Warbird Information Exchange

Hi all,

I don't post often since so many say it more eloquently than I do. But I want to express my deepest heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States Military. I never served in the military but I did serve in law enforcement for years before being medically retired. One of my buddies on patrol served as an Army Ranger in Viet Nam. Some of the stories he shared about his experience there still haunt him today. Those stories he shared still haunt ME today. Nobody should have to see war, but until every person on earth makes a better decision, war will be an unfortunate aspect of life.

I call my buddy my hero, but he says he was just doing what his country asked him to do. He's one of the finest human beings I know, humble yet strong and someone you want to have back you up when you need it. He has seen much horror but reveals little, and he still had a servant's heart in law enforcement for twenty years after Nam. While witnessing much of man's inhumanity towards others, we developed a bond that lasts to this day, even though he lives in another state. He's still my hero in the sense that he represents to me the image of all the brave men and women who serve in harm's way. He lost some close friends due to war, and I am honored to be counted as a friend who fought side by side with him in a different kind of war here at home.

There were others who served in the Viet Nam war who worked with me and my buddy at the same department. They were some of the coolest cats I've ever met. Men who were cool under some of the most difficult circumstances yet able to handle the horrors of police work with honor, integrity and humor. The exuded confidence and that instilled confidence in the rest of us. I am honored to have worked with such men. This country is blessed with so many like them who have worn the uniform with pride and honor. They are my heroes!.

My 13 yr. old son is in the US Navy Sea Cadet program and wants to attend the Naval Academy. He has a tremendous respect for our military folks from having worked many airshows where Veterans attend and share their stories. He also met some of the vets from WWII when we worked at the CAF in Camarillo. Some of the nicest folks we've ever met. They are heroes to him as well. I am touched deeply that he too, wants to serve a cause greater than himself.

Many of our Vets from WWII are dying at a rapid rate. I hope this reaches some of them as I want to express my deep gratitude for their service. When the entire world needed them, they stepped up and did their duty. I am in awe of that kind of character. Many of our modern day soldiers exhibit the same kind of character. Where do we get such people? This country owes a great debt for the sacrifice of so many of its people. Veteran's Day is an opportunity to say, THANK YOU! Although it feels inadequate, it comes from the bottom of my heart!

To the future generations who will follow in their footsteps, I say to you, you are following some of the finest people ever to wear the uniform. Wear it with pride and honor for a great legacy has been entrusted to you. I know you will do them proud. To all the Veterans of all the wars...THANK YOU for your service... a grateful nation remembers, on this Veteran's Day!

Dave

Very well said my friend.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

That's a very touching tribute to the fine men and women who have sacrificed so much. It's too bad that there are many, many people here in the States who could care less about our Veterans. I wished more people would just acknowledge their sacrifices, regardless of their political beliefs. Believe it or not, some of the more strident and patriotic supporters of our military Veterans whom I've met over the years were not even born here in the States. Many of those were born and/or grew up in either Communist or repressive regimes, where freedom is a very cherished commodity. Unfortunately because so many people here in the States were born into freedom, they have taken it for granted and forget the sacrifices of what it took for our country to get to that stage.

Thank You, Veterans!

I never wore the uniform, but those who have, and do, have my humble gratitude and utmost respect.


SN

If you haven't seen this article, it's worth a look:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/11/war.vets.photos/index.html

I also want to express my thanks to those who have, to those who are, & those who will be serving our country.

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

Regards
Robbie

_________________
Fly Fast Make Noise!

Thank you to all!

_________________
Shop the Airplane Bunker At
www.warbirdbunker.com

Dearest Veterans
I Salute You!

I took my wife's car in for an alignment yesterday at a little garage I go to. One of the older guys that works behind the desk in there started talking to me about the military and said his father was career Air Force and served in SAC. We talked at length about all of the bases they were stationed at and the planes his father flew on as a navigator: B-17's, B-29's, B-47's, and B-52's. He said he has tons of pictures stashed away in the attic. Made me wonder how many family's of veterans out there have gold mines of pictures stuffed away in boxes. Makes you think...

Happy Veterans Day!

_________________
"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

A Big Thank you to those whom have served and are serving!

_________________
David
1953 M38A1 jeep owner
& Student Pilot soloed 09/09/06
USAF 1984-1986

Very eloquent., Dave.

We also send out our thanks to all veterans who stepped forward to protect their homelands.

My father, Mark, standing next to his buddy in their foxhole in North Africa.


Thanks, Dad.

Warbird I, I think most people do appreciate the service of our vets, as well as our Aussi, Canuk and Brit allies, etc.

It may not be shown as much like attendance at a parade. That's is partly because we live more spread out than is our parents time, more in the suburbs and may not be shopping or be right downtown for the parade, and there are now so many other things going on, such as the football game that was here in Boulder when the parade was in Denver. It is also natural that as people age the events that were central to our parents lives are not a fresh in our memory.

I don't know the climate of WWI well, but in WWW II, we were facing a pretty clear evil in Hitler and then the Pearl Harbor attack and the atrocities by the Japanese on civilians. It was, to a large extent a black and white, John Wayne type war, with clear lines. There were some isolationist, especially as a reaction to the carnage of WW I, but for the most part, especially after Dec. 7, there was strong support for the war. Even some who had been cautious like Lindbergh joined the effort.

In my adult lifetime wars have been different. We have not been directly attacked by another country and the situations have not been as clear cut. Instead of following an FDR or Churchill or Ike, we have had some questionable leaders, and we learned that they were not always worthy of our trust, mush less our young people or our taxes. When Sir Winston made a speech, I don't think the people had to go on Goggle or Fact Check to see what the truth really was.

I think most people appreciate our troops service, but it has become more political, more devisive. One political side has said in our latest war that if you don't support the war and the party that brought it to us, then you don't "support the troops". Those yellow ribbons stuck on the back of so many SUVs and trucks have come to be pro war not just pro soldier. That ignores the 50 to 70% of the people who want Peace. And it leaves vital issues like VA hospital funding in the background.

Last year I was at the U of Colo football game when they had a small ceremony for vets at halftime. Now this was a "tough crowd" to use a performer term. Boulder is a very liberal town, lots of highly educated people, alternate lifestyles, no defense industry here, no big military base or payroll, not a strong tradition of service. Heck, they even have some football players who know where their classrooms are. But when the Vets were introduced, and there was a flyover with some CU grads, people stood and applauded just like elsewhere. And when I travel am in an airport I see many people thank current soldiers for their service.

Let's see if we remember them a few years down the road with the expensive health care many will need. That will mean more than going to a parade or having a bumper sticker.

_________________
Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Find the cost of Freedom...buried in the Ground....Mother Eath Will Swallow You....lay your body down.....Crosby Still Nash and Young

_________________
Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

Thank you for your service.
We live the Good life due in part to your sacrifice.
We are safe because of your protection.

We know you were doing your job.
But you are why we are safe and continue to be safe.
Thank you Veterans!

_________________
Live the Good Life
Bluedharma
http://flickr.com/photos/bluedharma/
http://www.airport-data.com/photographe ... arma;1045/
bluedharmawix@gmail.com

I just looked at CNN news.com. There is an amazing story of vets, four brothers. Two went into the American army as Japanese-Americans and were interpreters and intel. The younger two, still in Japan were drafted into the Japanese Navy, so it became brother against brother. Please read the story for yourself online.

_________________
Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK