Topic: For all vets!!

I was in the Army from 1972 until 1975. I started playing guitar in 77 when i hooked up with a lost step brother and have been playing ever sence. He is a couple of years older and went to Vietnam and i got lucky and was sent to Korea. He wanted someone to play just a couple of chords while he tried leads he had been working on. With no experience in the world of music he talked me into buying a accustic Ovation. I started with a C and a D then a G. As the say the rest is history. I progressed into finger picking, playing chords and writing my own songs. To this day i still thank him for getting me to buy my first guitar.Back to the Vets, i did not know that we had benifits comming to us even if we served durning the "unpopular war". The people at the VA center were really nice and for the first time i was thanked for my servic WOW! I did not expect that. As i just turned 60 and in need for medical assistance they told me that they are here to get me all the help i need. I was so blown away it took me a while to wrap my head around this. I never had to shoot at or was i ever shot at any body durining my service. It did not matter to them it was lets get you the help you need. What a God,s send. If any body here in Chordie has ever served get ahold of the nearist VA center and they are here for you!!! Rock on to all!
Thanks all
Rick

Re: For all vets!!

Rick:  Allow me to be the second person to thank you for your service to our country.

And let me APOLOGIZE to you, that I am ONLY the second person to thank you for your service to our country.

That is nothing short of shameful.  We should never take such things for granted.  The VA is a good organization which IMO should be better funded.  Glad you're getting what you need from it.

"Just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean it's not incredibly stupid." - Despair, Inc.

Re: For all vets!!

THANK YOU RICK!  And I too am very sorry that you haven't gotten more thanks for your service to our country.  My Dad and Uncle served during Nam.  My Dad didn't go anywhere as my grandparents pulled the "only one to carry on the family name" clause.  My uncle is a much different story, not in good shape from what he did and witnessed still today.  NO ONE should take chances with their own life, by serving even if they never leave the states, and NOT get a THANK YOU from the rest of us yahoos who are incapable or unwilling to serve.  THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

Re: For all vets!!

Thanks for serving Rick. I too have a slight feeling of unworthiness when they call me a Vet. The only gun I shot outside of qualifying was a rivet gun. I was in the Air Force from late 62-late 66. I was a sheet  metal man repairing B52 and KC -135 aircraft. I flew over Vietnam twice going from Okinawa to Bangkok and back in a KC-135 with 4 fighters for escort. We were at such altitude we would be hard to hit  from the ground. Anyway, I realize  now that if someone hadn't done the work I did a lot more folks would have came back in body bags. All gave some, Some gave all.
Use your benefits, you earned them.

When the Power of Love overcomes The Love of Power the world will be a better place.

Re: For all vets!!

I also served during that time. 69-72.  Thanking vets back then was almost unheard of. I don't think I was ever thanked until recently when I was wearing my US Army T-shirt.  It is nice that the world has finally come around to thanking people who have served. Thanks for serving your country Rick.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

Re: For all vets!!

Thanks R-T-P, nice to hear about other former service members.I too served in the USMC from 1973 to 1980. Never was in Nam. Spent time on Okinawa,mainland Japan and South Korea. As far as I can remember the only "thanks for my service" came from my relatives. Thanks for advice on the VA. I really need to take it and get signed up. One major regret I  have was not using the old GI Bill for school. In 1976 or so one of the guys was getting out and needed cash so I bought his flattop  from him for $20.00 Can't remember what brand of guitar, as I also sold it because I did not play. However  a couple years later I bought a $100.00 takamine and took it up. Like you say, it's history after that. Always nice to hear Chordie vet stories.:)

Our intuitions serve us well

Re: For all vets!!

USN 1990 - 2010, Desert Storm / very first operation deny flight / Kosovo reilef are the main biggies I was part of.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

Re: For all vets!!

WOW it has been almost a month since i posted my service experience. Reading all of your replies brought a flood of tears to my eyes. I m reading all of the replies thru glasses gave to me by the VA! A great service to me that i really appreaciate. Thanks to all that gave all and to us who stood ready when called upon. I really love you who take time to realize we all did what we could!

Re: For all vets!!

I got lucky and never saw action in Viet Nam. My three years in the Marines got me three years of paychecks to attend college and a five point bonus on the post office exam that was enough to get me hired. My life is so much richer for having served. I am grateful.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

Re: For all vets!!

I never served, but I'd shake your hand and buy you a drink of your choice if we ever met.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

11 (edited by cj-5 2013-02-21 21:15:48)

Re: For all vets!!

I too was in the Army in 1972, and saw the elephant! I have never ever been thanked for my service, No, not ever, that is, If you don't count my wife. I did however have a few ruff spots while walking through some airports. Got to where I would not wear my uniform when going home on leave. Some knew anyway because of my extremely short hair cut, which was a dead give-away in those days. The discontent in our society was bad enough that some stores who catered to military soldiers sold (advertised) wigs for off duty wear or while on leave. Stupid idea in my opinion. But I did know some who bought them.

Now, please recognize that I'm not looking to get thanked now. so please don't. It wouldn't  feel right now and besides, those days are long gone, at least until I got the chance to visited the Vietnam wall while in DC a few years ago. Bummer! Anyway what I'm really interested in, is rick the plumber's statement that the VA will help vets. I do not have a service connected injury or disability. I have been under the direct impression that the VA will not help you unless you do. I was given this impression directly by the VA hospital. Has something change in the past ten years or so? I'm interested because I would like to get my right eye fixed but can't afford the $3,000 to get it done right now. I should contact them again?

Thanks for the information,

Cj-5

12 (edited by dino48 2013-02-21 22:30:06)

Re: For all vets!!

cj-5 wrote:

I too was in the Army in 1972, and saw the elephant! I have never ever been thanked for my service, No, not ever, that is, If you don't count my wife. I did however have a few ruff spots while walking through some airports. Got to where I would not wear my uniform when going home on leave. Some knew anyway because of my extremely short hair cut, which was a dead give-away in those days. The discontent in our society was bad enough that some stores who catered to military soldiers sold (advertised) wigs for off duty wear or while on leave. Stupid idea in my opinion. But I did know some who bought them.

Now, please recognize that I'm not looking to get thanked now. so please don't. It wouldn't  feel right now and besides, those days are long gone, at least until I got the chance to visited the Vietnam wall while in DC a few years ago. Bummer! Anyway what I'm really interested in, is rick the plumber's statement that the VA will help vets. I do not have a service connected injury or disability. I have been under the direct impression that the VA will not help you unless you do. I was given this impression directly by the VA hospital. Has something change in the past ten years or so? I'm interested because I would like to get my right eye fixed but can't afford the $3,000 to get it done right now. I should contact them again?

Thanks for the information,

Cj-5

cj5 I could not serve as I have a heart murmer,but my dad did in ww2,he spent his last year in a va hospital. They treat you well,you need too check with the military as you are entitled too an awful lot of benifits in life and even when you die. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,also too the rest of you who were not thanked. I also know my dad went too the va for many things you need too see if the will help with the glasses.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: For all vets!!

In Canada, we often joke about the small-sized Armed Forces we maintain and the deplorable state of the equipment we ask our military to serve with. That said, the men & women who serve deserve the very highest level of respect and honor. My next-door neighbor is a retired vet, who served in the Balkans during the ethnic cleansing brutalities of the time. He suffers terribly with P.T.S.D., and enjoys a bit of music now and then when we get together. As we count our blessings and express thanks to God for our many freedoms, we can't forget that they certainly didn't come without an immense cost. 'Nuff said.

Re: For all vets!!

@cj-5,
You need to find the nearest VA office or go on line and goggle the VA and you can sign up on line. You will need your DD 215(i think that is the number) it is your discharge papers. Of course there is a bit of paper work but you can get it done. There are a lot of caring people there to help you. DO NOT GIVE UP!! Good luck and keep me informed if you want to.
Rick

Re: For all vets!!

ricktheplumber wrote:

@cj-5,
You need to find the nearest VA office or go on line and goggle the VA and you can sign up on line. You will need your DD 215(i think that is the number) it is your discharge papers. Of course there is a bit of paper work but you can get it done. There are a lot of caring people there to help you. DO NOT GIVE UP!! Good luck and keep me informed if you want to.
Rick

DD214  (you were just one digit off,, smile )

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

Re: For all vets!!

Hi, I served in the U.S. Air Force from June 1968 till June 1972.  I server 15 months in Tripoly, Lybia within those 4 years.  At the same time Momar Kadauffe overthrough the Lybian government in 1969, I was caught up right in the middle of it.  Twice they tried to overrun us with tanks but somehow we escaped with our lives.  Believe me when I tell you all we still live in the greatest country in the world and I love our country so much that I would be willing to do it all over again !  I was dischared  in June 1972 at the rank of sergeant and glad to be home again although I was never really thanked for my sevice untill recently.  Sometimes when I'm playing my guitar I play some of the sad songs thinking of those times.  I think of my guitar as my best buddy because it was with me over there.

Without rock and roll, there is no music.

Re: For all vets!!

ricktheplumber wrote:

@cj-5,
You need to find the nearest VA office or go on line and goggle the VA and you can sign up on line. You will need your DD 215(i think that is the number) it is your discharge papers. Of course there is a bit of paper work but you can get it done. There are a lot of caring people there to help you. DO NOT GIVE UP!! Good luck and keep me informed if you want to.
Rick

Thanx Rick,

I'll  dig out my DD-214 and make contact with the VA. Hopefully I can get the cataract surgery I disparately need. If not I'll keep saving my pennies. That's how I got my left eye done. They immediately took care of my left eye because I had the money. They really wanted to fix my right eye at the same time. However, it was amazing how quickly they backed off that Idea when I told them I did not have any insurance and only had enough to pay cash for one eye. If you don't have cash in full or insurance they won't even talk to you. They also do not have any type of payment plan. But they do have a big sign that reads in part, "WE ARE HERE FOR YOU". How funny.

Thanx again,

cj-5

18 (edited by dino48 2013-02-24 02:49:53)

Re: For all vets!!

cj5, I looked back to my dads care and they took care of all his problems and gave him all his exams and medicine, I hope that sets your mind at ease.  They even sent his medicine too him,also at his passing they paid for his transportion gave him military style burial and paid for his headstone on his gravesite. I still have the flag they took off his coffin. ( no they did not pay for the burial but they did have the flag and a cross too give the family)

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: For all vets!!

@beamer-thanks for right number getting a slight case of oldagenes!  cj-5 i hope thing are going well. I did remember when the Dr. looked at my eyes she said i had an age approate cataract. Too small to worry about but they will look at it every yearly checkup! at no cost! Good luck
Rick

Re: For all vets!!

@ Rick, no problem , thats what were here for tight? CJ-5 Iknow it may not be something you want but if all else failes there is a company called care credit. we have used them a lot for non coverage items.  You have so many months each charge to pay back b4 intrest is charged.
http://www.carecredit.com/

Thought I would throw that out there for ya.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

Re: For all vets!!

Well there you have it folks. If ya wanna know how Our Country really feels about the Vietnam Veteran in general, all you gotta do is tune into CBS and watch their new reality show called The "Amazing Race" It highlights Communism and spits in the face of every American solider who served during the Vietnam war. It makes me sick to my stomach to see one of their war monuments of victory being a downed B-52 where two of it's pilots/crew taken as POW and others MIA, presumed dead. They use this monument for a spot to hide clues for their stupid race. Contestants are also treated to communism propaganda parties and songs. If CBS did this in Iraq or Afghanistan they probably would be run out of our country. How about if they did something like this with the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Do you think our country would have tolerated that! Oh Hell no!!!

Where's the outrage over the courts requiring the removal of crosses put up decades ago to  commemorate fallen Vietnam Soldiers? Yeah, we're appreciated alright.

How come Vietnam Vets are the only soldiers in American history who basically are made to feel like an abomination to our own country. What did we do so wrong? Yet most of us old farts would do it again if called upon to do so. My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the downing of any B-52. I hope they did not see that stupid, stupid, stupid reality show. CBS can stick it!

Someday I'd like to share why we at Ft Bragg years ago, use to refer to Fayetteville North Carolina as Fayette-Nam. But that's another story of bad memories.

I had a real dilemma on whether or not to post this. Often times I write things out then just delete them. This time I did not. I apologize if this is felt by any to be inappropriate. Sometimes I just vent and most of the time I regret doing it. OH WELL!

cj-5

Re: For all vets!!

as a brit, i guess i'm an outsider to that. but i do sympathize with the viet-nam vets. we've all seen movies about vets coming home to find their jobs have gone and being treated as out-siders. it's disgusting and disgraceful, and your government should be ashamed of themselves for allowing, even encouraging this garbage. it makes you wonder if there is any glory in serving your country? you only have to see reports of british soldiers coming home from afghanistan crippled or maimed and how they are treated by our government. at the end of the day you have to ask yourself why they send our lads to die in someone else's fight? is it really for humanitarian issues? or just for the oil and other minerals that might be buried underground?

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

Re: For all vets!!

One of the greatest US Marine Generals ever had a lot to say on that topic, Phill.   His name was Smedley Butler, and he wrote a book called "War is a Racket" that was a condemnation of war profiteers, and his thesis was simple.  Wars are fought by many for the private interests of a very few.

The older I get, the more I see he was right.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

Re: For all vets!!

your general and i are in total agreement. just one question; how the hell do they get us poor saps to kill and be killed for them?

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

Re: For all vets!!

No need too apoligize cj cbs needs too shoot some of thier people who picked this sight for a reality show,I can not belive they did it!!

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman