Quote:Let's see...in 1990 my buddy and I went to the Army recruiter to join up and become tankers.
Let's see that would put you in your midtwenties or so, if my guess is correct, nothing like the picture on your avatar. :wink:
Quote: But, when I was 11 I had surgery on both of my hips which left 3 titanium spikes in each hip which disqualified me from active duty. I tried to join up, but Uncle Sam had enough young men at the time.
Two points. A. The hip pins may have disqualified you. Not an issue.
B. If a recruiter told you that, he was trying to help you feel better about the hip pins OR didn't like something about you. They were recruiting.
Quote:My father is a retired CMSGT, bith brothers served in the AF. One as an MP, the other as a medic. My grandfather was a Marine in WW2. My great grandfather was in the army. So, I have an extensive familial connection to the armed services.
To use the proper terminology, you were an "Air Force Brat" (AFB), not to be mistaken for an "Air Force Base." Being connected by family doesn't make you a member of the military.
Quote:I see no great dishonor in not serving in the military, there are plenty of great people who have never served just as there are that have.
I won't argue that. Actually, I don't begrudge others that didn't go or get in, all they missed were the actual experiences we've spoken of. However, your experiences are second-hand, unlike those that have experienced it. Until you've actually lived through a war, you can't really say that you understand war.
Quote:Bi-Polar bear and Hobitbob like to take glee in the fact that I haven't served because they are jerks.
No name calling. They disagree with you, but do it differently than I do.
Quote:It does bother me a bit that I wasn't able to
I think you feel that for some reason you may feel that you haven't lived up to family or personal expectations, but that's only my opinion. Remember, I didn't live up to family or society's expectations. either, but I'm happy about that.
Quote:but I became a teacher instead and I bet that my impact on civilization will be greater than either of theirs as I had influence on the young minds of tomorrow.
As a person that speaks before of thousands of people a year, I understand the impact a teacher can have, good or bad. All we can do is to give them the tools (knowledge) and they will do what they will as adults. I've had good and bad teachers. The ones that taught me things that I remembered were humorous, knowledgable, and undertanding.
One of my junior high English teachers watched what his students read in a study hall that he supervised. Those he observed reading various periodicals were noted. Those reading actually textbooks and doing homework were noted. He asked each of his English students to report on items read: a book chapter or article in their own interest areas. Amazingly, several gave wonderful oral reports on livestock breeding, horticulture, auto mechanics and the like. Mine? It was a boring report on a wonderful love story by Alexander Dumas called
The Hunchback of Notre Dame." God,Quasimodo loved Esmerelda! It's only been 40 years, but I still remember that remarkable Creole teacher.
This was in a small, rural community in MN and being "mulatto" as he was referred to by the community, must have been hard for him. He was unique. Mr. Bundy influenced in the areas of toleration and respect with his knowledge and understanding. He was a single man and living in a predominatingly scandinavian community couldn't have been easy for him. However, his students adored him. He taught civil rights by practicing them.
Teachers like him are rare jewels. I think of him when teaching or speaking publicly in meetings, councils, etc. Like most Native American Elders, he'd pause before speaking. This allowed him and them to think of what and how to speak, clearly and precisely. I even try to copy this. It allows for clarity of thought and words. It also allows me to temper my words.
Quote:My actual experience? I spent 5 years in Weisbaden Air Base Germany, 2 Years at Offutt AFB, 3 years at Loring AFB, 4 years at Ramstein Air Base, and 5 years at Griffiss AFB.
Were these years spent as a child or as a teacher? I'm just curious. it will help me understand you better.
Quote:I have many friends in the armed forces and I have had many fun and educational experiences.
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Being raised as you were, that's fairly obvious. Most military children experience travel that many adults only dream of.
Now, I hope you understand that I'm not here to attack you personally. How can I? I don't know you personally, besides I prefer deal with people in a quieter, unlike some. Ask Husker. :wink:
To paraphrase an old saying, I may disagree with what you say or have said, but I've fought nearly to my death for your right to say it.
Wait until you see me really unleash my tongue.
As the saying goes, "You ain't seen nothin' yet." Just remember, I 'm a dumb Indian woman, dunno nuthin." Ask Husker. Lalalala.
