Not looking for technicalities, just y’all’s honest opinions.
I grew-up listening to the WWII VETS. Dad had been all over and spent over a year & a half in Combat areas of Europe. 3 # of my 4 Uncles were Enlisted Sailors i the USN in the Pacific, also combat.
I was just in the USAR, Medical Corps, a Captain 3900 for 7 years but the longest I was on active duty was about 17 days at one time. So, I never considered myself a Vet, nor called myself a Vet.
Friend asked me to join our hometown American Legion Post, which is dying-out. I told him that I was not eligible, but he showed me that I was, so I joined.
Still never called myself a VET, but our youngest, who did 2 tours as a USMC Sergeant, now tells me that I’m a Vet.
I never got any farther than the Officer’s Club @ Fort Sill, spent most of my time supervising WO-PA’s at Darnall or Renolds Hospitals (Hood & Fort Sam). I always preface with “I was IN during “Nam, but I never went anywhere or did anything!” So, no “valor” here, no way.
Question now is how would/do you REAL VETS feel today about someone like me being considered or called a “Vet” ? The few old Buddies I have left who did go say “No big deal”. (I’m in my 80th year.)
Please tell me.
Thanks,
leVieux
I grew-up listening to the WWII VETS. Dad had been all over and spent over a year & a half in Combat areas of Europe. 3 # of my 4 Uncles were Enlisted Sailors i the USN in the Pacific, also combat.
I was just in the USAR, Medical Corps, a Captain 3900 for 7 years but the longest I was on active duty was about 17 days at one time. So, I never considered myself a Vet, nor called myself a Vet.
Friend asked me to join our hometown American Legion Post, which is dying-out. I told him that I was not eligible, but he showed me that I was, so I joined.
Still never called myself a VET, but our youngest, who did 2 tours as a USMC Sergeant, now tells me that I’m a Vet.
I never got any farther than the Officer’s Club @ Fort Sill, spent most of my time supervising WO-PA’s at Darnall or Renolds Hospitals (Hood & Fort Sam). I always preface with “I was IN during “Nam, but I never went anywhere or did anything!” So, no “valor” here, no way.
Question now is how would/do you REAL VETS feel today about someone like me being considered or called a “Vet” ? The few old Buddies I have left who did go say “No big deal”. (I’m in my 80th year.)
Please tell me.
Thanks,
leVieux