again,
this is not to hijack the thread. But, to be candid it does fit within the theme. Maybe the lads who's names we have used, will read this and understand what it is to serve and be proud...anyhoo
Spr039
Chimo brother, and yes we did walk the very same tortured lands (man that sounds very poetic eh, part of my goal to add in old English words and verse to my vocabulary..)
Fair enough on your ideas. I did not take a poll with the people I have coffee with, the guys I have served with, or, for that matter the people I share my views with on a website.
You see, I have had to deal with that kind of feeling from alot of people after my time overseas. I only have gone on 1 (count that one) tour. That's it Thats all. Exact same one you went on actually. UNPROFOR 94/95, OP HARMONY. I have already chirped about that.
But why did your post irk me? Well, you see, after I was injured I had the "undeserved" privilege of having to carry a Veteran Affairs card. Every time I have to seek medical attention for my disabilities, I am questioned about me being a "Veteran". I am told I don't look like one. Too young to be one.
Hmmm every morning I wake up and I have a splitting headache, because of the rounds embedded in my head reminds me why they are there.
Everytime I have to ask people to repeat their words... well I remember why that happens...as my left ear was blown off...
Every time I have to stop because of the aches an pains for the missing pieces in my body..I know why...
Everytime I wake up in a cold sweats in the middle of the night...I remember why...
So yep,
I did not see my buddies die. My children did not grow up while I was away. I do not have to be pushed in a wheel chair, or have too many grey hairs (OK I lied I have a head full of 'em).
But I still do not see why we do not qualify as vets. What is it we got to do? Tell me. I Will show up to your coffee club and have a chat. I don't want to be feted, far form that. I just want this piss poor attitude to go away. I think I have explained the BS I have to to go through, even to just get a new prescription for glasses, let alone being accepted by civvies who have to deal with vets. That attitude is only promoted by my brothers in arms, "yep yer not a vet".
To be a vet does not mean being a super hero, by a simple definition it means to experience something. I gave myself to my country. I served it proudly, and love it. I almost died form my country, with half my head sitting in my lap. So ya I do get pissed when the likes of a soldier, one who even served on the same tour as I , claims that what we did really does not add up to a veteran' service for our country.
Spr039 , I don't need you to respond to this post. Hey, we can start a new one and go on. But, from the response you have received, by others, as well as myself, your opinion is in the minority in this coffee club.
As for the Reserve, and school punch I took, it was in response to your dig at Bkells;
Not sure when I became the aggressor, did I touch a nerve? Let me guess you're a student/reservist on yout first BE?
So thanks for the compliment of me taking time off, and I do commend your dedication to the reg force.
Chimo and Dileas Brother.
Bruce
I apologize for hijacking this thread, but in the context, maybe it is good for the deserters to see what we consider a soldier, veteran and a yellow bellied coward to be, all in one thread....
tess