Wear the Uniform With Pride!!

QRQ 30 · 12-20-2005, 10:06

First of all, this is Thank a Soldier Week and I wish to thank each and everyone of you in uniform!!

I have heard that PC Commanders discourage their troops from wearing their uniforms off post. I remember the first time I was home on leave I did everything but sleep in my uniform. No stripes and no ribbons just rifle "bolo badge". I was damned proud to be a soldier and show it off.

Remember the full length mirror outside the orderly room where you could get yourself squared away to see the CQ and have him determine if you were presentable to sign out on pass?

I wish the Commanders would again encourage the wearing of the uniform with pride. I go out of my way to shake the hand and thank any soldier I see in uniform but see so few. The only two I have seen recently were two Marines collecting for Toys For Tots.

I believe there are more citizens that respect and support our troops than there are assholes! The problem is that they can't find any soldiers on the street. When I came home from Vietnam my father insisted I wear my uniform when I went out on the town on the Strip in Las Vegas. I couldn't buy a drink and was admitted to the Tropicana "Follies Berg ere" free of charge and sat so close to the stage I could rest my elbow on it. At times, while sitting at a bar (mostly C&W) an asshole would show up to start some shit. There were always more than enough civilians to put his ass in place -- OUT!!

How can our troops know that the public is really behind them if they don't show themselves?

A heartfelt thanks from a "Granny" meant more to me than slurs from hippies.

Terry Dahling

jatx · 12-20-2005, 12:52

I, too, thank them whenever I see a member of the military in uniform. I've had it be received with everything from mild confusion to tears. Some airports see more traffic than others. DFW is usually awash with camo these days.

Over the weekend, I was staying at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. There was a group of Marines out one night in their dress uniforms. They cut a wide swath. Last I saw, they were leaving the hotel with girls literally thrown over their shoulders. I have no doubt that they were properly "thanked" for their service.

Trip_Wire (RIP) · 12-20-2005, 15:17

I agree with your statement on uniforms 100%

When I was on active duty, I wore mine on pass or leave and generally traveled in it as well. I was always proud of it and the service and unit it represented. I still like to wear my Blue Mess Dress as a retiree to formal military functions, etc.

moobob · 12-26-2005, 14:25

I flew on American Airlines in uniform from San Jose last week and they upgraded my ticket to first class, including a connection flight from DFW to Florida. I wouldn't be suprized if it carried over to the return trip.

NousDefionsDoc · 12-26-2005, 14:54

One of the reasons for discouraging the wear of the uniform is terrorism. A valid concern.

I do agree with you, if you can wear it, do so and with pride.

QRQ 30 · 12-26-2005, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

One of the reasons for discouraging the wear of the uniform is terrorism. A valid concern.

I do agree with you, if you can wear it, do so and with pride.

Perhaps "A" reason but here in the good old U. S. of A. I am more inclined, from what I have heard, to believe that commanders fear confrontations between our troops and our own "loyal American" ANTI's. IMO terrorists prefer to inflict civilian casualties.

QRQ 30 · 12-27-2005, 08:43

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...la-home-nation