I went up to WalMart this afternoon to pick up a prescription. Out front, like every Veteran's Day, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) was selling Buddy Poppies. I always stop and buy one in honor of my Dad who fought in WWII and a grandfather who fought in WWI.
One of my bestest friends was a nurse stationed in Saudia Arabia during the Gulf War. And, I have a couple of friends who were stationed in MASH units during the Viet Nam conflict.
So, with this holiday weekend, as we honor our Veterans, I just wanted to say thanks to the veteran nurses as well as so many men who lost their lives and fought for my country, so I can sit on my couch sipping Diet Coke and playing on my computer today. We owe our lives and our lifestyles to these men and women.
I am very proud to say that I am a former Navy nurse. I served from 1979-1981. That was long enough for me. My father retired from the Army and my father-in-law retired from the Air Force. My husband has 23 years in the Navy and isn't ready to get out yet. I have tremendous respect for anyone in the military. Anyone out there thinking about being a military nurse, it has a lot going for it. I didn't have the personality for it (too meek).
Hi. I was a Nurse in a MASH unit that deployed into Iraq during the Gulf War. It sure is nice of all you to remember your comrades in the service, past & present, with this thread. Thanks so much. Kurt
I am a nurse in the New Zealand Army. We have had missions lately to East Timor, and Bougainville in the Pacific.
We celebrate our old soldiers - veterans- on ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), April 25th.
We also wear poppies to commemorate the poppies growing in France and Holland during the 2 World Wars where so many of our young men, and those of our comrades at arms died so far from home.
There are very moving ceremonies around the country, starting at dawn. All serving soldiers, and the veterans, parade through the dark to the service. It is chilling to hear only the footsteps marching in time and the clinking of medals. I've been to one every year for about 20years now, and still get emotional when the Last Post plays.
Hi Mama Val, I was in the 5th MASH in the Forward Surgical Element. We worked out of Forward Observation Base 1 with the 24th Infantry Division and then we moved to Division Support Area 2. At that point they stopped the ground offensive, which was too bad as were like 60KM from Baghdad. Now it looks like a new batch of Nurses will have to go over to finish the job.
Anyway, I retired with 20 years 6 months in the Army. Where were you assigned during your stint?
Thanks, all. I was a Navy nurse for 4 years at Great Lakes, Il. I then served in the Navy reserves during Desert Storm at Charleston Naval Hospital. Then I went back on active duty, this time with the Air Force, serving at Wilford Hall and then at Scott AFB. Currently I am the spouse of an active duty member, who can't commit to anything as he is "in the bucket" for deployment. But that is life in the military. I'm proud of the service I gave, as well of that of my spouse. Must remember that freedom isn't free!
807 th MASH, USAR. We were attached to the 1st Armored Division during the ground war. Thanks for the notes, both on my behalf and on the behalf of my comrades who cannot thank you themselves. Gary
I appreicate the thoughts and prayers of so many. We as a nation have so much to be thankful for, as we are standing on the shoulders of giants. Heros that gave all they had to defend our rights and allow us to live the life we now do. May we never forget the men and women that have given of themselves for us all.
Thank you all for those who have served before me, with me these past 18 years and those to come. God Bless!
thanks everybody for your thoughts, i was navy corpsman with usmc vietnam. then to naval hosp beth for desert storm now i am a lpn certified in gerontology bavo zulu to my fellow vets and those who appreciate us
Hi Mama Val, I was in the 5th MASH in the Forward Surgical Element. We worked out of Forward Observation Base 1 with the 24th Infantry Division and then we moved to Division Support Area 2. At that point they stopped the ground offensive, which was too bad as were like 60KM from Baghdad. Now it looks like a new batch of Nurses will have to go over to finish the job.
Anyway, I retired with 20 years 6 months in the Army. Where were you assigned during your stint?
suenurse54
10 Posts
I am very proud to say that I am a former Navy nurse. I served from 1979-1981. That was long enough for me. My father retired from the Army and my father-in-law retired from the Air Force. My husband has 23 years in the Navy and isn't ready to get out yet. I have tremendous respect for anyone in the military. Anyone out there thinking about being a military nurse, it has a lot going for it. I didn't have the personality for it (too meek).
Sue