thank- you vets

travelor

I was working out doors at an apple orchard earlier this season, when a man who's two hans were both in some kind of brace devices with gause wrapping and wires holding his fingers apart, and bent back. He first asked me if there were any apples already picked. I told him that I didn't think so, but he should talk to the owner..(I am a private contracter, not employed by the orchard). Pretty soon I saw the owner walk out of the restaurant with a bag and proceed out to the first row of trees. Then the fellow walked up to me and thanked me for directing him to the owner. Next, I was overcome by curriosity, and politely as I could, asked "sir,forgive me if I'm being rude, but culd you tell me what happened to your hands?" He said sure...it was a result of chemical contact recieved during his tour in Vietnam. He had worn those braces for five years now, and so far, no one has been able to fix the damage. I was shocked, and my only responce was that that was truely a bummer, and that I was sorry to here of his problem. He walked away after that, but left me in deep contemplation. I have often wanted to express my gratitude to Vietnam vets for their efforts, but never had the opportunity. Then the opportunity came, and I was to stupid to express it to him. I realized this, so tried to find him about fifteen minutes latter, but to no avail....obviously he had left the premises. I've often thought about this with deep regret that I didn't think fast enough to respond the way I should have. So now that Iv'e discovered this powerfull form of media...I would like to take this opportunity to say: Where ever you are, and all other vietnam vets (and vets of other wars) I salute you...and thank you from the bottom of my heart, with the deepest of respect, for your roll--what ever that might have been---in fighting in the name of freedom.

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keep lots of extra uppers for your ar..you can change often enough to keep the thing from over heating...what ever caliber fits the moment..~Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

badboybob

Thank you Travelor. Many served against their will, (remember the draft?) some gave their all. I was a professional by choice and am owed no thanks. May LBJ and McNamara roast in hell for what they did to uncounted American youth. I was there and saw the torn bodies, medevaced them, and flew them to graves registration. It was a mess that was micromanaged by incompetent idiots.(LBJ and McNamara)

dheffley

Thank you! I returned home and was stationed in San Diego,California. There, I was spit on by the hippies. I'm glad the attitude has changed. It was also better after my discharge when the folks in Texas welcomed me back with honor.

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Save, research, then buy the best.Join the NRA, NOW!Teach them young, teach them safe, teach them forever, but most of all, teach them to VOTE![This message has been edited by dheffley (edited 10-23-2001).][This message has been edited by dheffley (edited 10-23-2001).]

travelor

I didn't post this looking for thanx, but to give it. I don't care if you were there by choice or not... we as American Citizens need to show our appreciation for the great sacrifices that our soldiers have given, required or not. I know that it was not a pretty picture for the returning vets after the war was over, and I know that some of the tricks pulled on them by various entities, were not wholy honorable, but they still need to be honored. I was born just before it all started, but have met many vets..heard many horrific storries, and been deeply saddened by the majority of it all because of the lack of respect that I have witnessed being shown to those heros that nobody seems to recognize. I want to stand at salute to all of you,,,evan though I have no prior experience to warrent my authority to do so....may your God bless you all

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keep lots of extra uppers for your ar..you can change often enough to keep the thing from over heating...what ever caliber fits the moment..~Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

.250Savage

Thank you, vets, wherever you are now, whenever you served, whether voluntarily or not. For a VERY brief time when I was younger and had no sense, I was a liberal, but I quickly saw what trash those people were. The vets who put it all on the line for me and everyone else in this great nation are simply the best, and unfortunately they almost never have leaders worth a d**n.

mag44

I take your thank you well into my heart. Being a Viet Nam vet I still to this day recieve hand shakes and thank you's. Proudly served, and a Life Time Member of the VFW.

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Ridge Running in SWVA

Josey1

BTT