- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Messages
- 2,873
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 12/2018
- Country
- US
- State
- NC
- City
- Get Real
Something to read, maybe get the After 5 Forum Pub going again.
To this day I play this song on occasion to bring back memories
of many years ago. After my tour in Viet Nam with 1st Field Forces
I was given orders for Ft. Carson Colorado. There would be
full dress parade celebrations for some officer being promoted to
a higher rank, like a Lieutenant Colonel being promoted to full bird
Colonel or some General getting another star.
Speeches, more speeches then him/her giving their speech. Want to
yawn, don’t close your eyes… blah, blah. It’s hot, sometimes cold
standing there like a statue.
Being a combat decorated Viet Nam returnee, my Class A uniform
had numerous patches and a three row Medal Decorations Bar. So,
I was“ encouraged” to attend these ceremonies standing in parade
formation across from the speakers stand covered with flags
and ribbons.
When it is finally over, the band plays or a recording of John Phillip
Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Then we can march of the field…
head straight to the NCO Club for a few or more cold ones. (Back
then the reward was a day added to your leave days for the year.)
Of all my decorations the one I have most pride in is the Army
Presidential Unit Citation. I can remember the faces, those guys
were the best and three became my friends for years after service.
Years ago I flew to Oregon for a reunion. The changes… hearing
aids, glasses, canes, bigger waist lines, grey hair, pony tails,
no hair, tattoos, ear rings, motor cycle patches.
I felt a little out of place… no pony tail, no tattoos, no ear ring(s),
no dungaree vest or jacket covered with pins, patches, flags.
Just a hat with 1st Field Forces on it.
To this day I play this song on occasion to bring back memories
of many years ago. After my tour in Viet Nam with 1st Field Forces
I was given orders for Ft. Carson Colorado. There would be
full dress parade celebrations for some officer being promoted to
a higher rank, like a Lieutenant Colonel being promoted to full bird
Colonel or some General getting another star.
Speeches, more speeches then him/her giving their speech. Want to
yawn, don’t close your eyes… blah, blah. It’s hot, sometimes cold
standing there like a statue.
Being a combat decorated Viet Nam returnee, my Class A uniform
had numerous patches and a three row Medal Decorations Bar. So,
I was“ encouraged” to attend these ceremonies standing in parade
formation across from the speakers stand covered with flags
and ribbons.
When it is finally over, the band plays or a recording of John Phillip
Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Then we can march of the field…
head straight to the NCO Club for a few or more cold ones. (Back
then the reward was a day added to your leave days for the year.)
Of all my decorations the one I have most pride in is the Army
Presidential Unit Citation. I can remember the faces, those guys
were the best and three became my friends for years after service.
Years ago I flew to Oregon for a reunion. The changes… hearing
aids, glasses, canes, bigger waist lines, grey hair, pony tails,
no hair, tattoos, ear rings, motor cycle patches.
I felt a little out of place… no pony tail, no tattoos, no ear ring(s),
no dungaree vest or jacket covered with pins, patches, flags.
Just a hat with 1st Field Forces on it.
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