I'm just trying to determine the purpose of this thread...is it about meeting, greeting, and chit chatting about our military experiences, or fly our personal gripes from the masthead?

6 years as a US Navy Electrician's Mate, split between two ships, the USS Saratoga, CVA-60 and USS Puget Sound, AD-38. Two years as an Army Reserve Drill Sgt., and 3 years NC Army National Guard, Signal Corps.

I was proud to serve during the Vietnam era, (I got MY draft notice the week after I joined the Navy) and although there were things I may be upset about, I'm sure this is not the place for airing them. I retired after 21 years, from the Veteran's Medical Administration and learned there are two sides to every story, and there's not much point listening to only one side.

My son in law is a Chaplain in the Regular Army with two tours of Iraq so far. The troops he ministers to are the front line of the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) so he is closer to the point than the rear echelon. He deserves all of our support.

Overly Hackled. Not sure if I'm on point BUT, my uncle's brother died in Japan; my uncle was in the trenches of Korea; my dad was in the Navy and the Air Force; my first husband was in the Air Force; my current husband was in the Air Force (Guam); my nephew is in Jordan (been to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and points unknown); another nephew is in Afghanistan; my younger son is in the Army National Guard (been to Louisiana-hurricane relief, GITMO, Iraq). I feel like I've served because of the dedication to God and country that my family has shown so proudly. Just wanted you to know.