fear of having their tongues removed.
Your question and suggested answers make me wonder what the hell you’ve been smoking. Although most “shrinks” with two neurons to rub together in there heads will tell you, flat out, that lack of appreciation leads directly to “burn out,” I would serve even if “unappreciated,” because I “know” of the unspeakable evil our enemies intend for us all, and their taste for unspeakable cruelty reserved for anyone who disagrees with them. But your question is “screwed up” because that does not mean I would tolerate anyone “bullying” my children or family. Therefore, your survey ain’t worth a damn. No one but a coward would tolerate someone bullying him, his children, or his family, and cowards are too few and far between in our All American armed forces to make a difference. Send whoever wrote up those questions back to grammar school. JYD
Upon landing in washington state from viet nam, we were greeted by a small group of anti war protesters.Shouts of baby killers and murderers was our welcome home.I found it better not to discuss my war experences with other than my family or other vets.The years have softened the hurt , I know todays vets will never be treated so wrong. That makes me feel real good and my hurt is going away.
I never gave it much thought. I joined because as a kid I would watch the planes & jets fly over my house, & knew I wanted to fix them if they broke. I didn't care about wanting to fly them just wanted to be able to repair them. I always was fixing things around the house, the washer, dryer, lawnmower, other kids bikes, & such, so when I got old enough I joined the military. And yes I'd serve again without a doubt.
Be an MP, you will serve without respect. Everyone will hate you, including your own command. Its still worth it.
I served active Army 71-74, IRR 74-75 (college), active again76-80, Reserves 80-99. I had my first pass home during Basic and a car in Ridgewood Queens, NYC, came too close for comfort only to splash me with backed up sewer water and yelling baby killer. I thought "there's the people who need killin'." Since then, I've matured while a major segment of our society has and does not. It's simply politically correct today to make believe you appreciate those who have served. As mentioned, attitudes began changing during the Reagan Presidency and perhaps – don't laugh – after the first Rambo movie. For the most part, though, I must admit, since 9/11, I've been thanked by a lot of people who are sincere. Too bad that's what it takes.
It might seem sappy, corny or otherwise dumb to you, but I've served proudly because of duty to country, honor to my family and to military past present and future, as well as family tradition.