The Soldier
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 276
Likes: 40
From: Lincoln NE
As a vet myself and working with veterans dailty,I know the sacrafices you have gone through and want you to know they are greatly appreciated.
What touches me the most about veterans is that when offerred any services they feel like they don't deserve them and would rather not take it. In my book the most unselfish individuals there are.
I salute all veterans.
What touches me the most about veterans is that when offerred any services they feel like they don't deserve them and would rather not take it. In my book the most unselfish individuals there are.
I salute all veterans.
Geaux Tigers!!!!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 424
From: DeRidder LA
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
For a great many of us, We who served in Vietnam, we share your pain, and anguish. My only request of my government, If you need me again, Don't take me if your unsure. And when I'm trained and put out on the battlefield, Please don't second guess my training, or my purpose. I don't want your thanks, just some support and dedication to the job. Lastly, don't waste my fellow soldier, his life like mine won't be replaced.
Good luck to you my friend, Enjoy your ZO-6. One day, perhaps the people we serve, they might remember what they asked us for.
Good luck to you my friend, Enjoy your ZO-6. One day, perhaps the people we serve, they might remember what they asked us for.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana AR
I pray that God has embraced your friend and that he no longer knows pain and suffering. We are forever in his debt for his sacrifice. "Greater love hath no man....................".
We also thank you for your service and sacrifices. I come from a long line of servicemen and I know what you've given for your country. Thank you, my brother..............
Father / Army, Korean war
2 Uncles / Army, Vietnam war
Myself / Army, peace time (most of it)
Son / USMC, 3 tours of Iraq
We also thank you for your service and sacrifices. I come from a long line of servicemen and I know what you've given for your country. Thank you, my brother..............
Father / Army, Korean war
2 Uncles / Army, Vietnam war
Myself / Army, peace time (most of it)
Son / USMC, 3 tours of Iraq
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
It's been nearly 42 years since I served in Vietnam and I still think about the friends I lost there nearly every single day. 
It's been a long time
Posted for: JOHN ALLEN DENNIS:
It's hard to believe that you were killed 33 years ago yesterday. Where has the time gone? I never dreamed that a young black man from St. Louis would have such an impact on my life. I can still picture your face and that big smile as if you were sitting in front of me this very moment. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of you, Sgt. Hitchcock and Cpl. Cunningham. In fact, I have the rubbings of your names from The Wall framed and displayed in my office at work. I still get goose bumps whenever I hear "My Girl" by the Temptations. God, how you loved that song. I just wanted you to know that you and all of the others who paid the ultimate price will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Semper Fi
It's been a long time
Posted for: JOHN ALLEN DENNIS:
It's hard to believe that you were killed 33 years ago yesterday. Where has the time gone? I never dreamed that a young black man from St. Louis would have such an impact on my life. I can still picture your face and that big smile as if you were sitting in front of me this very moment. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of you, Sgt. Hitchcock and Cpl. Cunningham. In fact, I have the rubbings of your names from The Wall framed and displayed in my office at work. I still get goose bumps whenever I hear "My Girl" by the Temptations. God, how you loved that song. I just wanted you to know that you and all of the others who paid the ultimate price will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. Semper Fi
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,287
Likes: 0
From: york pa
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 833
Likes: 2
From: Pembroke, GA
Thank God I haven't personally lost anyone close to me to date and hope to never loose anyone close or God forbid one of my Soldiers. I did have the honor to work with some very professional Marines during my last tour (2007-2008) preparing remains of a young Soldier who was also sniped while they were doing shift change. I had to inventory his personal belongings answer questions the Marines may have had about Army issue items versus outside sourced equipment and what hit hardest was he had pictures in his wallet of a young lady holding a child, makes you think was that his wife/girlfriend or fiancée. His DL had him born 1988 he was barely 19 and his life was gone to this day I think about that young man and his sacrifice for his Country, it was an honor for me to help prep him for return to the States...His name was PFC Trueblood of 3/69 AR we lost approximatley 20 Soldiers during that tour...to the Vets I salute you and to those currently serving as I am myself I salute you also!!!
SSG Noble
Camp Liberty, Iraq
Baghdad
SSG Noble
Camp Liberty, Iraq
Baghdad
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Kempner Tx.
Bro,
I am a 1SG here at Fort Jackson,SC I totally understand what your feeling. I bought my Vette after the second deployment. We are lucky to be born with so much freedom as Americans. The sarcifices are made for others and our kids so they won't have to do what we have done.Bless your buddy
I am a 1SG here at Fort Jackson,SC I totally understand what your feeling. I bought my Vette after the second deployment. We are lucky to be born with so much freedom as Americans. The sarcifices are made for others and our kids so they won't have to do what we have done.Bless your buddy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: greenville north carolina
Your post brought back memories of a similar situation...I recently lost my spotter in Afghanastan...I have been out for years and we had a similar conversation about when he got back he was going to sell all his bikes and buy a brand new Z06. While that dream will never happen for him...I will carry on that dream of his...maybe not a brand spanking new Z06...but it will be in his honor.
I know what you are going through man...if you need to talk...we can exchange numbers.
God Bless.
I know what you are going through man...if you need to talk...we can exchange numbers.
God Bless.
I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go, and did that which others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness...should I fall.
I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained and hoped...
But most of all I have lived times that others say were best forgotten.
At least someday, I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was.........a SOLDIER.
Just a story, or a blur for some. Not important who we were to others. For most, it will never matter as long as their french coffee is hot.
For me however, it was the time of my life. Even the worst of it, brought something good if only the friendships and un breakable bonds that were made. For those out there, Thank you.
As to what this has to do with a C5?
While on a night OP in Iraq, my best friend an I had been discussing how when we got back he was buying a Vette. I was a Mustang guy at the time but loved vettes. 3 hours after we talked about cars a sniper took him out. What made me think about this today I have no clue, but after I got my Z06 I have allways thought of him. So I dedicated my car in his memory.
Ah well, sorry for the rant, guess the boredom is getting to me today.
I went where others feared to go, and did that which others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness...should I fall.
I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained and hoped...
But most of all I have lived times that others say were best forgotten.
At least someday, I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was.........a SOLDIER.
Just a story, or a blur for some. Not important who we were to others. For most, it will never matter as long as their french coffee is hot.
For me however, it was the time of my life. Even the worst of it, brought something good if only the friendships and un breakable bonds that were made. For those out there, Thank you.
As to what this has to do with a C5?
While on a night OP in Iraq, my best friend an I had been discussing how when we got back he was buying a Vette. I was a Mustang guy at the time but loved vettes. 3 hours after we talked about cars a sniper took him out. What made me think about this today I have no clue, but after I got my Z06 I have allways thought of him. So I dedicated my car in his memory.
Ah well, sorry for the rant, guess the boredom is getting to me today.
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
I too have felt the chills while listening to 'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse . I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
Also Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh
I too have felt the chills while listening to 'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse . I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
Also Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,716
Likes: 24,676
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Sorry about the loss of your friend. He is a true hero for protecting our freedom. And thanks for your service - it is deeply appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
No need for thanks, although it is nice to hear sometimes. For those who served, I salute you and your family's. For those who supported, I salute you as well. To all others and anyone who reads this,thanks for reading and possibly you could do the memory of the fallen one service. Just remember them and embrace the freedoms we enjoy.
Better words were never spoken, ex-Navy myself.