Real War Vets vs Wannabes

[AbsoluteArmorer]

My purpose for creating this thread is for one major reason. It's to help make aware of the ongoing growing problem in our society of people who makes claim for either being in the military service when they haven't, and, or claiming to have been in combat/war zones when they haven't. Now for the most part, I could care less who brags about what for that really never meant nothing to me in the first place as a man's (or womans) performance in life speaks for itself. Besides that, each and every person themselves knows what they've done and what they haven't. That's where it first starts and ends.. with one's own inner self and respect for that.

Unfortunately, there are way too many who do not see it that way. They spend a lifetime leaching off other's credentials for that 'free ride' and easy claim to some sort of fame. I've met a few in my lifetime.... and it's disgusting. Since I have started being active in a few political forums over a year ago, I have come across those who actually 'beef' or 'lie' about their military service and well.... just about everything else as well. I feel that we have long ago entered that 'chicken hawk' bravado era that was built by Bush, Cheney and the Rumsfelds in life. Those I call BushConic professional liars who suck the life out of anyone for huge profits. It sadly has become so popular, to lie... to fudge the numbers.... to bullshit whenever fits.... in that we have become a society of liars and fakers with almost a common place acceptance. With an exception of several people who doesn't do this, we deal with this on a daily basis now.

This thread will be for exposing such practices either via articles we find or real life persons we meet. It's time we address this squarely on the nose and stop this reign of lying. For those who have served in any military level, stateside or on foreign soil, but not in any war zones, do not feel slighted. You chose a job with the military... that's fine. For those real war vets of course, you know what real hell is like. For many of us, we wonder how we ever made it out and I suppose for the most part, we are greatful that we have. For those who are pretenders and wannabes, please... stop this nonsense of lying about being some sort of hero. Be who you are.... work with what you have. Last I heard, everybody is appreciated for who they are in the first place so there's no need to 'trump up' your resume especially if you are claiming to be a war vet when you're NOT!

There's too many wounded and dead that you are stealing from when you do this. There's beau coup millions of war veterans still alive today that you are encroaching on by pretending to be a war vet. If real vets are not in your face bragging about being a hero, then stop telling others your a war veteran at all. Stop leaching off the VA system and or other agencies for your own personal gains via your wannabe veteran lies. Start respecting yourself for who you truly are rather than who you really aren't. If not, you will be found sooner or later and pay for it.




Voices from Vietnam: Veterans' Oral Histories in the Classroom

Patrick Hagopian




Vietnam was full of strange stories, some improbable, some well beyond that, but the stories that will last forever are those that swirl back and forth across the border between trivia and bedlam, the mad and the mundane.

—Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried



War stories become just that—stories. Just as time distances the storyteller from the events themselves, so do the repeated tellings. Gradually the stories are embellished in places, honed down in others until they are perfect little tales, even if they bear little resemblance to what actually happened.

—David Hackworth, About Face

http://www.historycooperative.org/cgi-bin/justtop.cgi?act=justtop&url=http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/jah/87.2/hagopian.html

[jedicord]

1. It's easy to spot the tale tellers....

They're the one's telling the tale. Most vets who have seen battle don't want to talk about it. My husband is one of them, and doesn't have much use for the fakers.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

8. Good Insight

Thanks for your sharing that jedicord. My best to your husband.

I myself, learned a few decades ago about how to spot wannabes and fakers. I'll not go into detail for they will then adjust to this info to better cover their 'lying' butts, but in referencing to one of my good 'nam buddy's user name used on another forum board .... toomuchinformation, it's mroe in how they say it over what they say. Wannabes studies up on Vietnam's War history and 'becomes' the part. Regular vets rely mostly on their own long term memory that has become fuzzy over the many years that may appear to be 'spotty' to some but while yet still backing real known recorded facts. 100% 'total' recall is usually difficult from long ago. Braggin' is a dead give-a-way also. It's simply in the way or manner that such information is presented that tells the true story. That and the inside 'lingo' that took place in one's war, which becomes harder to duplicate by those wannabes.

[Acebass]

65. So your saying that only combat veterans are real vets...

Is that what your saying? Like Air Force vets are not Nam vets, is that what your getting at?
Seems I've heard this argument before.

[Bammo]

68. I'll Be - The Wanna Bee

Well if it isn't Bangkok Bobby from Piss Stop - got the URL for a sig don't you Ace-hole?

Did you set foot in Vietnam moron?

Tell all these Veterans in here what you actually did and where you were stationed, and then how you tried to snuggle up with Vietnam Vets, like you were actually one.

Ace-Hole post your medals in here like you did in Piss-Stop?

Your nothing but a fraud Ace-Hole, even Sand-Woman from CGCS before she tossed your sorry ass knew that!

Your like a 2 buck hooker Ace-Hole, your an easy poon! LOL

Yeah your a definate wanna bee a complete disgrace to any real Vietnam Vet. Does that answer your guestion Ace-Hole? LOL Phonee SOB!

[BikeWriter]

13. I would not discuss VietNam for twenty years afterwards...

No Vet's organizations, no VA hospital, no nothing. About the time of Desert Storm I saw the same things being done to other troops as had been done to us. I knew we needed Vets to speak out about war.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

18. almost a double...

Good to meet you BikeWriter,

Man that almost sounds like me.... It wasn't until 1988 that I took up going to the VA... and then it was a hairy experience trying to adapt to their 'rules and regulations' in how we were to be treated.I had bad experiences with the VA.... a few good ones that I am greatfull for, but unfortunately more bad ones than good ones. I had always commended the nurses in the VAs.. as they seem to be the most caring for the health and well being of a veteran. Without them brother, I think many more of our guys would be dying off inside these places. I've come close a couple of times but thanks to a few heads-up nurses, I walked away.

I agree with you also about us war vets stepping up to the plate and telling our stories so that these new 'war vet' kids today will maybe have a better adjustment in their return home jaunts.

We have two types of weasels to eliminate BikerWriter..... the NeoCons and the Wannabes. Funny how both seem to smell awfully close as being the same.

[BikeWriter]

51. Yep, I'm in a PTSD therapy group at the VA...

We meet every Wednesday, so now I go through cycles of depression rather than the same old thing all the time. My going seems to encourage my kids as well as my Sisters and Brothers, so I tolerate it.
Thing is, we've had two different psychiatrists there for short periods of time before one was moved and the other quit. Luckily, I was able to relate to both of them in the one visit I made with each. It seems to be a chronic staffing problem. Our psychologist is our weekly counselor has been there longer so he does add some stability to the clusterfuck.
Hang in there!

[Bammo]

33. There IT IS

There It IS Bro' and you know these made in China Yellow Magnetic Ribbon Instant Patriots and the Commander and Thief "SHRUB" and his Chickenhawk regime are not going to support jack squat. More cannon fodder Bro' - a lot more - NeoCon style! We got to educate these new Bro's and Sisters to the bigger enemy they are going to face when they finally return for good - and that is the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Uncle Sammy - and make sure these new Bro's and sisters get what they deserve! Plus, don't let these NeoCon SOB'S and the sheople of this country put the blame of this Iraq fiasco on the G.I. - orders are free-kin orders!

Hang Tough~

[BikeWriter]

52. Yep, I've seen a resurgence of that crap of blaming us...

for the war. It's bad enough trying to cope with the guilt of what I've done to my family in three marriages and divorces without the troop hater's shit and fighting the VA.

[Bammo]

75. I hear ya' Bro'

You want to see why this government and its sheople screws its Veterans, the way they do Bro' ?

Check this fake wanna bee SOB below --Ace-Hole (Acebass)

This is a dude that tells ya' he cares for Vets and then will rip them off shortly!

Keep an eye open for this wanna bee BJ Bro'---serious there!

[ThoughtCriminal]

2. It's been going on for a while

The first time I really noticed it was with the Ultra-RW former editor of the Arizona Republic, "Duke" Tulley, who spun an elaborate and colorful military career of flying P-51's in the Korean War. He even showed up to public events in uniform. All lies that were eventually exposed.

INernet discussion boards are thick with them since there is no way to really check credentials, but most of the time, it's pretty obvious that their actual combat experience comes from watching "Red Dawn" way too many times.

[Bammo]

36. No Doubt

Thought Criminal, I hear ya' there ---for sure! Movie heroics - they are really something not to admire! LOL

Hang Tough~

[Bammo]

3. Wanna Bee's

Top notch subject, dynamite for sure!

Ya' know since this "SHRUB" made in China Yellow Free-kin Ribbon propaganda fad has started, people have came up to me and thanked me for fighting for their freedom. I didn't fight in the Nam for anybody's free-kin freedom. Hell, Uncle Ho wasn't going to come over here and rape and pillage Leave It To Beaver's Mom!. We fought that fiasco to survive, for one another to make it back to the free-kin world. But you know how that went down, American Sheople don't like losers and Uncle Sammy kind of let the blame for his fiasco stray on over to the Vet that fought the BS fiasco and the sheople ate this pig swill upand ate beaucoup!

Well now I see its popular to be a Nam Vet - give me a free-kin break - nothing has changed in the Sheople's minds about the Nam - not a damn thing - we are still losers. But this loser can write about it. So frig all of those scumbags. I have no use for any of them. Look what happened to John Kerry - smeared like he was sewerage- why- Nam Vet! Go to the other side - John McCain - smeared because he was a Nam Vet. But yet we let a desertin' fortunate son SOB'N NeoCon run or should I say ruin this country based on lies. Hell yeah American Sheople bought these lies from the "SHRUB" like it was cheap premium stock - Why - free-kin fear! And these NeoCon Chickenhawk SOB'S still are using this fear tactic to fill their pockets with American piaster ($$$) Same ol'--Same ol' - smear the Nam Vet who wants to get in and put in a liar. Makes a lot of sense don't it ??? Like John Mellancamp sang --Well Thats America!!! LOL

Yeah I see these wanna bee scumball SOB'S out their pretending to be John Wayne and not just in Repug Forums but Democratic ones (supposidly)! One dumb SOB even posted his Vietnam Ribbons the wrong damn way until he was straightened out and he corrected them. Come to find out this SOB never set foot on Nam soil he served in Bangkok Thailand - a free-kin R & R spot! Hell check this BS out for yourselves - http://politicalswitchboard.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=7795&view=findpost&p=45725 - Hell this SOB even Brags about this BS - "Outstanding Unit Citation/w V for Valor " - Valor in Bangkok --that there is something! Check it out before this scumbag erases this BS!

Then we have what this wanna bee posted on Vietnam Vets - Others have just moved on and some can't leave it alone - http://politicalswitchboard.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=6544&view=findpost&p=40534 WTF is this BS all about LOL - free-kin wanna bee SOB'S always give themselves away!

And yeah it seems our hero above is the only (LMAO) Nam Vet in that forum. Now ain't that special! Used to be Democratic Nam Vets in that forum but John Wayne there tossed em' like they were yesterdays trash - so he could come off as the free-kin hero! What a joke!

Yup - they are out there ---for sure! Only when its to these scumballs advantage - trust me! And that above is a free-kin scumball and a half and I am not sayin' nothin' I haven't said to this slugs face.

Hang Tough~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

9. Heads up Alert

I appreciate the heads up alert Bammo. I suppose what bothers me more than the act of one claiming something that they aren't is how they also treat others who are the real deal. I suppose that comes under the heading of selfish control that has taken place in this forum you listed. I can think a several other adjectives to add on that subject also, but I do not wish you write a book about it here.

Thanks again for your warning shot with what has taken place concerning the topic matter in your post.

[Bammo]

32. AA -NP

No problem Bro' - check those URL'S out Bro' -LOL ! There for real but Bangkok Bobby isn't!

Man you can read some real BS in that there SWAMP --trust me Bro' ---

No Problem AA-- the pleasure was mine!

Hang Tough~

[Acebass]

67. Yes that bothers me too...

[Bammo]

69. It Should

A lot should bother a fraud like you Ace-Hole - a free-kin lot! But it doesn't, you have no heart or balls! A "SHRUB" lover in Liberal clothes! A true wanna-bee!

Ace-Hole which one did you qualify for - to earn that Vietnam Service Medal which you had no order in the place it belonged on one's uniform until you were told many times you fraud! To qualify for award of the VSM an individual must meet one of the following qualifications:

(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations.

(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days aboard a Naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations.

(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.


Find a Nam Vet in here to snuggle up with and then poon you wanna bee SOB! Go back to your Piss Stop Cult Ace-Hole, they actually believe your BS! LOL

[1stCav]

26. AA Check this out

Bammo that is the discussion room I was telling AA about. And thats the John Rambo from Thailand. AA check this out when you get a chance. Bammo did you belong to this dicussion room at one time? And if so, are you one of the Vietnam Veterans that were banned from this place? Bammo, I agree with you on this guy Ace, who comes off as John Rambo. AA this is the guy I was telling you about who was stationed in Thailand. AA, is this what you call a wanna bee? I sure as hell do, just like Bammo here does. Bammo, my dad was given the third degree by this guy when he joined this discussion group, because he was looking for a friend of mine who is active on this internet and was directed that way. Good meeting you Bammo, good to see another Vietnam Veteran in here. Liked that site of yours a lot Bammo.

[Bammo]

28. Yo 1st Cav

Glad to meet ya' 1st Team! Think you got the forum I was talking about - for sure! Political Switchboard and the dude with all his medals displayed - Bangkok Bobby - LOL Ace Bass! LOL Without the B Bro' - trust me there! Yup, used to belong to this Political Switchboard along with some other Nam and stateside stand up Vets against the "SHRUB" ! Bangkok Bobby there tossed all of us - banned our ass's from his cult!

Serious Bro', thats what he has is a cult now. He wants to come off as the big hero there in front of his cult members.

Yup 1st Team that there is a wanna bee in my free-kin book! 1st class!

You said your dad has something to do with Piss Stop - the forum with the wanna bee John Wayne?

Ask him if he knows me, maybe we met - never know!

Whats your Bro's name your lookin' for 1stCav? Hell- run into a lot of Nam Vets on this thing and a lot of Nam locator pages.

Maybe I can help ya' out Bro'!

Hell 1stCav join up in Acey Boy's Piss Stop there and ask him about his medals - tell him your a Nam Vet - bet you get tossed as well -- serious there!

Hang Tough 1st Cav - Keep the Faith~

[Acebass]

66. Bammo it people like you, and your sidekick scout ...

that give Vietnam vets a bad name...grow up!...

[Bammo]

70. Wanna Bee SOB

Bangkok Bobby why would a so called B-52 loader stationed in Bangkok Thailand (tough azz duty --R&R station) post this crap in his forum --Piss Stop ?

Acebass Feb 14 2006, 11:16 PM Post #2


Advanced Citizen


Group: Admin
Posts: 9,404
Joined: 18-July 05
Member No.: 4



Besides the National Service Medal and the Two Vietnam ribbons I earned, I also had these three. Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Unit Citation/w V for Valor and Marksman ribbons.

(IMG:) (IMG:) (IMG:)

Now Ace-Hole this is all about your Unit Citation with a V on it

The Outstanding Unit Award is a decoration of the United States Air Force which was first created in 1954. The decoration is awarded as a ribbon to any command of the U.S. Air Force (including Reserve and Air National Guard) which performs exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishes specific acts of outstanding achievement, excels in combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or conducts with distinction military operations involving conflict with, or exposure to, a hostile action by any opposing foreign force.

Multiple awards of the Outstanding Unit Award are denoted by oak leaf clusters on the award ribbon. In 1961, the Air Force also began issuing the Valor device for units which had engaged in combat, or provided direct combat support, in the particular operations which had qualified the unit for the Outstanding Unit Award.

(Excels in Combat Bangkok Bobby --what combat did you ever see over in Bangkok?)

Seriously Bangkok Bobby - go back to Piss Stop where people buy your wanna bee BS! What a waste of humanity - LOL! Will have to get Scout to scope this one out! LOL

[Dharma_Bum]

4. Give it to'em !!!!!!!

Just as you 60’s era folks have seen some fakers, we new Veterans are starting to see our fair share as well.

Now, perhaps it’s not quite as elaborate as that “Medal of Honor” recipient who’s DD214 states an MOS of ‘Air force water purification specialist’ ’Stationed at Fort Ord’ …

But more and more I’m hearing stories of valorous, one-time feats in the cities of Iraq and Afghanistan …
Hell, I’m even starting to believe that just about every General’s assistant and Air force cook fought on the frontlines in Fallujah and Najaf……..

But the real ones of us are the ones who can’t sleep at night …
the ones who’ll forever jump at the slamming of a door …
and the one’s who want to throw a brick at the f**cking TV when Dub’Ya addresses that nation.

AbsoluteArmorer couldn’t have said it better; “each and every person themselves knows what they've done and what they haven't.”

We’re only HERE to type these posts because we’re the one’s that the mortar round flew over, the one’s that the bullet bypassed, and the one’s that IED missed.

WE HAVE A VALUE FOR LIFE AND HUMANITY THAT THE FAKERS WILL NEVER KNOW!

-- 2cents from The Dharma_Bum, Iraq Veterans Against the War

[malmapus]

11. Yeah, I've already had the mis-pleasure of meeting someone weeding off

Iraq, back when it was still new too in 2003 (guy had himself being a rescurer of Jessica Lynch).

Yeah topic makes me pretty sick too. I wish I could give wannabe's a little more insight to what it is really like to be in my shoes, even 10 years out and still dealing with the shit I do on a day to day basis.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

19. dong sucks

Man ... you did deal with one crapped up dude in that one malmapus. Shame it happens.... afraid it will continue to do so. I too would like to see all the wannabe bad asses end up in a real to life war confrontation and let them get a taste of their own bullshit. We always used to say that back during the Vietnam tango.... "ya wanna kick ass all the time, go to nam". Trust me... that would take the starch out of anybody's britches.

Glad to meet you malmapus. I hope the gap in our generations will never interfere with our own war experiences. I think I already see some gap forming between your tour of duty with those who will be returning home after these next few years. That's going to be one huge mess when this starts to happen as America's society is not up to par itself let alone taking on 1000s of new returnees from their own lie war boogie from Iraq.

[malmapus]

54. Heh, he was crapped up

Was dating my wife's mother when we were first dating. We were out with her father (Nam vet) and dropped by since we were in the area. She started telling us all his stories, and asking him to share more lol. I just looked at my father-in-law with this "what the fuck" face lol. But yeah, pretty much what ensued was an ass ripping from two combat vets.

Man wish could remember all he said, Jessica Lynch rescue stands out on top. Guy had himself being in some super top sekrit Air Force special ops unit and all this crap. With a long distinguished service in the NSA as well.

Needless to say after that night her mother broke the relationship off shortly after.

[BlueCollar]

5. self delete

on edit: nothing meaningful to say

[misternormal]

6. I agree with you...

I served in the Army from 1971 to 1980...

If asked, I will say that I am a Viet Nam Era Veteran.

I refuse to claim the title of Viet Nam Vet because, by the luck of the draw, I was never assigned there. In fact, at my daughter's basic training graduation, Vets were asked to stand and be recognized... WW2, Korea, Viet Nam, etc... I did not stand.

I served my country, for which I am proud, but I was never put in harm's way, and to make anyone think that I was would, in my opinion, take something away from those that were.

Just my 2 cents.

[Bammo]

7. Honesty

There it is, complete honesty --for sure! Respect it, respect you for it. Your an era Vet, nothing wrong with that at all!

Hope all goes well for your daughter in the service.

You should be proud of what you did and proud of your honesty as well!

Hang Tough~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

10. Wannabe veterans need to be exposed

http://www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/07/12/opinion/letters/07letters.txt

Wannabe veterans need to be exposed


Tuesday, July 12, 2005 12:03 AM PDT

The story, in both the Colfax Record and Auburn Journal regarding the lies of Graig Sultana, is an unfortunate mess for all sides. Sultana is glib and pleasant. By all accounts a likeable and energetic man. Unfortunately, he's a self-promoter, a fraud and has a need to claim something he's not. He claims Vietnam POW status and cites a national security basis for his lack of ability to discuss covert activities in Laos. In fact, Sultana was never a prisoner of war.



Let's clean up the lies and liars. Don't tolerate "wanna-bes" whether in veterans groups, peace movements, or anywhere in society. Make sure those who are veterans, deservedly claim veteran's status and get the benefits. Don't allow pretenders and frauds to steal. The liars steal their own honor. They steal the public trust. They steal from real veterans who deserve better. And they also steal from the community at large.

Defend our veterans and unmask "wannabes." Put them behind bars. They've tried hard for it. They've got it coming. They richly deserve it. Try them, and if they're found guilty ... let's deliver.

Rocky Warren

U.S. Army veteran and retired Sheriff's Department Sergeant

Colfax

[Bammo]

15. Nam Vet Bro' ?

AArmorer, you a Nam Vet Bro'? You hit on a very touchy and dead on issue here Bro'! Wanna Bee SOB'S !

Hell ran into these dudes in a Democratic, Progressive, Independent Forum that we call the SWAMP. This one dude who I call Fly-Diddler claimed --get this sheet Bro' - to take on the NVA with a K Bar and a Cross Bow - that there is no BS! This sorry Pop-Eye SOB was exposed and stuck with his sad azz story, but stayed the hell away from real Vets that knew shit from shinola!

Then We had this dude who claimed to be a top notch Marine - 30 year Lifer - don't know what you think about lifers Bro' - but they are not top on my free-kin list - trust me!

Anyway this dude went by Marine and never claimed to go to Nam but joined the Corp in 1970. He said he went to Grenada Bro' and got shot at more than anybody that was in Nam - trust me on this sheet! This idiot also said he humped a 120 lb Radio in the field. LOL And people of this SWAMP bought this BS Bro' and when we exposed their azz's - they cried to their mommy dearest honcho (mod) and Sand-Woman protected these Shrub Propaganda liars like they were her kids. LOL

This other dude - Bangkok Bobby -- in the so called Democratic Forum Piss Stop as I refer to it - wiped out the Nam Vets in this forum (all of them - used them and tossed them) and made his REMF azz look like the John Wayne for his cult! LOL No - sheet Bro' - I am not BS'n at all! Again an Ace who was really a complete AZZ!

Hang Tough~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

17. Yes, I was drafted...

....and ended up in the 101st Airborne inside I Corps.... RVN. I was my company's armorer not by choice... but then nothing was by choice over there for the most part. It wasn't too bad once I got the hang of it... as much as the tons of responsibility that went with that on top of the other call to duty stuff.

Your stories about this 'swamp' place where some wannabe's like to toot their horns sounds too much for me Bammo. That's crap sucks. I was never one to hang with vets after I got back home in the first place as I tried to isolate myself from it all. I tried hitting some VFWs a couple of times as a visitor, but those were washouts with me during all those braggin' rights going on with who kicked whose ass between some in-country units and even sometimes between the different wars and such. I didn't need that shit back then. Not sure I could handle it now. It all was bullshit Bammo.. guys tossed into war only to return home to another war. The war of rejection. Does that make sense how that affected some of us Bammo? Then on top of it, we have these wannabes playing their games like they do... as I have always wondered why they even did it in the first place. Hell, after I got back home, I never discussed it... and really avoided it as much as possible. Up until now' after all these years, to find some of you real war vets here in a forum seems like it may help me to work through some of what's missing from those months and years of isolation. It's the wannabes that upsets the hell out of me though. Guess I need to stay away from these 'swamps' you speak about.

Good to know you Bammo.

[Bammo]

35. RA here Bro'

Joined the Army when I was 17 Bro', joined for Airborne Infantry and I'll be -- the SOB'S gave it to me --the whole nine free-kin yards! Young and Dumb Bro' - what can I say!

I hear ya' about the isolation shit Bro' --for sure! Did about the same damn thing when I finally got back here. Like you Bro' - I avoided a lot of people and places. Kind of still do Bro' - somethings never change! LOL

Got married Bro' and my wife (still married) hooked me up with this Combat Medic from the 9th Inf. Div. (Phycodelic Flower) LOL- Who ran a rap group Bro' for Nam Vets.

Did that group for quite a while and have to say - it didn't hurt me any! But it broke up and I went back to the same ol' -- until the Vet Center opened up in 83. Got a lot of help there Bro', met some idiots and a lot of squared away people. Then did a lot of groups and stuff at the VAMC. Still in a group there Bro'. Can't say it didn't help me out--to what degree - hard to tell !

One thing I know Bro' is that the Nam will always be there, you can't run, you can't hide from it!

Yeah wise Bro' -LOL--stay away from those SWAMPS - you'll only get banned sooner or later --most likely sooner!

Hang Tough~

[malmapus]

53. AIRBORNE!! Lol my sorry ass signed up for 4 years up front

Because they told me that was what the commitment had to be if I wanted to be a super duper paratrooper lol and I did.

Was Signal Corp though, still laughing about your guy "humping a 120lb radio". Man with a full ruck when I was going on deployment it would get in the range of 90-100lbs (but that's with BDU's, brown tees, socks, wet weather gear, 3-4 days of MREs, radio (if I was unlucky a SINGARs or PRIC..if I was lucky a lighter satcom one), lithium batties to last 3-4 days and whatever else we had to stuff in there.

AIRBORNE

[AbsoluteArmorer]

73. pric25

You had one hell of a job in the buzzard boonies brother. High target for the NVA.

Back in those days, many wanted to earn those jump boots as it became high status to sport those puppies. I remember running across many guys who wanted to impress their girlfriends for being all of that and in that war if you can believe that. I never felt that way. I just wanted to get the hell out and back home. I'll never forget the tight bond with some over there though.

Were you in the Central Highlands (II)?

[Bammo]

74. LOL - I hear ya' Bro'

Seriously Bro', this SOB in CGCS (forum) went by the name Marine came out with this humpin a 120 lb radio in the field---serious! LOL

Then there was this azz-hole Flydiddler (Flydangler) who was a CO and took the NVA on with a crossbow and a K Bar! LOL ---Serious as the day has 24 hours!

Now we got another wanna bee SOB who likes to cuddle up with Nam Vets or any Vet - real Vet that will believe his BS -- Ace-Hole (Acebass)

Hell I bet he could beat both stories above -- in a flash! LOL

Hang Tough~

[BikeWriter]

12. I've seen a lot of wannabees, including one...

who claims his expeditionary forces ribbon from being offshore of Lebanon is more respected by the military than our VietNam Service Medals. Give me a freak'n break! Well, I have an original copy of my DD-214 and a copy of orders to my unit in-country. I can and will produce them as needed.
Another butthead has hung out at my American Legion Post for years, claiming to be a vet. When asked to join he comes up with excuses why he won't provide a DD-214. His ex says she remembers a letter or two to his kids from his permanent duty station in Korea, but not a damned thing from VietNam. Freak'n wannabees!

[Bammo]

14. BikeWriter

I hear ya' Bro' for sure! Those URL'S I posted up there about Bangkok Bobby and his Vietnam Medals - the dumb SOB posted them online in the wrong order Bro' and insisted that the RVN Campaign was higher than the VN Service.

Bro' to be honest, anyone can produce a fake DD214 and wanna bee's are notorious for this BS. The most wanna bee SOB'S I met Bro' were in places like the American Legion and VFW. Hell Bro' those SOB'S didn't want any part of our azz's when we came back - me personally don't need the sorry SOB'S now! That there is my personal preferance Bro'!

I hear ya' on wanna bee SOB'S though - there are beaucoup out there and they think their Ace's and are really Ass's Bro'!

Hang Tough - feel free to check out Bammo's Bunker Bro' anytime - http://d21c.com/Bammo/BBunker.html - supported Kerry big-time on that site and also Bammo's Biker Bunker. Hey, took my fire from the Red, White, and Blue Hanoi Jane and WWF mentality Vets about Kerry. But seen a lot then that others are seein' now about the Wanna Bee' War Prez - "SHRUB" - number uno wanna bee of them all!

Hang Tough~

[1stCav]

25. Good Job

Damn Bammo, that is one good site you got there. What is this the one hundred and worst room? Kidding Bammo, good meeting you. Liked your site there a lot. Decent Bammo, very well done up.
What year or years in Vietnam Bammo? I was with the 1st Cav 2nd of the 7th in 67. Got hit the same year. Nice meeting you Bammo, like I told AA good to see Vietnam Vets in here together.

[Bammo]

37. Thanks Bro'

Glad you liked the site 1st Cav. Hey your welcome at Bammo's Bunker anytime Bro'!

Hey, my pleasure meetin' ya' Bro'---for sure! Was in Nam with the 101st 68-69 then moved on down with the Americal Bro' - 69-70 - Didn't make my full 2nd bid Bro' - got whacked like you! Japan, California, Fort Hood Army Hospital and out --to the VAMC! Great place to visit back then but being a patient -- not a good scene, as you know Bro'!

Hang Tough~

[Bammo]

31. BikeWriter

Forgot to ask you Bro' - you ride a Bike? Had me a nice cruiser Bro', some drunk MoFo totaled it and me this summer!

I'll be back up and ridin' by Memorial Day - that there is my goal Bro'!

If you ride Bro' - what do ya' straddle?

Hang Tough~

[1stCav]

16. Wanna Bee

AA very good subject you have here. Popular to be a Vietnam Veteran, how times have changed. I really have no use for these kind of people but it is a fad. And like all fads they wear off and claiming one is a Vietnam Veteran is not going to take one very far. How far did it take Kerry? How far did it take John McCain? The scope on the Vietnam Vet has not changed much since we got back to this here world. Think another Nam Vet posted the reason, we were losers. The government of this country passed the buck and put the spade on our forehead for the Vietnam War and the people of the U.S. bought it, lock, stock and barrel. Do not have much use for wanna bees AA, but theirs will come and smack them, wait and see. You know it, I know it, Vietnam is still a very sore topic here in the U.S. Your a Nam Vet right AA? 1st Cav 2nd of the 7th 67 AA. Any wanna bee want to take my port folio AA, let them, it will not get them far.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

21. The Unpopular War

Good meeting you 1stCav. As a screaming eagle I was attached to SERTS at Evans...RVN first in. That's where I lost my cherry if you catch my drift about 10 days in. Charlie was infiltrating the wires there at Evans.... we lost guys there that I did not know there names. I found out that was the best way to get through Vietnam... not get too close to anybody. Remain detached.... remember that 1stCav? Death didn't hurt as much when detached.

It really upset me in how Kerry was trashed for his service. Heck, I even admit that he seemed to have hot dog it up some during his campaign with it all, but he also still earned the right to share what he wanted with the public as far as I was concerned. I felt his medals were earned.Those swift floaters were wrong with what they reported about Kerry. I am ok with those who gave their opinions, but they crossed over the line making their trash campaign fact. Then, I was pissed off at Kerry for not busting those swift floaters square in the face asap! He should have dragged every damn one of them into court and made them eat their words for that they trashed him over. That was more disappointing to me over the entire swifty trash ordeal. Hell, I bet if one dug through all those swift floater's records.... some would be 'up to snuff' also. That's how you deal with apples to apples scenarios... bust it square in the face as it's brought down on yourself. Kerry chose the wrong option with letting all that ride. My honest opinion.

So 1st Cav, what experiences have you had with wannabes after your pull in Vietnam? I guess what seems to be another problem with me is us in-country war vets having to somehow share the same turf with RAs who seem to suck up a lot of oxygen when in they encroach our space. The short while I've been in a few forums, I may add in some of my own personal experience or knowledge about Vietnam, of which eventually there seems to be some resentment to such information that I share with others in trying to help them to better understand the unknown outcomes of this IraqNam situation today. It seems as if I've stepped on some sensitive toes when it comes to telling the truth as I experienced it myself. Ever experience those moments in forums or real life too 1stCav?

Do we have as much of a problem with RAs seeking to be wannabe 'war' vets as much as civilian wannabes wanting to be war vets?

[1stCav]

24. AAmorer

I was just a grunt with the 1st Cav 2nd of the 7th in 1967 AA. Didn't even make it a tour AA when i got hit in the shoulder. Spent a lot of time in Japan then California then ETS'D and was sent to a VAMC. Met some real decent people there AA, Vietnam Vets and yeah, now meet a lot of wanna bee's as you put it. My dad has been hunting for a friend of mine that I was in the VA with on his PC and was directed to this one talk room. Not chat room, discussion room, politics. Man this one guy there posted his Vietnam Medals and some other crap like he was John Rambo. Come to find out, this guy was stationed in Thailand AA. I could not believe my eyes when my dad showed me this guys bull shit. The Discussion Room was Political Board or something like that. I'll ask my dad tonight. What I did notice in this place was there were some Vietnam Veterans that wrote in there but a lot was blank like it had been tossed or something. These Vietnam Veterans had the words banned over their names. Now whats with that crap? My dad asks about my friend and is given the third degree by this so called John Rambo who was not in Vietnam at all. Maybe when I see my dad he will tell me the name of this dicussion room and this John Rambo that to me after seeing what he posted is what you call a wanna bee. I sure as hell call him that. AA, this guy said he was stationed in Thailand and came off as if he fought in Vietnam, in country. So you were with the one hundred and worst hey. Joking, AA joking. If I get this discussion rooms address from my dad, I'll pass it on to you along with this wanna bees name and where he put his John Rambo crap. Something to see AAand I wonder whats with this banned stuff over these so called Vietnam Veterans name that must of belonged to this discussion room. Good meeting you AA, glad to see we have some Vietnam Veterans in here.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

27. pukin' buzzards

Yes sir 1stCav.... it was the ole hundred one and worse. Sometimes I think it lived up to it's 'nam handle over there. We had some air cav stragglers with us up where I was at 1stCav.... seems like both the Cav and (air)Airborne units intermixed a lot up in I Corps. We couldn't figure out which poor shit was crazier between the two. I think it's a draw. lol

You know I caught wind of this from another poster about some forums that was hittin hard on a few 'nam vets. I though maybe it was a fluke and just a loose rumor floating around in these forums, but sounds like this comes up more and more here lately. I'll try to locate the poster I heard some of this from, but at this point in what I remember in the short conversation with him was that there was some sort of pack of bush supporters pretending to be democrats.... or libertarians... something or another, and they'd follow these 'nam vets around in the forums pushing them into arguments until the forums mods would end up banning these 'nam vets. Not sure what the reasons were other than these guys would not take crap off those cheap shooters especially if they'd start getting the upper hand on these freeping flamers, the mods would suppress these 'nam vets and then later banned these guys too. I tell you, if that's the case there needs to be major changes made in some of those forums if they are squelching real vets who go after Bush and his bandits. I'll check around to see if I can locate this one poster who alerted me about this and pass it on here.

Let me know what you find out also 1stCav. Much like this country is now divided, us vets need to start coming together more against these wannabes and flamers who have this special forum backup power that gets vets banned. Sounds like you found one remf who beats his chest to the tune of those who really paid the ultimate price. Keep us posted 1stCav!

[Bammo]

30. Pukin' Buzzard AA

LOL - we had all kinds of names didn't we -- Belchin' Buzzard, Pukin' Chicken etc. etc.

Again AA I heard the same about a couple of forums that come off as Democratic, Independent, Progressive and preach the "SHRUB" gospel!

And hell yeah AA, they do not like in your face Nam Vets or any in your face person for that matter. Both these forums are called Swamp 1 and Swamp 2 by many of us that been through these "SHRUB" havens!

Serious AA - they are both unreal - You got to meet the head honcho in Swamop 1 - Sand-Woman (LOL) what a trip --and not a good one Bro'!

Swamp 2 we have this Bangkok Bobby with all his free-kin John Wayne BS medals posted. This SOB tossed a lot of good anti-Shrub Nam Vets, Vets, and people because they didn't agree with every word this cult leadin' fraud preached and still does!

Think 1stCav's Dad is in Swamp 2 Bro' - damn if he has a pair- he won't be there for long! LOL

Yup, AA you heard right on those forums - PM me and I'll give you the URL'S - you can check them out and tell me!

Remember a lot of posts have been wiped off both of these "SHRUB" heavens - to make their action seem clean! Read between the lines AA --PM me and I'll gladly give you the URL'S --so you can judge for yourself Bro'!

AA you ever here of a place called NeoConXposure? PM me and I'll give you that in your face --"SHRUB" smackin' just about anything goes forums URL as well! Its new but has potential ! I hope! LOL


Hang Tough~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

40. Calling all Wannabes and ChickenHawks

Well Bammo, I made it into that Political (Swamp) place and it looks boring as hell to me. I did not see anything that really represented real war vets unless I missed something. But you did say that a lot of 'Nam vets or threads has been deleted off that forum? If so that would explain as to why it's flatter than the belly of a snake. Whose this Bangkok Bobby Bammo? Is that his handle in this Swamp forum? Are there two swamp forums? Are they ran by the same folks? I'm a little confused as to what you are speaking about Bammo... and wondered if you could explain this out more for me here. Do these forums really go after 'nam vets or just any veteran? Help me out here as to understand what their motive is for doing what you say they do. If this is true then I think there's a real problem taking place and it should be addressed.

Then one thing I do notice Bammo is how many try to work in the fact that if we don't support the war, that we also then don't support the troops and use that a as a tool to divide the people by in order to guilt them to support this insane Bush regime. I may go deeper here later about my feelings about which troops I support and don't but for now, I support what the troops have to do as ordered to do what they do in a combat zone. We handled things a little different in Vietnam... and maybe in time, the Iraq veterans will follow suit to force this corrupt regime to face their music.

Thanks for whatever tips you can give us about these swamp forums.... we need to know what's going on. I will check out this NeoConXposure too... sounds like a good cold hard factual place to visit. I like that.. REALITY! I think maybe this veterans section here in DU shows promise too. A good way to unite. I'll give a report on my visit there too.

Thanks Bammo

[AbsoluteArmorer]

41. "walk in the shoes of a real veteran who has never served in combat"

I love what this is stated at the end of this article. That's how to see it! Those who never served in COMBAT... know anybody like that who pounds their chest in their forum bravery?

____________________________________
©The Morning Journal 2006

ELYRIA -- Two men were arrested for posing as veterans and collecting money with a bogus ''Support Our Troops'' campaign at Wal-Mart Thursday evening.

Joseph J. Sigmund Jr., 41, and William C. Rogers, 47, both of Akron, were arrested and charged with theft by deception and possession of criminal tools, according to police.

Lt. Andy Eichenlaub said police confiscated $659 from the two men at Wal-Mart. Several large blue buckets sat on a lawn chair next to Sigmund to collect the donations.

He was missing part of his left arm just below his elbow so police said it appeared he was a combat veteran from the Vietnam War. At Wal-Mart, he had a sign that read, ''United Veteran Fund Donations,'' according to police

When police asked him what unit he was with during his service, Sigmund admitted he was not a military veteran. He was wearing a T-shirt with a United States flag on it, olive green pants and a blue baseball hat with a ''United Veteran Association'' emblem.

He also reportedly had a license for an organization called the United Veteran Association, but police said it looked like it was photocopied. The license had a phone number but the number was no longer working when police tried to call it, according to reports. Sigmund told police he made contact with the number two days ago.

Sigmund also claimed the organization had a Web site. Police could not find a Web address with that name. Police dispatchers also called several veterans groups but they all said no one was out collecting donations yesterday.

Sigmund told police he had booked an appointment with Wal-Mart to collect donations yesterday. Police found Rogers around the corner collecting money from where Sigmund was set up.

A child, who police said was 10 years old or younger, showed police where Rogers was collecting donations. The boy told police he gave money to Rogers. A 46-year-old woman from North Ridgeville also told police she contributed money to Rogers.

Sigmund told police in a taped interview the whole operation with Rogers started last year. Sigmund said he was homeless and unemployed last July at a Giant Eagle parking lot with a ''will work for food'' sign. He said last year Rogers approached him and offered to pay him $6 an hour to ask for donations for veterans organizations.

He told police at the time he thought he would be working for a legitimate veterans group. Last November, Rogers told Sigmund they would no longer be able to work because the United Veteran Organization was being investigated, according to police. In July, Rogers called Sigmund and asked if he would like to do the same collection operation and they would split the proceeds in half, according to police.

Rogers said he would be in charge of booking the organization at the stores in the northern Ohio area and Sigmund would collect donations, police said. Sigmund told police he would spend between six and 10 hours collecting money at each location. He reportedly said they made between $200 and $600 at each store. He admitted to police yesterday that he did not give any money to a charitable organization.

This year, the first collection operation was on July 3 at Hawkins Grocery store in Medina, Sigmund told police. Rogers and Sigmund conducted similar operations at stores in Medina, Akron, Fremont and Ashland, according to police. Most of the locations they collected donations at were Wal-Mart stores, Sigmund said.

Eichenlaub said Elyria police will call police departments in those cities to tell them what they found in Elyria.

''We'll notify them what we have here,'' he said. ''It will be up to them to investigate.''

Eichenlaub said any theft of more than $500 results in a felony charge.

Both officers who arrested the men have served in the military.

''I wouldn't even begin to know where to comment,'' said Officer Rick Piscione, a former commander of the AMVETS Post 32 in Elyria. ''I really have a problem with someone who tries to walk in the shoes of a real veteran who has never served in combat.''

[Bammo]

43. Made it to PS AA (LOL)

Yeah Bro', that PS is one dead ass SOB but it wasn't always like that. Had a few good Vets in there Bro' -- few Nam Vets real ones - LOL ! They posted their anti "SHRUB" stuff and everything was cool for a while.

We had one that was a honcho Bro' (Mod) Nam Vet who went by Scout - pretty squared away dude. We became pretty good Bro's! Well this other Honcho Ace - Bass (LOL) tried to snuggle up to Vietnam Vets in PS and the other Swamp CGCS - will PM ya' that URL --got to check out the lifer SOB'n legends in there ! LOL Marine, Flydangler, Joe ee (changes his name all the time) will send ya' the URL for their Lifer hootch! LOL

Ace-Bass got tossed from there supposidly by Sand-Woman - Bro' what a beech and I mean number #1 beech! Un-real --she had a protection racket going in Swamp 1 (CGCS) LOL

Well Ace-Bass snuggled up with me and another Nam Vet in CGCS - we had him pegged but used the scumbag - then he was tossed. They started up this other Democratic (yeah) forum PS (send ya' the URL -PM) and everthing was good for a while.

Well Ace-Bass was jealous of this Scout (Nam Vet) for some reason and always put him down, like he was yesterdays trash. Scout fired back and I jumped on Ace-Bass for this BS. Well Bro' - I was tossed for this along with Scout and a few others.

This Ace-Bass who claimed he was a Nam Vet - served in Bangkok Thailand - thats how he got the handle Bangkok Bobby! The SOB never set a foot in Country Bro' or in the waters near the Nam --THAILAND Bro' !

All of a sudden somebody after I was tossed sends me some URL'S of him posting his Medals on this PS - think the URL'S are above! LOL The dumb SOB had the things in the wrong order and finally straightened em' out!

To me Bro' - this SOB --Bangkok Bobby (Ace-Bass) of this P(iss) S(top) forum is nothing but a wanna bee SOB. Not because he is lower than snake sheet Bro' --but he tossed good Nam Vets so he could come off as a war hero there.

Go on over there and check out his posts in Veterans Bro' - LOL!

Hell go on over and sign up and tell him you know me - you'll get tossed before you lay down a second post! LOL

I'll PM ya' the URL'S Bro' !

Yeah I think both Swamps are alligned PS and CGCS - for sure! No doubt in my mind! Another "SHRUB" propaganda trick if you ask me Bro' -- pure and simple! Check out this other hero in PS Bro' Buddy S---- , mommad----, polit---, they have a true cult Bro' --no BS!

Hang Tough AA - hope I didn't confuse the hell out of ya'! LOL ~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

46. Heavy Forum Metal Jacket

Well Bammo... I am not so much confused by all that you shared with us here, but at how much some of this possibly went on. I will have to find time to look over these urls you are PMing me and see if i can make heads or snake's tails out of this terrible set of circumstances that seems to have taken place in these swamp forums you mention. Please be patient with me some here, for I am working on other projects that takes up quite a bit of my time. Bu the sound of this so far... there's this A-bass fellow who seems to have a problem with Vietnam Vets and maybe this all started sometime ago in this one swamp forum where this A-bass fellow was banned. Correct? So are you saying this A-bass dude now goes after these Vietnam vets because he thinks they caused him to be banned from that forum? Maybe they set him up for that?

I think if this comes to be that this A-bass guy and whomever else is involved are found to be simply 'jealous' and low life idiots who purposely attacks and causes these Vietnam vets to be set up for his own forum kill, then that should be announced all over the internet just as fake wannabe vets should also be exposed for what they are doing.

I know personally I'd take it really hard if that were to happen to me. First of all, living with the disappointments of Vietnam itself and those many years after dealing with the many rejections that came with it, would itself compound my own anger over being treated like that in some forum. Let me make this clear Bammo and to others who read this. In now way did I make it back from Vietnam wanting handouts and freebies for nothing. All I wanted was a chance to move on. Many doors were closed... and that where the serious problems steps in as far as I myself am concerned after coming home. The neglect became ole hat... so no biggie. I got used to that. It was the lost opportunities and negative fall out for being a Vietnam vet that hurt the worse. To be treated like what you have been describing here so far Blammo would really upset very much if it were to happen to me. Just for the fact that I see it as a huge slap in the face of all Vietnam vets... and hell... all war vets too.

Also Blammo, these medals this A-bass posted to you.... were these Vietnam medals that he posted and he was not in Vietnam? That needs to be looked into as well. I will check with some officers out of the Nam when I run into them and see what gives on the status of that. Please remind me later on to check that out if I forget to follow up on that. I will need to view those medals if you know where they are. There may be some Ace of Spades to pass out in the near future on this one.

Screaming Eagles never die only devour!

[Lowell]

20. This problem dates back to the Civil War

from what I understand. Each generation has its wannabes that are eager to steal the honor from the true combat vets.
It is interesting how suddenly everyone wants to be a combat vet. I remember coming home and no one wanted me to date their daughter.
If you want to do something about it go sign this petition to protect the integrity of military medals.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/995859122?ltl=1142527211

Oh, and welcome home bros.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

22. the ole snubbed routine

Greetings Lowell.... and thanks for the welcome back. Same to you brother.

Yeah I remember how that went down too when I came back home .... anxious to find a good American round eye (general term used a lot back when we were in) gal to date... but funny thing was... they avoided us for a long long time. We had become tainted meat. Ignore 'them' and we'll finally go away. It worked... I didn't want nothing to do with 'our own' society anymore. Guess that was a little taste of our own 'casualties of war' from that mistake war as if we had anything to do with being in Vietnam in the first place. Another was to do with jobs also. Another was how it blocked housing for fresh vets back from the jungle. The list goes on. Brings backs memory brother.... sad ones but real ones.

I signed the petition.

[Lowell]

23. Readjustment was difficult

I ended up spending eleven years in the Army. Then I did a hitch in the Navy. It has taken years for me to assimilate back into American society. Those years of service was a real education. Living in foreign countries opens your eyes to how we are perceived by the rest of the world. It was, for me. a growth experience. What I learned I brought home. I question everything now.

I've been a lifetime member of the VFW for years. I am a member of the American Legion also. I am vitally interested in the quality of life of our veterans and those still serving. I remember when I first joined the VFW I was routinely snubbed by the old "super patriots" of the WWII era. They acted like we were all a bunch of long haired losers. But I stuck it out. Today we are becoming the old guard and I am seeing positive changes in these organizations. Probably the biggest change is that we are not going to allow what happened to us to happen to the vets coming home today.

Thanks for signing the petition.

[Bammo]

29. Petition

Bro', tried to sign your petition and nothing happened- will try again later - for sure Bro' ! I agree with what that petition states Bro' - 100%

Bro' - welcome back - you know a lot of our souls never made it home!

Hang Tough ~

[Lowell]

38. It is a sad thing Bammo

that so many of us who did come home never really did. I know many who are still fighting that stinking war every night when they close their eyes.

Thanks for signing the petition and welcome home.

[Bammo]

44. Welcome Home Bro'

I sure as hell here ya' Bro' - for sure! And don't think things are going to change much for our new Bro's and Sisters coming back from that SHRUB fiasco. Starting to see them in the VAMC I go to Bro'!

Like looking in a mirror - for sure! They are going to need all the support they can get to fight Uncle Sammy and his VA for what they truly deserve in bennies!

Hang Tough Bro' and hell yeah--Welcome Home --for sure!

[AbsoluteArmorer]

34. WWII vets and Nam vets

You opened another batch of memories Lowell. For whatever reason(s) those WWII vets sure disliked us. I could not figure out why there was that wall between us vets.... until some rumors later floated around with how maybe they did think we lost that war... or the fact that we did not fight like real men. Not sure, but they just snubbed us good for decades. I can honestly say that since 1990 or so, some of those walls has been torn down.... and now several WWII vets who sees me wearing my old rag with the eagle patch will shake my hand. Odd feeling when that ever happens... to be approached by a stranger thanking me. Glad we finally bridged that gap between us.... now to shuck the wannabes and stupid Bush loving lifers who supports this nonsense with these ME wars for profit and world power.

[Lowell]

39. An Aid to Healing

A lot of us go so used to living on the edge that when we got out we continued to live that way. I've been a biker since the 1960s and always lived close to the line myself. A few months ago, October 05, I read about the shabby treatment some of our dead soldiers were getting by a bunch of protesters out of Kansas. A group called the Patriot Guard Riders had formed to balance out the hate and venom of this group.

When I joined the PGR there was only about 500 members, now we number 17,000 nationwide. I think that says that we are doing something right. I'm preparing to make my fifth mission ride next weekend. Another of our brave young men has died in Iraq and the PGR is going to welcome him home and show our support to his family. This is something we never got when we came home and I don't want the mistake to be made again.

Whenever I make one of these mission rides I am overwhelmed by the number of old grey bearded viet vets I see. We embrace and welcome each other home. These missions not only help the families of our fallen cope with their loss, they help us all to heal. Our members are not all old grizzled viet vets, many are young people. Themselves vets now. It is an education talking with them. They are facing many of the problems we faced forty years ago.

It just goes to show that you can support your troops without supporting the war. Bikers from a full spectrum of political beliefs attend these rides and we leave our politics at the door. We are, after all, veterans first.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

42. real vets vs wannabes who has never served in combat

I love what this is stated at the end of this article. That's how to see it! Those who never served in COMBAT... know anybody like that who pounds their chest in their forum bravery?

____________________________________
©The Morning Journal 2006

ELYRIA -- Two men were arrested for posing as veterans and collecting money with a bogus ''Support Our Troops'' campaign at Wal-Mart Thursday evening.

Joseph J. Sigmund Jr., 41, and William C. Rogers, 47, both of Akron, were arrested and charged with theft by deception and possession of criminal tools, according to police.

Lt. Andy Eichenlaub said police confiscated $659 from the two men at Wal-Mart. Several large blue buckets sat on a lawn chair next to Sigmund to collect the donations.

He was missing part of his left arm just below his elbow so police said it appeared he was a combat veteran from the Vietnam War. At Wal-Mart, he had a sign that read, ''United Veteran Fund Donations,'' according to police

When police asked him what unit he was with during his service, Sigmund admitted he was not a military veteran. He was wearing a T-shirt with a United States flag on it, olive green pants and a blue baseball hat with a ''United Veteran Association'' emblem.

He also reportedly had a license for an organization called the United Veteran Association, but police said it looked like it was photocopied. The license had a phone number but the number was no longer working when police tried to call it, according to reports. Sigmund told police he made contact with the number two days ago.

Sigmund also claimed the organization had a Web site. Police could not find a Web address with that name. Police dispatchers also called several veterans groups but they all said no one was out collecting donations yesterday.

Sigmund told police he had booked an appointment with Wal-Mart to collect donations yesterday. Police found Rogers around the corner collecting money from where Sigmund was set up.

A child, who police said was 10 years old or younger, showed police where Rogers was collecting donations. The boy told police he gave money to Rogers. A 46-year-old woman from North Ridgeville also told police she contributed money to Rogers.

Sigmund told police in a taped interview the whole operation with Rogers started last year. Sigmund said he was homeless and unemployed last July at a Giant Eagle parking lot with a ''will work for food'' sign. He said last year Rogers approached him and offered to pay him $6 an hour to ask for donations for veterans organizations.

He told police at the time he thought he would be working for a legitimate veterans group. Last November, Rogers told Sigmund they would no longer be able to work because the United Veteran Organization was being investigated, according to police. In July, Rogers called Sigmund and asked if he would like to do the same collection operation and they would split the proceeds in half, according to police.

Rogers said he would be in charge of booking the organization at the stores in the northern Ohio area and Sigmund would collect donations, police said. Sigmund told police he would spend between six and 10 hours collecting money at each location. He reportedly said they made between $200 and $600 at each store. He admitted to police yesterday that he did not give any money to a charitable organization.

This year, the first collection operation was on July 3 at Hawkins Grocery store in Medina, Sigmund told police. Rogers and Sigmund conducted similar operations at stores in Medina, Akron, Fremont and Ashland, according to police. Most of the locations they collected donations at were Wal-Mart stores, Sigmund said.

Eichenlaub said Elyria police will call police departments in those cities to tell them what they found in Elyria.

''We'll notify them what we have here,'' he said. ''It will be up to them to investigate.''

Eichenlaub said any theft of more than $500 results in a felony charge.

Both officers who arrested the men have served in the military.

''I wouldn't even begin to know where to comment,'' said Officer Rick Piscione, a former commander of the AMVETS Post 32 in Elyria. ''I really have a problem with someone who tries to walk in the shoes of a real veteran who has never served in combat.''

[Bammo]

45. Scum

That there Bro' is total Scum ! Man wish some Vets found these two before the cops did and beat the hell out of them!

Bet these two scumball SOB'S supported the War Prez as well -- little Texass "SHRUB"!

Man these here fools are true wanna bee SOB'S !

Good post Bro' - unreal what some will do for piaster and some instant glory!

Unreal Bro'-- those two should get lost in a deep lake!

Hang Tough~

[1stCav]

48. Lot of Scum out there

Bammo, like I told Armorer I do not condone what these Bozos did at all. But a lot of scum has made money off of the Support the Troop logo that has gone across the nation. Most of those ribbons do not say anything about donating any money to any Veteran organization at all. I see where Armorer and you are coming from but lets get the whole picture. Whats the difference between these two jerks and some store selling those Support the Troop logos, except for a liscense to sell?

[Lowell]

59. Hey Bammo I really enjoyed your website

I sent you an email but it bounced. Anywhooo, I enjoyed it so much I linked it to my Legion Riders site. Keep up the good work and thanks for the terrific tributes on your site.

[Bammo]

60. Thanks for the thumbs up Bro'

Lowell. new e mail addy here Bro', [e-mail]! Glad you liked the site Bro'---for sure! Your Legion Riders got a web site Lowell, pass it on and I'll gladly link it up to Bammo's Biker Bunker Bro'!

Thanks again for the words Bro' --hang tough --ride safe and ride with free-kin pride! (LOL) You earned that right! (bammo@webtv is a goner Bro'---got to change that SOB (LOL) thanks for the heads up! LOL

[1stCav]

47. Any Difference

Armorer can you believe that these guys had the brass to even try this stunt? Got to ask you Armorer, what is the difference between these two bozos taking money for supporting the troops or some store profiting off of those ribbons that they sell? Do not see that any of that money they make off of the ribbon sales goes to anything that will assist the Veteran or Troop. Looks to me like the same kind of operation, only thing these two bozos got caught and didn't have a vending license. Not that I condone this Armorer, because I don't. But I really wonder how much money has been made off of this Support The Troop motto that has spread across this country. I bet a lot has been made and not much has gone to any Veteran organization that helps or assists Veterans.
But I do see where your coming from Armorer and agree that crap like this is not called for in any way.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

49. Bammo, IstCav and the other war vets here..... please contribute

your views about how wannabe vets effect you personally. Aside from the obvious rip off schemes behind wannabe cons, lets touch on the personal levels that these wannabes affect us so.

I have noticed some deep intensity that exists in Bammo and 1stCav much like it sometimes exists in myself that probably touches on our past war experiences. I wish not to go into details everything that triggers our angers about the Vietnam war but more so what it is that bothers us directly about wannabe war vets and bs'rs. If you can Bammo, 1stCav and the other real vets in here with us, tell me and this forum what is it about these wannabe vets that really pisses us off personally. What has happened in your past war experiences that fuels your anger over these jokers. Mine has to do with trust.... all the bs lies that went with that war in Vietnam. See the connection? Lies... and the guys who still lie to this day!! Come back to me real war vets... lets nail this creeping crude that drives the blind of this nation!!

:nuke:

[1stCav]

55. Seen my share AA

Armorer, and the other Vets in here, with over 58,000 names on the Vietnam Wall in DC and a lot of guys physically and mentally messed up from Vietnam one has to be real low to come off as a Nam Vet when he never seen the place. This kind of shit pisses me off. I got hit in Nam in 67 and was soon in a VA hospital with many wounded Vietnam Vets. The VA hospital was not up to snuff back then and I see it going back that way under Bush. These people that make believe AA are worthless bastards as far as I am concerned. Then you get a Vietnam Vet who wants to run for a political office. What do these politicians do? They drag down the Vietnam Vet the same way we were dragged down by the government and blamed for Vietnam. This shit is low AA, real low.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

50. The Folly of Phonies - a letter by Christine

Take a moment to read this letter about a daughter who found out that her dad was a faker...a liar. How it had to hurt her to learn this about her beloved father. The bold print is what the outcome does to us all. The war vet's angst!


http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Divine_020404,00.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl

My name is Christine and my father was a Navy SEAL in Vietnam. He does not say much about his SEAL days, except that he did a lot of top secret missions that he can't talk about. I am very proud of my Dad, and would like to find out some information about what he did with the SEALs. Can you help me?"

Why did Christine's Dad lie to her about something so basic as what you did for a previous career? Particularly something so unique as claiming to be an elite Navy Commando. Why do so many others create false lives - medal of honor winners, Green Berets, Rangers, Recon Marines, PHD's... and perpetuate them for years, then defend them even when called to the carpet? I do not have the answer - it causes angst amongst veterans who paid the real price of admission. It is particularly brutal when one considers the consequences to relationships where trust is imperative - as with Christine and the other children, wives, friends and employers of Phonies.

[1stCav]

56. Makes me sick

That phonie bull shit makes me sick AA. What a lowdown liar. Imagine being that jerks kid or relative and having to live with what that phonie did. No excuse AA, none at all. Bet the phonie asshole voted for Bush as well another phonie.

[1stCav]

57. See this stuff all the time

AA, was in the Veterans Hospital the other day and ran across a guy I knew from the Vet Center. This guy had more patches and pins on than General Westy himself. Airborne, Ranger, Jungle Shool, Airborne Wings, CIB, Combat Medics Badge, Special Forces Patch , you get the picture. This guy for a fact was a truck driver in the Nam AA. Wonder what makes this guy want to look like something he is not. Makes no sense to me. I told this guy to get rid of all that bull shit and just be himself. Will be interesting to see what he looks like, next time I run into him.

[AbsoluteArmorer]

58. bravo for show

I know what you mean 1stCav about the types who gets into showing more brass than real guts. I myself never was into displaying all that military garb.... even while in the service. For some I guess it's a way to bring them recognition even tho many others have done the same thing as they have. Of course what's worse, is those who have not done it at all and still sport the ribbons and the markings that goes with it. I suppose it's all in how one is brainwashed 1stCav. I think many just leave their honor in the boxes they came in, while for some, they like boasting about them to make themselves feel better in front of others. We had some RAs back in my company who played it up with their PX medals as well to impress the wives or girlfriends back home. Yeah, we saw some who really played it up for the camera a lot. Everywhere ya look 1stCav, there's wannabe heroes.

[Bammo]

61. I hear both of you

AA, 1st Cav, I hear what your definately saying Bro's --for sure! Seen my share at the VAMC as well 1st Cav -- Call those Azz-Holes --Brasso'd Spitoons with all the sheet they wear! Un-real --hey! They are out there--for sure!

Both of you are invited to visit Bammo's Bunker http:d21c.com/Bammo/BBunker.html and Bammo's Biker Bunker http://d21c.com/Bammo/BBikerB.html -- anytime! Tell me what you think---forget the e mail addy doesn't work anymore!---got to change that! LOL

In fact anyone that visits DU is invited to check out my sites ---anytime! They were both heavy anti-"SHRUB" sites and JK sites in the 2004 election --and with pride!

1stCav --watch out for those Brass Spitoons--not the outside Bro'--but whats in em'! LOL

Hang Tough~

[AbsoluteArmorer]

62. damn good site!

Thanks for your link to yuor site Bammo... I felt like I was among the real brothers of that war when visiting there. I'll pass your link out to those I feel may be real war vets and let them have a look see. Thanks again.

[Name removed]

63. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Acebass]

64. What do you mean by Wannabes?

I'm a four year veteran of the Air Force.68-72, 18 months in Southeast Asia, but there is one in this thread who has called me a wannabe. Even went so far as to register with bogus names on my forum in order to disrupt my web site because of it.

What do you think of a fellow veteran that would degrade anothers service to his country to boost their own stature?

What do you think of a veteran who backstabs another veteran for his own personal gain?
I agree we veterans have to stick together, but how does one reconcile with someone like that. Specially someone that would come to your web site and leave a link here to this thread...

Like you said a true veteran doesn't have to prove what he or she did for their country, they know. Well I know what I did in support of my country, and I'm damn proud of it!...


Hi Bammo!... a promise is a promise...

[AbsoluteArmorer]

71. the difference is war/combat vets vs wannabes

Welcome aboard Acebass,

I see that you wish to learn the difference between wannabes and war/combat vets by your questions to the title of this thread. I'll do my best to share just what I believe is the real truth between the two. Of course, some of my own explanations would be of my own personal opinions as a war vet and what I have learned from other war vets through time.

First I must ask you this. You said you spent 18 months in SE Asia. Were you in Vietnam and if so, what were some of the places you were at? No need to detail out the villes. Just places in general will be fine. Being that you were in the AF, that would certainly limit many areas of Vietnam down to only several places for the fixed wing aircraft to operate from. Being you stated that you were AF, that also would eliminate operating from any aircraft carrier under the Navy, but I could be wrong if, in fact, some AF personnel joined any of those Naval ships in operations.

There would usually be no reason to degrade a fellow war vet unless that veteran gave another veteran a reason for doing so. When I was in Vietnam, I came across several dickheads who I would not stand behind because of their actions. What I am stating is, not every war veteran is an automatic trusted individual. Same thing exists in society as well. I think that most in general though, are upright and trusting. On the other hand, if another gives reasons for one to front that person for their actions, then any natural bond or trust that should exist possibly doesn't depending on the severity of such reasons. I've made it known here in this thread that I did not care much for some remfs and lifers only because of their attitude that they took with me first off. Those who pound their chest more than others, especially when they were not involved under certain combat conditions, my respect for them is very low. For those who treat me with respect, they get it in return. That holds true in all of society as well when braggarts take center stage.

You mention backstabbers. Well, in my short time in forums as well as in all of society throughout life, there has been many backstabbers that I have encountered. Too bad that this problem in society seems to be very common. So common, that it has almost become the norm. I am one who sees an eye for an eye when it comes to such. I know that is not how many in our society wishes to handle things, but then nice guys finish last don't they?

My philosophy is when one's conscious is bothering them, they usually lash out aimlessly and try to defend themselves in a way that appears to be a little much. I can usually spot the paranoia in one's voice or writings.

I'll wait for your answer to my first question before asking anything further.

[Name removed]

72. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

76. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Moderator]

77. Locking

Flame war and off-topic.