For All Who Serve

**creagdhubh** · 3rd January 12, 09:59 AM

I am a former active-duty U.S. Marine, but shall always be a Marine! I served on active-duty/active-reserve, 1999-2008.

Semper Fidelis,

Sergeant Kyle A. Smith Macpherson, USMC

**BCAC** · 3rd January 12, 10:43 AM

I did 6 years in the RAF (71 to 77), 6 years in the British Army (77 to 83) and 19 years in the French Foreign Legion (83 to 02) leaving as a WO2 (equivalent) and don't regret a minute of it. Civvy life just ain't the same.

**EagleJCS** · 3rd January 12, 10:56 AM

I chose to vote 'other'.

I have not served in a law enforcement or military role, but I am very grateful to those who do and/or have served. My brother is currently a LEO, Dad is a dispatcher, and previous generations of my family have served in the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. (Dad, grandfather & ggf in the Army, one uncle each in the Army, Air Force and Marines, a great-uncle in the Navy. A gggf was with the US Army (24th WI) in the US Civil War. Probably other relatives have served in roles that I'm currently unaware of.)

As for my service role, I have been an active volunteer Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America for the past 24 years. (With no children of my own, I'm a rarity - most adult leaders come into Scouting with their sons and usually only stick around for 10 years or so.) I've been teaching young men skills they can use for the rest of their lives and performing community service projects of various descriptions over the years.

I've also been Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR and first aid certified for 15 years (recertifying as needed), and have received CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. That means I'm qualified to serve as a first responder in the event a disaster occurs and the 'regular' first responders (police/fire/EMS) can't arrive in a timely manner (when access to the area is blocked or they're overwhelmed with calls). I can also serve as a supplemental Search and Rescue team member. I don't think there's much awareness of CERT training in the U.S. - at least not in my area. Check out this website - http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/ - if you're interested in learning more.

**Woodsheal** · 3rd January 12, 11:06 AM

"Peace time"/"Cold War" (whichever!) US Army 1977-1983 (4 years active, 2 reserve). Served as a field artillery officer, and my various "close calls" came during training exercises - "friendly fire" (errant artillery and mortar rounds dropping too close), vehicle mishaps, and one exploding .50 cal machine gun....

**Carl** · 3rd January 12, 11:38 AM

Active Duty U.S. Army, Infantry (11B) with B co. 2/1 Inf. 172nd Inf. Brgd (Sep) FT. Wainwright, Alaska from 98 to 01, Honorable Discharge. We walked a lot, shot a lot, dug a lot of wholes, traveled to other countries and rarely slept or had a hot meal. I loved every minute of it and they let me blow stuff up and ride in helicopters from time to time. Why is the sky blue? Because God loves the Infantry! ;)

**davedove** · 3rd January 12, 11:43 AM

I served in the Armyfor three years and continue to serve as a civilian, for a total time of 26 years. In addition, I also volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol and work with their emergency services mission.

**Woot22** · 3rd January 12, 12:06 PM

US Army for 8 years, most of that spent with the Sixth Cav working on AH-64A Apaches as a 15(68)X. Now I work as an Army contractor.

**The farqcom** · 3rd January 12, 12:39 PM

5 years USCG, lifeboats, Viet Nam, SAR cutters; 25 years US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, wildland fire fighter/fire investigator, 3 yrs reserve deputy. Not too many dull moments

**Bill aka Mole** · 3rd January 12, 07:19 PM

22 years in US Navy, retiring as an initiated Chief Petty Officer. (USS Coral Sea, USS Kansas City, USS Pyro, IUKA (YTB-819 CraftMaster), USS Reid (EOOW))
13 years and still serving as a volunteer Firefighter.

**azwildcat96** · 3rd January 12, 07:57 PM

My Grandfather was the last one to serve in my family. He retired a Colonel. I regret never serving, but I have been a government contractor for the past 16 years, and have built everything from VA hospital additions to missile plant facilities to Army and Air Force base improvements, dormitories and barracks, brigade staging areas, tank trails, aquatic centers, preschools for soldiers children, brigade headquarter buildings, radar ranges, shooting ranges...the list goes on and on. It is a small contribution to those who serve.