How Did Your Veterans Day Go? Please Share Your Details.

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:40:48 -0500

As Veterans Day-2015 started, I was invited to Golden Corral by Veterans of my church to fellowship and tell of my experience serving DUTY HONOR COUNTRY through a spiritual connection. I then went to the Seay Memorial at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Later on went to lunch (Olive Garden-free meal on the house-with Moscato White Wine) with 1SG Wine of the 359 ICTC. While there had a great time talking to Vietnam Veterans, it was special to hear how sweet it is, after hearing she was spat upon/ called a baby killer during Nam in 1972. Lastly, did some yard work and enjoyed a nap for good measure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRMvDMWWfto

US Military Tribute - A Call To Arms

Slideshow of the men and women of the US Military. Enjoy! Score: Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor) by John Murphy

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 11 at 2015 9:44 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:44:55 -0500

Had a great time with a bunch of great Marines. Did some shots and what have you. All fluids imbibed thereby processed for elimination through mostly normal bodily functions.

Walt

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 11 at 2015 9:53 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 21:53:52 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I said a prayer of thanksgiving for my fellow vets and thought about those I served with and a few dear friends who I have lost either in the line of duty or after serving our nation. I am grateful for my fellow vets and thank God every day for my brothers and sisters...

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 11 at 2015 10:01 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:01:14 -0500

First of all, I can only hope that all had a great Veterans Day. I started the day by going to Great Clips for a free haircut - Great cut along with some good conversations with other Vets. Cost of haircut $0.00 Tip for the haircut $15.00 along with a "Thank You" to the girl that cut my hair. The rest of the day was spent calling and writing friends and family and thanking them for their service.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 11 at 2015 10:01 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:01:26 -0500

Well, first of all, I went to see my psychiatrist; and that went well. Then, I went to eat at 'Cool Cravings'; a favorite restaurant of mine. Then I went to see about getting my haircut. Then I went to Walgreen's. Then I came home.
I am having surgery tomorrow; on my foot- so I made a lot of preparations for that.
That's about it. ;)

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 11 at 2015 10:06 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:06:51 -0500

I mostly stayed at home. I did go to Walmart this afternoon and got new batteries put in my watches. While I was there a high school ROTC unit put on a little ceremony which was nice. Other than that one young woman tapped me on the shoulder while I was shopping and said that she just wanted to wish me a happy veteran's day. (I was wearing an Army cap). Other than that I did nothing and nothing happened so I guess that it was a good day.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Nov 11 at 2015 10:13 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:13:49 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I had a rather pleasant surprise. I'm laid up with a leg injury, so I didn't really expect anything, and so was surprised when someone knocked on my door. After hobbling my way there, there was a young lady with a pizza from the local Figaro's who wished me a Happy Veteran's Day, refused the tip I tried to give her, and headed off to her next delivery. Turns out a friend called Figaro's and set it up for me. It gave me the touchy-feelies! :)

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 11 at 2015 10:14 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:14:06 -0500

last night shined my jump boots fixed color Guard uniform this morning Had breakfast dressed went to my American legion post where im Sgt at arms and color Guard issued weapons and picked up flags met with my color Guard we went down to our memorial rendered Honors after ceremony we headed back to our post which served lunch outstanding menu was chili, corn bread coleslaw and cake was a great day

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 11 at 2015 10:17 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:17:10 -0500

I spent the day doing some 'honey do' list items. Tried AGAIN this year to get a free to-go meal so I could take it to a homeless Vet, still against company policy. So I went and bought some pork chops and cooked dinner at home with the family.

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 11 at 2015 10:30 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:30:37 -0500

A quiet day as this is not a holiday for me. Duty (well work) calls.

I did exchange emails and phone calls with friends and former comrades in the US, Europe and Korea, to thank them for their service. Otherwise, business as usual.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Nov 11 at 2015 10:32 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:32:28 -0500

First of all, thank you for your services to all veterans.
Mostly I was lazy but I did laps at the local pool (800 meters - the distance I swam not the length of the pool), got taken to lunch and set up a wi-fi extender in the house. Back to the grind tomorrow.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Nov 11 at 2015 10:38 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 22:38:39 -0500

My Veteran Day was going until my ex made me upset today. It seems that everyone Veteran Day was going good. I plan to visit my grandfather who paved the way for me. I know he is looking down from heaven smiling but it never happened.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 11:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:00:34 -0500

This was my veteran's day at work. It is always a pleasure to work and see the people we serve safe.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2015 11:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:02:14 -0500

It was a regular day - gym and class.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 11 at 2015 11:07 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:07:03 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I just got back from an enjoyable meal where I fellowshiped with many other veterans. My wife and I met a couple who we have known for many years. The husband served in the USMC from 1960 to 1962. We ate at Golden Corral in Manassas, VA which is very close to where Bull Run was fought in 1861. While there I sat across from a recent USMC Master Sergeant retiree and his family. We discussed military retirement, Veterans Affairs disability treatment and social security. I encouraged him to research non-profit companies and the benevolent association which is focused on the USMC who could help him and his family throughout the rest of his life. I explained First Command and how they have helped me since 1985 at no cost to me.
I told him about RallyPoint and he was interested and wrote down the URL. Hopefully we will see Master Sergeant Curry on RallyPoint soon.

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Nov 11 at 2015 11:10 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:10:21 -0500

Road with my Veteran's Motorcycle Club (MC) the Gaurd Dogs to a veterans ceremony honoring all veterans. Then rode to the 45th Infantry Division Museum to a ceremony and then to our state Capitol to the American Legion for the wreath ceremony. Had hot dogs at the local American Legion, and later ate tacos with the Fam Bam for dinner! My kids cooked for me! Awesome day!

Response by PFC Kyle Corcoran made Nov 11 at 2015 11:15 PM

PFC Kyle Corcoran — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:15:03 -0500

My fiancé treated me to Kobe Japanese Steak House. Damn, I love some hibachi. To our surprise there was $25 off one of our entrees. Happy Veterans Day to all!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Nov 11 at 2015 11:30 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:30:13 -0500

US Military Tribute - A Call To Arms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRMvDMWWfto

US Military Tribute - A Call To Arms

Slideshow of the men and women of the US Military. Enjoy! Score: Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor) by John Murphy

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 11 at 2015 11:33 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 23:33:10 -0500

Mine was awesome. Had the honor of carrying THE Flag in the Nation's oldest Veteran's Day Parade, in Birmingham. Beautiful day, literally thousands of citizens were out, waving flags and cheering along the 2 mile route. Truly inspiring to have people really cheering our military, things like that make you sit back and think that people do still care. The parade was represented by all services.
I sincerely hope that all of my brother and sister service members were able to get out and do something enjoyable, or reflective or both.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Nov 12 at 2015 12:25 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 00:25:49 -0500

I am a Veteran, and a Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. Regardless of personal political views. It is an honor to serve one's country, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember that fact.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 12 at 2015 1:03 AM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 01:03:12 -0500

It was a usual Wednesday for me. I worked all day...then met up with my grandson, his mom and her boyfriend and went to Texas de Brazil for Brazilian dinner. Dinner was awesome...and I got 50% off for being a Veteran. That was nice. Came home...watched a movie with my grandson, played ticked/tackle and tug a war and put him to bed a little while ago.
Just another typical day....but a good one...

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 12 at 2015 1:06 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 01:06:23 -0500

This was in another thread, but will re-post here:
I had a Veteran's Day to remember. I've taken the day to visit Lisbon. While on a tour bus I looked at a military museum and saw an official gathering - I immediately knew what it was, so got off the bus and went to it. Today is the official Veteran's recognition day for Portugal! I got there just as the ceremony began. They had detachments from each branch of service in parade along with military band. There were speeches and laying of wreaths in front of the remains of "The Unknown Soldier". Once the wreaths were laid and speeches given, the casket with the remains (under the national colors) was returned to the chapel. Then all units did a Pass & Review, was impressive. Later on I was talking to a taxi driver and some old guys came up and by the pins on their suits I could tell they were vets. I asked the taxi guy to translate for me and we talked. Come to find out one of the guys had been in Angola in '62. I told him I was a retired SGM from the USA, he smiled and dug out his hip flask, and said it was to share for comrades. I took a drink, Soon two others came and I had to drink from their flasks as well. We shook hand, smiled and parted. The Brotherhood-of-arms knows no language barriers. Even though I was in a different country, I felt like I was remembering my own as well.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Nov 12 at 2015 1:58 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 01:58:25 -0500

Executive Summary: Went to Applebees for the free dinner. Met a lot of interesting people.

At least two distinct worlds. A lot of geezers in blinged-out hats, and other younger ones who were more camouflaged, but still there for the free lunch.

The place was packed to the doors, and rather than wait for a table for one, I took a seat at the bar between two other vets. We swapped stories. The one on my left finished up and left. His place was taken by a young Asian-looking fellow, whom I assumed to be an H-1B Microsoftie out to lunch. I continued working on my sirloin, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. And the tall Mac 'n' Jack, of course.

Then he struck up a conversation by asking "Is that a Bronze Star?" -- referring to a pin on my blinged-out hat. "Yes, it is" was my witty riposte. Why would he know about that, I wondered.

Turned out he had done two deployments in Iraq. Like me, he was an E-5 in Signal. We had a fascinating time filling in a few gaps in each others knowledge of events.

I am slightly more wary of my personal library of stereotypes.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 12 at 2015 6:49 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 06:49:51 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I just worked all day and had lunch with my wife at Camp Pendleton, CA. That was it!

Response by MSgt John Grollimund made Nov 12 at 2015 7:40 AM

MSgt John Grollimund — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 07:40:18 -0500

Honesty, I avoided all the freebies like the plague. I have witnessed too many people that think they are entitled to free stuff on vets day (local ROTC tried to cut in front of me once because he was in uniform.. watched a spouse go off on a waitress because her ID card was not honored as a vet..). Took the wife's car to the import dealer for its maintenance, and took her shopping for 5 hours.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 12 at 2015 8:36 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 08:36:44 -0500

I went to work wearing my ribbons, many of my coworkers came to me and said "Thank you for your service", guess I'm one of the very very few veterans that work at my branch. My manager bought me a small gift which I accepted. Two of my close work friends wanted to take a pic of their favorite veteran, haha, the one on the right, her brother is in the Marine Corp so she understands.

After work I didn't do anything special. I didn't want to do any of the Veterans Day restaurant things. So I figured I'd give my seat up for all the other Veterans out there who have done more. I decided to just go home, cook a good dinner for myself and a date. Netflix and chill. =D

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 9:56 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:56:58 -0500

I took time for me. Recharged myself and my spirit in the morning. I went out to lunch, toasted some fellow vets, watched the airplanes at my favorite spot by Reagan Airport, and watched a movie, then took a bubble bath and crashed early.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 10:11 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:11:37 -0500

I spent it initially catching up
On an episode or two of a television show my wife and I watch. She then had to go into work to. She left for work to prepare some info for a brief she has to give to 1SG and CSM today and I got on the horn to old deployment buddies. I finished off the day with some exhilarating study of molecular geometry.

Uneventful. Just how I like it.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 12 at 2015 12:24 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:24:35 -0500

Thanks for asking SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL . I had a very untraditional Veteran's Day and it was awesome. My parents moved here a week ago after slugging it out in Philly for 74 years. I spent the day assembling furniture, unpacking, rewiring new lighting, and getting them settled in. The old body has slowed down but slow and steady wins the race. More unpacking today. This was the first time in 25 years I have been able to help them for once. They wanted to take Hitomi and me to dinner but my back chose the shower and early turn-in option. When we got home, our apartment complex changed the entrance lighting to green and that simple deed brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with gratitude and pride. Hope everyone had a great time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 12 at 2015 2:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 14:07:36 -0500

I took a shot of vodka for those who are deceased. One shot for those who are injured and hurting. One shot for the rest of us.

Response by SPC Shannon Lovell/Blanchard made Nov 12 at 2015 4:54 PM

SPC Shannon Lovell/Blanchard — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 16:54:07 -0500

My Veterans Day was a busy, and rewarding one. As school counselor, I was in charge of the Veterans Day Program at my school. It was the first one my school has held in several years (it is a school with a high population of lower socio-economic, at risk, students.)
The program went well, and the students enjoyed it. We had guests from the community come out to celebrate with me. Unbeknownst to me, one of the visitors was the Vice President of our local school board. I later found out how much she enjoyed the program because she shared several pics on social media and thanked me for sharing with the students.
Later, I took my daughters with me out to dinner at Olive Garden for the Veterans Day dinner there. We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to see the many other Veterans that otherwise probably would not have gone out, or maybe would not have heard a "thank you" that day. Several were elderly, and had their sons/daughters helping them get to their tables. It was heartwarming to see families coming together, and the older Veterans being recognized for their sacrifice and made to feel that they still are valued.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Nov 13 at 2015 4:37 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:37:27 -0500

Helped my daughter move, wished I was about 10 years younger half way through the day.