Remembrance Day

Gnomey · 11-13-2005, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DerAdlerIstGelandet

No problems Erich. In my opinion there is never eneogh topics like this to honor the soldier.

Agreed Alder.

lesofprimus · 11-13-2005, 08:07 AM

I will tell a story about an individual veteran that I consider to be the best of my friends... Seeing how this info has been de-classed, I think his story is worth repeating...

While temporarily attached to ST4, I met a teammate named Carlos... He was to become a close friend...

As we were motoring into the surf outside Patilla, I commented to him that there were an awful amount of lights on the airstrip... This was to prove that bad nights only get worse....

We were attached to Gulf Platoon, tasked with taking out Noriegas Learjet... Once we were within 100 meters of the hanger, we became engaged, heavily... First squad, with Carlos, took several casualties in the opening combat, being completely exposed on the airfield...

After being hit in the thigh, Carlos attempted to withdraw dragging TM2 Rodriguez, who was dead... Carlos was then hit again, this time in the lower back, on the right side.... He would be paralyzed from then on...

While bleeding copious amounts of blood, and unable to move his legs, Carlos attempted to save the life of CPO McFaul, which he was unable to do, while continuing to lay down covering fire in support of 2nd squad and his embattled posistion... Incase any are wondering, I carried the AT-4 rocket that finally destroyed the Lear...

Carlos was/is my hero.... The bravery and integrity that he showed, changed my life forever... I sit here now with tears in my eyes as I type this...

Its quite difficult to talk about losing friends, and I thank God that someone declared this weekend as "Veterans Day"..

Nonskimmer · 11-13-2005, 08:15 AM

Jesus. What a guy.

I know for you direct combat types it's all supposed to be thought of as another day at the office, but to remain that focused on your teammates while you're in that condition speaks volumes about the man. It really does.

lesofprimus · 11-13-2005, 08:26 AM

Yes it does...

Gnomey · 11-13-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nonskimmer

Jesus. What a guy.

Couldn't agree more

P38 Pilot · 11-13-2005, 10:20 AM

Thats a true hero Les. Anyone willing to put themselves in the line of fire to help others is why we should remember those heroes.

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 11-13-2005, 12:58 PM

That man is a hero Les and he shows why our military is the greatest the world has ever seen. My hats off to him and my prayers for him also.

Erich · 11-13-2005, 01:15 PM

glad this thread is getting comments..........

nearly all air force veterans have responded back. I see that one has been returned back to me(e-Mail) and frankly the ugly though of his passing has concerned me for some time.

most have said thank you for remembering them and that it was their buddies that should be remembered. Some really do not know wha to say as wrods cannot be expressed for some of the old guys who have been there, done that day after day. they have become cold, chilled almost machine like. If only there were more to consol, give a hug, cry with them, hear THEIR stories. Decompressed it was not even thought of during and right after WW 2 or Korea. We had it after viet nam but it was too early, not organized, and besides we were just simply ALL scred up when we got home trying to fit back into society, looking for love, work and a reason for our existance. Some of us were successful some of us were not, some can talk of their experiences, some us cannot and will not. some of us were proud to serve, some of us felt like we had too, some of us felt we were in the middle..............funny nothing has changed even now.

Life goes on and veterans fade in the background like a fading light lost and rememberted no-more. Guys do not let this happen. Call a vet up, go see them and tell them thank you, salute them like Plan. We live in a world of little friendships, go find an elderly friend, and go tell him, her how much you appreciate their sacrifice whether they beleive it or not. Tell the guys here that served overseas in Iraq thanks for keeping the bad guys on their home turf or at least trying to do so so you can live in peace and enjoy your freedoms

~ e ~ full of THANKS !

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 11-13-2005, 01:18 PM

Good post there Erich.

FLYBOYJ · 11-13-2005, 09:30 PM

Gnomey · 11-14-2005, 06:18 AM

Good Post Erich.

evangilder · 11-14-2005, 08:44 AM

Well said Erich! I have heard you mention Carlos before, Les. Heroes like that are rare and I am sure it is an honor to have served with him.

I am getting an opportunity to meet fact to face with Bernie, my wifes great uncle that I have mentioned on this forum before. He was awarded a Silver Star in Italy for what I feel was a much higher level award bravery. I will be chatting with him more this sunday and will get some pictures to share.

Veterans day is the official day to honor our veterans, but EVERY day we should honor them.

Erich · 11-14-2005, 09:51 AM

Eric :

interview him till he is sick of interviews

seriously though, a magical window that you have at your fingertips, a man that needs to share his sotyr with someone, and secondary, us ! go for it man. I am finding the German vets-Luftwafe are getting sick and tired of responding, the time is getting short, and then they will be ALL gone.

honour all sacrifices, not for a regime but what they tried to do for their families and friends. there is still so much we need to learn of the conflict on a more personal level.....

evangilder · 11-14-2005, 10:16 AM

Absolutely. The good news is that Bernie loves to gab with me. I think I get more out of than he does, but then, maybe not. It is neat to hear him get going.More than one time, I have called for a couple of quick questions that ends 2 hours later!

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 11-14-2005, 02:13 PM

Absolutley correct even, everyday they should be honored.