You guys are reminding me of my almost military career. I kept telling the recruiter I'm a native Arabic speaker, and he kept telling me about the great opportunity available in helicopter circuit board maintenance. A disconnect that still puzzles me - the provincial nature of the business end of the greatest power on the planet puzzles me to no end. That was back in 1989 or 90. Patriotism does not require a uniform, and there's more than one way to earn the right to speak up against insanity. Some of us would have made lousy soldiers anyway.
My father served his country - the only one of his many brothers to do so, and not pay off the government in exchange for his commitment (they used to do that over there). So I've been taught by good example, and my hat's off to you all, and Amen Rob.
E. On May 27, 2008, at 8:37 AM, Robert Lilley wrote:
The one great thing about being a veteran is that you can say anything you want about current conflicts, etc - you have earned the right. My father landed in Normandy, I am a Vietnam Vet and all three of my boys have served in Iraq. We are all apposed to this country's presence in Iraq. My father and I never joined the VFW or the Legion nor will my kids. We are proud of our service and feel that the real patriot steps up when he is needed, not just on July 4th and that joining the military is not a political or socialstatement. The voting booth and the guy next to us is what/who wefought/fight for. We pray that all our service men stay out of harms wayand come home soon! Rob Lilley -----Original Message----- From: rollei_list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx[mailto:rollei_list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Michael Eric BerubeSent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:52 AM To: rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [rollei_list] Re: Idle Thoughts on the US Memorial Day Marc James Small wrote:...And damned few of us understand to join the American Legion. We are really a rather pathetic lot, I fear!My dad is a retired First Sargent (then MSG acting Battalion CSM) with 36 years as a Marine & Soldier and has long been an active member of West Day Post #123, Kezar Falls, ME.Upon receiving my honourable discharge from the US Army after my 4 yearsactive service and while participating in my inactive reserveobligation, I proudly went to my local Legion to join and was told thatmy service as a veteran was not acceptable enough as our United States had not been engaged in war while I was active enlisted (85-89).If I wanted to be associated with the American Legion, I'd have to jointhe Sons of the American Legion instead of as a Veteran. I passed on that honour, preferring to belong to something based on my own merits. Be well, Michael --- Rollei List - Post to rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx - Subscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'subscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org - Unsubscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with'unsubscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org- Online, searchable archives are available at //www.freelists.org/archives/rollei_list --- Rollei List - Post to rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx - Subscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'subscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org - Unsubscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with'unsubscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org- Online, searchable archives are available at //www.freelists.org/archives/rollei_list
--- Rollei List - Post to rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx- Subscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'subscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org
- Unsubscribe at rollei_list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the subject field OR by logging into www.freelists.org
- Online, searchable archives are available at //www.freelists.org/archives/rollei_list
