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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dr EMD on November 11, 2007, 05:19:08 PM

Title: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Dr EMD on November 11, 2007, 05:19:08 PM
Hi
I got my draft notice right after high school in 1972, but knowing how the US Air Force only allows college grads into combat I enlisted. Twenty one years later I retired as an E-7 from aircraft maintenance and a masters degree in business.
My tours included weekends at Cajon Pass, Tower 55, watching coupling of buffer hook and link trains, and listening to SDP-28 as it is pulling Japanese designed coaches. When I was on Okinawa, I was a member of the Okinawa Model Railroad club at Camp Kue.

To the other brothers/sister in arms, thanks for doing your share of defending our nation.

Dr EMD
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: SteamGene on November 11, 2007, 05:44:09 PM
I received a reserve commission in the artillery in 1965 and went on active duty in 1966.  I spent a year in Korea along or in the DMZ and went on to spend a total of 27 years in the service, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, field artillery - which explains my most common expression: "Eh?" 
My thanks to my father, paratrooper, field artillery, helicopter ambulance pilot, and my father in law, Bendix turret repairman, 8th U.S. Air Force, England, and my uncle, B-26 pilot instructor.
Gene
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: HoboHarley on November 11, 2007, 06:06:16 PM
I think that is a nice thought. I had trains before and after my military time. I came back from WWII as a Tech Sgt summer of '46 with a bunch of Maerklin OO for my kid bro and a beautiful set of The Orient Express in Super O. I was commisioned in '50 just in time for Korea but was stuck states side as an instructor. Sadly a large number of my brothers never came back from Korea. Some who did made it to Nam. I was out by then. I enjoy large scale in the garden. Wonderful people with most having served our country.
 
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Paul W. on November 11, 2007, 07:14:29 PM
My thanks to each and everyone who has served!
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: r.cprmier on November 12, 2007, 07:17:10 AM
To all of my brother and sister veterans, I say "Happy Veterans' Day"!

United States Air Force, 1963-1968. 
Chanute tech grad.  (64)
461st Bomb Wing (SAC)
6486st FMS(MATS)
305th Bomb Wing (SAC)
Several significant TDY assignments
Discharge rank:  Ssgt.

My personal feeling has always been that every fit and able bodied young American male owes his country a moral obligation:   Military time.
I have never heard a veteran say he/she wasn't proud to have served.
God Bless the United Stated of America and her vets.

Rich
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: scottychaos on November 12, 2007, 08:21:00 AM
My Dad is a model railroader and a veteran.
He served in the Navy 1959-1962.
aboard the ship USS Fort Mandan, LSD-21.

thanks Dad!  ;D

Scot
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: epeorus on November 12, 2007, 08:49:43 AM
I spent my time flying off the USS Ranger (CVA-61) during Linebacker 1 and Linebacker 2 in Vietnam (1972).  Even had a couple fellow model railroaders on board.  When we weren't sleeping, flying, or screaming, we had a bit of a round-robin club going.

Jim

Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Terry Toenges on November 12, 2007, 11:52:57 AM
Semper Fi - Do or die.
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Atlantic Central on November 12, 2007, 01:25:30 PM
My Thanks to all of you and to all our Veteran's.

Sheldon
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Stephen D. Richards on November 12, 2007, 03:20:45 PM
To all;  Although I have only been a MRR for a little under two years, I have served for over 26 years and plan to continue.  I am currently in Special Operations and have been in five combat actions so far.  Even so, it is my distinct Honor and Privilege to serve for and with my fellow veterans!  God Bless all who have served and currently serve to keep us free! 
SMSgt Stephen D. Richards, Special Operation Command Central, JSF/NCOIC-Forward
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Tyke on November 12, 2007, 03:28:46 PM
Served 34 years in the Navy:
Aircraft carriers
Destroyers
Submarines
Staff duty in Pearl Harbor
CO, Naval Oceans System Center, San Diego

Retired. retired, retired...started MR just last year.

Tyke
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Kevin Strong on November 12, 2007, 03:56:55 PM
Never served, myself, but growing up in the shadow of Andrews AFB, I developed a healthy respect for those who do. My profound thanks to all of you, past and present. While I may not always agree with the politics that put you in harm's way, that doesn't remotely diminish my respect for you and your brothers and sisters who go there. Politicians come and go. Courage is forever.

Later,

K
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Mike on November 12, 2007, 04:35:16 PM
Well stated, Kevin!
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: David on November 12, 2007, 09:48:10 PM
I served in the USAF 1961-1966.
Airborn Electronic Countermeasures repairman (30153B).
School at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi
Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio SAC
Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Michigan SAC
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: RAM on November 12, 2007, 11:09:24 PM
I served on the USS LakeChampain (CVA 39)  We had a ho layout.
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: dave2-8-0 on November 17, 2007, 12:03:05 PM
U.S. Army 1969 to 1978

When your,  an a active millitary persons path crosses, pause for a moment, offer up a firm handshake, a heartfelt thanks for searving.   

You will never, ever, find an un-gratefull serice person. You probly just made thair day(or year).
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Curmudgeon on November 18, 2007, 04:59:26 PM
Probably not too many of us who have set up a loop of track around the periscopes on a 637 class Nuke fast-attack.
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: SteamGene on November 18, 2007, 07:41:01 PM
I bet you weren't allowed to ring the bell when the boat rigged for silent running!
Gene
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Curmudgeon on November 18, 2007, 08:58:46 PM
Or blow the whistle.
However, in 1972, not too many trains in the model field had such.

If I recall, it was something we grabbed in Faslane or Glasgow on a port call.

Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: robin on November 19, 2007, 07:38:46 AM
I was in the Marine Corps from 1975 until 1995, retired as a Major and loved every moment.   I flew J model Cobras until 1980 then A-4Ms through 1990.  Never fired a shot in anger but blew up a lot of things in the deserts of southern CA and Nevada.  Retired for the last time (I hope) in 2005.I rediscovered trains while attending the USA Command and General Staff College in Ft Leavenworth.  I plan to include some Korean War era hardware including aircraft in my next layout.  I've got enough room to add a second era which will likely be 1914 because I love railway guns and coast artillery from that time frame.

My RR roots go back to a small town in Vermont called Essex Junction where I used to sit on an old baggage cart and watch the trains go by. We still saw some steam in the mid 50s.  How I wish that old station with its covered tracks and water tower were still there.

Robin

For your reading enjoyment:

The Lay of the Lost Traveler By the Honorable Edward J. Phelps

With saddened face and battered hat And eye that told of black despair, On wooden bench the traveler sat, Cursing the fate that brought him there. "Nine hours," he cried, "we've lingered here, "With thought intent on distant homes, "Waiting for the elusive train, "Which, always coming, never comes; "Till, weary, worn, distressed, forlorn, "And paralyzed in every function, "I hope in hell their souls may dwell "Who first invented Essex Junction!"
"I've traveled east; I've traveled west "Over mountains, valley, plain, and river; "'Midst whirlwind's wrath and tempest's blast, "Through railroad's crash and steamboat's shiver; "And faith and courage faltered not, "Nor strength gave way, nor hope was shaken, "Until I reached this dismal spot: "Of man accursed, of God forsaken! "Where strange, new forms of misery "Assail men's souls without compunction, "And I hope in hell his soul may dwell "Who first invented Essex Junction!"
"Here Boston waits for Ogdensburgh, "And Ogdensburgh for Montreal, "And late New York tarrieth, "And Saratoga hindereth all! "From far Atlantic's wave-swept bays, "To Mississippi's turbid tide, "All accidents, mishaps, delays, "Are gathered here and multiplied; "Oh, fellow men, avoid this stop "As you would plague or Peter Fink shun! "And I hope in hell his soul may dwell "Who first invented Essex Junction!"
"And long and late conductors tell "Of trains delayed or late or slow, Till e'en the engine's bell Takes up the cry, `No go! No go!'
"Oh, let me from this hole depart, "By any route, so't be a lone one!" He cried with madness in his heart, And jumped aboard a train: the wrong one. And as he vanished in the smoke He shouted with redoubled unction, "And I hope in hell his soul may dwell "Who first invented Essex Junction!"
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: J R Barnes on November 20, 2007, 09:45:18 PM
Helicopter gunship pilot, 1st CAV Div, 66-67...thanks to all who served their country and welcome home.

Jerry Barnes
Tough Baron 67
Plano, TX
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: mohawk on January 11, 2008, 08:10:19 PM
Thanks Dr EMD;
           I served in the US NAVY from 1964 to 1968.I spent one year 1966-1967
with the U.S.Naval Support Activity in DaNang and ChuLai Vietnam.I appreciate
the kind and supportive remarks posted.
                                                                          Thanks Again
                                                                          Mohawk
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: Bob S on January 12, 2008, 12:36:48 AM
USN 1969-1993.  I became interested in the Ahnapee & Western and the parent Green Bay and Western during my tour as U.S. Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair (SUPSHIP) Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin, 1977-1980.

Resp'y,
Bob S.
Title: Re: I'm a model railroader and a military veteran
Post by: glennk28 on January 13, 2008, 08:36:27 PM
I just found this thread--might as well add my bit.  The draft got me when I graduated from college in 1965--the Army decided to take advantage of all that learning I got and sent me to Walter Reed Medical Center as a laboratory specialist--got out as a SP-5.  A side benefit was exposure to a lot of the eastern roads, and the opportunity to railroad with John Armstrong and Thaddeus Stepek.   Did a lot of model building evenings and weekends at my desk--gj