Has anyone ever been spit on or threatened by a civilian right after returning from OIF/OEF?

PFC Nathaniel Thedford — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:20:18 -0400

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 6:09 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 18:09:25 -0400

I suspect this was more prevalent during the Vietnam war years, PFC Nathaniel Thedford. In fact, the cartoon looks kind of reminds me of the Vietname era.

This topic reminds me of one time when two German guys (young guys) spit at me at the Frankfurt train station. That was in the early 80s. They said something; I think it included the word "Schwein." I just kept moving along and avoided a confrontation.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 11 at 2015 6:48 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 18:48:58 -0400

Viet Nam forgotten again!

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Mar 11 at 2015 11:52 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 23:52:00 -0400

44 years ago in Sea-Tac. Since we were processing back to CONUS at Ft Lewis WA, a number of disagreeable people found the terminal to be a target-rich environment. Physical assaults of any serious nature were unlikely, considering how tightly wound some of the returnees were.

Elsewhere on RP I recount a more pleasant experience in that same airport some decades later.

Response by SGT Joseph Jones made Mar 12 at 2015 12:38 AM

SGT Joseph Jones — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:38:35 -0400

I've been told I was a murderer and the real bad guy because we invaded their way of life and we had the wrong country.

When deploying we were supposed to stop in Greece and get two days there but when we got to Greece they were picketing and held up signs calling us baby killers and various other things. So we weren't allowed to leave the ship. Since it was just me and one NCO from my company we were Riding with our conex on merchant ships delivering it to Kuwait. So we still fueled and just dropped anchor 3 miles or so off the coast and anyone who was Greek was taken ashore on another vessel. But the marines and soldiers from each unit were forced to stay on ship to keep us from getting in a fight or anything. They threw tomatoes and stuff for 2-3 hours while we were docked. Coming home in 04 july. For my 2 week leave the Atlanta airport was empty we thought. When we walked through the door there were hundreds or more of people clapping and cheering for us. Hugging us. Even kids asked for "autographs" I gave one little boy the flag off of my extra bud top. When I flew back to Iraq from Atlanta 6-8 of us were eating in the Resturant upstaits and someone paid our whole bill but didn't let the waitress tell us who they were we were in uniform so we couldn't drink people tried to buy us beers so many times sitting in Atlanta airport. When we left the Resturant. They applauded us and we're again hugging us. I think that the nation is treating us better for the most part than they did Vietnam veterans. To me WWII & Vietnam are real heroes if they hadn't did what they did we may not have the equipment we do now! I'm forever gracious to my Great Grandfather and my uncle for fighting those wars! And the other men who did

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Mar 12 at 2015 1:17 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 01:17:42 -0400

1976, Oakland Intercontinental and O'Hare airport in Chicago........They were smart enough to "spit & git" by those days.

Response by SSG Harper Peterson made Mar 12 at 2015 3:49 AM

SSG Harper Peterson — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 03:49:05 -0400

Yes. I was even called a "baby killer" by someone my own age. I told her to quit watch the media protests from the 60s and shut the fu€K up. People in the grocery store cheered me after that.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 9:33 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:33:40 -0400

I've talked with some Viet Nam veterans coming home landing in San Francisco protesters would spit on them and they were told to not to wear their uniforms and not letting them off at the terminal I think that is a despicable act at that time most of the veterans were drafted and they did their duty they have my respect ingratitude and I personally want to say welcome home and thank you

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 9:36 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:36:47 -0400

that's the kind of stuff I like to hear

Response by SPC Gary Pulis made Mar 12 at 2015 10:42 AM

SPC Gary Pulis — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 10:42:21 -0400

In 1978, fresh out of AIT, I was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. Landing at SFO in my Class A uniform I was spat on had drinks and trash thrown at me. I also had a difficult time getting a taxi to take me to base....and this was 3 years after Nam ended.
This drawing is from that era.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 2:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:41:37 -0400

Didn't Governor Jesse "the body" Ventura call us all baby killers and he was a vet? Other than that not that I was aware of.

Response by CPO Thomas Bembenek made Mar 12 at 2015 11:28 PM

CPO Thomas Bembenek — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 23:28:28 -0400

1970 at the Newport Naval Station exiting Gate 4 during a Vietnam War protest rally. At some point during 1970/71 we were ordered to bring civilain clothes aboard ship and not to wear our uniforms on liberty in the US. Also had a similar altercation in my hometown in March of 1973 when wearing my CPO uniform home to visit family members at the request of my Mom. I had made CPO of the previous exam cycle and was frocked the day before due to a promotion freeze.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 13 at 2015 3:49 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:49:37 -0400

Well in a way yes and no....let me put it this way....it was handled

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 4:09 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:09:36 -0400

I've been called names while in uniform (Bush/Obama assassin/lackey, too stupid to get a real job, stuff like that). I ignore it, I don't even bother to debate them. Luckily for me (because I would wind up in jail no doubt) I haven't been assaulted or spit upon. Someone spits on me and I honestly think all civility is out the window. I'd rather be punched in the crotch repeatedly (training, drill sergeant!) than spit on.

Mostly I've dealt with far more kinder and patriotic folks. When I came home from Afghanistan one time the Baltimore airport had Boy Scouts, Church groups, etc all lined up at the terminal that we walk out of after Immigration just clapping and hi-fiving us and everything. Made ya feel like a rock star, and I honestly felt so silly getting gushed on like that. The next morning I didn't have to pay for anything either. Everywhere I went for breakfast or just a soda - it got paid for. I am very appreciative of it, but again - makes ya feel weird. I am used to giving appreciation, not getting it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:10:58 -0400

My homecoming was overwhelmingly positive. We had Patriot Guard riders escort our buses over 3 hours back to the town our armory was in. In town the streets were lined with people and the local police escorted us to the armory. I firmly believe we have our Viet Nam Veterans to thank for this.

Where I have seen spitting and other such degenerate behavior was in college. During the height of the Iraq war some of my fellow Veterans were spit on, slapped, and called baby killers by student protesters. The Veterans in question did confront them and verbally initiate the conflict though.

Response by SPC Ryan Su made Mar 14 at 2015 12:24 AM

SPC Ryan Su — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:24:57 -0400

I was at the airport some one calling me "baby killer"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:35:34 -0400

When we were coming in to land at Oakland,Air Base, we were told there would be protesters on the Tarmac and they would be yelling at us and maybe throw something at us. I did not understand what they were talking about. We were told not to say or respond to any of it. Actually what we were told was don't say a f---ing thing. As we were getting off, sure enough, there were protestors and they were calling us baby killers and did spit at us. It was damned hard not to say anything. When I flew home, I was walking down the exit to go to luggage and a man stopped me and asked me if I was coming home from Vietnam. When I told him yes, he told me I ought to be ashamed of myself. It pissed me off so much. I told him to FO before I killed him. I just walked away wondering what the hell had I done that was so bad.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Mar 14 at 2015 10:22 AM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 10:22:24 -0400

Not after OIF/OEF, but being called a baby killer did happen to me after Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I just looked at the young lady, rolled my eyes, shook my head, and carried on.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Mar 15 at 2015 3:52 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 15:52:10 -0400

I have not. But I have heard the stories of the Vietnam veterans coming back. At JBLM the post did a true welcome home ceremony for the vets. Most people I see when in uniform are kind and polite.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 15 at 2015 6:09 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:09:04 -0400

Well not to my face because most protestors are spineless, worthless, cowards who would rather die on their knees begging for their lives than die on their feet fighting. What was the question again?

I must say that not all protestors are like what I just described but just the ones who want to spit in my face and call me names. I am not the one who sends people to war; it is the politicians, the suits, not the ones who wear the boots.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 15 at 2015 6:24 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:24:07 -0400

i was spit on at a University by a student - I had my hands full heading to do a presentation. A young male came up to me, I thought he was going to offer assistance and then he spit on me hitting me on my ribbons. At first I thought about taking him down and beating the holy crap out of him but then realized that it was not worth going to jail. I turned around went back to my car loaded it up. Then drove to the Administration building walked in the Deans office explained to him that I will never come back to this campus nor will any future AF Recruiter. I placed the university on a Do Not Visit List due to Hostility and Danger.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 19 at 2015 10:49 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:49:32 -0400

Doubtful, but I'm sure you can find plenty that swear they know a guy who knew a guy that it totally happened to..

Response by SSgt June Worden made Mar 19 at 2015 11:36 AM

SSgt June Worden — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:36:24 -0400

At the outbreak of the first Gulf War I was a young State Trooper stationed in Ithaca, NY. Ithaca is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, both know for their liberal agendas. There was an organized Pro Troop Rally in the heart of the city, and I attended it with one of the senior members of my barracks...

Shortly after the rally started things began to go downhill. Pushing and shoving, negative comments from the opposition... and yes, SPIT!!! Needless to say, words were exchanged and had I not chosen to continue my career (I was still in my probationary period), I think I would have reacted in quite a different way.

Turns out that I was recalled for the war shortly thereafter! Once I returned to NY I put in my transfer to a less liberal area!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 1:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:03:59 -0400

Yes in Portland Oregon, spit and called me a baby killer and walked off in the other direction. I think I was more amused than angry, how stupid can you be, but that's Portland.

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Mar 19 at 2015 7:38 PM

SGT Joe Sabedra — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:38:57 -0400

No.
I was asked to remove an American flag sticker from my company vehicle.
Placed in standard fashion on the front quarter panel in proper flight.

I refused.

It was pulled off by a manager and replaced daily for a week.

It was never discussed with me again.

Response by TSgt Michael Freiberg made Mar 19 at 2015 8:05 PM

TSgt Michael Freiberg — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 20:05:17 -0400

Nope never got spit on. Did come home to my wife having affair. I think I would have rather got spit on.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 19 at 2015 8:10 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 20:10:58 -0400

Be a Vietnam Nam vet or a cop and the answer will be very clear!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 5:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:18:00 -0400

I myself never encountered any such behavior either time I returned home. I think that has been large part to the vets of the Vietnam era. I have spoken to many who said never again. So to those of you on here Thank You. I did not have to return home to the same treatment you did.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Mar 29 at 2015 11:02 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 11:02:03 -0400

Question is more geared to us older Vets that served in the late 60's and 70's as I did. I can't say I was spit on but I can say I was looked down on. I was stationed in San Fransisco and trust me. They didn't like us Sailors there. It was well known that in some port towns there was signs that said "Sailors stay of the grass" those of us that served when I did are not treated as well as those that serve today

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Mar 29 at 2015 11:18 AM

Spc 1 J W. — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 11:18:54 -0400

No. Just "thank you for your service."

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 30 at 2015 7:22 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:22:26 -0400

6 deployments and never been spat upon or yelled at. As recruiter pre 9/11, I was in Aspen Co. Someone politely told me there is no need for us to be around here and would prefer us not to prey on the children.

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Mar 31 at 2015 8:54 PM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 20:54:50 -0400

Never. Anytime I was in uniform I received nothing but positive comments. Welcome home , thank you for your service, etc.. . Being a wise guy I always have a quick response to smart ass remarks but tend to be a bit humble when given praise like that. I usually just responded with a thank you and 'It's just a job'. Had anyone spit or did any other kind of crap to myself or another service member or Vet there would have been Hell to pay.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 31 at 2015 9:25 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 21:25:59 -0400

Happened all the time coming back from Nam. I was a tin can sailor out of Long Beach at the time. You didn't have to deploy, you just had to look "military" in civilian clothes to get nailed as a baby killer in SOCAL. That was in part why long hair covered by short hair wigs were allowed on duty because the thinking at the time was is helped retention and reduced incidents on the beach. I recall the policy going away around '74-75. The ferocity of the protests and general disdain of anything military steadily reduced following the "Vietnamization" period. Z-Gram 70 relaxed grooming standards and the subsequent CNO pulled it back in. Since then I don't recall anything other than the occasional problem and by the 90's, people generally were favorable of military service. General public appreciation has been at a high water mark post 9-11, took a dip in the middle period and has been up again lately. You see much more appreciation in the small towns where everyone knows someone who came home covered with a flag or struggles getting "normal" back.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Mar 31 at 2015 9:31 PM

SGT Tim Tobin — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 21:31:22 -0400

In the 70's that was the standard. My only saving grace was a big supportive family

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 4:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 16:34:53 -0400

I have never had anything bad or negative happen yet. I think where you could play a part in this. Living in North Carolina I don't think I will ever have an issue with this.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Apr 5 at 2015 7:59 PM

SSG Adam Reed — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 19:59:24 -0400

While in transit going home from our deployment a few of us visited an adult strip club in Baltimore and one of the ladies talked shit to us. So we drank em down and walked out. No spitting involved but dang those were some hurtful words. But in the end all the thank you's, free beers, meals, slaps on the back, hand shakes and 1st class seats from true Americans make up for those few who chose to be the way they are.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 5:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 05:45:20 -0400

Never been spat at or called names but I have had a few looks from some people randomly before ...you could tell they just didn't give a damn...oh well lol if someone were to spit on me they would only make themselves look bad

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made May 2 at 2015 3:22 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 02 May 2015 15:22:31 -0400

I went to grad school in uniform during the early 70s. I was never disrespected or harassed and in fact two of my profs let me submit papers when I was TDY at Fort Knox at the Motor Officer Course.......no spitting!

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 23 at 2015 10:23 PM

CPL Jay Freeman — Sat, 23 May 2015 22:23:10 -0400

2005 landed in New York on some army base in the middle of the night no welcome home party. We did get a sorry for having us on the wrong plain and sorry they couldn't put us up better we where in a run down decommissioned hospital on cots then for the ones who slept where woke up before the sun was up had to grab our gear and take a buss to the airport which was not expecting us then flew to Seattle and landed there where no welcoming parties there ether just a few 1ton vans waiting to take us to base still in the desert uniform from Iraq hadn't showered in days got to base to be told we where on pass till the weekend was over I asked how far can we go he said if you can have your ass back here Monday by 8am that's as far as you can go. I called my wife told her to get me a plane ticket I was coming home she was scrambling it was late and there was 1 flight left a private who drove me from the airport was heading out I asked where do u think your going he said home. The hell you are your taking me to the airport. He said no way in hell I looked at the Sargent and said you can get your van from impound and took the keys he yelled at the private and told him to get me to the airport. I was dead tired on my feet the ticket counter lady bumped me up to first class I know I'm not supposed to accept but I did. Sean Austin from lord of the rings talked to me I had no idea who he was. Got on the plane and fell asleep before take off I do remember the smell of pine trees when I got home it was awesome to be home

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 11:46 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:46:38 -0400

Thankfully no!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 23 at 2015 11:46 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:46:46 -0400

I've been told I walk around looking crazy and mean so maybe that's why no one has heckled me, called my a baby killer to my face or spit on me. Seriously though, if someone spits on me I am not being the good passive Soldier and walking away. That is an assault, and I am going to defend myself. I am going to pummel that person whether they are male or female. That is just vile to spit on another human by a human. I am a controlled person and I will still be controlled when I defend myself.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 24 at 2015 12:27 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 24 May 2015 00:27:31 -0400

I guarantee I am not the one to be spitted on. Words are fine but spitting is crossing the line with me.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 24 at 2015 7:37 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 24 May 2015 19:37:50 -0400

Nope! I did get called "BabyKiller" by 15,000 pissed off Muslims that surrounded my Bldg at #7 North Audley St London after El Dorado Canyon in 86 but hell 15,000 protestors surrounding our bldg and the embassy was not that uncommon. My Favorite Protest at work was CND Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the only one that "Struck" me at that one was a Female Bobby (Cop) that didn't know I worked there (Getting smacked in the Chest with the Palm of a small ladies Hand will definitely get your attention). After I showed her my badge she signaled two goons to carry me into the bldg. Another favorite was the small fishing boats in Yokosuka being very polite on bullhorns telling us that they loved us but didn't want our nuclear ship making port there.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 24 at 2015 7:44 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Sun, 24 May 2015 19:44:48 -0400

It never happened to me, but I assure you had it occurred, that individual wouldn't like my response.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 24 at 2015 10:48 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sun, 24 May 2015 22:48:58 -0400

I always get "thank you for your service..." I tell people it wasn't bad. I did a lot of bracketing / separating the enemy from the population for JDAM. So to me it was more like SUCKED to be Talib.

Response by TSgt Aaron D. made May 27 at 2015 10:29 PM

TSgt Aaron D. — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:29:28 -0400

I can foresee a night in jail in my near future if this ever happened.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 1 at 2015 5:56 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:56:39 -0400

As a civilian of 20+ years, I will happily stand on the throat of anyone disrespecting the younger generation coming home.

You defend us, the least we can do is defend you.

Coming home from Desert Storm we didn't know what to expect, Vietnam was fresh in our minds. The "Love" was unexpected and overwhelming.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:39 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:39:53 -0400

Yep. I had an elderly lady tell me I was a baby. I told her the younger they are the better they taste.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jun 11 at 2015 5:56 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 17:56:04 -0400

got 1 of my buddies called a baby killer when were out having dinner and a few beers after we got back

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 12 at 2015 10:31 AM

SGT Kevin Brown — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:31:29 -0400

After coming home from Afghanistan in 2005, I was literally chased out of a bar for being a veteran, being called a murdering baby killer and many other things, while a liberal crowd threatened violence and spat on me. The shittiest part was that that bar was my regular bar before the deployment and the owner (who wasn't there that night) is a veteran and huge supporter of the military and veterans. I know live in a much smaller conservative town where I have only received support from my fellow Americans and veterans are honored.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 8:09 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 20:09:50 -0400

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 23 at 2015 8:48 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:48:35 -0500

I can't say that I have, I have received nothing but love and respect.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Jan 8 at 2021 6:00 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 18:00:12 -0500

No. There's a weird worship of veterans since 2001. Probably because of Vietnam.