Introductions V - Page 90

ProudGSMom · 12-18-2013, 19:39

Hello –
Thank you for allowing me to be here. I have been reading everything and I very much appreciate both your service and the opportunity to learn from your perspectives.

I did not serve but my son did, as did my father and his father before him. Actually, I’ve had a family member in every generation in every war including the one which created this nation.

On November 1st, 2010, my son was KIA in Khandahar Afghanistan by a VIED. This is not normally something I state by way of introduction, but for this forum I think it is appropriate to be upfront, as this fact does colour many of my opinions. Hence, the ‘handle’ I’ve chosen.

I spend most of my time behind a keyboard, plying my trade as a writer. When I am out in public, most of my time is spent working on, for or with issues of concern to our military and veterans. Even then, amongst those who are most likely to know or understand the title I carry I rarely if ever identify myself as a Gold Star.

The reason for this is simply, it is not about me. I'll talk about my son’s service, what he believed, what he stood for but rarely mention that he died while living those beliefs. To do so changes the focus from him, or the issue or situation, to me, a grieving mother. My grief is private, and I’ve discussed it publicly as much as I ever intend to on my blog. That said, if anyone has any questions, or would like to talk to a GS mom, you can PM me. Here, if I join any discussion, it will be on the larger issues facing our country, military and veterans, seeking your unique perspectives and perhaps offering some of mine.

**Team Sergeant** · 12-18-2013, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProudGSMom

Hello –
Thank you for allowing me to be here. I have been reading everything and I very much appreciate both your service and the opportunity to learn from your perspectives.

I did not serve but my son did, as did my father and his father before him. Actually, I’ve had a family member in every generation in every war including the one which created this nation.

On November 1st, 2010, my son was KIA in Khandahar Afghanistan by a VIED. This is not normally something I state by way of introduction, but for this forum I think it is appropriate to be upfront, as this fact does colour many of my opinions. Hence, the ‘handle’ I’ve chosen.

I spend most of my time behind a keyboard, plying my trade as a writer. When I am out in public, most of my time is spent working on, for or with issues of concern to our military and veterans. Even then, amongst those who are most likely to know or understand the title I carry I rarely if ever identify myself as a Gold Star.

The reason for this is simply, it is not about me. I'll talk about my son’s service, what he believed, what he stood for but rarely mention that he died while living those beliefs. To do so changes the focus from him, or the issue or situation, to me, a grieving mother. My grief is private, and I’ve discussed it publicly as much as I ever intend to on my blog. That said, if anyone has any questions, or would like to talk to a GS mom, you can PM me. Here, if I join any discussion, it will be on the larger issues facing our country, military and veterans, seeking your unique perspectives and perhaps offering some of mine.

Welcome ProudGSMom,
We're honored to have you onboard!
TS

nco1787 · 12-19-2013, 14:38

I am 34 years old and have been in the Regiment since 2009. Since then, I have deployed three times to SW Asia as an 18D. Previously, I was an infantryman with the Stryker Brigade and deployed once to Iraq. My team leader introduced me to this website and said it's a good source of information beyond one's own network.

Koldsteel · 12-19-2013, 19:33

Im a 42 year old CRNA. First, let me say thank you for both your service to our country and for allowing me access to your site. I've enjoyed the tips and resources here in regards to medical topics and fieldcraft. I'm a Scoutmaster and a Oath Keeper from Louisiana.

futureSOF · 12-21-2013, 21:46

I'm a 20 year old college student and I plan on enlisting after I graduate. I've wanted to serve in the military, more specifically special operations, for most of my life. It just feels like what I'm meant to do. I'll be completely honest, I'm not entirely sure that I want to try for SF. The first SOF unit I ever heard of was the rangers through the televised best ranger competitions but I didn't know they were SOF, or the concept of special operations really, I just knew they led the way. Then I discovered the 15 minute documentary about the SEALs in the video game SOCOM:US NAVY SEALs and was dead set on becoming a SEAL from the time I was 8 up until about two years ago. However, as I've gotten older I've started reading more about the various SOF units and what they do, and thus my predicament.

As far as me personally, I've played lacrosse at the collegiate level and hope to start playing again. I love training and working out as much as I love playing.

thinker752 · 12-22-2013, 07:59

I signed up for this site and didn't know I needed a 1st post a few months ago
I am an 18B and did 5 years in the Infantry as well

sylvan · 12-22-2013, 08:01

Infantry officer.
Published on COIN tactics, small war air support and other assorted military topics.
Here to lurk and steal good ideas.

Chuck23 · 12-22-2013, 10:02

Hello the names Chuck

I'm 26 an a e-4, I have supported sof operators with comms for the last 5 years. Now it's time for me to give back to the community and work on becoming an operator. My waiver will be signed for sfas in February then time for a class date. I have a huge amount of respect for this community and hope to stay here for a long time. I joined the site to have some guidance for the road ahead of me. Any support that I can get from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

Chuck

JJ_BPK · 12-22-2013, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvan

Infantry officer.
Published on COIN tactics, small war air support and other assorted military topics.
Here to lurk and steal good ideas.

Not impressed.. I would rather hear about your time(s) outside the wire?
I hope you are not inferring plagiarism is acceptable??

Sarcastic statements would be better served by hi-lighting them in pink.

Shroud · 12-25-2013, 15:56

Prior E5 exploring my options to enter the SF community. Currently attending college for a M Eng degree. Live at Fort Dix.

Thank you for the time and information put into this website.

-Shroud

sustainthefight · 12-25-2013, 22:39

Greetings,

I am a 1LT (III/V PL) in a Combat Aviation Brigade with about 12 months time on station. I am very thankful to have had an excellent group of NCO mentors and I hope to continue to be afforded the opportunity to serve down at the company level for as long as I can.

I aspire to attend SFAS with my year group. Until then, I am just continuing to work on becoming the best leader and soldier that I can. I hope that when the dust clears, I am a good fit for SF.

Thank you all for the wisdom and advice passed along on the forums. If anyone was a prior support branch who transitioned over to being an 18A, I would love to talk to you about ways to set my azimuth straight.

ace402 · 12-26-2013, 15:59

1LT, 11A serving in the ARNG. I'm here to study and learn. Hoping to attend SFRE once eligible.

Kidiculous · 12-27-2013, 00:11

Hello, all.

Active duty Air Force interested in Special Forces. Here for some good information on training and preparation. See you on the boards.

guerillabiscuit · 12-27-2013, 19:44

Joined the site in 2011 on my way to SWC, and now am an 18D on an a-team. Prior 35P, served in OIF as a 19D, now I have my dream job. I always keep an open mind for learning and invite experiences to be shared. Thanks for having me PS.

The Viper · 12-29-2013, 13:41

My name is Nick and I have been interested in the Special Forces for a long time. I have come to the forums to learn all I can from those who have actually been there.