Good morning everyone, except Jo, Phos & Ajisuun. They don’t even recognize Veteran’s Day. I didn’t much pay attention to it. Just a day off. It wasn’t until after I retired that I began to reflect on what I had been and done. To me, by AF service was just a step along the way.
It was beneficial to me.
As just a dumb kid, I made more money than I had ever seen.
And I had a chance to mature for four years.
I went to places I had never heard of, and saw things I couldn’t imagine.
The VA sent me $110/month while I was in college.
I got a five point advantage on my Federal Service Entrance Exam (FSEE), so I aced the test.
Veterans Day used to be Memorial Day. I went in on the tail end of Vietnam. Saigon fell while I was still in Service School. I have many High School Friends who’s names are on “The Wall”
Here is a testimonial to a Young Marine who never came Home.
*MARTINI, GARY W.
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place and Date: Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam, 21 April 1967
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 21 April 1967, during Operation UNION* elements of Company F, conducting offensive operations at Binh Son, encountered a firmly entrenched enemy force and immediately deployed to engage them. The marines in Pfc. Martini’s platoon assaulted across an open rice paddy to within 20 meters of the enemy trench line where they were suddenly struck by hand grenades, intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. The enemy onslaught killed 14 and wounded 18 marines, pinning the remainder of the platoon down behind a low paddy dike. In the face of imminent danger, Pfc. Martini immediately crawled over the dike to a forward open area within 15 meters of the enemy position where, continuously exposed to the hostile fire, he hurled hand grenades, killing several of the enemy. Crawling back through the intense fire, he rejoined his platoon which had moved to the relative safety of a trench line. From this position he observed several of his wounded comrades Lying helpless in the fire-swept paddy. Although he knew that 1 man had been killed attempting to assist the wounded, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and dragged a comrade back to a friendly position. In spite of a serious wound received during this first daring rescue, he again braved the unrelenting fury of the enemy fire to aid another companion Lying wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy trench line. As he reached the fallen marine, he received a mortal wound, but disregarding his own condition, he began to drag the marine toward his platoon’s position. Observing men from his unit attempting to leave the security of their position to aid him, concerned only for their safety, he called to them to remain under cover, and through a final supreme effort, moved his injured comrade to where he could be pulled to safety, before he fell, succumbing to his wounds. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to save 2 of his comrades and insure the safety of the remainder of his platoon. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Wandering Views 
Good morning everyone, except Jo, Phos & Ajisuun. They don’t even recognize Veteran’s Day. I didn’t much pay attention to it. Just a day off. It wasn’t until after I retired that I began to reflect on what I had been and done. To me, by AF service was just a step along the way.
It was beneficial to me.
As just a dumb kid, I made more money than I had ever seen.
And I had a chance to mature for four years.
I went to places I had never heard of, and saw things I couldn’t imagine.
The VA sent me $110/month while I was in college.
I got a five point advantage on my Federal Service Entrance Exam (FSEE), so I aced the test.
All-in-all, I was the one who benefitted.
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Well, Chas, thanks anyhow for your service.
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Veterans Day used to be Memorial Day. I went in on the tail end of Vietnam. Saigon fell while I was still in Service School. I have many High School Friends who’s names are on “The Wall”
Here is a testimonial to a Young Marine who never came Home.
*MARTINI, GARY W.
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place and Date: Binh Son, Republic of Vietnam, 21 April 1967
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. On 21 April 1967, during Operation UNION* elements of Company F, conducting offensive operations at Binh Son, encountered a firmly entrenched enemy force and immediately deployed to engage them. The marines in Pfc. Martini’s platoon assaulted across an open rice paddy to within 20 meters of the enemy trench line where they were suddenly struck by hand grenades, intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. The enemy onslaught killed 14 and wounded 18 marines, pinning the remainder of the platoon down behind a low paddy dike. In the face of imminent danger, Pfc. Martini immediately crawled over the dike to a forward open area within 15 meters of the enemy position where, continuously exposed to the hostile fire, he hurled hand grenades, killing several of the enemy. Crawling back through the intense fire, he rejoined his platoon which had moved to the relative safety of a trench line. From this position he observed several of his wounded comrades Lying helpless in the fire-swept paddy. Although he knew that 1 man had been killed attempting to assist the wounded, Pfc. Martini raced through the open area and dragged a comrade back to a friendly position. In spite of a serious wound received during this first daring rescue, he again braved the unrelenting fury of the enemy fire to aid another companion Lying wounded only 20 meters in front of the enemy trench line. As he reached the fallen marine, he received a mortal wound, but disregarding his own condition, he began to drag the marine toward his platoon’s position. Observing men from his unit attempting to leave the security of their position to aid him, concerned only for their safety, he called to them to remain under cover, and through a final supreme effort, moved his injured comrade to where he could be pulled to safety, before he fell, succumbing to his wounds. Stouthearted and indomitable, Pfc. Martini unhesitatingly yielded his life to save 2 of his comrades and insure the safety of the remainder of his platoon. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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I missed my war. Uncle Sam in all his wisdom sent me to Germany to protect us from the Russians. I was there. The Russians didn’t attack.
Heidelberg Germany Feb 67- Jun 68
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Cold, wasn’t it?
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