New "National Defense" Tartan

[cavscout]

With all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission. It is veterans who understand that this medal is given to EVERYONE serving during ANY conflict. When a Private or PFC walks off Parris Island (or San Diego) they are wearing this medal and a Rifle Qaul. Badge. The gesture of this medal is very nice but as a vet who served in a rear position I don't have a problem with WE who earned it joking about it. There are MANY other Veterans Issues I will choose to get my hackle up about. Also, there are things Vets can joke about that civilians cannot. This is one of them. I can also joke about my Good Conduct Medal (Good Cookie) 2nd award considering the fact that a lowly 18 year old private is held to the strict standards of the UCMJ (take a guess at what the penalty for bouncing a $5 check would be ) yet the highly educated civilian leadership is not and would be thrown under the jail if they ever were. While vets are not getting the care they deserve or their families have to figure out a way to provide for their kids upon their death; while those in a theater of operation have to have their families send them diaper wipes or food to trade with the locals; and while most enlisted personnel live below the poverty level, a veteran joking about the NDM is a rather small issue. I'd like to see the budget amount dedicated to the NDM given to the charity in my link, Ward 57 . Alas, it takes private donations to provide for these warriors and their families during a very long recovery.

[Splash_4]

with all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission. It is veterans who understand that this medal is given to everyone serving during any conflict. When a private or pfc walks off parris island (or san diego) they are wearing this medal and a rifle qaul. Badge. The gesture of this medal is very nice but as a vet who served in a rear position i don't have a problem with we who earned it joking about it. There are many other veterans issues i will choose to get my hackle up about. Also, there are things vets can joke about that civilians cannot. This is one of them. I can also joke about my good conduct medal (good cookie) 2nd award considering the fact that a lowly 18 year old private is held to the strict standards of the ucmj (take a guess at what the penalty for bouncing a $5 check would be ) yet the highly educated civilian leadership is not and would be thrown under the jail if they ever were. While vets are not getting the care they deserve or their families have to figure out a way to provide for their kids upon their death; while those in a theater of operation have to have their families send them diaper wipes or food to trade with the locals; and while most enlisted personnel live below the poverty level, a veteran joking about the ndm is a rather small issue. I'd like to see the budget amount dedicated to the ndm given to the charity in my link, ward 57 . Alas, it takes private donations to provide for these warriors and their families during a very long recovery.

amen!

[McELT]

With all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission... .

Let's also notice that those "snickering" about the National Defense Medal were all holders of this medal - veterans and active duty. I don't think they need to be lectured about the sacrifices that they and their comrades are making even if not serving in the combat zone.

And yes, I am also a veteran with a National Defense Medal.