Author Topic: Framily Veterans (Read 283548 times)

denmarc · « **Reply #300 on:** September 17, 2013, 08:58:29 AM »

My two cents...
Myself, wasn't in the service. Not that I tried to avoid joining. I just never thought about it that deeply at that time. There was no draft and I was having too much fun being an idiot kid thinking I knew it all and making money.

BUT...I am the proud "owner" (I'm going to catch heck for that statement!) of a veteran DW of the USAF, Sargent, 1975-79, flightline mechanic. And now the proud father of an Army infantry soldier at The Big Red One (Ft. Riley, KS). He just reported this past Friday after leave from basic (Ft. Benning, GA).

I get choked up every time I look at those newly framed pics of him in uniform on top of our entertainment center. Pics of him and his comrades during training, pics of them during the Turning Blue ceremony and the graduation itself. It just figures. I'm not a little guy and have always held my own. But now I feel so small, and proud as I look back.

A profound Thank You to all veterans. I never realized the true meaning of it all until recently. Forgive me.

catblaster · « **Reply #301 on:** September 17, 2013, 02:49:45 PM »

Marc, I too was in the First infantry at Ft. Riley's Custer Hill..The Big Red One. One of my fav sayings is "If ya gotta be one...be a Big Red One".

Some how I noticed a man in uniform looks larger than a man who is not in uniform. No I'll probably catch it for that.

kyjohn · « **Reply #302 on:** September 17, 2013, 04:13:11 PM »

Yep, that is where I left from for Viet Nam in '65. They shipped us out on a train to California then on a ship and did not tell us where we were going till we got out to sea. Duh!! Like we did not already know where we were going. Got action the first night in Nam. Top got killed the first night. We were told he pulled the pin on a garnade and was holding and waiting for an attack and fell asleep. (we had a long day and night) Killed him and wounded all in the CP. I was scared as he*#. But you put in your mind eather you make it or you do not. My mother did not know how bad it was till she made a trip to see her sister who liver over 300 miled away and my Aunt received a letter from me and my mother got a hold of it and read it. I was honest writing to my Aunt but now my mother knew how bad it was for us over there. I hated that she read the letter. Then she was worried to death. I was her only child. I was 21 at the time. I remember Fort Riley well. That was a life time ago.

denmarc · « **Reply #303 on:** September 18, 2013, 10:35:59 AM »

Quote from: catblaster on September 17, 2013, 02:49:45 PM

Marc, I too was in the First infantry at Ft. Riley's Custer Hill..The Big Red One. One of my fav sayings is "If ya gotta be one...be a Big Red One".

Some how I noticed a man in uniform looks larger than a man who is not in uniform. No I'll probably catch it for that.

You won't catch it from me! "Larger" is one way to put it. Proud and disciplined is the best way to put it IMHO. The DW and I drove down from MI to Ft. Benning in 17 hours to attend both the Turning Blue ceremony and the graduation. I was fascinated at the number of those in uniform who sat in the bleachers also watching. Family members and friends of those down on the field. As well as those who just wanted to attend. I could feel pride and honor in the air! We are so glad we took the time to witness it all. Not just to see our son graduate, but to see all of those new soldiers on that field who proudly stood in rank and file ready to move on to the next step.

Let me put it this way...
After spending about 11 days with him during leave before reporting to Ft. Riley, he left this house "larger" than he was before he went into basic! But that's just through our eyes.

Wi1dBill · « **Reply #304 on:** September 22, 2013, 08:50:53 PM »

Always ask if there is a discount for veterans. Stay at Berlin RV park between Millersburg and Berlin, Ohio this weekend. They offer Veterans a discount.

Also, discounts for seniors and Good Sam
Park opened in 2011 and is very nice. Right in the heart of Amish country here in Ohio.

www.berlinrvpark.com

HHC 2BDE 101st.
Phu Bai Viet-Nam
1970-71

Scott-0168 · « **Reply #305 on:** September 23, 2013, 08:24:42 AM »

Don't forget Lowe's too! My Dad a WW2 Vet, hated my cousins that got out of the Vietnam draft because they were in college!

Scott

Jim Dick · « **Reply #306 on:** September 24, 2013, 11:30:23 PM »

I tried the Lowe's discount but they would not honor a DD214. They required an ID for retirees or active duty. I think they might honor any veteran on Veteran's Day.

DonTom · « **Reply #307 on:** September 25, 2013, 01:29:26 AM »

Quote from: Jim Dick on September 24, 2013, 11:30:23 PM

I tried the Lowe's discount but they would not honor a DD214. They required an ID for retirees or active duty. I think they might honor any veteran on Veteran's Day.

Join the VA and get a VA card. Lowe's requires a military ID that has a photo, such as my "Department of Veterans Affairs" ID card.

Go to your nearest VA hospital with your DD-214 and see if you qualify. All Vietnam vets automatically qualify, regardless of income and such. If your income is too high and you are already covered elsewhere for medical and are NOT a Vietnam vet, you might have a problem qualifying.

IAC, talk to them and find out. It might take a few weeks to get the ID card, but when you do, Lowe's will give you the 10% discount all year (but it cannot be used with other discounts). I have received the military discount in every Lowe's store I've been to, any time of year, since I have had the card.

-Don- (now Rving near Toronto, ON, Canada)

Scott-0168 · « **Reply #308 on:** September 25, 2013, 08:50:37 AM »

Our local VA office just started issuing veteran ID cards with a picture! Must bring a copy of your DD-214 of course. So check with your local VA office!

Scott

Jim Dick · « **Reply #309 on:** September 26, 2013, 08:36:27 AM »

Don/Scott,

Thanks, I'll check it out. I already belong to the American Legion and VFW.

parmm · « **Reply #310 on:** November 05, 2013, 09:58:59 AM »

Quote from: DonTom on September 25, 2013, 01:29:26 AM

Join the VA and get a VA card. Lowe's requires a military ID that has a photo, such as my "Department of Veterans Affairs" ID card.

And it has to say "SERVICE CONNECTED" under your picture.

Molaker · « **Reply #311 on:** November 05, 2013, 10:05:21 AM »

Quote from: parmm on November 05, 2013, 09:58:59 AM

And it has to say "SERVICE CONNECTED" under your picture.

To my knowledge, neither Lowes or Home Depot limit their military discount to service connected disability. I have always been able to use my gray card (retired) and I'm pretty sure my VA card (no disability) would work, too.

Wendy · « **Reply #312 on:** November 05, 2013, 10:12:12 AM »

Quote from: Molaker on November 05, 2013, 10:05:21 AM

To my knowledge, neither Lowes or Home Depot limit their military discount to service connected disability. I have always been able to use my gray card (retired) and I'm pretty sure my VA card (no disability) would work, too.

They just changed the rule at Home Depot. At our local HD a couple of days ago, I gave them my VA card (no disability) and they said I could have the discount that time but after that it would need to say "Service Connected" to get the discount. Mike pulled out his Service Connected VA card and the guy said, yeah, like that. Said the rules had just changed and it was active duty and service connected disabled veterans who would be getting the discount. Now, if Lowe's continues to give ALL veterans a discount, Home Depot will no doubt change back to that.

Wendy
Colorado

mnmnutswer · « **Reply #313 on:** November 05, 2013, 12:05:25 PM »

We fixed up our house a couple of years ago, with everything coming from lowes. We spent over $100.000 and saved a lot buying everything there.

inscop · « **Reply #314 on:** November 05, 2013, 04:52:59 PM »

I worked for Riverside County (CA) as a Veteran's Service Rep for about a year after I retired from my fed gubmint job. I would recommend that ALL veterans at least check in with your county Veteran's Services office (every US county should have one).

Many of you THINK you do not have compensable disabilities, or that you lack proof that your disability happened in the Service. There are ways to get around stuff like that, such as buddy letters, or written statements from relatives. I had a couple of old guys come into the office who just hoped they could get hearing aids. I got them tested at the VA, and they both ended up getting 100% disability for deafness. Almost ALL veterans have tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. Tinnitus in both ears is an automatic 10%.

I had a gal come into the office hoping to get funeral expenses and a headstone. She ended up with a veteran's widow's pension because her husband died of his service connected disability.

My brother in law suffers from PTSD. My wife would tell me how happy go lucky he was before he left for Viet Nam and what a sullen, self-medicating person he became when he got home. His wife reports that he has awakened for years with violent nightmares. We got him set up with a special PTSD clinic at the local VA hospital. He initially got 30% and he is now at 60%. This was done based on his combat history and his wife's letters that reported his differences in personality before and after the was. I still have not gotten my steak dinner he promised me.

The point is, it only takes a short visit to the VSO to see if you qualify or not. Check it out. If you do get an award, the payments are retroactive to the day you apply. so the sooner the better.

Jeff · « **Reply #315 on:** November 05, 2013, 08:41:13 PM »

Quote from: Wendy on November 05, 2013, 10:12:12 AM

They just changed the rule at Home Depot. At our local HD a couple of days ago, I gave them my VA card (no disability) and they said I could have the discount that time but after that it would need to say "Service Connected" to get the discount. Mike pulled out his Service Connected VA card and the guy said, yeah, like that. Said the rules had just changed and it was active duty and service connected disabled veterans who would be getting the discount. Now, if Lowe's continues to give ALL veterans a discount, Home Depot will no doubt change back to that.

Wendy
Colorado

Wendy the Lowes in Surprise requires a VA ID card that the VA here will not issue unless your are receiving benefits. (FYI I got turned down again for not meeting financial need requirements even with SE Asia service.)

Scott-0168 · « **Reply #316 on:** November 06, 2013, 11:45:27 AM »

Quote from: Jeff on November 05, 2013, 08:41:13 PM

Wendy the Lowes in Surprise requires a VA ID card that the VA here will not issue unless your are receiving benefits. (FYI I got turned down again for not meeting financial need requirements even with SE Asia service.)

Our local VA office here in Michigan just started issuing picture ID's by just showing your DD214 and a pictured ID.
By the way, our local Home Depot gives you the 10% veteran discount with just the above card. I asked the manager and he did say its up to the HD where you shop! I was in our local HD this morning.

Scott

DonTom · « **Reply #317 on:** November 09, 2013, 11:43:56 PM »

Quote from: Scott-0168 on November 06, 2013, 11:45:27 AM

Our local VA office here in Michigan just started issuing picture ID's by just showing your DD214 and a pictured ID.
By the way, our local Home Depot gives you the 10% veteran discount with just the above card. I asked the manager and he did say its up to the HD where you shop! I was in our local HD this morning.
Scott

At both the Lowe's and HD, near my home in Reno, NV or here in SSF, CA I get the 10% discount with my VA card. I used the discount today in the SSF, CA Lowe's near here.

I also discovered, just last week, that Triumph dealers give a $500.00 discount for new Triumph Motorcycles to those who have served. DD-214 required, as the cycle dealer has to fax it to Triumph-USA to get paid back. And here is the one I just bought last week, in my Reno home driveway. It's a 2013 Triumph Trophy SE, with every possible option they have. Heated hand grips, heated seat and much more. A great cold weather bike. ABS and traction control for the black ice and etc.

I am getting my toys for my retirement at the end of this year.

-Don- SSF, CA

Tom · « **Reply #318 on:** November 10, 2013, 09:40:33 AM »

Congratulations on the Trophy and the discount Don.

My first motorcycle was a Trophy; Back then (mid 60's) they were powered by a twin cylinder 650cc engine and had lower gear ratios than their speed cousins in the Triumph stable. The Trophy was built for sidecar use, but I used it solo off road (I didn't yet have a license).

DonTom · « **Reply #319 on:** November 10, 2013, 01:31:05 PM »

Quote from: Tom on November 10, 2013, 09:40:33 AM

Congratulations on the Trophy and the discount Don.

My first motorcycle was a Trophy; Back then (mid 60's) they were powered by a twin cylinder 650cc engine and had lower gear ratios than their speed cousins in the Triumph stable. The Trophy was built for sidecar use, but I used it solo off road (I didn't yet have a license).

I purchased my 1971 BMW R75/5 with the money I saved from when I was in the jungles of Vietnam. Hard to spend much money out there! I still own that bike and it still runs like new (except I now need to change the clutch).

But I remember in those days the British bikes. I could not ride them with the gear shift on the right side and the brake on the left pedal. I tried, and I just could not get used to that, after riding so many other bikes, such as my BMW. I don't remember what year the British bikes changed.

Anyway, especially Triumph has changed a lot over the years. They must be on the very top of the technology when it comes to motorcycles these days. I never thought I would ever own a Triumph, but because of the way they changed over the years, they now make the perfect bike for me.

In other news since the last time we chatted here, Tom & I are now legally married since July 5 of this year. And I retire at the end of this year. Tom is already retired.

I am getting new toys to get ready for my retirement!

-Don- SSF, CA

Tom · « **Reply #320 on:** November 10, 2013, 02:22:08 PM »

Quote

... Tom & I are now legally married since July 5 of this year.

Congratulations to you both! You had to wait a long time for that to be possible. I assume the happy day was in SFO?

DonTom · « **Reply #321 on:** November 10, 2013, 05:28:22 PM »

Quote from: Tom on November 10, 2013, 02:22:08 PM

Congratulations to you both! You had to wait a long time for that to be possible. I assume the happy day was in SFO?

Nope. Redwood City, CA. Still, that day, more than half applying for marriage licenses there were same sex couples, even in Redwood City. BTW, SSF, is also in San Mateo County, just as is Redwood City.

-Don-

Tom · « **Reply #322 on:** November 10, 2013, 07:00:58 PM »

Thanks for the clarification Don; Wrong assumption on my part.

Kevin Means · « **Reply #323 on:** November 11, 2013, 01:51:05 AM »

A sincere "Thank You" to my fellow veterans on this forum. We truly appreciate your service.

Kevin and Cyndi Means

mypursuit · « **Reply #324 on:** November 11, 2013, 11:38:53 AM »

Thanks x2 and back at yuh.

Hfx_Cdn · « **Reply #325 on:** November 11, 2013, 11:50:00 AM »

Congratulations Don and Tom, on both your nuptials and upcoming retirement.

Ed

DonTom · « **Reply #326 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:37:49 PM »

Quote from: Hfx_Cdn on November 11, 2013, 11:50:00 AM

Congratulations Don and Tom, on both your nuptials and upcoming retirement.

Ed

Thanks all. But I still think of our real marriage date being back in 1974, when we first met. We've been together now for 39 years, most of our lives in this one monogamous relationship. And still very happy together. We first met just a couple of years after I out out of the army.

And this month I've had the same job for 34 years. I maxed out on my retirement benefits and cannot gain any more, so I think this is a good time to retire.

BTW, here is what Tom and I looked like when we met just a few months after we first met (Photo take in Feb of 1975).

And here we are just a few years ago while in Gulin, China.

Tom is the Chinese guy, and I am the other guy in these photos.

BTW, my military info:

Army: March 1969 to March 1971.
Basic and AIT Ft. Lewis Wash.
RVN:September 1969-70.
B-3-8 4TH Infantry Div.
Mainly served in the Central Highland Jungles.
1970 Cambodia incursion.
MOS 11B (infantry).
Ft Carson, CO after RVN

-Don- SSF, CA

Tom · « **Reply #327 on:** November 12, 2013, 05:46:38 AM »

You haven't changed a bit

Steve-n-Sue · « **Reply #328 on:** November 29, 2013, 02:58:22 PM »

BM2, USN 1968-72
USS Klondike @ 32nd Street Piers, San Diego 1968
Harbor Craft, NSA DaNang, RVN, 1969-70
USS Peugeot Sound @Newport, RI, 1970- 72

Proud to have served with some of the finest!

Freedom, for those who fight for it, has a flavor the protected never know.

mypursuit · « **Reply #329 on:** November 29, 2013, 04:53:23 PM »

Shopped at my local Home Depot today. I got my 10% discount with just my ID card AND I parked in one of about 6 spots near the front door each with nice painted signs complete with an American flag that said,"Reserved for American Veterans".

News:

Author Topic: Framily Veterans (Read 283548 times)