Are You a Veteran of a Foreign War?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences of veterans of foreign wars, particularly focusing on the Gulf War I and II. Participants share personal anecdotes and reflections on military service, the emotional toll of war, and the concept of freedom.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants identify themselves as veterans of the Gulf War and express a willingness to share their experiences.
  • There is a discussion about the emotional complexities of military service, including both positive and negative experiences.
  • One participant reflects on the difficulty of conveying the realities of war to those who have not experienced it, emphasizing that understanding comes from personal experience.
  • Another participant expresses a desire to understand the sacrifices made by veterans and acknowledges the tendency to take freedom for granted.
  • Concerns are raised about the ongoing nature of the war on terror and its implications for future veterans.
  • Some participants suggest that certain experiences may be better left unsaid, indicating a sensitivity around discussing traumatic events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of viewpoints on the sharing of war experiences, with some advocating for openness and others suggesting that some topics may be too difficult to discuss. There is no consensus on the best approach to discussing these experiences.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the subjective nature of personal experiences and the challenge of fully understanding the impact of military service without direct involvement.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals seeking to understand the perspectives of veterans, those interested in the emotional and psychological aspects of military service, and anyone looking to appreciate the sacrifices made by service members.

eNtRopY
Just out of curiousity, who here is a legitimate veteran of a foreign war?

eNtRopY
 
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I am! Gulf War I and II. My question is why you want to know, my friend.
 
Originally posted by Dx
I am! Gulf War I and II. My question is why you want to know, my friend.

Not to divert this thread, but to anyone who has served and is willing, and perhaps in another thread, I would really like to hear about your experiences.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Not to divert this thread, but to anyone who has served and is willing, and perhaps in another thread, I would really like to hear about your experiences.
What is it you would like to know? I had good times and other times it just sucks! Think about it! Your away from home 6 months or longer, get shot at, see friends you make from all over the world die. I'll say that I am glad to know that all my friends made it back alive so far. Honestly, Ivan I don't see this war on Terror going away anytime soon, really. I don't forsee the future; I help create it for the job I do, remember the word TEAM! Its a concept only the miltary can truly understand. Imagine relying your life on someone then again I remember some you don't want them there at all . I could talk all nite about my experiences but I'll just ask you one simple question " what is one thing you really want to know about it?"
dx :wink:
 
Originally posted by Dx
What is it you would like to know? I had good times and other times it just sucks! Think about it! Your away from home 6 months or longer, get shot at, see friends you make from all over the world die. I'll say that I am glad to know that all my friends made it back alive so far. Honestly, Ivan I don't see this war on Terror going away anytime soon, really. I don't forsee the future; I help create it for the job I do, remember the word TEAM! Its a concept only the miltary can truly understand. Imagine relying your life on someone then again I remember some you don't want them there at all . I could talk all nite about my experiences but I'll just ask you one simple question " what is one thing you really want to know about it?"
dx :wink:

Well your answer touches on exactly what I would like to know. I always assumed that I would have to fight a war. Although I came within one day of going Navy Nuke, I never had to serve. I like to try to get some sense of experiences that I have never had - the joy, the sorrow, the rewards and sacrifices - as well as to appreciate and remember the sacrifices made by others for our country. It is easy to take what we have for granted. I am sure that if you did, you no longer do.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Not to divert this thread, but to anyone who has served and is willing, and perhaps in another thread, I would really like to hear about your experiences.
Some things are better left unsaid, imho.
 
Originally posted by BoulderHead
Some things are better left unsaid, imho.

Perhaps so. This is a judgement that I'm not qualified to make.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Well your answer touches on exactly what I would like to know. I always assumed that I would have to fight a war. Although I came within one day of going Navy Nuke, I never had to serve. I like to try to get some sense of experiences that I have never had - the joy, the sorrow, the rewards and sacrifices - as well as to appreciate and remember the sacrifices made by others for our country. It is easy to take what we have for granted. I am sure that if you did, you no longer do.

Your right! But the answer lies within YOU. Its hard to tell you experiences and expect you to undetstand it without actually being there. One word really, "Tough!" Your right Ivan, I used to take a lot for granted e.g., "Freedom". I don't believe any of us are truly FREE and everything has a price to be paid.
 
Originally posted by Dx
"Freedom". I don't believe any of us are truly FREE and
everything has a price to be paid.
Indeed.
 

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