Thread: A Shout Out to Our Veterans

Originally Posted by raycarey

"shout out' to yourself

oh yea ray, 100% only 'bout the eighth time I've dislocated my shoulder patting myself on the back.

Originally Posted by raycarey

"i"
"my"
"i"
"my"

so...this is really just a poorly disguised "shout out' to yourself, eh bowie.

Seems that way, and no differing opinions allowed.

Not very respectful of those who actually did fight and die for freedom.

Originally Posted by bowie

Sorry, Nev/Ray, granted there are a few "GI Joe" "soldier-of-fortune" wannabes, but, for the most part (remember USA military is all volunteer), working 24/7 where one mistake, yours or someone elses can cost you your life. Our servicemen do not take this lightly, it certainly ain't "just a job".

Hi bowie,
My "it's just a job" comment was in reference to it being a job choice (in most western countries). People do not have to choose that job. They get paid for doing that job and they get other benefits. I see no difference between being a soldier, a teacher, a miner or a farmer. It's a lifestyle choice, and that includes time being away from family.

It is a necessary job, just the same as being a teacher, a miner or a farmer - all valuable jobs in modern society. I have nothing agsinst those serving in the military (or working in the mines, working on a farm, teaching in a classroom, collecting rubbish from trash cans, or any other job).

I feel that a once a year national rememberance day per country is plenty - Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, etc. Much more outside of that and I feel that it begins to give too much focus on the military and risks glorifying warfare.

Originally Posted by Neverna

I feel that a once a year national rememberance day per country is plenty - Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, etc. Much more outside of that and I feel that it begins to give too much focus on the military and risks glorifying warfare.

Agree. One a year is best.
Note, Farmers, teachers and firefighters all have an appreciation day as well.

Originally Posted by raycarey

they don't deserve any special thanks other than the paycheck and benefits they receive from the government tit.

Paycheck? During my 12 years service my pay was ridiculously low. I certainly didn't join for the money or the benefits(?) the government gave me. Wages were so low that a married soldier based in the UK was having to go to the government, cap in hand, and claim benefits to bring them up to a living wage. And upon leaving I got fcuk all when I was called back for the reserve and was medically rejected. FFS I'd been passed out as A1 fit not a month or so before. Did the Army or government help me? No. Did the British Legion help me? No. It's took well over 20+ years of fighting bureaucracy where I can now say 'They came good'. That 20+ years of shit treatment should never have been and I doubt I'm not the only one who found themselves in this position.

Yes it's a job but will/would I have been treated better as a civilian employee. Yes without a doubt. And if I'd known that at the time then may be I wouldn't have been so quick to enlist.

Originally Posted by Neverna

I see no difference between being a soldier, a teacher, a miner or a farmer.

Cuz you've probably only seen one side of the coin? They're a World apart.

They are all jobs.

Originally Posted by Neverna

They are all jobs.

But how many would do them knowing that getting killed or maimed was high risk? And doing that job gave a wage not good enough to live on? Christ if I'd not wasted 12 years earning shit money and became a rig worker I'd be far better of than I am now. Not that I'm struggling but.............

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

But how many would do them knowing that getting killed or maimed was high risk?

All those who sign up surely know those are the risks. When you signed up, did you not know those potential risks?

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

And doing that job gave a wage not good enough to live on? Christ if I'd not wasted 12 years earning shit money and became a rig worker I'd be far better of than I am now. Not that I'm struggling but.............

Did you not know how much you'd be paid when you signed up?

Prag, I personally thank you for your service and the sacrifices you made. Your efforts significantly contributed to the free world we all live in. Thank you for stepping up to the plate. I salute you.

Peace be with you.

uhm... farmer?

Originally Posted by Neverna

All those who sign up surely know those are the risks. When you signed up, did you not know those potential risks?

No. No fcuker sat me down and told me the ins and outs of anything. There's no 'sit down here laddie I want to tell you how badly we are going to treat you in the coming years before you sign on the dotted line and take the Queens Shilling'. The military is a learning curve. You don't find out until after. It's too late then. You're only told things on a need to know basis.

Originally Posted by Neverna

Did you not know how much you'd be paid when you signed up?

Of course but things change over the years. When I first joined. I was a single man. Bed and board found and all the bullets you can shoot. Then in year, god knows when, they decided, never asked me, to bring parity in with wages as with civilians. I was now married. I now had to pay for my married quarters and single soldiers now had to pay for their board and lodgings. Bullets still free. They change the fcuking rules. Did they give me an option to leave? I don't recall any.
Unfortunately it all looked good for the new soldiers joining as the military were now going to get the same wages as a civilian. All smoke and mirrors. The wages were still shit and as I said earlier, married soldiers, with children, were having to claim benefits when based in the UK due to living below the poverty line. Did I know that when I joined? No, they changed the rules and couldn't have give a shit as to whether I agreed to it or not.
Nah Nev, 2 sides to the coin.
No more replies as I pissing into the wind.

Originally Posted by bowie

It just ain’t gonna happen.

Americans love parades. Any excuse or reason to have one is welcome so yes it ain't gonna happen.

Originally Posted by bowie

my personal thanks to the folk who sacrificed for my freedom.

Can you disclose how your freedom was oppressed that the poor soldiers had to sacrifice their life to liberate you?

Originally Posted by Klondyke

sacrifice their life

Boy, you're really taking that poetic license to the limit, eh?

Couse, you could just ask 'em



Let us know what they say.

Originally Posted by Norton

Americans love parades. Any excuse or reason to have one is welcome so yes it ain't gonna happen.

I loved military service, Got to fly around the world doing what i was trained for.
I signed up for it and the good times vastly outweigh the bad.
Pay wasn't too bad, redundancy package was outstanding, walked straight into civvie life job with money banked and a decent pension.
Not for everyone, you need to have the ability to rise through the ranks to better yourself.
Served during the Falklands campaign, Bosnia, Desert storm, Ethiopia famine was probably the most disturbing but rewarding .

Originally Posted by raycarey

"i"
"my"
"i"
"my"

so...this is really just a poorly disguised "shout out' to yourself, eh bowie.

You noticed.

Medals, pension and arthritis, in that order. Thanks enough for me cheers.

Why can't we all just learn to get along and you know, have a little tea party?

Perhaps in Hong Kong.

Originally Posted by Jack meoff

I loved military service, Got to fly around the world doing what i was trained for.
I signed up for it and the good times vastly outweigh the bad.
Pay wasn't too bad, redundancy package was outstanding, walked straight into civvie life job with money banked and a decent pension.
Not for everyone, you need to have the ability to rise through the ranks to better yourself.
Served during the Falklands campaign, Bosnia, Desert storm, Ethiopia famine was probably the most disturbing but rewarding .

My mate's dad was a paratrooper who served in the Falklands and Northern Ireland while lots of my own family did long stints in the 2nd World War and the following years; I don't think anything can compare with knowing that a bad day at the office may well result in the loss of your life.

I have nothing but admiration for ex-service(wo)men.

Originally Posted by hallelujah

I don't think anything can compare with knowing that a bad day at the office may well result in the loss of your life.

Says it All

Loss of life happens in other workplaces too. I knew an apprentice crushed to death at work aged 18. Bad day at the office for him.