''We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. Then
there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my
heroes.'' Give them ways to express their rage without hurting themselves.
That's what the world needs.
Freddie`s World
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 23:46:33 (MST)
ahh, the observer finally speaks with its true intelligence
alvis
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 21:05:28 (MST)
Mr. Observer, I submitted the previous posting on your behalf. As an Anonomous
contributer, you have no credibility here, even to those who may share your
views. So you might as well be saying ......Blah Blah. Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 21:01:11 (MST)
- Observer Post Removed -
funny..its called observer, it doesnt observe.... shows how "not" intellegent
it is
alvis
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 16:06:13 (MST)
Honee...Don't you have a company to run. LOL!!!
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 15:24:12 (MST)
-----------ÒThe Legend of Captain BravoÓ-----------------------------------------------
Long ago, there lived a sailor named Captain Bravo. He was a manly man's man,
who showed no fear when facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the Seven
Seas, his lookout spotted a pirate ship, and the crew became frantic. Captain
Bravo bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!" The First Mate quickly retrieved the
captain's red shirt, and while wearing the brightly colored frock, the Captain
led his crew into battle and defeated the pirates. That evening, all the men
sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumph One of them asked the Captain, "Sir,
why did you call for your red shirt before battle?" The Captain replied, "If
I am wounded in the attack, the red shirt will not show my blood. Thus, you
men will continue to fight, unafraid." All the men sat in awe and marveled
at the courage of such a manly man's man. As dawn came the next morning, the
lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching. The crew
stared in worshipful silence at the brave Captain and waited for his usual
orders. Captain Bravo gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed against
his ship, and without fear, turned to the First Mate and calmly shouted, "get
me my brown pants!"
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
wauwatosa, WI USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 13:59:07 (MST)
>>>>>An Open Message to the Observer>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Don't speak unless
you can improve on the silence for every word either invites or distances"!!!
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
Wauwatosa, Wi USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 13:39:55 (MST)
Ho hum, Ho hum, Ho hum, Ho hum, Ho hum. Observer..you write in english,
how come you don't understand it??? ou-ya are-na ot-na anted-wa on-na is-tha
ite-sa. o-na ody-ba ares-ca any-na ore-ma!!! ou-ya uck-sa!! ale-ga
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 13:27:55 (MST)
- Observer Post Removed -
- Observer Post Removed -
- Observer Post Removed -
ALVIS: Thanks for the info! FRED and GALE: Thanks for the photos! Commo
has gotten a bit heated lately, but one can hardly be surprised: all this constant
war talk on t.v. is probably having a negative emotional effect on most combat
vets, and things tend to come out sideways. I had to laugh at the news the
other night about the eighty year old man in England who got his call-up orders
from their DOD; it got me thinking about signing up for the coming conflict,
but I also realized that I'd probably just slow things up on the trip to Baghdad Ñ they'd
have to stop every couple of hours to let me pee...
Max Whittington
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 12:48:46 (MST)
Fred A. that is funny ROTFLMAO.
Rick England
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 12:39:11 (MST)
Just one more with a metaphor in the message (twice) ----------------------The
Astute Donkey----------------- One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned
well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out
what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be
covered up anyway; so it just wasn't worth it to him to try to retrieve the
donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each grabbed
a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. Realizing what was happening,
the donkey at first cried and wailed horribly. Then, a few shovelfuls later,
he quieted down completely. The farmer peered down into the well, and was astounded
by what he saw. With every shovelful of dirt that hit his back, the donkey
was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up on the
new layer of dirt. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top
of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off, to the shock and astonishment
of all the neighbors! Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.
The trick to getting out of the well is to not let it bury you, but to shake
it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can
get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it
off and take a step up! Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free
your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4.
Give more. 5. Expect less. Special Note: Also, the donkey kicked the shit out
of the guy that tried to bury him. Which brings me to another moral for this
story: When you try to cover your ass, it always comes back and gets you! Peace
Brothers & Sisters - GB- Joe
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
Wauwatosa, WI USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 11:11:47 (MST)
Brother Joe, Funny stories! Remind me of a similar one where the Boss goes
out on the loading dock of his company to find a guy sitting on a pallet smoking
a cigaret. Pissed off, the boss asks the guy "How much do you make? The guy
answers "300 bucks a week". The boss peels off several bills and giving them
to the guy says "heres a weeks pay, now get the hell out of here". After the
guy leaves the boss goes to the forman and asks "how long has that ass worked
here?" The forman replies "he doesn't, He was making a delivery". Ha Ha. To
answer an earlier question from judith, I went to my first two years of High
school at Brookfield Central and have some fond memories of Wisconsin. Hope
you guys are snug. Gotta go to work, Regards, Greg
Animal
Puna , HI USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 10:53:14 (MST)
> > A man and a woman, who have never met before, find themselves >assigned
to the same sleeping room on a transcontinental train. Though >initially embarrassed
and uneasy over sharing a room, the two are tired
and >fall asleep quickly-he in the upper bunk and she in the lower. > > At 2:00
AM, he leans over and gently wakes the woman, saying, >"Ma'am, I'm sorry to bother
you, but would you be willing to reach into
the >closet to get me a second blanket? I'm awfully cold." > > "I have a better
idea," she replies. "Just for tonight, let's >pretend that we're married." > > "Wow!
That's a great idea!!" he exclaims. > > "Good," she replies. "Get your own damn
blanket." > >
alvis
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 10:38:03 (MST)
HELLO FLIGHT... HEY JOE LIKED WHAT YOU SAID FOR SO TRUE... WANT TO SAY HELLO
TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS... MAY PEACE AND LOVE AND COMPASSION BE IN ALL
OUR HEARTS FOR WE ALL ARE BROTHES AND SISTERS MY LOVE TO YOU ALL ...FOR IF
NOT FOR TALKING TO YOU ALL I WOULD STILL BE THE WAS .. I WAS I THANK YOU ALL.
A BROTHER ALWAYS CANT WAIT FOR JUNE..BE SAFE ALL RAY
RAY GAGNER <STILWATING@@AOL.COM>
STREET, MD USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 08:23:08 (MST)
Criticism There was an old man, a boy and a donkey. They were going to town
and it was decided that the boy should ride. As they went along they passed
some people who thought that it was a shame for the boy to ride and the old
man to walk. The man and boy decided that maybe the critics were right so they
changed positions. Soon they passed some more people who thought that it was
a real shame for that man to make such a small boy walk. The two decided that
maybe they both should walk. Soon they passed some more people who thought
that it was stupid to walk when they had a donkey to ride. The man and the
boy decided maybe the critics were right so they decided that they both should
ride. They soon passed other people who thought that it was a shame to put
such load on a poor little animal. The old man and the boy decided that maybe
the critics were right so they decided to carry the donkey. As they crossed
a bridge they lost their grip on the animal and he fell into the river and
drowned. The moral of this story: If you try to please everyone, you will eventually
lose your ass.
Joe Campbell <vva324jfc@aol.com>
Wauwatosa, WI USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 07:26:11 (MST)
Brother Mark and all my "Brothers: Sometimes in life we need just a little
break and here is one for all to ejoy and share. Keep up the communication.
We all have a lot to share and a lot to get over. This serves as a wonderful
place to do Both. So here goes: It's called: "Give Me a BreakÓ I went to the
store the other day, and I was in there for only about 5 minutes. When I came
out there was a damn cop writing out a parking ticket. So I went up to him
and said, "Come on, buddy, how about giving a guy a break?" He ignored me and
continued writing the ticket. So I called him a pencil-dicked nazi. He glared
at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires! So, I called
him a piece of horse shit. He finished the second ticket and put it on the
windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket! This went
on for about 20 minutes... the more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote.
I didn't give a shit. My car was parked around the corner. Try to have a little
fun each day. It's really important!! God Bless us All,
Brother Joe - Milwaukee
Joe Campbell
USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 07:19:41 (MST)
Mark, is Dee ok? Thats a wonderful lady u have there and wishes the best
of health to her and to u .
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 21:34:15 (MST)
......No Fred...it wasnt "Your Crows feet"......or "Just Stoned to the Bone" that
I saw in your eyes. It was the look of a Vietnam vet that sat in the Pop-A-Top,
but was 10,000 miles away, and 30 years ago away. I love you "BROTHER".......as
I said. I wasnt there. but I have seen that look to many times before, to not
recognize it.The way I taught myself to recognize it, was to study the look
of Larry's eyes in the photos that have been sent to me from his budies that
were with him in Vietnam........I'm sorry for all of this.........always a
brother,.........Mark.......Judith!!!!!!!!!....so nice to hear your voice tonight!!!!!!!!Love
to you and Joe........................
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 21:08:41 (MST)
Freddie`s World well I guess not. But I`ve never been one "lost for words".
Things has always came easy for me, when thrust in a "group situation". I could
always emerge as a leader or top dog somehow. But today was a sometimes you
get the bull and sometimes you get the horn day, and been building. I just
couldn`t seem to make the 129th AHC easy. So everybody come back and heal up
and move on with your lives. It`s almost like a cult rather than a brotherhood.
And that`s not a insult for god sake. So I`ll let this go and we call it a
TKO. Because I can`t change and I not one to feel sorry for myself. I love
who I am....it serves me well. But it works agaist the grain for you all. Only
thing that worries me is my eyes, Mark your sure thats not my "crows feet" or
I was just "stone to the bone". Never been told that one before. So do what
Greg said to do, the Hawaiian thing. Freddie`s World is done, but I`ll be back
. I just got to take a break. I`m burned out on this, it`s to much work.
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 20:41:55 (MST)
Animal.....well then it's Ho's Pono Pono then.............you be the one
that sent me the two sand blasted glass drops. You sent me a blue one called
the Sea Turtle, and an red one called the rasin' sun. I wear them on my riding
vest and am asked all the time where I got them and what do they mean. I say
they are from you, but as to what they mean, as far as to me, they are priceless
and there are no words I can say that can really explain what they mean to
me. I went to the sight you sent in here to view your work. Wondering if I
could comission you to do a piece for the Pop-A-Top. Something from your mind
that you create on your own that would mean something that all of us would
understand. Nam involved, brotherhood, and friends, Healing and the such..............always
a "BROTHER".....Mark
Mark Jackson <gourfour@bright.net>
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 20:11:27 (MST)
The Hawaiians call it Ho'o pono pono. It means to come together and work
things out. It ain't quick, it ain't easy, and it's not going to be all lovey
dovey. What it is though, is healing, and the only ground rules are honesty
and respect. On top of that, it's going to be painful,but like they say; "no
pain no gain..." Some may not feel they need healing, but here they are, interacting
and relevent. Lets thicken up our skin and not be so sensitive. The venting
and emotions are important.whether we like to admit it or not this sight is
a virtual group therapy session. As far as Bush Bashing goes, it comes with
the turf. There hasn't been a president that I can remember who wasn't "bashed".
So my Brothers, as my friend Aretha says:" R. E. S. P. E. C. T...sockittome,sockittome.
Aloha, Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 19:54:55 (MST)
....Well Freddie Boy......ya have finally done it this time. I have been
setting back watching all the talk going on, along with receiving negative
emails from others about how you tend to debate, or attack anything that anybody
says in here and try to make them change their way to the life that is Freddies
World. Hell man, I mentioned something about Rap...........................................................................................mmmmmmuuuss,,,,,huh.....sorry,
just cant use those to words together, and you lectured me on that.............and
you do, and have gave me lots of shit in here......that never offended me.
I looked at you as a "BROTHER", something that you think nobody in here is,
just because in Freddies world, you dont look at us that way. All these people
, who now I am siding with , with their comments on this matter, and you, are
my "BROTHERS and SISTERS"...you mentioned that these people in here are, "just
good friends".....sorry to hear you say that Freddie. I have more love from
this sight of brothers and sisters then I ever had in my life before from my
real brother and sister. I love them, and they are my family. Instead of standing
alone, you should open up and embrace us as brothers and sisters. We do to
you. Try it, you might like it...This is the home of the 129th AHC. Not a place
to debate anything.......and Freddie.....as far as you leaving Vietnam behind,
you forget "BROTHER", I have met you, and have looked into your eyes. I saw
it, you also, relive everyday.......so dont try and bullshit me about that.
I wasnt there, but have met many that have been and have seen the look in your
eyes. It always the same, distant. I saw it in yours.............................Lets
all try and even the wieght out on the ship and fly striaght........the last
month has saddened my heart and I know that Larry has not liked what has been
going on either. he did not come to me for this place to end up in the disaray
that it has. All that used to come in here, please come back. All that choose
not to, thats ok also. But please continue to read the postings. This place
was created for you all, and "IS" a place to come and heal..............I am
not that smart of a guy, and do not claim to know all about everything, and
have been puzzled and heart broken ever since this all has come about............I
do not have the answer to everything and will never claim to, including this
matter that has gone on in here. I really dont know what else to say about
it. I just hope this senseless bickering will stop.....as I said. I am not
the ruler of this place in space, I am only the creator, but hope and pray
in the future that this place returns to the happy home that it was, I can
not stop somebody from coming in here and saying what they want to. I will
leave it up to all of your consciences to know when and what you are saying
that might hurt somebody in here. If you have to, do that crap on the back
channel........now if you dont mind, I have a very sick wife I need to tend
to....................I am not mad at anybody, just disgusted and disappointed.
This is not why I stared this place...............goodnight..........your "BROTHER".........Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 18:55:07 (MST)
what i said to u fred, i said as a brother, without anger.U do have a place
here and i am glad u are here, as u have some good imput.Just please stop bashing
people is all i ask.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 18:01:50 (MST)
max, great idea about the b- 52s,chuckle. "Pop a top" is a neighborhood
bar , located in a small rural town in western ohio.Guess the largest town
closest is muncie indiana.The bar has a "motiff" of helicopter and nam parafanaila.It
has a flight suite on the wall,chicken plate, a rotor hanging from the cealing,along
with a russian sks (1956) , a law,and many many more things.Most of the things
there came from the 129th members and one spirtual part owner.you see max,the
bar is owned by a fellow named mark. His brother is a 129th member.his brother,Larry,was
kia within 24 hours of his 21st birthday.He had taken ray grangers place on
that flight as a favor.ray had to be somewhere.you know how it was..one minute
ur going to fly, the next u have to do something else.Pop a top is the spirtual
home i guess, of the 129th.Mark and his wife are wonderful people that will
greet you with a grizzle sized bear hug.There is no place in that bar u can
look without seeing something the will stir a memory. Kokomo Indiana has a
yearly reunion of nam vets, put on and hoasted by,nam vets.Last year,(please
help me here folks) 13 thousand vets attenteded.Its in an old corn field, out
in the country.Must have been a million flags flying,camp fires everywhere,
groups of brothers, reunions, folks serching for there units and people they
served with.It last ..maybe a week, not sure, i was there only 3 days.Those
of us in here that were there,sat and stood around a campfire, sipping beers
or drinks of choice. Lots of laughs,warm feeling and descussions of things
of little value. Some even tried to fly a kite.There is live music there (good
stuff too), vendors selling food, beer, hats,,, u name it.Most stay overnite
in town,as the sanitation opitions are somewhat limited to "port a potties" and
no bathing opitions at all.Surpriseing me, in all that drinking,there wasnt
one bit of trouble.NONE. Security is there, but its pretty laid back.I cant
remember the cost of entry,thinks it was like 5 or 8 bucks,earning a ribbon
that allowed you entry all days after that.If you go. and we hope u do, u will
need what u drink,some food perhaps,,tho they had one heck of a spread there
already ( ty u all again for that). You might also include a rain coat and
whatever u smoke.As i live only an hour away, i came home once a day to shower
and take care of my animals.I did spend the night in my car too.>> cheap ass.
there were vets from all over the usa there,lots of units.as a side note..the
173rd has a large group there also.They are grunts,but we dont hold that against
them,,chuckle.There unit had many ops. where we did. They too have adopted
PopaTOP has theirs.They hold a wonderful xmas party there with a standing invatation
to 129th members. oh, the town pop a top is in, is Cold water ohio.Others in
here can give u lots more info on kokomo, my knowledge is very limited on that
subject.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 17:54:18 (MST)
Well maybe when I burn my bridges I burn them good. I have always had lots
people that care about me. I think you probably feel better now getting all
those things about me off your chest. Never really felt that welcome anyway,
has nothing to do with anyone here. My life is good so I don`t need to keep
finding a cause to champion. But I can`t deal with the stuff that goes down
here. Thought for a while I was making a "break thru" it can never be the same
after today. I join the "silent minority". Fred sounds like this did you some
good, but it does nothing for me as far as healing. I did that along time ago.
My Viet-Nam buddies warned me this could be a "double edge sword" and I should
have listen.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 17:19:17 (MST)
OK, where's Kokomo, and what's Pop-a-Top? I gather one is a bar? I've been
coming here about two months, now, and never have quite figured them out. I
see GUYMAN is back; if someone can get me a GPS number for him, I have a couple
of buddies in the intelligence community, and could maybe get on of those B-2s
from Diego Garcia diverted eastward a bit... (grin)
Max Whittington
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 17:12:01 (MST)
hmm, lots of stuff being said.lets see, u post in here, comment about us,then
say dont take personally.no back bone and cowardness, hmm.We run away like
frightened ignorant children.You stand alone cause ur tough and if anyone doesnt
they soft and punks.You think the observer is funy when he bashes people for
no reason,,kind people.you say let them go,who cares.you have made the ladies
unwelcome here.they werent there and neither was mark, so mark shouldnt be
here either? you have told me to watch my mouth.seems u do alot of telling
to people espically when were all without backbones,moral courage,the ability
to see ur point of view.Since when is compassion, love, caring,kindness, generousity
and the milk of human kindness a fault and not a virtue? with out a doubt,
u have earned u right to be here. So have all the others.If u truely believe
all that crap u just spouted, then u are the worlds biggest fool.You havent
learned a damn thing about being human.I used to be a biker. I am 6 foot, 220
pounds.i used to fight in bars,jail,didnt matter.I have been in 2 knife fights,and
one gun fight.I cut a mans throat in 4 places ..justisfied, after he pulled
a gun on my best friend and tried to shoot him, then attacked me with a bayonette.I
have walked away from that kind of crap.Now fred, u are trying to do the same
with a verbal knife.U try to kill peoples characters.U stand alone only cause
u choose to.I find that the hugs and smiles of my BROTHERS in here to be of
great personal warmth. excuse me.. and sisters.dont you dare tell people in
here that they are spineless.Just who in the hell do u think u are to tell
brothers to get out, or sisters.as many have said,this is a place of comfort,healing.
reunions,and just a place to shoot the breeze between brohters. u dont want
to be one, fine, but dont shove others out.You have a place here,and are welcome
to it, but others do to ..without the need to be insulted, bashed or rediculed.if
anyone hasnt told you..that sucks.perhaps u need to attend a reunion to feel
the friendship and brotherhood. It didnt happen to me in louisville, but it
sure did later in kokomo.fred, there is no need to stand alone in here as this
isnt a place for that.we come in here to be together. Gently, welcome back.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 16:11:31 (MST)
Sure your right Gently.....I`m all that and more.....make sure you know
your sources now.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 15:52:15 (MST)
well said ray. hope things going well for u buddy.We support you , all of
us, do ray.No one wishes u but the best
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 15:28:08 (MST)
HELLO FLIGHT. HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING. NOT TO MAKE ANYANGRY BUT WHEN I FRIST
CAME HERE THERE WAS SO MUCH LOVE BETWEEN US ALL IT WAS SO NICETO COME HERE
I WISHED I COULD TAKE MY COMENT BCK ABOUT THE WAR YES I SUPORT MY BROTHERS
THERE BUT I COME HERE FOR SUPORT AND FRIEND SHIP I GET SO STRESSED AT TIMES
BUT I LOVE THIS SIGHT THAT MARK AND DEE MADE FOR US ITS SO GOOD TO COME HERE
AND TALK TAKE CARE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
..A BROTHER ALWAYS RAY
RAY GGNER <STILWATING@AOL.COM>
STREET, MD USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 15:04:53 (MST)
Our not posting is not about lack of self-esteem or confidence or any other
sequence of words you want to put together thinking you are making us feel
small. We came to this site to meet others with a common bond, to heal, to
share, to make new friends, and re-visit old friends. It was a place of fun,
sharing, family, and support. Some of you have changed that. You have used
it to grandstand about yourself and stick your opinion down the throat of anyone
who voiced an opinion that wasn't the same as yours. It's very boring! Write
your opinions to the editor of your local newspaper. We want our site to be
what is was, not what you have selfishly made it. Presently,I find it to be
an boring, angry place, an unwelcoming place...but that has to stop. If letters
to the editor don't satisfy your need to boast and rag, then go to a site that
welcomes your boring, selfish, angry, self-rightous one-sidedness. This site
is not for trashing our friends, nor trying to prove that everything you say
is the way it is. Nor is it a place to cause anger. Additionally, Fred Skaggs,
it was not your place to post my email to you on the web, but that shows how
insecure you are. I sent that to you off the web to settle some things because
I didn't/don't feel the web is the place for heated arguements. Apparently
others don't either. I was tempted to post your unbelievably angry response
to me, but I am not that insecure and didn't need to see how many friends I
have out there, which is what I read as your reason. Now people, several of
you have voiced our need to get back to what we were, and I'm going to do my
part. We cannot let the "mouths" get in the way of the healing and friendship
this site brought us. Please continue to post and ignore their postings. It
is the way back. As Mark always says, "I wasn't there but I still care." And
I do also. You know that. It breaks my heart to see whats been going on here.
We're adults not spoiled insecure children. It's a place of peace and if you
can't get into that, well, we'll just ignore you. So, post if you want to,
but we're not going to read your posts. We're not going to read them-we're
not going to read them. Back to normal flight--back to normal. With a smile
on my face and a skip in my step-Gently
Gently <jsinger@uwm.edu>
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 14:53:50 (MST)
Gale....Good lord I think you know that none of that was directed at you.
You yourself get kick out of my crazy ways, I know you do....This morning you
made me feel like a kid...Kim and Freddie get in the corner and take a time
out, you guys are kickin Boy George in the ass to much. Ted`s taken his ball
and went home unhappy. Sure I`m a nice guy, nicest guy I know!!! And I know
I make you laugh....don`t take shit so personal.....or I`ll debate you on that....e-mail
me your phone number
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 14:47:24 (MST)
Freddie, what are we gonna do with you? I've talked to you before(even backed
you on a few things) and you seem like a decent fella, but, I just don't know
where you're comin' from. Now, I'm not even gonna attempt to debate you cause
you would eat me up and spit me out. I'm not gonna debate anyone, but, that
doesn't mean that I'm weak or without a backbone. If I was as intelligent and
talented as you seem, I would be some place else trying to get the action that
you want. This wasn't meant to be a debate forum for cryin' out loud. We are
all over 50 and if we haven't learned how to handle ourselves yet.....come
on, you sound like your preaching to bunch of kids here. If that's the way
you are....fine, so be it,but, please don't catagorize the rest of us. You
are welcome on here the same as the rest of us and we don't want to lose anyone.
Every one of us have a different life and everyone doesn't debate things. The
fact that you enjoy it doesn't make you any wiser than the rest of us and having
a backbone is not quite as important to me as having compassion for people,
including the brothers & sisters on this site. Freddie, I thought that we left
the enemy in Nam.....at least I did. Remember that no one in here wants to
be your enemy. Clear, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 14:18:48 (MST)
Fellas, I noticed all the commo going on since Ted made his statement. That
is great what he has to say, that`s what he feels in his heart. Ted will be
back, believe me, he will be back. This is a addiction, it just takes a different
form, that`s all. But no matter where I`ve been in the world, and I`ve been
some places, I`ve been able to stand alone. No matter where I was, if the Germans
had something to say to me and I didn`t like it, I let them know it. Same with
the Spanish or Dutch or Italians or the French it didn`t matter I say what
I feel. And I stood alone most the time. I`m not gonna be a punk or some candy
ass that compromises. People will walk all over you if person makes compromises.
You got to have a backbone in this world. I learn that at a early age. When
I first got on this web-site I came on strong and found out very quickly that
I stand alone here. Now there was a couple of people that came and stood beside
me. There are guys on the web-site that I was with in Nam, that took a stance
of," Man...Fred can`t say that". But I still liked them, because I knew where
they were coming from. Things don`t change that much, really it don`t. People
are pretty much the same as they were 30 some years ago, just more set in their
ways. But I`ve always been smart enough to figure out that there is something
in every guys personality that you can "lock into" and get conversation of
something in common besides Viet-Nam. Now some of the ladies and gentlemen
run that back channel and say they don`t feel welcome on the web-site, now
because someone challeged a opinion or a statement they made. That`s a self-esteem
problem or self-confidence thing or some sort of weakness. Don`t back away...re-enforce
your opinion stand up for what you believe in. When I see a weakness in something
like that I`m going for the kill emotionally. That`s just way I am. I`m not
changing for anything or any reason. Now on the "flip side" of that I get e-mails
and have phone conversations with guys I was with and new people who like my
writing style and how I "stand and deliver". They also state that "It`s not
the 129th I served in". They don`t want to sign in because maybe they are more
thoughtful than me. That has happen before....But to "tiptoe around issues" and "weigh
what I say" is not gonna happen. If you want to debate me on a issue because
you don`t like what I say, lets go no problem. But remember I`ll be direct
and say what I feel. I hate a loser and I`m not going to be one. You all probably
look a this see alot of anger, it has nothing to do with anger,if you were
sitting beside me you would see I`m quite calm. It`s just the way I articulate
in order to get my point across. And I`m not leavin to go nowhere, as far as
the web-site is concerned. But I am not a follower and I don`t live in the
past, that`s history. I fought the same war you guys did and I have different
opinion of it. I just moved on and did something with my life. Mr.Observer
what can you say, I think he`s funny.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 13:40:04 (MST)
Has anyone heard from Ron Paye, Barry Winkler, Joe Johnson, Glen Pearmain,
Rainer Bauer, Darwin Schmeidt,Ron Debates,Ted Gustafson,Dan Hertlein, Jim Hydinger.........how
'bout guys, you'all still out there. Check in once in a while !? Gale
Gale <beardatpaige1@cs.com>
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 13:07:13 (MST)
chuckling at max's joke. Now thats a great comeback.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 12:10:26 (MST)
...disparaging..."
Max Whittington
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:53:58 (MST)
ALVIS: My late father was with the 1st Marines Division at Guadalcanal,
New Britain, New Georgia, etc. My mother was in the Women Marines during WWII,
and is active (at age 79) in the Women Marines Association. Neither ever said
one diparaging thing about my service in Vietnam, nor have any of their WWII
veteran friends. In fact, my dad was eager for me to visit him in Alabama,
so "I can show you off..." to his VFW club members. By the way, when Marines
chide me about having two Marines as parents and *only* joining the Army, I
tell them "Sorry, but I didn't qualify for the Marines Ñ my parents were married."
Max Whittington
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:52:43 (MST)
good to see u posting gale, and u to jim.Thanks for the info. Sighs, yes
jim , i remember that staemand cream. I spent many a happy 10 or 20 there,
and i dont mean minutes.I remember going there once,every one was somehow intocecated,and
we made bets on would get the ugliest woman there.and we tried to win. whew,
thinks i had to get shots for 3 days after that episode.Mine was so ugly, u
had to hide ur watch, or it would run backwards.It may have been frankinstiens
ugly sister now that i think about it. whoo hoo, bon song bombers.15 cent beers,25
cent hard drinks, whata place. gale, my friend goes to the american consulate
in sydney australia march 10th.We hope her visa will be approved then.Its been
a very expensive and long process.Seems immergration has been flooded lately,
and 911 has really slowed things down.( even at my own personal cost, i approve
and thinks its been to long in coming) hopefuly she will be here for kokomo.
We have already discussed she being there.I think she would have had a ball.
Atlanta?, who knows,its still possiable i wont make it.Time needs to get closer
b4 that decesion can be made.If I understand correctly, Australia vets also
didnt get the welcome home their fathers did. speaking of that, any of u get
told by ww2 vets that "our" war wasnt crap and that we were just a bunch of
cry babies. I havent heard that for a few years.It seemed to me, that it isolated
us even more.perhaps it was just jealousy at their passing of the tourch. never
understood that one.My father, who is/was a vet of ww2 ans korea,was very ,very
proud. My uncle,a vet of korea and vietnam, took the cry babies statement to
heart.Maybe it was because he was a cornel( forgive my spelling) in a engineer
outfit,r.e.m.f. who saw fighting only at the offericers club, if there. ahh,
i degress, sorry .I guess what i am trying to say is that familes were even
divided by that war.Seems the only other time that happened was the civil war.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:31:16 (MST)
RICK: In the same vein as your "prayer": I was once asked what I would write
in a "personals ad." I came up with: "Tall thin manic depressive seeks oversexed
female pharmacist." Today I'd look for a lady veterinarian who likes to fish.
Max Whittington
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:29:05 (MST)
TINNITIS: Soon after returning from Vietnam, I had some trouble with my
hearing. I was told at the base hospital that the main cause for helicopter
crew members getting tinnitis was sitting alongside the transmission for long
periods of time. Gunners and crew chiefs tended to be more prone to it than
pilots, for obvious reasons. They thought I had it, but it turned out that
I had developed large plugs of wax in my ears, which may have saved my hearing.
WAR STUFF: My opinion was best expressed by Sir Galahad: "Might for right." 'Nuff
said. WEATHER (PORTLAND, OR): I was over at my parent's place yesterday; daffodils
were blooming; new lawn is up and my stepfather just mowed it! Mildest winter
I can remember.
Max Whittington
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:10:20 (MST)
Alvis, yeh I've got it in both ears. Sounds like the screeching that you
get when you're getting on the internet.....or maybe the screeching of my two
ex-wives. Pretty simliar. Speaking of that Alvis, how's things with "Australia".
Anything goin' on buddy? Maybe we can meet her at Kokomo !? ;o) Gale
Gale
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 10:41:36 (MST)
It warmed up a little here( but not enough for body-surfing) (more jealousy)
, Thanks Alex, for what you have written. Personally, I think That if you havn't
got the testes to sign what is written, it doesn't belong here. I hate to think
of anyone leaving this site because of some of those things, If you do that,
it protects you from what is there but deprives us of you. I have been posting
a little less, but I am not gone, I read every day. I realize I have no business
in this political stuff on this site & so will stay away from that subject & some
other things. Suffice it to say that, i still get that sense of belonging here.
There is something as my friend Fred Alvis has said that trancends all this
that passes between us (can't explain it, just know it's there). The Purpose
of this site, i believe, is to be a place of healing. " Tinnitus" is a constant
ringing in your ears that doesn't go away. To get it in the ville, you refuse
to pay that little cutie & she bangs you real hard in the side of the head
with a frying pan ( almost happened to me). does anyone/or everyone remember
that little steam bath place in the ville? Really used to like it there. Be
kind to each other--- that's something few of us have had enough of--- because
a lot of us were treated like dirt when we came back, the way through that
is not to do it to one another now. As Paul McCartney said " And in the end,
The LOVE you Take--- is equal to the LOVE you MAKE. Love & respect, Smitty
Jim Westwang <westwang@attbi.com>
sheridan, Wy. USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 10:40:52 (MST)
that ear thing bothers me sometimes also.I never really knew what might
be the cause of it. Anyone remember spraying solvent into a running lycoming
turbine engine as it was run up to full throttle? Kneeling on the engine deck,head
close to engine, and way to close to whirling rotor blades? I remember it being
so loud, i acutualy coundt think.It was overwhelming.I sometimes wonder if
that ear thing came form that source.its not constant,or even daily, but when
it comes,its very loud.Kinda like a telephone.Is that what u guys mean?
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 10:24:10 (MST)
Gale it must have been the clapping I just got carried away. HEHEHE*****check
this out***** A GIRLS PRAYER Lord, Before I lay me down to sleep, I pray for
a man, who's not a creep, One who's handsome, smart and strong, One who's loves
to listen long, One who thinks before he speaks, When he says he'll call, he
won't wait weeks. I pray that he is gainfully employed, And when I spend his
cash, he won't be annoyed. Pulls out my chair and opens my door, Massages my
back and begs to do more. Oh! send me a man who'll make love to my mind, Knows
what to answer to "How big's my behind?" One who'll make love till my body's
a'twitchin, In the hall, in the garden and in the kitchen! I pray that this
man will love me to no end, And never attempt to hit on my friend. A GUY'S
PRAYER: Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and
likes to fish. Amen
Rick England
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 10:10:38 (MST)
Alex, very well put. Rick, I think that you better look up the definition
of tinnitus ole buddy if you think you "contacted" it in the vill. ;o] Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 10:03:55 (MST)
Flight: This is not a political site. The is a site where we come to visit
with brothers, family of and friends of the 129t AHC. The site is here for
everyone to enjoy. We fought our War!! but, this isn't the place to fight another.
Let's get back to what this site was designed for members, family, friends
of the 129thAHC. And to the OBSERVER!!! I think you need to write President
Bush and his people!! They make care what you have to say!! But, this group
of real men don't!! Even though we have our own thoughts on the world events,
I don't think this is the place to air them. We have each others email for
that. Thanks My Brother Alex This is not to offend anyone . Just some advice,so
we have our site for all to enjoy. And not feel that they have to leave.
Alex <afernwal@midsouth.rr.com>
Memphis, Tn USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:45:46 (MST)
Gale I didn't know the blades had anything to do with it. I always thought
it was sneaking out to the vill. or stoping at the car wash. HEHEHEHE
Rick England
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:42:17 (MST)
Good work Rick. I've had tinnitus for a couple of years now. I'm sure that
the clapping of the blades had something to do with it. One of my problems
was cracking my skull against the rotor heads all the time, as I'm sure others
did. I'm thankful though that I don't have any hearing loss yet. Great joke
Rick. LOL Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:06:47 (MST)
I will keep you up to date if I hear more.******* 3. COURT DECIDES TINNITUS
COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
has announced a decision in the case of Wanner v. Principi. At issue was whether
service connection or compensation
for tinnitus should be allowed only for "head injury, concussion or acoustic
trauma." The Court held that persistent tinnitus, no matter how it was acquired
during service, entitles a veteran to compensation under the rating schedule.
Accordingly, in claims for service connection for tinnitus filed before June
10, 1999, including those now on appeal, claimants will now be entitled to service
connection without regard to how the tinnitus was acquired. The court did not
decide whether veterans are entitled to separate ratings for service-connected
bilateral tinnitus (tinnitus in each
ear).
Rick England
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:56:24 (MST)
This a good one with a laugh. The Astute Donkey********** Please read all
of this!************* One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned well.
The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what
to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered
up anyway; so it just wasn't worth it to him to try to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each grabbed a
shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. Realizing what was happening,
the donkey at first cried and wailed horribly. Then, a few shovelfuls later,
he quieted down completely. The farmer peered down into the well, and was astounded
by what he saw. With every shovelful of dirt that hit his back, the donkey
was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up on the
new layer of dirt. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top
of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off, to the shock and astonishment
of all the neighbors!*************** Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all
kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to not let it bury you,
but to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone.
We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up! Remember the five simple rules to be happy:********
Free your heart from hatred.******* Free your mind from worries.******* Live
simply.*********** Give more.******** Expect less.********* Also, the donkey
kicked the shit out of the guy that tried to bury him. Which brings me to another
moral for this story: When you try to cover your ass, it always comes back
and gets you.************Flight be careful out there
Rick England
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:44:50 (MST)
Observer, advance and be recognized or keep your opinions out of here. This
has all gotten out of hand and I agree with Alvis....we don't need you adding
fuel to the fire. If you are a brother of the 129th let us know, otherwise,
go spread your crap somewhere else. You won't break us up for we have a far
deeper agenda you do! Sorry Ted, Kim, Freddie and others.....what say we chill
Brothers! Clear, Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:30:29 (MST)
thank you rick. I do hope to truely see u again. Its a warm memory of you,
ted, gale,mark,ted, ron,gently,elizabeth,and wives, hubbies, all at the reunion.Hopes
more come to the next one,as i think it made us closer,reconeted, whatever.Cool
breezes to you my friend, sitting there in that warm sun.enjoy, more snow here
today and more this weekend.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:27:03 (MST)
why dont u get over it observer.No one comes here to get bashed or made
a fool of.if u must target some one, then aim at me. Your comments to ted,
offend me, your out of there, indeed. A hammer has 2 uses, to build thigs,
or to tear things apart.lets build.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:19:46 (MST)
Thats a good metaphor FRED A. Remember,a helicopter has to have weight
on both sides to fly evenly. Lets not crash folks. We can't lose our CG.
Rick England
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:18:30 (MST)
as far as iraq goes, I feel like I want to stick Saddam in the eye with
a stick.I just dont want to look like a bully.People forget He did caused terrible
things in Kuwait.Taking child life support nachines right out from under babies,
burning wells,stealing anything of value.He has gassed the kurds,killing thousands.He
brings grandchildren into jails, gouges out their eyeball in front of grandparents
toget confessions.We know the bozo of bagdag has ties to ben L.Anyone ever
have anything stolen, you know who did it,but, cant prove it? Kinda how i feel
about this. now, something more dear to my heart. I have gotten e mails from
a few brothers that arent happy here anymore,or dont feel comfy anymore.The
sisters dont feel welcome .I, for one,hopes they all come back and post.I shared
a lot of damn good fellowship with folks up in Kokomo, it opened something
in me.This site was responseable for the first crack in that door.I think Ray
granger has gotten lots of support out of here. We all came together.(Ray,
I hope that doesnt offend you).I for one , am trying now to keep my post light,unofenseive
and positive. We do all have a right to our opinions.Perhaps we just shouldnt
shout them tho. Hmm,lots of rough edges around here now,havent seen a sister
post in ages.Remember,a helicopter has to have weight on both sides to fly
evenly. Lets not crash folks.
alvis
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 08:11:41 (MST)
- Observer Post Removed -
HELLO FLIGHT..JUST SAYING HELLO TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS..TED I KIND
OF AGREE WITH YOU BUT THINK IF WE ARE GOING TO DO IT LET DO AND DONT STOP TILL
WE FINISH HIM OFF... WELL THATS MY 2 CENTS WORTH ..TAKE CARE ALL A BROTHER
ALWAYS RAY
RAY GAGNER <STILWATING@AOL.COM>
STREET, MD USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 06:56:24 (MST)
Status of Reservatuins for flight from Valdosta Ga. to PSp Ca, March 10th
2003 What time do I need to be at airport
Joseph E. Cox <joecox195earthlink.net>
Quitman, Ga USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 04:43:20 (MST)
I concede, It seems the "Bush bashers" have succeeded in taking over the
commo here, so I'm outa here. Heard enough of this shit during Viet Nam. If
Saddam and his Islamic cohorts plant a suitcase nuke in this country, dust
your ass with anthrax, or poison your water supply with some other chemical
or biological agent,you will be the first to whine about the administration "Not
doing anything to protect you". Mark, thanks for trying to make a page where
we could all come together as veterans with a common background, the 129th.
For some of the rest of you, "You lost the election, GET OVER IT" BYE
Ted Buisker
Davis, IL. USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 04:29:39 (MST)
Fred Alvis....You`re awfully mellow this days....LOL.....Bright lights and
sunshine must be in the mix.....it`s a good thing my friend.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 03:50:20 (MST)
laughing at kims post, and agreeing with second half. some good points there.
alvis
USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 23:29:18 (MST)
Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under
a tree when one turns to the other and says, "Sam, I'm 83 years old now and
I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?" Sam
says, "Well, I feel just like a new-born baby." "Really!? Like a baby!?" "Yep.
No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet myself."
alvis
USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 21:44:51 (MST)
Body surfing in February...no big deal, we do it in Maine, all winter! Just
get going out of control, on the ski slope! Skis go one way, poles go another,goggles,
hat, gloves, all disappear, slide on your stomach for a few hundred yards,
climb back after your gear, listen to everyone on the lift laughing at you....and
go do it again! what as the lament on the shithouse wall??/ We the unwilling,
are here to do the unnecessary, for the ungrateful, at the request of the uncaring?????
I feel a little hypocritical, how do I support the soldiers, when I don't support
their cause??? As more information comes out, I hope I'll hear the proof that
it WAS necessary to go after the Iraqi regeim. There's a saying...to know what's
right, and not act accordingly, is to want for courage...Kang Foo Ju...Confucius...we've
all been there, at one time or another....shithead is talking right now...it's
my fervent hope that he and his cronies let Colin Powell run the show..Light
casualties, a quick fight, and get to hell out of there, as quietly as possible
Kim
USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 17:34:00 (MST)
I agree with you animal. I do want to support the troops that are there
and are ready to leave. I have some addresses of about 4 or 5 over there now
an will be sending some goodie boxes. If anybody intrested bc me an I will
give you those addys.
Rick England
USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 07:33:56 (MST)
Animal(Greg)......well spoken my friend and like you I support our soldiers,
but I can`t seem to find it in my heart to support Bush and his Croonies....And
nobody is going to jail for Enron and the likes. BODY SURFING in February......Man
I envy you.....Livin the life.....you deserve it my friend
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 23:11:47 (MST)
Fred Alvis....I love that sound track of "Crossroads". Steve Vai did all
the guitar work. My favorite song is "They Call Me Willie" . Fred.....I relate
to being paraded around and everyone wanted a piece of you. Kinda like "The
New Kid In Town" and in reality.....you were a new kid and alot different than
when you left. I remember my "buddies" takin me to the "frat house" on campus.
They wanted to be the first ones to have a "token" Nam Vet.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 23:01:52 (MST)
Aloha, As this war approaches, we're going to be hearing a lot more from
the people protesting it. I feel strongly against it myself, as I felt strongly
against the Vietnam war. Alhough I was against the war, I did my best to support
my fellow soldiers while in country and had no doubts about my personal role
until I came home. It took me a long time to get over it, but I finally have.
It wasn't the soldiers who fought the war that made it wrong, but the people
who profited by it. In spite of what I've just stated, I don't feel that Larry
or the thousands of others that gave their lives, died in vain. I have a great
love for this imperfect country we live in, and it takes many different points
of view to make a free society. So while I feel obligated to speak against
this upcoming war, I will always speak highly of the soldiers fighting to keep
ME free to speak my mind. The government has already started limiting our personal
freedoms. Pretty soon they are going to start taking money from education,
health care, the arts, and who knows what else, to finance the war. Now, what
I'm wondering is who's going to profit the most from these diverted funds?
Our brave troops, or our bloated weapons industry? My personal solution to
our dilemma(simplified)is to develop alternative fuels:Hydrogen,solar,Bio,geothermal
etc. The technology is here. Let the middle east wallow in their own mess.
Let the Arabs send US their cash for our levis and technology, instead of us
making them powerfull because we're addicted to their oil. The reason this
isn't likely to happen, is our current leaders are ALL in the oil or weapons
industry. I think the point I was trying to make when I started this is not
to think of war protesters as being unpatriotic or chickenshits. This country
was founded on dissent. Well thanks my brothers for letting me say that, and
yes, I did go bodysurfing today. With respect, Greg
Animal
Puna , HI USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 23:01:50 (MST)
personally, i think of the 129th as brothers.we shared what few otheres
did.There is a bond that links most of us. lsd, cocaine,mushrooms,catus,speed,herion,
and more.I didnt want to think about what i had been thru.Was back 3 days and
started putting a neddle in my arm.took me a good 10 years to get thru it,lay
the drugs down and walk away.been to aa,na metting in the past.Even went 5
years once, clean, dry and sober.did the drugs mess my mind up?or was it vietnam?We
each had our own journey there,a slightly diferent path. I didnt go for college,i
went cause my country called. War was pretty heady stuff for me back then,
did i have what it takes and so on.I smile at my lost innocence.I am thankfull
for my " band of brothers" here.Some of the poisin can be let go, most understand.I
dont think of all nam vets as brothers,but i feel the 129th are.I know that
if i needed help,someone out there would try, if even nothing more than moral
suport.I know its there and from people that shared exactly what i did.There
is a bond between smitty and i that transends the concept of brother.Hell,
my real brother paraded me around like a dangerous pet.he and some other friends,
fed off what i/ we had been thru.When i first got back, i couldnt hang with
friends that were still innocent, something had passed.i wasnt comfortable
anymore.I got so damn tried of that same question..did u kill anyone? and its
still ask today.jesus christ.wonders where the sisters post are at? do they
not feel welcome anymore? personally, i think they round off some of some very
rough edges, course that just might be me. hey fred scaggs, u ever hear the
sound track to the movie cross roads? its from about earlt 80s or so.Love the
blues music in it, one of my favorites.its "delta" blues and not a bad movie
either. hey gale and smitty...chuckle, i took pics of those daffodills,so i
know i wasnt brain dead at the time.chuckle.Observer, dang that was some long
winded stuff.had shorter ca's than that. and to those i met at kokomo, i dang
sure consider u friends as well as brothers.As i said b4, we might bicker and
argue, but woe be the one that trys to come between any of the 129th.I think
its kinda like a family here.shrug, but then, i am also a hopless romantic.
we find blue skies wherever we can i suppose. Mark, ty for making this site
possible
alvis
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 21:53:56 (MST)
FRED SKAGGS,That would be 26 BILLION...with a "B"....AND we sold out the
Kurds in the North to the Turks as part of the deal. Remember the Kurds after
the 1st Gulf War? Daddy Bush told the people of Iraq to rise up to overthrow
Saddam. Well the Kurds in the North and the Shites in the south did just that.
They rebeled...we gave them ZERO support...Huusein crushed them....then we
established the NO FLY ZONES. Since then the Kurds have lived autonomously
for about twelve years...established their own system of government, education
and so on. Dubya Bush just sold the Kurds out to the Turks with the recent
deal by agreeing that the Turks may send their own troops into Northern Iraq,
not to fight Saddam, but to crush the Kurds again, keeping them from establishing
their own independent Kurdistan. You see, there are Kurds living in the bordering
areas of Turkey and the Turks don't want the Kurds to get carried away with
this "Democracy Bullshit"....Does anyone really wonder why folks across the
globe resent the foreign policy of the US? Seems the US has done this kind
of thing many times before...encourage well meaning folks of the world to take
up arms against an oppressor (And US enemy)then dump them when their usefulness
to Uncle Sam is exhausted. Can anyone say "Montongard" (forgive the spelling
please). One step further back in Vietnam's history...The US encouraged and
supported the Vietnamese to rise up against the Japanese invaders during WWII.
They did. Mission accomplished by a group of Nationalistic freedom fighters
called the "Vietmihn"...led by none other than Ho Chi Mihn! Immediately after
the conclusion of WWII, Uncle Sam gave the green light to France to retake
it's pre-WWII colony. When the Vietmihn and Ho said "NO..we liberated Vietnam
from the Japanese for the Vietnamese, Not for the French!"....and the war was
on. After Ho and company kicked France's ass out, the US picked up where France
left off.......So once again we are setting up a situation where we buddy up
to a nation or culture, take what we want and then sell them out. Not too hard
to figure out why the international consensus is that Uncle Sam can't be trusted.
.......Don't misunderstand where I'm coming from here....I strongly support
what our country stands for, I'm not very sure how much is left of what we
stand for. MY COUNTRY, RIGHT OR WRONG. BE IT RIGHT, KEEP IT RIGHT. BE IT WRONG,
MAKE IT RIGHT!
Fred Brown <FJBuffalo@Yahoo.com>
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 21:27:14 (MST)
Fred S. OK. I understand better where you are comming from. I did not mean
to imply that all Army or Vietnam Vets deserve to be called Brother, but I
don't think any person on the 129th web-site has tried to kill me, lie to me,
cheat me or violate my trust. Anyway enough said. Take care. I"M CLEAR!!! Frank.
Frank Loveday <bluecobra@dav.net.>
Bastrop, La. USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 20:42:26 (MST)
Damn....26 billion... you all knew what I meaning....just got me upset.....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 20:37:11 (MST)
Thank You Jeff........Animal..I guess Mr. Observer is getting a little "long
winded", but they appear to be articles and interviews with points well made.
The winds of war are getting closer, so he`s making a point. The anti-war sentiment
is growing......26 million to Turkey and our economy is going down the tubes.
26 million could sure support a "national health care program". Half that would
sure prop up our VA health system. Food for thought....Only took the Bush Admin.
20 days from 9/11 to write the 400 page Homeland Security Document that circumvents
our civil rights......nothing moves that fast in Washington. That shit was
being written before 9/11...... and nobody even knows completely what it says......isn`t
this the government for the people and by the people.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 19:52:40 (MST)
FREDDIE, YOUR LAST WAS WELL SAID!
JEFF SAUERS
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 19:09:49 (MST)
Mr.(?) Observer, I'm sure you have some interesting ideas, but if you want
me to read them, you should shorten them up a bit. Greg
Animal
HI USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 18:57:19 (MST)
GEEZE OH MAN!!
Gale
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 18:38:43 (MST)
- Observer Post Removed -
- Observer Post Removed -
Frank L......... Brother-1) A male having 1 or both parents in common with
another individual. 2) A fellow man or a male friend. 3) A lay member of a
men`s religious order. Brotherhood-1) The state or quality of being brothers.
2) An association, as a fraternity, united for a common purpose. 3) The whole
body of persons in a profession or trade........ Frank, that`s all good what
you say....But I just related a experience in life, that would give you and
everybody else a little insight what motivates me sometimes. That doesn`t mean
that I have a "bad attitude". I have plenty of Vet-Nam veteran friends, but
Nam was never our total common thread, we truly liked and cared for each other.
To say we never talked about Nam would be a lie, but it was never our topic
of conversation. I never stopped and helped a "homeless vet" because "he`s
my brother". I did it because that`s what you`re suppose to do as a good human
being on this earth. I never respected NCO`s or Officer`s when I was in the
Army because that`s what they were. I respected the for the person they were
and the leadership quality that they displayed in a given situation. Not all
our NCO`s and Officer`s were "Born Leaders". As bad as I hate to admit it,
but "stereotypes" tend to be exactly how you see it. The army and Viet-Nam
was just a means in which to get to where I wanted to be in life. There is
a price that a person pays in order to get what they want in life. Viet-Nam
service was just the price I paid to get a free college education. That`s all
it was. I always viewed Nam as the "worse job" I ever had. And I did it to
best of my ability and college was my payment.....maybe a new car also. But
the people I mention in my story, they were not my brothers. They lied, they
stole, they cheated and violated people`s trust. That`s not a brother....that`s
not a friend. Another little issue here....The people that "fragged" the 129th
company area back then, were they our brothers? They tried to kill us, but
they are our brothers. There is "good friends" on the web-site, that I knew
33 years ago, and they are still good friends that I would do anything within
my power to help them if needed, but brothers. One person on this web-site
would even know who I am if they were to see me, Mark Jackson, that`s it. Maybe
that`s why I give him so much shit....he met me...And I guess you could say
I`m his friend. So Frank that`s just me, and I`m not gonna change. I hope we
have a good understanding, because there isn`t anything in this world better
than a good understanding.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 13:10:04 (MST)
Fred S. As i'm sure you know, there are many definitions to the word Brother.
a few of them are: a class of individuals of the same kind, profession or occupation.
An association of men united for the same purpose, and many more i'm sure,
anyway all my Brothers & Sisters of the 129th be carefull, take care. I'M CLEAR!!!
Frank.
Frank Loveday <bluecobra@dav.net.>
Bastrop, La USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 10:38:13 (MST)
Animal, I agree...you are very talented. Also, thanks for looking up Nazarro.
There's one listed in Alaska...maybe I'll check it out. Gale
Gale
Clinton, In US of A - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 09:57:23 (MST)
Animal(Greg), you are extremely talented. My wife and I love Tiffany lamps,
but to get a original would cost a "arm and leg". We`ve bought original native
american art in Santa Fe. And we bought orignal oil`s from Spain and Italy
when we were in europe. Get that "bug" out of your computer, so I can "RAP" to
you about some of your lamps and work you`ve done.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 08:25:31 (MST)
Animal(Greg) so you`re a artist, that`s great. Fred Brown is a artist also,
seems the creative types are more open to change and new things....like music.
I get along great creative types and my "blue collar" union buddies. I like
Kid Rock he puts out some great stuff....I like Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit.
Yea I got alot of music in my collection and I spend alot of money too. But
that`s my hobbie, stereo eguipment and music. Plus when living in Europe, my
wife and I "hung out" with Twenty and Thirty something`s. Young folks over
there are alot more mature than american young adults. But the young men I
hung out with, had all served in Bosnia and Croatia. They still have a draft
in Holland. But they were always puzzled by the treatment Viet-Nam war vets
recived upon their return from war. But I explained that those same people
who spit on us, went on to become what we call "yuppies" and create the excesses
of the 80`s and things called "junk bonds" that almost distroyed the US economy
in the Reagan era. Yea....Marky Mark....you made references to the 60`s and
70`s "about we all did things", you obviously didn`t read what I wrote a few
weeks back, I didn`t do LSD, or any synthetic man made drug in my life. NEVER...I`ve
been a straight up pot-head...that`s all. I drink beer in Europe because "that`s
REAL beer". It`s not this watered down stuff here in the states. Remember...at
the Pop-A-Top all Kim and I was drinking was 7-UP and Coke. Like Steppenwolf`s
song " Pusher Man" (I`ve never done nothing that my spirit couldn`t kill) I
may have had the "Spirit of the 60`s and 70`s" , but I never did psychedelic
drugs or cocaine or heroine. That shit would mess your mind up.....
Fred Skaggs
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 08:04:14 (MST)
Animal, nice work on the etched face! You guys need to check out the link!
Dave Powers <powers@montrose.net>
Montrose, Colorado USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 08:03:00 (MST)
Update on the Iron Butterfly from Tropical Helicopter. Not to bad, sunny
some days rainy the next. Training going well. We have to students to do check
rides this week, so real busy. Our girl should be in the state of Florida in
a month or so. The weather where she is is bad. Should have all of the final
paper work done this week. Thanks for keeping in touch with me and the project,
it is very important to me to keep all of you guys involved. Speak to you soon,
Monte
Rick England
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 07:03:34 (MST)
www.stainedglassbiz.com the web address didn't print for some reason
Animal
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 23:02:23 (MST)
Well I gotta say there is some good Rap Music out there. What about Bob
Dylon's great rap song?...(.........the pump don't work, cause the vandels
took the handles.......)I also like Kid Rock, another Detroit boy who mixes
Rap with rock and even country. As we get older we tend to start sounding like
the old people before us. They talked bad about elvis and the stones and whatever
the young generation was into at the time. ( Oh no... we're becoming our parents!)
I've always liked the new sounds once you get passed the mainstream stuff.
(boy bands, Disco)Anyway, Fred S. , I bet your CD collection is worth spending
some time with. Anyyway,... John, you mentioned Stoney, As a matter of fact
we were pretty good friends, but have drifted apart over the years. We derosed
at the same time and were both in the DC area, so we jumped in a Van and did
a crazy road trip to Fla together. Visited "Rebel" from the 129th and some
other friends from flight school. I saw him again about '77 in LA but haven't
heard from him since. Would you send me his email address? I kind of grew up
all over and never lived in the same place for more than a couple of years.
That is until I moved to the Big Island and started a family 16 years ago.
I've lived in Denver, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Boone NC, Maryland, Tallahassee,
New Orleans, LA, Catalina Island, and now this island. I'm a graphic artist
and manufacturer of sandblasted deco tiles.( Small time) I got started in graphic
arts renovating old houses and soon realised the art was more fun than the
renovating. If any of you are interested in seeing my work, there's an example
on the web at http://www.stainedglassbiz.com/ Go to the gallery and it's on
the second or third page. Enough for now, By the way I looked up Nazzaro in
the phone book to no avail. I think I remember him posting awhile back though,
so maybe he's still around. Stay warm.....Greg
Animal
Puna, HI USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 22:57:55 (MST)
Few things here: Mark...background of Rap....It`s always been said, Isaac
Hayes was the grandfather of rap, he was a academy award winner writer. Soundtrack
to "Shaft", Isaac also wrote "Soulman" for Sam and Dave. But Isaac would do
a "monologue" before every song he did, it was called Ike`s Rap, Gil Scott-Heron " The
Revolution Will Not Be Televised" 1974, straight up "rap", Oscar Brown Jr, "Ladiesman" 1972.
But Rap has a long history, James Brown sure didn`t sang.LOL 40 years from
now there might be the Eminen Breakfast Club.... Bob Seger wrote "war protest
songs" think "Two Plus Two Is On My Mind" that was about refusing the draft
and not going to Viet-Nam. Listen to words.....I use to go see Bob Seger at
Valley Dale Dancehall in Columbus, Ohio, for .50 cover charge. Sir Timothy
and The Royals would open up for him....they went on to become the Ohio Express" Yummy,
Yummy". Seger band was called "The Last Herd and then he changed to The Bob
Seger System. Jeff Sauers...North Witcher and I were talking about you yesterday,
were your ears burning? He remembered when you got transfered to the 1st platoon.
Fred Skaggs
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 19:12:10 (MST)
Flight...I been wanting to put this true story on the web site for a while;
Back in 1979, every morning on the way to work, I would stop at a coffee shop
in Columbus,Ohio to get my morning coffee. It was called Capital City Dounut
Shop, I`d been going there since 1975. Well one morning I went in to get my
coffee and there was a new face behind counter. Now I had kept some of my old
army shirts, you know wear on a cool fall morning. But that morning I had wore
one with a 1st Aviation patch and my flight wings. The young man behind the
counter took my order and while giving back my change, he ask me if I was in
Viet-Nam? Being proud young vet I said," Yea man". The young man look at me
and said," So was I". I said,"Who were you with"? He said he was the Chaplain
for the 173rd Airborne. Being a 129th guy I said, "Where were you at"? He said, "Saigon".
Well I was in a hurry, so I said to myself "What the hell". But I thought to
myself," That dude was really young to have been in Nam". But I let it go....next
day...there`s the same young guy behind the counter. He said," Good Morning
Brother". I`ve never been much of a morning person, so I said,"What`s up"?.
He said," Man you belong to the VVA". I said,"No". He said," Well I`m the Chaplain
for the VVA". He went on to say I should come to a meeting and join. I said," Sure
thing". So I went on to work again. A couple of weeks passed and I saw him
again one morning. He went thru the same routine, but this time I ask him," Does
Bong Son rang a bell"? He replied,"No". Then I ask about, LZ English and LZ
Uplift, he replied,"Nope, never heard of those places". Damn!!!!! I thought,
where could this guy have been with the 173rd. So time went on and I nver saw
the young man anymore. One morning I ask the people who ran the coffee shop," Where`s
that young dude that was behind counter a few months ago"? They said," He`s
the assistant minister at St.Luke church now". My thought was, " Well the guy
is a minister, he wouldn`t lie". So time went on for a few months and a friend
from work that was a Nam Vet ask me one day, Fred, you want to go to a VVA
meeting with me"? I said," What the hell, I`ll go with you Saturday. So Saturday
came and off to the meeting I went with my friend Ron Sherell. Went we got
to the meeting, it was being held at Vets Memorial Convention Center. Man....there
was over 5,000 Nam vets in attendance...I thought I`d died and gone to heaven.
IT was great.....I saw these guys with bright orange satin jackets, with black
scipt writing that said, Viet-Nam Vets Reminding America. It was their softball
team, I had dreamed of playing softball with a all Nam Vet team. And I was
a good softball player, I was playing for a traveling team sponsored by Kroger
Stores and called The Kroger All-Stars, so I was very good. But we went on
into the meeting and sitting on the stage was That young man from the coffee
shop. Now he was sitting with the local President Eugene Watts, History Professor
from Ohio State University, The Vice President James Alstadt, The treasurer
Richard Alstadt, Jim and Dick were brothers... and the VVA Chaplain,Ed Cooper...
it was impressive. But let me get to the point here, after the meeting I went
up to the Chaplain Cooper and I said, You remember me"? He said,"Yea" I said
to him, "You know, I was with the 129th AHC in Nam and I was just wordering
when you were with the 173rd"? He replied," 69 and 70"....I said, " You never
heard of LZ English or Uplift"? He said,"No" I thought ......RIGHT. So feeling
very pissed off, I looked up Vice President Dick Alstadt and got his attention,
I told him I was in Nam in 70 and worked with the 173rd at English and Uplift
and Chaplain Cooper had no recall of those places. I told him that the 173rd
was based there. Well Dick look at me and said," We been wondering about him,
because some of the stuff he says don`t jive". So Dick got Gene Watts and his
brother Jim attention and I told my story. They assured me that they were going
to check it out. So I left with a "bad feeling" about all this. While leaving
I approached one of the softball players and made it known that I wanted a
shot at playing ...that it was a dream of mine. Well he told me in so many
words....that this is a "clique" and you might as well forget it. One year
later I would be playing for the Kroger All-Stars and we would meet the VVA
team and beat them 29 to 3 in 5 inning`s, we "run ruled" them. It was a sweet
victory....But on with my story...about three weeks later Eugene Watts announced
his run for the Senate for the state of Ohio. Now here`s the good stuff....I
was working out on the job-site by myself and saw two Lincoln Town Cars approaching
me. When they got closer I realized it was Senator (to be) Gene Watts, Jim
Alstadt, Dick Alstadt and Pastor Ed Cooper. They all got out and motion for
me to come over to the cars. They wanted to talk to me....so as I approached
them...they started talking Brother this and Brother that.... I just stopped
and ask. "What`s Up". Well they let me know that Gene Watts was gonna be Senator
and he was gonna "part the waters for Viet-Nam Vets". I said," What`s that
got to do with me"? They said," Chaplain Cooper is worried that you could cause
problems for our run..... I said,"Well the Mo----F---k-- don`t need to be tellin
lies"..... They said, " Fred...you could discredit the whole thing". I said, " So
Pastor Cooper wasn`t in Nam"....And they confirmed my suspicions. But they
were willing to let things go because "it was our time brother". Well Gene
Watts went on to serve in the senate for the state of Ohio for two terms, he
nerver did shit for vets......Jim Alstadt went on to become the president of
a private hospital(Mercy Hospital) in Columbus. He later served time because
the hopital went broke and he was busted for embezzlement of funds.....Jim
Alstadt went on to become a bank official and was later busted for a "credit
card" scam and pulled time in jail. Pastor Cooper went on to be Head Minister
at St. Lukes Methodist Church, he was counseling the women of the church, who
were having "rocky marriages". Everything went fine until one of the women
committed suicide...She admitted to having a affair in her suicide note with
Pastor Ed...Her husband sued the church and Pastor Ed...Never heard from Pastor
Ed again. But since that "lesson in life", I`ve learn that because somebody
served in Nam or said they served....Was Not My Brother. That`s always influenced
me when some Nam vet calls me brother. This all is a true story in a time frame
of 1979 thru 1985. So when it all comes down to it...No one is your brother...
good friends maybe. And that was a defining moment in my life as far as anything
concerning Viet-Nam. Also I probably don`t trust certain things about reunions
and other stuff. Maybe you guys will understand why I`m like I am. But this
is a "honest to god" true story.
Fred Skaggs <ac459429@earthlink.net>
Raleigh, NC USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 18:24:58 (MST)
Mark, No I am saying they refused to get on the ac because they were not
going to go into Cambodia. Was not an act of courage!
JEFF SAUERS
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 18:24:51 (MST)
.......shucks....those two words showed up on the same line in my last post.....I
knew I should of held on longer.....Hey Jeff S...........Good to see you here.
Are you saying that the grunts you speak of at LZ Merideth refused to get on
the ships because they were willing to stay and fight???...if so, WOW!!!!!......so
many stories of so much courage. WOW!!!!......I thank all of you, for what
you did for me, so long ago!!!!!take care brothers and sisters, Always a brother,
Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 17:46:52 (MST)
...Fred...PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!..do not use the word rap..........................................................................................and
music in the same line.........................emulate what emvironment????.......
Bob Seger grew up in Detriot also....which would you defend first?......I agree
that music comes from a background of culture.......but rap has no background
to the best of my knowledge.................sorry Fred....have to disagree
with on this one..............and as far as the Beatles.......yeah..to our
parents, they were just maken a bunch of noise.......but now that noise is
heard in just about every elavator that we ride in......and the words of Lennon
and McCartney are things that I believe in "All You Need Is Love", and " You
Never Felt The Rain My Friend, Till Ya Felt It Runnin' Down Your Back".......Radio
stations have Beatles's weekends. Breakfast with the Beatles on Sunday morning's..........bet
you'll never hear of an eminem weekened of music.:-)))).......Ozzie, Drugs,
Bad guy????......not a role mode?l....come Fred. You grew up in the 60's and
70's..........I did stuff, bet you did too. I raised 3 wonderful daughters
and am still married to the same wife of 30 years..and have alays been a workin'
my ass off kinda a guy....drugs didnt alter me any. Yeah, I would take Ozzie
as a role model before Two pac, or what ever his name is, was, spelled.....no,
a wannbe ain't something diffrent? A wanna be is somebody, being somebody,
he ain't.....eminem is, or could, be a very nice young man. I dont know..................but
I bet he ain't acting like himself. That is a wannabe! Hey!!!!!!!!!!!....Guess
what????...snowing in Ohio again. Dee had the day off from school. Saw a wheather
man say today that we have had over 30" this winter.....not much for some...but
latly round these parts, it tis!!!!!.....No time in sight when I will be able
to get the Hog out.................Animal.....You didnt offend any one..this
is an open forum.....speak you piece.....we all just have to remember to keep
the peace!!!..hey Alex;-)))////whats the matter with gettin' to close to the
Pop-A-Top.'-)))))) You been stuck there before;-))))).....Hey, by the way Alex......I
want to thank you for the great job you have been doin as President of the
VHCMA!!!!.....Hip,Hip Hooray for you!!!!!!!!!!......thanks.......I'm in love
with Norah Jones. Fred, I did not know she was the daughter of the guy that
taught Harrison the satir......interesting!!!!!!!you all take care......I love
you.....stick around. Hope to meet all of you some day........Mr. Loveday.
Good to see your post.....The Debates....got your address change.....will make
the adjustment..thanks....the "257" turning inbound and climbing to 6,000ft....Lets
go homr Larry....always a brother.....Mark
Mark Jackson <fourfour@bright.net>
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 17:38:08 (MST)
For those of you who were there for our trip to Cambodia I found a book
that has a chapter called "Hot LZs". The main attraction was LZ Phillips. I
am sure most of us remember it. Also talked about the large goat rope lift
out of LZ Merideth when the last bunch of grunts refused to get on the aircraft.
I think most of our ac were involved in that one as well. I know I was only
in country about a month and thought what in the hell kind of crap did I get
myself into. Anyway the book is "INTO CAMBODIA" by a guy named Keith Nolan.
Published in 1990. Worth reading. Has lots of info about the political situation
and how it was driving the war. Post retirement quotes by lots of senior officers
about the political decisions that cost GI lives. Take care to all!
jeff sauers
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 17:20:54 (MST)
Flight: Well Hope somebody i