National Military Appreciation Month this May

[broncosteven]

Please remember to support our troops if you can. This isn't intended to be political, just do right by some men & women in harms way. - Steve.

Thanks to your support, the USO has delivered care packages and messages of support to hundreds of thousands of deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces. As America celebrates National Military Appreciation Month this May, let these brave men and women know you are proud of their service and appreciate their sacrifice by sending a special care package.



Recognized and supported by the Department of Defense, Operation USO Care Package delivers reminders of home and messages of support to the service members who are away fighting for our freedom. National Military Appreciation Month, as designated by Congress, allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through participation of local communities across the country.



With your $25 donation, the USO will deliver a care package of requested items, including a 100-minute prepaid calling card, toiletries, sunscreen, handy wipes and other requested items. In addition, you can include a personal message of support and let these brave individuals know they have not been forgotten, and are well appreciated for what they do.



To sponsor a care package and send your personal message of support, click here.

http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=ivL3JeP2H&b=12461

[GonzoLays]

What are we doing with our 500 + billion defense budget? We spend 420 BILLION more on defense than our next closest competitor, China. Who are we in a arms race with anyway? Ourselves? 420 billion dollars is a looooooot of cash. And now they tell us our troops don't have enough body armor to protect themselves. WTF? You spend 420 billion dollars more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have enough body armor?

With a defense budget of 500 billion dollars our troops should be well equipped and have at their expense a litany of personal care products instead of duping the American public to send more money to provide our troops with the necessities for proper grooming and the ability to make long distance freaking phone calls without being charged. Give me a break.

[watermock]

http://www.soldierride.com/

[broncosteven]

I said I didn't post this as a political statement. If you don't want to contribute to the policemans ball or Firemans fund or the USO then don't. This is still a free country...I think...

[JCMElway]

What are we doing with our 500 + billion defense budget? We spend 420 BILLION more on defense than our next closest competitor, China. Who are we in a arms race with anyway? Ourselves? 420 billion dollars is a looooooot of cash. And now they tell us our troops don't have enough body armor to protect themselves. WTF? You spend 420 billion dollars more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have enough body armor?

With a defense budget of 500 billion dollars our troops should be well equipped and have at their expense a litany of personal care products instead of duping the American public to send more money to provide our troops with the necessities for proper grooming and the ability to make long distance freaking phone calls without being charged. Give me a break.

Oh man....

I can feel the S*** storm starting all the way down in Austin...

Boy Gonzo, you sure do know how to :stirstir:

[watermock]

Our troops are the best trained and best equipped by far of all time. Why not talk about the Kamakazis in WW2. We had wooden flight decks and were hammered with this new suicide weapon. It's hard to prevent suicide weapons. See the WTC and Pentagon.

[watermock]

I have contributed 1 USO care package and a small donation to soldierride.com who will attempt to cross the country.

[Bronx33]

Nice way to crap on a thread gonzo, next time you have a thought (don't post it)

[GonzoLays]

Nice way to crap on a thread gonzo, next time you have a thought (don't post it)

And what exactly did you add to this thread about National Military Appreciation month?

I support my troops. I also support common sense. When we spend 420 billion more than any other country in the world on defense and our soldiers are ill-equipped, ill-paid, and ill-treated it is my duty as an American citizen to gripe about it to not only people on this message board but my congressmen and senator as well.

We have been duped. 420 billion more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have proper body armor and they get charged for making long distance phone calls while they are putting their bodies on the line to fight a war. Incredible.

[watermock]

When we spend 420 billion more than any other country in the world on defense and our soldiers are ill-equipped, ill-paid, and ill-treated it is my duty as an American citizen to gripe about it to not only people on this message board but my congressmen and senator as well.


Then write Washington. Hammering two charities is absolutely pathetic.

[Kaylore]

Gonzo, you're a festering boil on this board. If you want to complain about how we spend our money, do it in a thread in the political forum. This thread is about a holiday, not a pass for you to bitch about spending.

Thank you military for keeping me free.

[watermock]

Solders are not "prevented" from making calls. They don't make alot of money and often have limited access. That is why the USO throws them a bone here and there. Trust me, they pass these around. Get off your ass and send them a care package. This has less to do with money as it does with supporting the men and women on the ground.

There hasn't been an army properly equipped in the history of mankind. Want to know why our budget is large? We have been protecting the free world for 65 years. Actually back 90 years.

Tell me this Gonzo. How do you support our troops other than complain about the spending, yet in the same post say we are not giving them enough equipment? There are little things they ask for, and I am so pissed I'm going to send off another USO package. I bet you never even clicked on the amputees cycling coast to coast.

[watermock]

I just sent another care package. If everyone that CAN sends just one, we will make a difference.

http://www.soldierride.com/

This is pretty cool, in a way I guess.

[SteveTensi13]

Everyday is "military appreciation day" in my household!!

[STBumpkin]

I support my troops. I also support common sense. When we spend 420 billion more than any other country in the world on defense and our soldiers are ill-equipped, ill-paid, and ill-treated it is my duty as an American citizen to gripe about it to not only people on this message board but my congressmen and senator as well.

We have been duped. 420 billion more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have proper body armor and they get charged for making long distance phone calls while they are putting their bodies on the line to fight a war. Incredible.[/QUOTE]

Gonzo, you have no idea what it costs to run the military. I fly a 40+ million dollar subhunting aircraft for the Navy (P-3 Orion). It is over 40 years old. Why do I fly this dinosaur? Because there hasn't been enough money to replace it. We won't get a replacement until 2013 (when the P-8, MMA comes online). The P-3 is no where near the most expensive one out there. Here is a short and very incomplete breakdown of weapons platforms in the navy (worst funded branch) and their costs.

number, platform, cost
90 P-3 40+ million
250 F/A-18 35+ million
13 aircraft carriers 6 Billion
120+ destroyers 200 million
costs are similar for these
80 frigates
40 cruisers
40 amphibious assault ships of various types
the list goes on and on

All of these platforms must be maintained, upgraded, and replaced. not to mention military pay (many married enlisted men and women are also on welfare) and benefits, and civilian contractors (who get paid a lot more).

You wonder what happens with all the money? I wonder how they do so much with so little. No company in the united states is so ill funded to meet the demands for it to run right. Thank your military men and women for doing so much with so little. We are the best trained and equipped armed forces in the world, but we need to be better equipped.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Lets just keep this thead about military appreciation, without getting into politics...

Trust me, I AM political and I have my reservations, but its just not anyones place to bash the troops themselves.

Nice pic of Teri Harrision, Bronx. I like her cause she looks like my high school GF.

[Swedish Extrovert]

I support my troops. I also support common sense. When we spend 420 billion more than any other country in the world on defense and our soldiers are ill-equipped, ill-paid, and ill-treated it is my duty as an American citizen to gripe about it to not only people on this message board but my congressmen and senator as well.

We have been duped. 420 billion more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have proper body armor and they get charged for making long distance phone calls while they are putting their bodies on the line to fight a war. Incredible.

Good on you for that one.

[defenseman]

Roger that Bumpkin. The average american can't concieve of what it takes to keep some of our combatant platforms operating. Lots of blood, sweat and tears to get things the way they should be with no accolades whatsoever. Oh, by the way, you forgot BOATS on your list...dman

[STBumpkin]

those two paragraphs were by gonzo, I messed up quoting him

[STBumpkin]

Roger that Bumpkin. The average american can't concieve of what it takes to keep some of our combatant platforms operating. Lots of blood, sweat and tears to get things the way they should be with no accolades whatsoever. Oh, by the way, you forgot BOATS on your list...dman

sorry dman, I don't know the numbers on those, though I do know they are among the most expensive and need the most maintenance of all the platforms to keep 'running silent and deep'. I love the Boats, without them I would be out of a job, lol.

[defenseman]

8') Yeah, we love to keep you guys guessing......we let you find us occassionally,when we feel like it...dman8')

[heydensmom]

Everyday is "military appreciation day" in my household!!
Mine too.

[Crushaholic]

The military is always somewhere in my thoughts. They do a hell of job...:thumbsup:

[Requiem]

It's also Asian American Month, but nobody gives a damn about that huh?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Gonzo, you're a festering boil on this board. If you want to complain about how we spend our money, do it in a thread in the political forum. This thread is about a holiday, not a pass for you to b**** about spending.

Thank you military for keeping me free.

Perfectly said Kaylore.

Thank you everyone who is in the military or has served in the military. Also the civilians that support the military. We are all in you debt.

[Ratboy]

I'm never good with words in thanking people, but I really do appericate the men and women who has served in the Armed Forces.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Aren't you in the Air Force?

[BMF Bronco]

Gonzo, you have no idea what it costs to run the military. I fly a 40+ million dollar subhunting aircraft for the Navy (P-3 Orion). It is over 40 years old. Why do I fly this dinosaur? Because there hasn't been enough money to replace it. We won't get a replacement until 2013 (when the P-8, MMA comes online). The P-3 is no where near the most expensive one out there. Here is a short and very incomplete breakdown of weapons platforms in the navy (worst funded branch) and their costs.

number, platform, cost
90 P-3 40+ million
250 F/A-18 35+ million
13 aircraft carriers 6 Billion
120+ destroyers 200 million
costs are similar for these
80 frigates
40 cruisers
40 amphibious assault ships of various types
the list goes on and on

All of these platforms must be maintained, upgraded, and replaced. not to mention military pay (many married enlisted men and women are also on welfare) and benefits, and civilian contractors (who get paid a lot more).

You wonder what happens with all the money? I wonder how they do so much with so little. No company in the united states is so ill funded to meet the demands for it to run right. Thank your military men and women for doing so much with so little. We are the best trained and equipped armed forces in the world, but we need to be better equipped.
Gonzo = pwned!

[BMF Bronco]

You know I served my 4 in the USAF and I am not going to lie to you, I didn't like it, but I did my duty and have the utmost respect for everyone who is in and has served in the past.

[Ratboy]

Aren't you in the Air Force?

Not exactly yet. I'll be leaving May 28th up to Jacksonville Meps and than off to Lackland on the 30th.

[heydensmom]

Not exactly yet. I'll be leaving May 28th up to Jacksonville Meps and than off to Lackland on the 30th.
Enjoy basic...it was a blast when I went through it! LOL thought basic was much more funer than the real Air Force

[Ratboy]

Enjoy basic...it was a blast when I went through it! LOL thought basic was much more funer than the real Air Force

I'm just hoping i don't mess up too bad. I'm getting more and more nervous as the day gets closer, but i wish it would hurry up. The waiting is hard.

[defenseman]

Relax, enjoy it. Feel lucky you didn't go through boots back in 78....dman

[heydensmom]

I'm just hoping i don't mess up too bad. I'm getting more and more nervous as the day gets closer, but i wish it would hurry up. The waiting is hard.
You'll be fine! It's a great experience. The key is to learn from other people's mistakes. That's what it's all about. Granted I'm sure it's changed some since I went through it over 10 years ago, but i'm sure you'll be fine. What's your AFSC aka job?

[BMF Bronco]

I'm just hoping i don't mess up too bad. I'm getting more and more nervous as the day gets closer, but i wish it would hurry up. The waiting is hard.
Dude, you'll be fine, just do what they say and you'll be alright. It was actually pretty easy back in 93 (God I am old!)

[Ratboy]

You'll be fine! It's a great experience. The key is to learn from other people's mistakes. That's what it's all about. Granted I'm sure it's changed some since I went through it over 10 years ago, but i'm sure you'll be fine. What's your AFSC aka job?

3C0X1, Computer Systems Operations

[Hotrod]

I'm just hoping i don't mess up too bad. I'm getting more and more nervous as the day gets closer, but i wish it would hurry up. The waiting is hard.

Navy basic was a piece of cake. The key IMO is dont stick out. Im not sure the instructor even knew I was there ;D Then when you get out of that mess and head out for your training step it up and take charge. :strong:

[freak6]

lmfao @ nervous about Air Force "boot camp"... bwaaa haa haaaaa

What are they gonna do if you mess up, make you write a report about it...take away your cell phone during drill...or maybe you'll won't get desert...ACK!!!!

1-2

3 an 4

MARINE CORPS!!!!!!

Seriously, good on you for volunteering during a time of war, shows courage.

[Hotrod]

lmfao @ nervous about Air Force "boot camp"... bwaaa haa haaaaa

What are they gonna do if you mess up, make you write a report about it...take away your cell phone during drill...or maybe you'll won't get desert...ACK!!!!

1-2

3 an 4

MARINE CORPS!!!!!!

LOL I knew one of your type would show up and laugh at the rest of us ;D

[Rock Chalk]

And what exactly did you add to this thread about National Military Appreciation month?

I support my troops. I also support common sense. When we spend 420 billion more than any other country in the world on defense and our soldiers are ill-equipped, ill-paid, and ill-treated it is my duty as an American citizen to gripe about it to not only people on this message board but my congressmen and senator as well.

We have been duped. 420 billion more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have proper body armor and they get charged for making long distance phone calls while they are putting their bodies on the line to fight a war. Incredible.
We spend 420 billion dollars a year more than anyone else because we have the highest technology, research and development and largest nuclear arsenal to maintain over anyone.

Further, we pay our troops a decent enough wage. Not great, not get rich, but far better than anyone else's military with possibly the exception of Britain and Israel.

To train pilots requires huge amounts of fuel annually. Munitions, research into new technologies. Our military spends craploads but it is so far in advance of ANYONE else that not a single country on the planet could fight us in open war.

We also hve the largest Navy in the world with the most advance naval warships ever conceived. An operating cost of well over 100 million dollars per aircraft carrier annually contributes to a staggering amount of money.

Add to the fact that in any democracy, now or historical, there is much more money waste tied up in beuracracy.

[heydensmom]

LOL I knew one of your type would show up and laugh at the rest of us ;D
I know huh...funny part is that's what my husband says to his "future soldiers"...LOL

[freak6]

I know that was super predictable, but wtf do you expect from a salty Sgt. of Marines? I couldn't help it. I'm off to get my ass chewed by my company gunny because this peon in my platoon failed feild day because there was some dust on his mirror...OOH RAH!!!!!!!

But again, attention to detail. If your room is dirty now, your weapon will be dirty in combat, you will be ineffective, die, and the mission will not be completed. I already know what is gonna be said. I LOVE IT THOUGH!!!

Who wants to sign up now?

[heydensmom]

Dude, you'll be fine, just do what they say and you'll be alright. It was actually pretty easy back in 93 (God I am old!)
I went through in 95...yeah I know the feeling!

[Hotrod]

I know that was super predictable, but wtf do you expect from a salty Sgt. of Marines? I couldn't help it. I'm off to get my ass chewed by my company gunny because this peon in my platoon failed feild day because there was some dust on his mirror...OOH RAH!!!!!!!

But again, attention to detail. If your room is dirty now, your weapon will be dirty in combat, you will be ineffective, die, and the mission will not be completed. I already know what is gonna be said. I LOVE IT THOUGH!!!

Who wants to sign up now?

Its all good I dont think anyone can argue whos got the toughest physical boot or even continued PT in the services.

[Hotrod]

But again, attention to detail. If your room is dirty now, your weapon will be dirty in combat, you will be ineffective, die, and the mission will not be completed. I already know what is gonna be said. I LOVE IT THOUGH!!!

Who wants to sign up now?

Yep I always prefered to just give you fellas a lift then head home ;D

[Swedish Extrovert]

You know I served my 4 in the USAF and I am not going to lie to you, I didn't like it, but I did my duty and have the utmost respect for everyone who is in and has served in the past.

Oh believe me, I hate my job. But you have to remmember WHY you're doing it. Its ****ty work, and the pay and food is awful, no-one LIKES the way they're treated in the military. No-one said it would be fun, lol. I guess thats why we get so much appreciation back home.

I still dont see why I couldent be stationed at NORAD ;D .... freaking hour and a half from Littleton would be nice. Wouldent have to rent, thats the big one. I could've if I wanted to be a cryptologist.... but I couldent get a Top Secret clearence because of my ADD.... they best I can get is a Secret.

I work in Mayport, Florida... I live just south of Jacksonville, spend weekends with my friend in Orlando. (Actually Lake Buena Vista, he lives next to the Disney World Resort).

Orlando aint bad... Jacksonville is a ****hole but I guess its better than Iraq. I might get out of the military witout ever doing a tour. May 26th of this year will mark my halfway point. They cant decide what to do with us..... they dont want to decomission us because this was/is John F. Kennedy's unit. Two more years lefti n the military and they're still undecided. I'll give another year before they make up their mind and another 1-1 1/2 year to decommision it. I'll be back in Littleton by then.

Training excercises and long hours of nothing is pretty much all we do. Underway its 6-7 days a week.... 16 hour days. I take pictures of all the spaces and events on the boat.... but I also am a member of the Fire Party (a Fireman). We scrub the walls untill the paint comes off.... then we repaint the walls. We swab untill the tile comes off, then we re-tile.

Trust me getting mased sucks, so does getting tear gassed. But I just cant stand this one Female 2nd class, who does the stupidest ****. Gives me an attitude and writes everything off as nothing. Which is why I'm glad I'm making 3rd class soon.

I'm rambiling again. You should talk to the REAL heros - the Marine Corps.

[Hotrod]

Training excercises and long hours of nothing is pretty much all we do. Underway its 6-7 days a week.... 16 hour days. I take pictures of all the spaces and events on the boat.... but I also am a member of the Fire Party a Fireman). We scrub the walls untill the paint comes off.... then we repaint the walls. We swab untill the tile comes off, then we re-tile.

.

Wow that brings back memories. I also enjoyed the constant polish the brass. I can live to be a billion years old and I will never touch another fricking piece of never-dull in my life. The fun of underway doing 4 on and 4 off. The damn balls to 4 watch was the worst. I did manage to get myself off fire party by getting qualified on the 50's.

[heydensmom]

LOL I enjoyed working 7-4, then going back to the dorm and getting drunk just about every night with my friends.

[Hotrod]

LOL I enjoyed working 7-4, then going back to the dorm and getting drunk just about every night with my friends.

Shore duty brat ;D

[heydensmom]

Shore duty brat ;D
LMAO was in the Chair...I mean Air Force. I had a cake job...7-4 monday-friday. The reason I got out..blah..to follow my Army husband career around...ugh..

[Hotrod]

LMAO was in the Chair...I mean Air Force. I had a cake job...7-4 monday-friday. The reason I got out..blah..to follow my Army husband career around...ugh..

Well Air Force or Navy does not change the fact your a brat :)

[STBumpkin]

Oh believe me, I hate my job. But you have to remmember WHY you're doing it. Its ****ty work, and the pay and food is awful, no-one LIKES the way they're treated in the military. No-one said it would be fun, lol. I guess thats why we get so much appreciation back home.

I still dont see why I couldent be stationed at NORAD ;D .... freaking hour and a half from Littleton would be nice. Wouldent have to rent, thats the big one. I could've if I wanted to be a cryptologist.... but I couldent get a Top Secret clearence because of my ADD.... they best I can get is a Secret.

I work in Mayport, Florida... I live just south of Jacksonville, spend weekends with my friend in Orlando. (Actually Lake Buena Vista, he lives next to the Disney World Resort).

Orlando aint bad... Jacksonville is a ****hole but I guess its better than Iraq. I might get out of the military witout ever doing a tour. May 26th of this year will mark my halfway point. They cant decide what to do with us..... they dont want to decomission us because this was/is John F. Kennedy's unit. Two more years lefti n the military and they're still undecided. I'll give another year before they make up their mind and another 1-1 1/2 year to decommision it. I'll be back in Littleton by then.

Training excercises and long hours of nothing is pretty much all we do. Underway its 6-7 days a week.... 16 hour days. I take pictures of all the spaces and events on the boat.... but I also am a member of the Fire Party (a Fireman). We scrub the walls untill the paint comes off.... then we repaint the walls. We swab untill the tile comes off, then we re-tile.

Trust me getting mased sucks, so does getting tear gassed. But I just cant stand this one Female 2nd class, who does the stupidest ****. Gives me an attitude and writes everything off as nothing. Which is why I'm glad I'm making 3rd class soon.

I'm rambiling again. You should talk to the REAL heros - the Marine Corps.

There aren't many, but I have one of the jobs in the military that anyone would love to do. Flying is the greatest job in the world. I would do it for free. Now the crap that goes with it, watch, deployments away from family, constant moving, are the things that make the job hard.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Shore duty brat ;D


Oh... my buddy from a-school has shore duty in Oceana. ****ing pisses me off, he never goes underway, takes classes, and his ****ing dorm is nicer than my apartment.

[gunns]

Props to our military and all they sacrifice!

My father was in the Korean War, my ex in the Vietnam war, my brother and sister in law in this thing we have going on now. But I have a son who was supposed to go in January, thankfully it was put off, and we're praying it waits until at least after August when his first baby is due. It's a whole new ball game when it's your child going. They were/are all in the Air Force, except the ex.

[Swedish Extrovert]

There aren't many, but I have one of the jobs in the military that anyone would love to do. Flying is the greatest job in the world. I would do it for free. Now the crap that goes with it, watch, deployments away from family, constant moving, are the things that make the job hard.

So you're an officer? Thats a totally different world.

I would love to be in a position where people HAVE to respect me, and I can pretty much say and do what I want with my group of guys. And to have a nice office on the ship, my on stateroom, eat in the ward room/in port cabin. ****, that would be nice.

I got turned down for aircrew (I dont understand why they need a guy with perfect hearing), otherwise I would be flying.

I love flying.

But for now I get the pulper watch dumping hundreds of bags of trash out into the ocean everyday. Funny thing is m grandfather was a Brigader General, and he didnt know the Navy did that.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Props to our military and all they sacrifice!

My father was in the Korean War, my ex in the Vietnam war, my brother and sister in law in this thing we have going on now. But I have a son who was supposed to go in January, thankfully it was put off, and we're praying it waits until at least after August when his first baby is due. It's a whole new ball game when it's your child going. They were/are all in the Air Force, except the ex.


Good luck to your son. Tell him thank you and be safe from everyone at the mane

[STBumpkin]

So you're an officer? Thats a totally different world.

I would love to be in a position where people HAVE to respect me, and I can pretty much say and do what I want with my group of guys. And to have a nice office on the ship, my on stateroom, eat in the ward room/in port cabin. ****, that would be nice.

I got turned down for aircrew (I dont understand why they need a guy with perfect hearing), otherwise I would be flying.

I love flying.

But for now I get the pulper watch dumping hundreds of bags of trash out into the ocean everyday. Funny thing is m grandfather was a Brigader General, and he didnt know the Navy did that.

Yeah, ensign, up to LTjg this month. People never HAVE to respect you, they have to respect the rank. I know plenty of officers I don't respect at all, but I give them the respect their rank demands. While I am situationally above all enlisted, I am low man on the totem in the officer world. Most enlisted know more about what they are doing than I do, so for right now, I sit back, watch, learn, and try not to f*** anything up. Eventually I hope I earn respect directed at me and not just at my rank.

[OrangeShadow]

Theres been quite a few serviceman in my family so its always millitary appreciation.

[Hotrod]

But for now I get the pulper watch dumping hundreds of bags of trash out into the ocean everyday. Funny thing is m grandfather was a Brigader General, and he didnt know the Navy did that.

LOL The first time I was told to take out the trash I asked where the hell am I supposed to do that were in the middle of the fricking ocean. When they told me to toss it over the back of the ship I seriously thought they were joking.

Also a word of advise to anyone on their first ship. Dont let anyone convince you to run down to the engine room and ask for an engine punch Ha! I also actually saw a stupid kid get told by the COD one time to go fetch a bucket of steam from the engine room ASAP.....poor kid actually took off of the deck at a trot came back a minute later with abit of a red face Ha!

[RAIDERSSUCK]

Please remember to support our troops if you can. This isn't intended to be political, just do right by some men & women in harms way. - Steve.

Thanks to your support, the USO has delivered care packages and messages of support to hundreds of thousands of deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces. As America celebrates National Military Appreciation Month this May, let these brave men and women know you are proud of their service and appreciate their sacrifice by sending a special care package.



Recognized and supported by the Department of Defense, Operation USO Care Package delivers reminders of home and messages of support to the service members who are away fighting for our freedom. National Military Appreciation Month, as designated by Congress, allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through participation of local communities across the country.



With your $25 donation, the USO will deliver a care package of requested items, including a 100-minute prepaid calling card, toiletries, sunscreen, handy wipes and other requested items. In addition, you can include a personal message of support and let these brave individuals know they have not been forgotten, and are well appreciated for what they do.



To sponsor a care package and send your personal message of support, click here.

http://www.kintera.org/site/pp.asp?c=ivL3JeP2H&b=12461

You're A Good Man broncosteven!!! Thanks for bringing the topic up.
From one of the Few, the Proud, former Marine.

Marine for life in body and soul
Semper Fi !!!

[STBumpkin]

LOL The first time I was told to take out the trash I asked where the hell am I supposed to do that were in the middle of the fricking ocean. When they told me to toss it over the back of the ship I seriously thought they were joking.

Also a word of advise to anyone on their first ship. Dont let anyone convince you to run down to the engine room and ask for an engine punch Ha! I also actually saw a stupid kid get told by the COD one time to go fetch a bucket of steam from the engine room ASAP.....poor kid actually took off of the deck at a trot came back a minute later with abit of a red face Ha!

When I was a midshipman, they tried to send me down to find the sea chest, and a friend of mine went off to get an exhaust sample from an S-3B viking jet. Worst was when I was told to see the chief Nav's 'moose knuckles'. Sub guys are disgusting sometimes.

[Swedish Extrovert]

Yeah, ensign, up to LTjg this month. People never HAVE to respect you, they have to respect the rank. I know plenty of officers I don't respect at all, but I give them the respect their rank demands. While I am situationally above all enlisted, I am low man on the totem in the officer world. Most enlisted know more about what they are doing than I do, so for right now, I sit back, watch, learn, and try not to **** anything up. Eventually I hope I earn respect directed at me and not just at my rank.

I like to hear this kind of thing from Officers.

I had a spot check with an LT the other day. It was so hilarious he didn't know what he was doing. I had to walk him through it.

[Swedish Extrovert]

LOL The first time I was told to take out the trash I asked where the hell am I supposed to do that were in the middle of the fricking ocean. When they told me to toss it over the back of the ship I seriously thought they were joking.

Also a word of advise to anyone on their first ship. Dont let anyone convince you to run down to the engine room and ask for an engine punch Ha! I also actually saw a stupid kid get told by the COD one time to go fetch a bucket of steam from the engine room ASAP.....poor kid actually took off of the deck at a trot came back a minute later with abit of a red face Ha!

Ohhh man. Sea stories. Fun times.

Yeah they always send newbies to the pulper. This makes me kind of a veteran. I love seeing the reactions of the newbies, coming with trash "What do I do with this?" "Throw it over, I say." I asked one person after he did it, he's like "I dont think I can live with myself."

I too thought it was a joke the first time. But now its slowly turning me into and enironmentalist :)

[Bronx33]

I don't care what anybody says this always cracks me up..

http://www.skippyslist.com/skippylist.html

The 213 Things....

1. Not allowed to watch Southpark when I'm supposed to be working.

2. My proper military title is "Specialist Schwarz" not "Princess Anastasia".

3. Not allowed to threaten anyone with black magic.

4. Not allowed to challenge anyone's disbelief of black magic by asking for hair.

5. Not allowed to get silicone breast implants.

6. Not allowed to play “Pulp Fiction” with a suction-cup dart pistol and any officer.

7. Not allowed to add “In accordance with the prophesy” to the end of answers I give to a question an officer asks me.

8. Not allowed to add pictures of officers I don't like to War Criminal posters.

9. Not allowed to title any product “Get Over it”.

10. Not allowed to purchase anyone's soul on government time.

11. Not allowed to join the Communist Party.

12. Not allowed to join any militia.

13. Not allowed to form any militia.

14. Not allowed out of my office when the president visited Sarajevo.

15. Not allowed to train adopted stray dogs to “Sic Brass!”

16. Must get a haircut even if it tampers with my “Samson like powers”.

17. God may not contradict any of my orders.

18. May no longer perform my now (in)famous “Barbie Girl Dance” while on duty.

19. May not call any officers immoral, untrustworthy, lying, slime, even if I'm right.

20. Must not taunt the French any more.

21. Must attempt to not antagonize SAS.

22. Must never call an SAS a “Wanker”.

23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they've been smoking crack.

24. Must not tell any officer that I am smarter than they are, especially if it's true.

25. Never confuse a Dutch soldier for a French one.

26. Never tell a German soldier that “We kicked your ass in World War 2!”

27. Don't tell Princess Di jokes in front of the paras (British Airborne).

28. Don't take the batteries out of the other soldiers alarm clocks (Even if they do hit snooze about forty times).

29. The Irish MPs are not after “Me frosted lucky charms”.

30. Not allowed to wake an Non-Commissioned Officer by repeatedly banging on the head with a bag of trash.

31. Not allowed to let sock puppets take responsibility for any of my actions.

32. Not allowed to let sock puppets take command of my post.

33. Not allowed to chew gum at formation, unless I brought enough for everybody.

34. (Next day) Not allowed to chew gum at formation even if I *did* bring enough for everybody.

35. Not allowed to sing “High Speed Dirt” by Megadeth during airborne operations. (“See the earth below/Soon to make a crater/Blue sky, black death, I'm off to meet my maker”)

36. Can't have flashbacks to wars I was not in. (The Spanish-American War isn't over).

37. Our medic is called “Sgt Larwasa”, not “Dr. Feelgood”.

38. Our supply Sgt is “Sgt Watkins” not “Sugar Daddy”.

39. Not allowed to ask for the day off due to religious purposes, on the basis that the world is going to end, more than once.

40. I do not have super-powers.

41. “Keep on Trucking” is *not* a psychological warfare message.

42. Not allowed to attempt to appeal to mankind's baser instincts in recruitment posters.

43. Camouflage body paint is not a uniform.

44. I am not the atheist chaplain.

45. I am not allowed to “Go to Bragg boulevard and shake daddy's little money maker for twenties stuffed into my undies”.

46. I am not authorized to fire officers.

47. I am not a citizen of Texas, and those other, forty-nine, lesser states.

48. I may not use public masturbation as a tool to demonstrate a flaw in a command decision.

49. Not allowed to trade military equipment for “magic beans”.

50. Not allowed to sell magic beans during duty hours.

51. Not allowed to quote “Dr Seuss” on military operations.

52. Not allowed to yell “Take that Cobra” at the rifle range.

53. Not allowed to quote “Full Metal Jacket “ at the rifle range.

54. “Napalm sticks to kids” is *not* a motivational phrase.

55. An order to “Put Kiwi on my boots” does *not* involve fruit.

56. An order to “Make my Boots black and shiny” does not involve electrical tape.

57. The proper response to a lawful order is not “Why?”

58. The following words and phrases may not be used in a cadence- Budding sexuality, necrophilia, I hate everyone in this formation and wish they were dead, sexual lubrication, black earth mother, all Marines are latent homosexuals, Tantric yoga, Gotterdammerung, Korean hooker, Eskimo Nell, we've all got jackboots now, slut puppy, or any references to squid.

59. May not make posters depicting the leadership failings of my chain of command.

60. “The Giant Space Ants” are not at the top of my chain of command.

61. If one soldier has a 2nd Lt bar on his uniform, and I have an E-4 on mine It means he outranks me. It does not mean “I have been promoted three more times than you”.

62. It is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, no longer applies to Specialist Schwarz.

63. Command decisions do *not* need to be ratified by a 2/3 majority.

64. Inflatable novelties do *not* entitle me to BAQ or Separation pay.

65. There are no evil clowns living under my bed.

66. There is no “Anti-Mime” campaign in Bosnia.

67. I am not the Psychological Warfare Mascot.

68. I may not line my helmet with tin foil to “Block out the space mind control lasers”.

69. May not pretend to be a fascist stormtrooper, while on duty.

70. I am not authorized to prescribe any form of medication.

71. I must not flaunt my deviances in front of my chain of command.

72. May not wear gimp mask while on duty.

73. No military functions are to be performed “Skyclad”.

74. Woad is not camouflage makeup.

75. May not conduct psychological experiments on my chain of command.

76. "Teddy Bear, Teddy bear, turn around" is *not* a cadence.

77. The MP checkpoint is not an Imperial Stormtrooper roadblock, so I should not tell them "You don't need to see my identification, these are not the droids you are looking for."

78. I may not call block my chain of command.

79. I am neither the king nor queen of cheese.

80. Not allowed to wear a dress to any army functions.

81. May not bring a drag queen to the battalion formal dance.

82. May not form any press gangs.

83. Must not start any SITREP (Situation Report) with "I recently had an experience I just had to write you about...."

84. Must not use military vehicles to “Squish” things.

85. Not allowed to make any Psychological Warfare products depicting the infamous Ft. Bragg sniper incident.

86. May not challenge anyone in my chain of command to the “field of honor”.

87. If the thought of something makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it.

88. Must not refer to 1st Sgt as “Mom”.

89. Must not refer to the Commander as “Dad”.

90. Inflatable sheep do *not* need to be displayed during a room inspection.

91. I am not authorized to initiate Jihad.

92. When asked to give a few words at a military ceremony “Romper Bomper Stomper Boo” is probably not appropriate.

93. Nerve gas is not funny.

94. Crucifixes do not ward off officers, and I should not test that.

95. I am not in need of a more suitable host body.

96. “Redneck Zombies” is not a military training aid.

97. Gozer does not dwell in my refrigerator.

98. The proper response to a chemical weapon attack is not “Tell my chain of command what I really think about them, and then poke holes in their masks.”

99. A smiley face is not used to mark a minefield.

100. Claymore mines are not filled with yummy candy, and it is wrong to tell new soldiers that they are.

101. I am not allowed to mount a bayonet on a crew-served weapon.

102. Rodents are not entitled to burial with full military honors, even if they are "casualties of war".

103. My commander is not old enough to have fought in the civil war, and I should stop implying that he did.

104. Vodka, green food coloring, and a “Cool Mint” Listerine® bottle is not a good combination.

105. I am not allowed to bum cigarettes off of anyone under twelve.

106. I may not trade my rifle for any of the following: Cigarettes, booze, sexual favors, Kalishnikovs, Soviet Armored vehicles, small children, or bootleg CD’s.

107. Must not mock command decisions in front of the press.

108. Should not taunt members of the press, even if they are really fat, exceptionally stupid, and working for UPI.

109. I am not authorized to change national policy in Eastern Europe.

110. Never, ever, attempt to correct a Green Beret officer about anything.

111. I am not qualified to operate any US, German, Polish, or Russian Armored vehicles.

112. When saluting a “leg” officer, an appropriate greeting is not "Airborne leads the wa- oh...sorry sir".

113. There is absolutely no need to emulate the people from “Full Monty” every time I hear the song "Hot Stuff".

114. I cannot trade my CO to the Russians.

115. I should not speculate on the penis size of anyone who outranks me.

116. Crucifying mice - bad idea.

117. Must not use government equipment to bootleg pornography.

118. Burn pits for classified material are not revel fires - therefore it is wrong to dance naked around them.

119. I cannot arrest children for being rude.

120. An EO briefing is probably not the best place to unveil my newest off color joke.

121. I should not use government resources to “waterproof” dirty magazines.

122. Radioactive material should not be stored in the barracks.

123. I should not teach other soldiers to say offensive and crude things in Albanian, under the guise of teaching them how to say potentially useful phrases.

124. Two drink limit does not mean first and last.

125. Two drink limit does not mean two kinds of drinks.

126. Two drink limit does not mean the drinks can be as large as I like.

127. “No Drinking Of Alcoholic Beverages” does not imply that a Jack Daniel’s ® IV is acceptable.

128. "Shpadoinkle" is not a real word.

129. The Microsoft ® “Dancing Paperclip” is not authorized to countermand any orders.

130. “I’m drunk” is a bad answer to any question posed by my commander.

131. No dancing in the turret. This especially applies in conjunction with rule #113.

132. The loudspeaker system is not a forum to voice my ideas.

133. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to replace the radio.

134. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to broadcast the soundtrack to a porno movie.

135. An order to put polish on my boots means the whole boot.

136. Shouting “Let’s do the village! Let’s do the whole ****ing village!” while out on a mission is bad.

137. Should not show up at the front gate wearing part of a Russian uniform, messily drunk.

138. Even if my commander did it.

139. Must not teach interpreters how to make "MRE" bombs.

140. I am not authorized to sell mineral rights.

141. Not allowed to use a broadsword to disprove “The Pen is Mightier than the sword”.

142. “Calvin-Ball” is not authorized PT.

143. I do not need to keep a “range card” by my window.

144. “K-Pot, LBE, and a thin coat of Break-free” is not an authorized uniform.

145. I should not drink three quarts of blue food coloring before a urine test.

146. Nor should I drink three quarts of red food coloring, and scream during the same.

147. I should not threaten suicide with pop rocks and Coke ®.

148. Putting red “Mike and Ike's” ® into a prescription medicine bottle, and then eating them all in a formation is not funny.

149. Must not create new DOD forms, then insist they be filled out.

150. On Sports Day PT, a wedgie is not considered a legal tackle.

151. The proper way to report to my Commander is “Specialist Schwarz, reporting as ordered, Sir” not “You can't prove a thing!”

152. The following items do not exist: Keys to the Drop Zone, A box of grid squares, blinker fluid, winter air for tires, canopy lights, or Chem-Light ® batteries.

153. I should not assign new privates to “guard the flight line”.

154. Shouldn't treat “piss-bottles” with extra-strength icy hot.

155. Teaching Albanian children to taunt other soldiers is not nice.

156. I will no longer perform “lap-dances” while in uniform.

157. If I take the uniform off, in the course of the lap-dance, it still counts.

158. The revolution is not now.

159. When detained by MP's, I do not have a right to a strip search.

160. No part of the military uniform is edible.

161. Bodychecking General officers is not a good idea.

162. Past lives have absolutely no effect on the chain of command.

163. Take that hat off.

164. There is no such thing as a were-virgin.

165. I do not get “that time of month”.

166. No, the pants are not optional.

167. Not allowed to operate a business out of the barracks.

168. Especially not a pornographic movie studio.

169. Not even if they *are* “especially patriotic films”

170. Not allowed to “defect” to OPFOR during training missions.

171. On training missions, try not to shoot down the General's helicopter.

172. “A full magazine and some privacy” is not the way to help a potential suicide.

173. I am not allowed to create new levels of security clearance.

174. Furby ® is not allowed into classified areas. (I swear to the gods, I did not make that up, it's actually DOD policy).

175. We do not “charge into battle, naked, like the Celts”.

176. Any device that can crawl across the table on medium, does not need to be brought into the office.

177. I am not to refer to a formation as “the boxy rectangle thingie”.

178. I am not “A lesbian trapped in a man's body”.

179. On Army documents, my race is not “Other”.

180. Nor is it “Secretariat, in the third”.

181. Pokémon® trainer is not an MOS.

182. There is no FM for “wall-to-wall counseling”.

183. My chain of command has neither the time, nor the inclination to hear about what I did with six boxes of Fruit Roll-Ups. ®

184. When operating a military vehicle I may *not* attempt something “I saw in a cartoon”.

185. My name is not a killing word.

186. I am not the Emperor of anything.

187. Must not taunt officers in the throes of nicotine withdrawal, with cigarettes.

188. May not challenge officers to “Meet me on the field of honor, at dawn”.

189. Do not dare SERE graduates to eat bugs. They will always do it.

190. Must not make s'mores while on guard duty.

191. Our Humvees cannot be assembled into a giant battle-robot.

192. The proper response to a briefing is not “That's what you think”.

193. The Masons, and Gray Aliens are not in our chain of command.

194. Shouldn't take incriminating photos of my chain of command.

195. Shouldn't use Photoshop ® to create incriminating photos of my chain of command.

196. I am not allowed to give tattoos.

197. I am not allowed to sing “Henry the VIII I am” until verse 68 ever again.

198. Not allowed to lead a “Coup” during training missions.

199. I should not confess to crimes that took place before I was born.

200. My chain of command is not interested in why I “just happen” to have a kilt, an inflatable sheep, and a box of rubber bands in the back of my car.

201. Must not valiantly push officers onto hand grenades to save the squad.

202. Despite the confusing similarity in the names, the "Safety Dance" and the "Safety Briefing" are never to be combined.

203. “To conquer the earth with an army of flying monkeys" is a bad long term goal to give the re-enlistment NCO.

204. NEVER nail a stuffed bunny to a cross and put it up in front of the Battalion Headquarters sign as an "Easter Desecration."

205. Don't write up false gigs on a HMMWV PMCS. ("Broken clutch pedal", "Number three turbine has frequent flame-outs", "flux capacitor emits loud whine when engaged")

206. Not allowed to get shot.

207. The Chicken and Rice MRE is *not* a personal lubricant. (Skippy wanted this noted for the record that this is not something he has ever attempted or considered! It was something we heard at dinner on 22 September 2001 and it was just so obscene it had to go here.)

208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are "hearing conversations" from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.

209. An airsickness bag is to be used for airsickness *only*. (Also not a Skippy-ism...this was the same dinner.)

210. Must not make T-shirts up depicting a pig with the writing "Eat Pork or Die" in Arabic to bring as civilian attire when preparing to deploy to a primarily Muslim country.

211. Don't ask LTC Steele to sign my copy of Blackhawk Down.

212. Must not go on nine deployments in six years that require a security clearance that I don't have, even if the Army tells me repeatedly that I have one and I have no reason to question them.

213. Do not convince NCO's that their razorbumps are the result of microscopic parasites

[heydensmom]

LOL tooo many to read...but my favorite

61. If one soldier has a 2nd Lt bar on his uniform, and I have an E-4 on mine It means he outranks me. It does not mean “I have been promoted three more times than you”. Been there done that in a Logisitic SQ

[Swedish Extrovert]

I don't care what anybody says this always cracks me up..

http://www.skippyslist.com/skippylist.html

11. Not allowed to join the Communist Party.


I've always wondered what would happen if I registered as a Communist. My registration renewal is coming up, maybe I should see.

Im a registered Republican right now although I'm more of a Democrat. I hate politics though.

[Crushaholic]

I've always wondered what would happen if I registered as a Communist. My registration renewal is coming up, maybe I should see.

Im a registered Republican right now although I'm more of a Democrat. I hate politics though.

I think candidates from the Communist Party do run for office from time to time...

[watermock]

I've always wondered what would happen if I registered as a Communist. My registration renewal is coming up, maybe I should see.

Im a registered Republican right now although I'm more of a Democrat. I hate politics though.

You might just get tossed out with the garbage. Why do you think your on garbage duty?

[REB]

I thank all of you who have or do serve in the United States military. You are very much appreciated!

[Swedish Extrovert]

You might just get tossed out with the garbage. Why do you think your on garbage duty?


I never said I WAS.... or if I was thinking about it.... or even talking about it. Just wondering. I'm a registered Republican still.

As far as garbage duty, it's not something you get for doing things that are "wrong." It's just a job. I like it because I don't do anything. When I'm in my shop I'm doing my job. Last underway I just sat in a chair with a Maxim and my iPod, and told the newbies 'how' to dump the garbage. lol

[Hotrod]

192. The proper response to a briefing is not “That's what you think”.

208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are "hearing conversations" from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.

19. May not call any officers immoral, untrustworthy, lying, slime, even if I'm right.

23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they've been smoking crack.

LOL good stuff

[Hotrod]

#214 Must not miss ships movement :nono: Trust me they frown on that Ha!

[Hotrod]

#215 Dont throw up do to heavy drinking the night before while tring to dry shave waiting for morning inspection on the flight deck.....they also frown on this ;D

[Hotrod]

#216 Dont EVER sneak doughnuts from the officers mess that really pisses people off.....

[Hotrod]

#217 once youve missed shipmovement dont take a "screw it" attitude and just head back to the ladys apartment who was responsible for said missed movement and wait for your ship to return home.

[Hotrod]

#218 When at sea playing war games. While standing at your forward 50 cal mount when the bridge calls down and tells you to lay down your dead. The proper response is NOT to say "Thats bull****"

[Hotrod]

#219 While on anchor watch when they call for an "anchor report" the proper response is not "The same f'ing place it was the last 15 times you called and asked"

#220 When on pier watch no matter how hard its raining nor how cold it is dont forget to salute the ships Captin if he happens to walk by.

[Hotrod]

#221 While underway and running in dark mode/lights out the paint locker is not a suitable smoking area. :nono:

[heydensmom]

23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they've been smoking crack.
LOL i've done that!....didn't see that one

[Swedish Extrovert]

I called an NCO a ****ing dumass once. I didn't get in trouble thoug because he was, and telling on me probabally would have gotten HIM in more trouble.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

God Bless all our troops.

Got to watch my brother become the newest 2LT in the USMC this afternoon

[stanky76]

What are we doing with our 500 + billion defense budget? We spend 420 BILLION more on defense than our next closest competitor, China. Who are we in a arms race with anyway? Ourselves? 420 billion dollars is a looooooot of cash. And now they tell us our troops don't have enough body armor to protect themselves. WTF? You spend 420 billion dollars more than any other country in the world and our troops don't have enough body armor?

With a defense budget of 500 billion dollars our troops should be well equipped and have at their expense a litany of personal care products instead of duping the American public to send more money to provide our troops with the necessities for proper grooming and the ability to make long distance freaking phone calls without being charged. Give me a break.

Gonzo - are you as Naive as you sound in this response? It's people with beliefs like this that make me want to PUKE. I'm a Vet who spent 10 years in our United States Army serving to allow you to have the freedom's to make a comment like this. Do you have any clue what a care package is, or are your 2 brain cells constintly arguing and blocking your ability to figure out what the packages are?

A Care Package is something does SOOOOOOOO much more than provide some of the basic essentials our Troops require and they mean a ton to receive something from home and in appreciation of what they are doing while spending there time in the Desert while you spend your time sitting on the couch in the AC watching TV, wearing anything want, eating and drinking anything you want. And on top of that as a Soldier they are required to purchase their own personal grooming items among other things. And something that you may not be able to comprehend - most don't make very much money, and many have families here in the Country you call home that they need to support.

We should all respect them and do what we can to send them the items that they need. What is $25.00 to you and I? It's a couple of 12'r from the Liquor Store. To them it be the difference between their kids eating dinner a couple of nights or them buying that Bottle of Shampoo, Bar of Soap, Couple of Candy Bars, and maybe, just maybe a 12 pack of Coke while protecting your freedom's from being violated.