Someone sent this to me earlier today. I thought it was excellent, and wanted to share it with others on these boards.


WHAT IS A VET?

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.

Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.

Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem.

You can't tell a vet just by looking. What is a vet?

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL.

He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.
He is the parade - riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.

He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.

He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded. Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU". Remember November 11th is Veterans Day.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag."

- Father Denis Edward O'Brien USMC

I served in the Persian Gulf for the U.S. Navy. My dad served in Vietnam and my grandfather served in WWII.

Thank you Braindamage :)

I already have remembered all of them. :wave:

Originally posted by briandamage
I served in the Persian Gulf for the U.S. Navy. My dad served in Vietnam and my grandfather served in WWII.

Thank you, braindamage, and your father and grandfather, for the sacrifice that each of you made for all of us in this great nation of ours.

What is a Vet is very touching. Thanks for sharing Jimbo.
Thanks to you and your family for serving Brian.
My father served in WWII, and he passed away six months ago, so he's in my thoughts today more so than usual.

Originally posted by briandamage
I served in the Persian Gulf for the U.S. Navy. My dad served in Vietnam and my grandfather served in WWII.



Thank you Brian for serving this great country, we need more people like you, your father, and your gradfather.


My grandpa was in Vietnam for the Army, and my great- grandpa was in WW2 and the Korean War for the Navy and the Marines.

Originally posted by Jimbo
Someone sent this to me earlier today. I thought it was excellent, and wanted to share it with others on these boards.
Yes. That is excellent. It won't be long now until you can pretend to care about the next batch of poor suckers who are thrown into a useless war who end up dead or with no hands, arms or legs or other body parts missing or short circuits in their psyches.

My husband was in the Army just before the Viet Nam conflict He was stationed in Germany.(1962-1964) He was ready to sign up for Viet Nam but his commanding officer talked him out of it! I am glad he didn't go or we may never had met and gotten married and had our 2 kids!
But he did his service for our country and I am proud of him( He was on duty during the Cuban missile crisis )patriot:

Originally posted by kittflynn
Yes. That is excellent. It won't be long now until you can pretend to care about the next batch of poor suckers who are thrown into a useless war who end up dead or with no hands, arms or legs or other body parts missing or short circuits in their psyches.

"Pretend to care"? Just the hell who do you think you are? Just when I think you couldn't be any more ignorant or self-righteous than you've been in the past Kittflynn, you turn around and reach a new low.

This post has nothing to do with any future wars that our nation may become involved in. it has nothing to do with the politics behind the decision to enter into armed conflict with another country. It was merely meant to pay homage to those who served in the military throughout our country's history. Whether they volunteered, or were drafted, each of these men and women made a tremendous personal sacrifice (in some cases, the ultimate sacrifice) on behalf of this country, and deserve to be commended not only on Veteran's Day, but throughout the year.

Yes I do care about all of these people who served so bravely when called upon to do so. I do not regard them as "poor suckers", as you prefer to label these heroic individuals. Is it too much to ask people to put aside their personal agendas for just one day, and say "Thank You" to the people who gave you the freedom to pursue that agenda? You really are a very bitter, shallow, and hateful man, Kittflynn.

Originally posted by Jimbo


"Pretend to care"? Just the hell who do you think you are? Just when I think you couldn't be any more ignorant or self-righteous than you've been in the past Kittflynn, you turn around and reach a new low.[/i]

[QUOTE][i]
Yes I do care about all of these people who served so bravely when called upon to do so. I do not regard them as "poor suckers", as you prefer to label these heroic individuals.

Well, Jimbo, having read some past posts by kittflynn, I'm not surprised at all with his latest post!


I guess kittflynn does not realize that today's servicemen (and women) volunteered to enlist. Unlike the Vietnam War, where 1/3rd were drafted and WWII, where 2/3rds were drafted. Also, there is a sacrifice to be made for freedom, and one of those sacrifices is war casualties. Unfortunately, the freedom that everyone (even kittflynn) enjoys comes at a cost.

Jimbo, In my dealings with you, you have been nothing but dishonest. You've been a disingenuous manipulator willing to call me a friend to the KKK and have misrepresented my position and lied about your own over and over in order to win an argument or convince others of your position as opposed to the strawman position you try to establish in others minds regarding me. Consequently I have absolutely no respect for you and find it offensive to see you attach your star to the soldiers and veterans of past wars. If we do indeed end up having a war with Iraq--as you've stated that you believe that we should--the same nightmares and tragedies that the vets in your post spoke about will repeat themselves. You have shown no sincerity in your writings with me. I don't see any reason why you should expect to suddenly warrant any respect just because you've posted something nice written by someone other than yourself.

Originally posted by Fleet


Well, Jimbo, having read some past posts by kittflynn, I'm not surprised at all with his latest post!


I guess kittflynn does not realize that today's servicemen (and women) volunteered to enlist. Unlike the Vietnam War, where 1/3rd were drafted and WWII, where 2/3rds were drafted. Also, there is a sacrifice to be made for freedom, and one of those sacrifices is war casualties. Unfortunately, the freedom that everyone (even kittflynn) enjoys comes at a cost. I realize there is no draft Fleet. That remark of yours is a good example of the game playing that you and Jimbo do. You know damn well that I know there's no draft. But you choose to make your points without dealing with the person you are speaking with. You choose to make your points by making rediculously untrue statements and trying to convince others, and maybe yourself, that the person--it could be anyone, in this case it's me,-- that the facts are beyond the comprehension of your opponent, or should I say, as you wish, your student. I say that because you have again tried to tell our listeners, if we have any, that Kitt is an dumb f*** and Fleet is a genious.

[i]I say that because you have again tried to tell our listeners, if we have any, that Kitt is an dumb f*** and Fleet is a genious. [/B]

Kittflynn: The word is spelled G-E-N-I-U-S.

Originally posted by Jimbo


Kittflynn: The word is spelled G-E-N-I-U-S. I love to read writers and how they take in life and how they give us their take in life. One writer who I admire is Stephen King. I would guess that his reply to your rather 'left field' comeback to a very serious comment I made in my last post to what you've spent the last several months attempting to do to anything to I have had to say on this board, especially to you, is that he would pull no punches and just simpy say to you, ' What a dick'!

Originally posted by kittflynn
I love to read writers and how they take in life and how they give us their take in life. One writer who I admire is Stephen King. I would guess that his reply to your rather 'left field' comeback to a very serious comment I made in my last post to what you've spent the last several months attempting to do to anything to I have had to say on this board, especially to you, is that he would pull no punches and just simpy say to you, ' What a dick'!

Now now! Let's not get huffy!:lol::nonono:

Originally posted by Jimbo


Kittflynn: The word is spelled G-E-N-I-U-S.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Originally posted by kittflynn
You choose to make your points by making rediculously untrue statements...

I say that because you have again tried to tell our listeners, if we have any, that Kitt is an dumb f*** and Fleet is a genious.

What "ridiculously" untrue statements?

As for your last sentence, well put (even with the spelling error). If you think that the readers (not listeners- this is not a talk show) believe that you're dumb and I'm a genius, that's fine by me! :D

actually, i think you're both "know it alls" who like to post long boring paragraphs when your point could be easily illustrated in one sentence... but i really shouldn't get involved. :D

Originally posted by Jinny Girl
actually, i think you're both "know it alls" who like to post long boring paragraphs when your point could be easily illustrated in one sentence... but i really shouldn't get involved. :D 'Long boring paragraphs?' - 'easily illistrated in one sentence? Could you give an example of a paragraph that could be easily illustrated in one sentence? I'd be interested to read how you sum up what was a paragraph into one sentence. Feel free to use a Fleet example as well as one of mine.

Originally posted by kittflynn
'Long boring paragraphs?' - 'easily illistrated in one sentence? Could you give an example of a paragraph that could be easily illustrated in one sentence? I'd be interested to read how you sum up what was a paragraph into one sentence. Feel free to use a Fleet example as well as one of mine.

"I realize there is no draft Fleet. That remark of yours is a good example of the game playing that you and Jimbo do. You know damn well that I know there's no draft. But you choose to make your points without dealing with the person you are speaking with. You choose to make your points by making rediculously untrue statements and trying to convince others, and maybe yourself, that the person--it could be anyone, in this case it's me,-- that the facts are beyond the comprehension of your opponent, or should I say, as you wish, your student. I say that because you have again tried to tell our listeners, if we have any, that Kitt is an dumb f*** and Fleet is a genious."

you could have just said that you know theres no draft and his only point was to make you look like an idiot. no offense, ur good at making long meaningful paragraphs... nobody really wants to read em tho.

Originally posted by Jinny Girl
actually, i think you're both "know it alls" who like to post long boring paragraphs when your point could be easily illustrated in one sentence... but i really shouldn't get involved. :D

I know I post a lot of long paragraphs too. I hope it doesn't make it sound like I'm a 'know it all'. I just have a habit of talking or better yet typing too much.

Originally posted by Jinny Girl

no offense, ur good at making long meaningful paragraphs... nobody really wants to read em tho.
How do you know that nobody wants to read them? Speak for yourself. I don't mind reading well-thought out, well-written posts even if they're lengthy. If you don't like to read them, then don't.

There's a dark and a troubled side of life. But there's a bright and a sunnyside too. Though you meet with the darkness and strife, the sunny side you also may view.

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the sunny side of life.... It will help us everyday it will brighten all the way, if we'll keep on the sunny side of life.

Oh the storm and the these furies raised today... crushing hope that we cherish so dear. The cloud and storm will in time pass away, and the sun again will shine bright and clear.

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, keep on the side of life. It will help us everyday, it will brighten all the way if we'll keep on the sunny side of life! :)

Originally posted by kittflynn
I love to read writers and how they take in life and how they give us their take in life. One writer who I admire is Stephen King. I would guess that his reply to your rather 'left field' comeback to a very serious comment I made in my last post to what you've spent the last several months attempting to do to anything to I have had to say on this board, especially to you, is that he would pull no punches and just simpy say to you, ' What a dick'!

Kittflynn, you are really pathetic! Now you're reduced to using vulgar quotes from Stephen King in an attempt to "get the last word" (which, for some reason, always seems to be an absolute obsession with you). Nobody was bothering you - you're the one that started all of this. There was absolutely no need to turn this thread into a confrontation.

When I posted "What is a Vet?", all I tried to do was remind the readers of the meaning of Veteran's Day, and the sacrifice made by the people that this day was intended to honor. I avoided any mention regarding the merits for, or arguments against, a possible war with Iraq. I may no attempt to put any kind of political slant to this. I made no personal comments, except to say that I thought it was an excellent article. I just posted the article so that people would read it, and give some thought to what the author was saying. That's all.

That wasn't good enough for you. You just couldn't let it be. You just had to find some excuse to pick a fight with me over this. By doing so, you have once again shown everyone just what a spiteful and vindictive person you really are.

I don't know what your problem is, but I sincerely hope that someday you find the help that you need.

Jimbo...buddy. lol. It's real simple pal. I don't like you. It's not an overall thing or some kind of trouble that I need to seek help for like you're making it out to be. I don't have a problem with the world in general. Take this personally, pal because, it is personal. I think that you, not the whole world or anyone else on this board--not even Fleet-- are a jerk:). For gosh sakes man, I thought you already knew that already.

Originally posted by kittflynn
I think that you, not the whole world or anyone else on this board--not even Fleet-- are a jerk:).

"Not even Fleet."

Hmmm... I'll take that as a compliment. :)

Originally posted by Fleet


"Not even Fleet."

Hmmm... I'll take that as a compliment. :) :lol:as well you may

Originally posted by kittflynn
Jimbo...buddy. lol. It's real simple pal. I don't like you. It's not an overall thing or some kind of trouble that I need to seek help for like you're making it out to be. I don't have a problem with the world in general. Take this personally, pal because, it is personal. I think that you, not the whole world or anyone else on this board--not even Fleet-- are a jerk:). For gosh sakes man, I thought you already knew that already.

Well Kittflynn, you don't like me, and I don't like you. That's probably the worst kept secret on these boards.

When I consider the people that you do admire - such as Senator (and former Klansman) Robert Byrd (whom you affectionately refer to as "Fiddlin Bob"), and the members of the ACLU (who enthusiastically champion the rights of Klansman, Nazis, pornographers, and child molesters, among others), I glad that you feel the way that you do about me. That tells me that I'm doing something right.

In the meantime, keep on doing what you've been doing. Keep on supporting the people that you support. Keep on condemning the people that you condemn. Keep on promoting the causes that you promote. Don't change a thing. It's the Kittflynns of this world that played a big part in the sweeping Republican victories earlier this month. We couldn't have done it without you.

Originally posted by Jimbo


Well Kittflynn, you don't like me, and I don't like you. That's probably the worst kept secret on these boards.

When I consider the people that you do admire - such as Senator (and former Klansman) Robert Byrd (whom you affectionately refer to as "Fiddlin Bob"), and the members of the ACLU (who enthusiastically champion the rights of Klansman, Nazis, pornographers, and child molesters, among others), I glad that you feel the way that you do about me. That tells me that I'm doing something right.

In the meantime, keep on doing what you've been doing. Keep on supporting the people that you support. Keep on condemning the people that you condemn. Keep on promoting the causes that you promote. Don't change a thing. It's the Kittflynns of this world that played a big part in the sweeping Republican victories earlier this month. We couldn't have done it without you. I know how you like it when I get in the last word Jimbo, so I'll just repeat what I wrote earlier, which could be the last word, unless you should choose to return. I can't think of anything that would be a more pointed description of the person who just wrote what you wrote than what I wrote about you earlier... "What a D***K!" ;)

Originally posted by kittflynn
I know how you like it when I get in the last word Jimbo, so I'll just repeat what I wrote earlier, which could be the last word, unless you should choose to return. I can't think of anything that would be a more pointed description of the person who just wrote what you wrote than what I wrote about you earlier... "What a D***K!" ;)

Do you really think the use of junior high school level vulgarity helps your argument any? Like I said, Kittflynn - don't change a thing.

Originally posted by Jimbo


Do you really think the use of junior high school level vulgarity helps your argument any? Like I said, Kittflynn - don't change a thing. You're missing the ever so clear point Jimbo. This isn't an arguement. I've been telling YOU, not anyone else, how lowly I think of you and why. Tell me honestly, Jimbo. Do you believe that I would have anything to do with the KKK, as you once again have stated? Do you think that anyone with a brain on this board could tell that I'm not a white supremisist? Why do you keep telling everyone that I am a white supremisist?

Originally posted by kittflynn
You're missing the ever so clear point Jimbo. This isn't an arguement. I've been telling YOU, not anyone else, how lowly I think of you and why. Tell me honestly, Jimbo. Do you believe that I would have anything to do with the KKK, as you once again have stated? Do you think that anyone with a brain on this board could tell that I'm not a white supremisist? Why do you keep telling everyone that I am a white supremisist?

I want to straighten this out once and for all. I have never accused you of having any kind of direct involvement with, or support for, the KKK. What I have criticized you for on a number of occaisions was your continued support for Senator Robert Byrd, a man whose past includes a period when he worked as a paid recruiter for the Klan. You know that, and yet you continue to deliberately misrepresent what I have said about your support for Byrd. When have I ever called you a "white supremacist"?

Nobody here has to take my word for it about Byrd's ties to the Klan - they can look that up for themselves. It's part of his record.

Obviously, you and I don't like each other. Whatever else I may think of you, I do not think you are a racist, or anything along those lines. I can't say it any more clearly than that.

It is because I know that you are not a racist that I am baffled over your continued defense of Senator Byrd. Because of his past affiliation with America's most dispicable hate group, I do not think a person like that deserves to serve in the United States Senate. There are a lot of things that you and I will never agree about, but I would think that this would be one point on which we were on the same side. Instead, you have continued to express your admiration for the man. That's what I don't understand, and that's what I have criticized you for in the past.

Let the record show that Jimbo does not think that Kittflynn is a racist, and does not think Kittflynn supports the KKK.

(Of course, none of this will be good enough for you. It never is.)