Veterans day at the grandkids school

[walnutred]

Frankly I felt out of place. My grandson was very excited to invite me as I'm the only living veteran in his family. Emphasis on living. The school said we could bring "school appropriate" items to display for a Veterans Day show and tell. My wife signed us up for that although I had no idea what I was going to take. My first MOS was 82C, Field Artillery Surveyor. My second MOS was 76Y20, Unit Supply. I have no interesting stories.

I decided that most kids today have no idea how to read a map and I still have the lensatic compass I was issued. So obtained topographical maps of the area around the school. Took my issue compass and a more modern Silva compass, along with star charts and other items. The intent was to let the kids look at maps of areas they lived and learn how to shoot an angle. This went well, our table was swamped by 3rd-5th graders looking at maps.

However to the right of me was a gentleman who had been a POW in Vietnam. He was extremely friendly and we talked about his experience. Across from me was a fairly recent Marine veteran. I walked over to look at his table while he was having lunch with his child. His display had his ribbon set which included a ribbon for Silver Star, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters and a Purple Heart.

I honestly though about quietly packing up and going home but it would have greatly disappointed my two grandchildren.

Just venting. I know we all took the same oath, but we didn't all have the same experiences. .

 

[soFlaNative]

You gave the kids something they could see and relate to and experience first hand. You're alright.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

You signed the same blank check they did. Anything that happened to them, or worse, could have happened to you.

You have no reason to feel as if you are somehow lesser than them.

 

[Golddollar]

My first MOS was 82C, Field Artillery Surveyor. My second MOS was 76Y20, Unit Supply. I have no interesting stories.

I decided that most kids today have no idea how to read a map and I still have the lensatic compass I was issued. So obtained topographical maps of the area around the school. Took my issue compass and a more modern Silva compass, along with star charts and other items. The intent was to let the kids look at maps of areas they lived and learn how to shoot an angle. This went well, our table was swamped by 3rd-5th graders looking at maps.

From time to time I've mentioned my work with surveys and land descriptions. I wish I could have been in your class!

 

[Rudi]

You did what you did. And you did your best. Good on ya!

 

[Imissedagain]

Grandkids, 7.5 and 4.5, called last night to say Happy Veterans Day, Gringo Gator.

 

[steelslaver]

We all shook the dice, some of us got good rolls, some bad. I believe a lot of those who earned a rack of medals would trade with those who didn't earn them. I was lucky, some of the other guys in my recruit platoon were not.

 

[Baxter6551]

OP thank you for your service and participation at the school ! I join the other posters and say good for you !
The school where I work Security asked me to participate but I am away on vacation and could not. My 3 years were stateside and while I am a “Vietnam era veteran” I don’t wear any “Vietnam Vet” hats or anything. It was a job and I did it just like you. I’m proud of my service.

 

[vt_shooter]

Every MOS / AFSC etc the military has is needed by the military; without any of them, the military would function poorly or not at all. They are all needed. Compare to the civilian side - our society would be in far worse shape without the lowly garbage collectors than without most off the $million dollar a year executives working in skyscrapers.

 

[Rustyt1953]

The boys are home schooled. As headmaster I gave them the day off.

 

[lkabug]

Approximately 22% of US Army personnel are considered combat arms.
That 22% could not complete their assigned tasks without the other 78%
We all had our job to support the objective of success.

 

[lihpster]

3 of my uncles were in WWII. One was a combat infantryman in the Second Armored division. One was a truck driver in the ETO. The third was a Marine cook in the Pacific. Two uncles served during Vietnam. One was nurse, in country. The other was an Air Force electronic specialist of some kind. He was posted to the White House, and at one time babysat the "nuclear football" aboard Air Force One while the President visited with foreign leaders. Apparently, it was so hot wherever they were they needed to keep it air conditioned.
Only one of my uncles was in a combat MOS and actually swapped shots with the enemy. But I am just as proud of the others as I am him. They all did their duty. They all had lasting effects from their service. They all didn't want to talk about it, other than, "I did my job."
Remember, some gave all, but all gave some.
Thank you for your service. And thank you for helping to remind the young people of today that freedom isn't free. It comes at the highest cost, paid in blood. Glad you didn't leave. You belonged there.

 

[Golddollar]

Approximately 22% of US Army personnel are considered combat arms.
That 22% could not complete their assigned tasks without the other 78%
We all had our job to support the objective of success.

I used to watch a TV show (starring Dana Delaney) called "The Code" set on a USMC JAG Corps base. It had a great line that I think referred to somebody in the Quartermaster Corps as being the one who "kept us in bullets, beans and Band-Aids."