mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

I'd like to start by saying I've never been in the military but have the utmost respect for all of you that have.

My father shared stories of the very end of WWII when he was in. He was fortunate to not see any real action. But he talked about it and I ate it up. I love hearing first hand stories.

Some veterans understandably just don't wan't to talk about it. Others to different degrees will talk about their experiences.

If you're willing to talk about you're experiences whether it be front line fighting all the way to backround support and everything in between some of us might like to hear what it's truely like.

If you don't want to, fine, understand.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

I served 34 years. I can’t say I seen it all but I have seen both real live action and peaceful times. I served in Desert Storm/Shield. On Jan 16 1991 I was lying in my bunk talking to my wife which it was her birthday and jets started flying over dropping bombs not far from us. We took cover. It only lasted about 30 minutes. Then it was over. We learn later that the war had actually started and they surrendered. I was assigned to 3BDE 101st ABN DIV. Later in my career I was assigned to 82 2BDE STB and did 6 tours in Iraq. The tour my driver died in my arms. We came off a mission checking my other Units. I went upstairs to unload my gear. I heard people shouting and bullet firing. I grab my weapon and run downstairs. I see my driver lying near my vehicle. I run over and roll him over. Blood flowing from his helmet. He looked up at me and please don’t let me die. I knew at that point there was nothing I could do. Later also with 82nd same Unit I did 5 tours in Afghanistan. I had some good days and some bad but my good days out weigh my bad days. I am grateful to have served our great country. I must say things are totally different now and I am so glad I am retired. With all the issues going on now this is why recruiters are suffering to get people to join. Both of my sons served and did one tour and got out. I did not encourage them to stay in because I feel it’s their life. The Military is NOT for everyone. Because it works for one doesn’t mean it works for others.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

As a former in-home caregiver, I had veterans from WWII and the Korean War. I wasn't in the military but my brother and his friends were in Vietnam. I could tell you stories they told me if you're interested mistred. Let me know.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

I will add that there are conflicts that the media don’t know or really report on. Then there’s a lot you will never hear of period unless someone talk about it but don’t tell all.

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Thanks for your story and service Troy. What would you say the biggest change that has made recruitment go down. I know they are having a hard time getting recruits.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Honestly I was a recruiter during my career so I keep up with what’s going on. A lot of people have told me they would not serve as long as Trump was the Commander and Chief. Some as said that it’s to much politics now. They don’t pay enough. You have people making rules and calling shots that has never served. How the VA system is messed up. You find all types of reasons. Although you see people beside the road with a sign Disable Veteran it doesn’t help because if you are a Disabled Veteran you get help or you can get help. Ottawa choice but I do feel if they bring the draft back it would help a lot just MY OPINION.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Troy you saw a lot. Sad about your driver.
Thanks for sharing.

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

CNN states that we have military personnel in over 150 countries worldwide.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Not so sure that is true. The news media says a lot.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

This is just how bad it has gotten. I feel when you look at our leaders from top to bottom you have and will see the problem. When your Leaders are fighting against each other or you have people making decisions that never served it creates a big problem. It like working on something that you know nothing about. They make all the decisions to include how much we get paid. Ask yourself would you want someone to control what you do how much you get paid or when and where you go. Knowing this person or people never did what they are asking you to do. Once we are in a conflict SOMETIMES our leaders will visit but not any of them get on the frontline to see what’s happening up there.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Possibly. Sounds like all embassies are counted to get to that number.
I thought we had more embassies worldwide, but maybe all do not have military personal attached.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

That’s true. If you notice that information is classified. I am sure we have places that will never be mentioned. Before O retired I asked for an assignment in Africa and was told we have nothing over there. I learned later that we did.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Hey Jer I was curious and I found this on line.

Most U.S. embassies have a Defense Attaché Office (DAO) headed by a defense attaché, which represents the U.S. Defense Department and advises the ambassador on military matters12. DAOs are composed of both civilian and military employees, most of whom receive specialized training at Joint Military Attache School before their appointment2. Under the direction of regional security officers, U.S. Marine Security Guards (MSGs) help secure U.S. embassies and consulates3.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

In my 10 years as caregiver I had a few veterans from WWII and Korea. One of my clients was 98 years old and served in an engineering division in WWII. He was sent to Texas to train for deployment to Africa. At that time, the US was headed for Germany in the winter. Instead of going to Africa, my client was sent to Belgium. Being in a engineering division, he hadn't fired a rifle since basic. The clothes he had were for Africa, not 20 below in Belgium. "I was more worried about freezing to death than the Germans," he told me. This conflict was known as Battle of the Bulge. During the conflict he dragged two fellow soldiers who had been shot to safety. He was shot during the second one. He later received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He was very nonchalant about his act of heroism. "They would have done it for me," he said.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Yes that is true. If you can land one of these assignments you are blessed. Normally it’s a 12-18 month tour. Top secret clearance required. If married probably an unaccompanied assignment but most times they will try to put you together or as close as they can . However most times you are alone. Most overseas assignments are along but you do fine married couples are placed together. Germany I was able to take my wife and first child. Korea I was not about to take them. That was a 12 month tour Germany was 3 years. I do feel overseas assignments are better. You only have people some you don’t know and we all count each other as family. People seem to be more kind and respectful.