Are You a Veteran and Military Tributes

[JIMOLDFED]

I could not find a similar thread. I thought we might use this to post pictures and info about our Honored Lost - AND - the Veterans on this site. // Attached is one of the graphics we designed for the REDWING 19 Charity. I founded that chariy and ran it for 5 years. It was for the children of the 11 Navy SEALS and 8 160th SOAR-A Aviators lost in Afghanistan 28 JUN 2005.

My Respects to all who have served and all who carry on after the loss of a loved one.

Jim
USNR 1988-2002
1635
Intelligence Officer
ONI
NSWG2
NSWDG

[JIMOLDFED]

24 SEP 2021
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7New) — The remains of U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, a service member killed during the suicide bombing at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan traveled through Fairfax County and Arlington Friday morning.

I volunteer for Fairfax County PD Motor Squad. I drive the support trucks and help with traffic blocking. True inspirational Honor to be part of the escort for one of the Marines killed at the Kabul airport. The entrance to Arlington Cemetery was packed with First Responders - the 2 Ladder Trucks with Flag are at the Memorial Bridge entrance on the VA side.

The other pic is on US 50 in Falls Church as we headed East to the Cemetery -- that is just one of the many tribute formations.

Respectfully, Jim

[cmyx6go]

Thank you for your service!

[Samurai of 2day]

Thanks for all you do!!

It's the support we get from People like you who make everything worh while.

[NorCalAthlete]

I try to play in the SEAL tribute golf tournament every year:

https://sealtribute.com

I also play in other tournaments / events for the Semper Fi & America's Fund or other veteran events. Easily some of the best times I've had golfing.

I also participate in the VGA, Veterans Golf Association
https://www.vgagolf.org/

US Army 2004-2017.

[JIMOLDFED]

Originally Posted by NorCalAthlete

I try to play in the SEAL tribute golf tournament every year:

https://sealtribute.com

I also play in other tournaments / events for the Semper Fi & America's Fund or other veteran events. Easily some of the best times I've had golfing.

I also participate in the VGA, Veterans Golf Association
https://www.vgagolf.org/

US Army 2004-2017.

OUTSTANDING!!! Good on ya! // Respects, Jim

[UncleWede]

If I sneak in and pick up your meal tab because you are in uniform, does it offend you? I've done it both openly, and also just had the waitress bring me the tab and left.

[JIMOLDFED]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

If I sneak in and pick up your meal tab because you are in uniform, does it offend you? I've done it both openly, and also just had the waitress bring me the tab and left.

No offense! And the Vets I know are grateful.
I personally believe in paying forward too.
AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!
Jim

[NorCalAthlete]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

If I sneak in and pick up your meal tab because you are in uniform, does it offend you? I've done it both openly, and also just had the waitress bring me the tab and left.

Offend? Never. But it can be awkward for some who weren't expecting it, even if they're grateful. Sometimes they just don't know how to react because nobody's ever done anything like that for them. Quietly picking up the tab is the best way IMO, like just having the waitress bring it to you once they're done, without letting them know ahead of time (ie, if they haven't even gotten their food yet, don't have the waitress coming over going "that gentleman/woman there is picking up your tab" and then they order a bunch of drinks / stuff they otherwise would have...unless you're ok with that possibility anyway and want to treat them). I've had both happen, and on occasion it's led to some friendships / networking connections now.

Originally Posted by JIMOLDFED

No offense! And the Vets I know are grateful.
I personally believe in paying forward too.
AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS!
Jim

Seconded, thank you for leading by example with your kindness and generosity.

[JIMOLDFED]

On Christmas morning I try to make it Arlington Cemetery to visit friends lost. I also ask my pals to recommend historic figures lesser known to modern history. One of my visits this past Christmas was to pay respects to LARRY ALAN THORNE.

This story is movie material - fascinating and inspiring:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauri_Törni

[cmyx6go]

I wasn’t going to post this because I don’t do it for recognition, I do it for feel good reasons.

I’m a big supporter of Tunnel to Towers. It’s not just for fallen first responders. They also do a lot for veterans and the families like building houses for disabled veterans and paying off mortgages for those that don’t make it home.

I do Wreaths Across America every year; both personally and through my business. I doubled it this year after I read about some group having a problem with placing of wreaths on graves.

I always pick up the bill for those in uniform, whether they are military, LEO or Fire. Airport bars were always big for military but I really don’t do business travel anymore.

[JIMOLDFED]

GOOD ON YA! Keep up the great work/donations. Wreaths at Arlington is now H U G E - so many people attend its over by 10 or 11 !! Jim

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

I wasn’t going to post this because I don’t do it for recognition, I do it for feel good reasons.

I’m a big supporter of Tunnel to Towers. It’s not just for fallen first responders. They also do a lot for veterans and the families like building houses for disabled veterans and paying off mortgages for those that don’t make it home.

I do Wreaths Across America every year; both personally and through my business. I doubled it this year after I read about some group having a problem with placing of wreaths on graves.

I always pick up the bill for those in uniform, whether they are military, LEO or Fire. Airport bars were always big for military but I really don’t do business travel anymore.

[JIMOLDFED]

John Richard Boyd (January 23, 1927 – March 9, 1997) was a United States Air Force fighter pilot and Pentagon consultant during the second half of the 20th century. His theories have been highly influential in military, sports, business, and litigation strategies and planning.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_B...ary_strategist)


(For many Military Officers and NCOs the following sums up the politics and reality of Service. The below was said by Boyd almost 50 years ago. Today - I can attest - it is still the critical decision every Service member must confront.)

“And you’re going to have to make a decision about which direction you want to go.” He raised his hand and pointed. “If you go that way you can be somebody. You will have to make compromises and you will have to turn your back on your friends. But you will be a member of the club and you will get promoted and you will get good assignments.”

Then Boyd raised his other hand and pointed another direction. “Or you can go that way and you can do something — something for your country and for your Air Force and for yourself. If you decide you want to do something, you may not get promoted and you may not get the good assignments and you certainly will not be a favorite of your superiors.

But you won’t have to compromise yourself. You will be true to your friends and to yourself. And your work might make a difference. To be somebody or to do something. In life there is often a roll call. That’s when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?”

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

If I sneak in and pick up your meal tab because you are in uniform, does it offend you? I've done it both openly, and also just had the waitress bring me the tab and left.

Thank you for doing things like this.

I have never taken offense to this extremely generous gesture, but on the many times it's happened this way, I always wished I had to opportunity to thank the people who did this and shake their hand in gratitude. Not for picking up the tab, but the genuine action of support and appreciation.

Whenever it's happened and the person /people are still at the establishment, I've always walked over to show my appreciation for the support. I usually keep patches and coins in my backpack, so I'll grab a couple out the vehicle if I have it close by and hand them out when possible.

[JIMOLDFED]

This Memorial marker at Arlington Cemetery honors 10 lost. As many of you may know, a marker with multiple names usually means the casualty site did not allow for recovery of enough remains or no remains recovered.

In October of 2009 an element of Army SF and DEA Agents were in AFG for counter-narcotics operations. Two MH-47 helicopters manned by arguably the best helicopter Pilots and Crews in the world - the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment-Airborne (SOAR-A) Nightstalkers were with the SF and DEA.

Upon departure from a village one of the helicopters - call sign ARCANE 22 - crashed. The other Nightstalker helicopter landed to assist. The Taliban attacked the second helicopter. That crew fought for one hour to aid/recover their fallen Brothers. This marker commemorates the 10 lost on 22.

This is one of the many post 9-11 operations honored in Section 60 of Arlington.

[JIMOLDFED]

(This was one of the Honors I provided this past Christmas. A good friend served with LT Dry and he asked me to visit this family marker. Another fascinating piece of our history.)

LT Dry was reassigned to SEAL Team ONE in June 1971, and he became officer-in-charge of Alpha Platoon in April 1972. While in this position, he led Alpha Platoon during Operation Thunderhead, a clandestine mission to rescue escaping American Prisoners of War from North Vietnam. LT Dry was killed in action off the coast of North Vietnam on June 6, 1972, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Spence Dry was the last Navy SEAL killed during the Vietnam War.

His 2nd Bronze Star with Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Officer-in-Charge of Alfa Platoon, SEAL Team ONE, during Operation Thunderhead from 1 April to 6 June 1972. While embarked aboard USS Grayback (LPSS 574), Lieutenant Dry conducted rigorous training evolutions in his relentless drive to increase his platoon's already high level of combat readiness. Demonstrating inspirational leadership and total mission commitment, he galvanized his platoon's morale prior to leading them in a combat mission off the coast of North Vietnam to rescue escaping United States Prisoners of War. Forced to abandon a swimmer delivery vehicle when its batteries were exhausted by heavy currents during a night reconnaissance mission on 3 June 1972, Lieutenant Dry rallied his men in enemy waters for eight hours. His decision to tow to sea and scuttle the inoperable vehicle prevented detection by the enemy and preserved operational security.

Upon his rescue, while aboard USS Long Beach (CGN 9), Lieutenant Dry made a compelling argument to the on-scene tactical commander that it was essential he return to USS Grayback. Because his unique tactical information and superb leadership were judged vital to future SEAL insertions, he and his team were ordered to return to the submarine on 5 June 1972.

His mission focus remained singular while leading the night mission and, despite the considerable risks, when given the signal that it was safe to exit the helicopter, Lieutenant Dry was the first to jump into the tumultuous waters. Under the arduous conditions, he was killed immediately upon impact. By his heroic leadership, courageous actions, and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Dry reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.