I am starting this because i would like to have some stories that you are willing to share with all of us and me. Poems, stories, thoughts and letters. Just about anything that strikes you as worthy for others to read.

If possible, i would like to ask that it be something you yourself wrote. This forum is for you guys, so i hope to see something from all of you. Dont have to be some professor or poet to write here. Just from your heart.

Some times writing it down is good for the soul. I know that the poem i wrote sure helped me to see it written down.

Enjoy and God Bless.

Ray, One die hard true blue American Military supporter. Member of Troll Hunter Squadron.....Aerial Gunner

Since i started this, i will write the first thing.


This is something i wrote to Johnny. This is what i wrote to him on the Virtual Wall.



Posted for: JOHNNY LEE KIDD:

Johnny Lee Kidd, my cousin, you died for this great country. I would have loved to meet you, had a chance to know you. I will always think of you as my HERO!! Your memory will always be with me. How you served this great country. My greatest wish is that you are at rest and at peace. I am proud of you, and always will be. Even though I never met you, I will always think of you as a great soldier.

You are missed, and I hope that you are enjoying being with your sister and your mother up in heaven. They to, were taken to soon from this earth. Be at peace my cousin, be at peace.


Posted By:
Raymond Lee
THANKUVETS@military.com
Friday, November 15, 2002
Relationship: Cousin



Strange how you miss someone, and yet i never met him. But i would give just about anything to do so.

Thanks.

Ray, One die hard true blue American Military supporter. Member of Troll Hunter Squadron.....Aerial Gunner

Betcha didn't know this!

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried
iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary
to keep a good supply near the cannon, but how to prevent them from rolling
about the deck?

The best storage method devised was a square based pyramid with one ball
on top, resting on four resting on nine which rested on sixteen. Thus, a
supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the
cannon.

There was only one problem...how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding
or rolling from under the others.
The solution was a metal plate called a "Monkey" with 16 round
indentations. But, if this plate was made of iron, the iron balls would
quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make "Brass Monkeys." Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than
iron when chilled.
Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass
indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the
monkey.
Thus, it was quite literally, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a
brass monkey". (And all this time, you thought that was an improper expression,
didn't you?)

You must send this fabulous bit of historical knowledge to at least ten
unsuspecting friends.
If you don't, your floppy is going to fall off your hard drive and kill
your mouse.

Cherry

This post is not about Vietnam or PTSD but hard to pass up. I found this on Col. Hackworths's Website.


---The Funnies

---The Differential Theory of US Armed Forces (Snake Model) upon encountering a snake in the Area of Operations (AO)
---1. Infantry: Snake smells them, leaves area.
---2. Airborne: Lands on and kills the snake.
---3. Armor: Runs over snake, laughs, and looks for more snakes.
---4. Aviation: Has Global Positioning Satellite coordinates to snake. Can't
---find snake. Returns to base for refuel, crew rest and manicure.
---5. Ranger: Plays with snake, then eats it.
---6. Field Artillery: Kills snake with massive Time On Target barrage with
---three Forward Artillery Brigades in support. Kills several hundred civilians
---as unavoidable collateral damage. Mission is considered a success and all
---participants (i.e., cooks, mechanics and clerks) are awarded Silver Stars.
---7. Special Forces: Makes contact with snake, ignores all State Department
---directives and Theater Commander Rules of Engagement by building rapport with
---snake and winning its heart and mind. Trains it to kill other snakes. Files
---enormous travel settlement upon return.
---8. Combat Engineer: Studies snake. Prepares in-depth doctrinal thesis in
---obscure 5 series Field Manual about how to defeat snake using counter mobility
---assets. Complains that maneuver forces don't understand how to properly
---conduct doctrinal counter-snake ops.
---9. Navy SEAL: Expends all ammunition and calls for naval gunfire support in
---failed attempt to kill snake. Snake bites SEAL and retreats to safety.
---Hollywood makes fantasy film in which SEALS kill Muslim extremist snakes.
---10. Navy: Fires off 50 cruise missiles from various types of ships, kills
---snake and makes presentation to Senate Appropriations Committee on how Naval
---forces are the most cost-effective means of anti-snake force projection.
---11. Marine: Kills snake by accident while looking for souvenirs. Local
---civilians demand removal of all US forces from Area of Operations.
---12. Marine Recon: Follows snake, gets lost.
---13. Combat Controllers: Guides snake elsewhere.
---14. Para-Rescue Jumper: Wounds snake in initial encounter, then works
---feverishly to save snake's life.
---15. Quartermaster: (NOTICE: Your anti-snake equipment is on backorder.)
---16. C-17 Transport pilot: Receives call for anti-snake equipment, delivers
---two weeks after due date.
---17. F-15 pilot: Misidentifies snake as enemy Mil-24 Hind helicopter and
---engages with missiles. Crew chief paints snake kill on aircraft.
---18. F-16 pilot: Finds snake, drops two CBU-87 cluster bombs, and misses snake
---target, but get direct hit on Embassy 100 KM East of snake due to weather
---(Too Hot also Too Cold, Was Clear but too overcast, Too dry with Rain,
---Unlimited ceiling with low cloud cover etc.) Claims that purchasing
---multimillion dollar, high-tech snake-killing device will enable it in the future to kill all snakes and achieve a revolution in military affairs.
---19. AH-64 Apache pilot: Unable to locate snake, snakes don't show well on
---infrared. Infrared only operable in desert AO's without power lines or SAM's.
---20. UH-60 Blackhawk pilot: Finds snake on fourth pass after snake builds
---bonfire, pops smoke, lays out VS 17 to mark Landing Zone. Rotor wash blows
---snake into fire.
---21. B-52 pilot: Pulls ARCLIGHT mission on snake, kills snake and every other
---living thing within two miles of target.
---22. Minuteman Missile crew: Lays in target coordinates to snake in 20
---seconds, but can't receive authorization from National Command Authority to
---use nuclear weapons.
---23. Intelligence officer: Snake? What snake? Only four of 35 indicators of
---snake activity are currently active. We assess the potential for snake
---activity as LOW.
---24. Judge Advocate General (JAG): Snake declines to bite, citing grounds of professional courtesy.
---25. Signal: Tries to communicate with snake...fail repeated attempts.
---Complains that the snake did not have the correct fill or did not know how to
---work equipment a child could operate. Signal Officer informs the commander
---that he could easily communicate with the snake using just his voice.
---Commander insists that he NEEDS to videoconference with the snake, with
---real-time streaming positional and logistical data on the snake displayed on
---video screens to either side. Gives Signal Corps $5 Billion to make this
---happen. SigO abuses the 2 smart people in the corps to make it happen, while
---everybody else stands around, *****es, and takes credit. In the end, General
---Dynamics and several subcontractors make a few billion dollars, the 2 smart
---people get out and go to work for them, and the commander gets what he asked
---for only in fiber-optic based simulations. The snake is forgotten.


---
---
---(Note same site different date
---
---<< Here are a couple of alternative funnies for the Snake Model:
---Marines:
---"Kills snake with bayonet charge up Snake Hill after amphibious landing.
---Loses only 30% of assault force. Defends Snake Hill for 6 weeks without
---re-supply or reinforcements and against suspected assaults by waves of fanatic
---snakes. Last como: 'Send us more snakes!'"
---Marine Sniper:
---"Stalks snake for four days, sets up hide near known snake residence. After
---six more days of observation kills snake with one .50 cal rifle shot between
---the eyes from 1,713 yards in a 16 mph quartering wind at 3,100 ft elevation,
---4% down sloping terrain, 23% humidity and 87 degree temp. Reports back on
---locations, residences, descriptions, known associations, and best kill
---opportunities for 22 additional snakes in target area. Sniper is reprimanded
---for rushing the shot and endangering noncombatants."


Cherry

Now Bro, you could have left the combat engineer out of that one
Later I'll tell you a real snake story, although it scared us at the time, I still laugh about it today GHG

A story for ya, Cherry

My husband, Doug, is a MSGT in the USAF, an F-16 Crew Chief. Back in March of 2000, he and his squadron were sent to the Carribean island of Curacao for a three month support mission doing drug interdiction.

Oh yeah, super-rough duty. As there is no base on Curacao - just a little airport - he and his crew spent three months roughing it in a four star hotel complete with a casino, 200 feet from the beach, gorgeous women sunbathing nude everywhere and tittie bars on every corner.

Anyhoo, to the story...

About mid-way through their assignment, Doug and his crew decide to go on a "Booze Cruise". That's where they each pay 20 bucks to this crazy Dutchman to take them sailing around the island on his boat with all the alcohol they can drink.

Now, this boat was lacking a bathroom, so the only option was to either jump into the drink and do their thing there, or just stand on the aft railing, whip it out and pee.

Fast forward to the end of the cruise...about to head home. Airman First Class Joe decides he needs to offload at least a case of Amstel Bright, and fumbles to the rear of the pleasure boat, climbs up onto the aft railing, drops trou...just as the Mad Dutchman decides it's time to head back to port.

And off they go. And, predictably, Airman Joe goes *** over into the ocean. Problem is, everyone aboard is too damned wrecked to notice. Meanwhile, the boat makes it back, the gaggle of drunk zoomies disembark and head for the hotel bar.

In the meantime, Airman Joe is 400 yards off shore, treading water and trying not to be shark bait. A couple of hours pass, and one of the guys suddenly realizes that Airman Joe is not there.

Just as they are all wondering as to the whereabouts of said Airman, in trudges Joe, sopping wet and pissed as Hell. Seems he managed to swim to shore, where a kindly Curacao copper picked him up and drove him back to the hotel.

Now Doug, being the senior NCO on board, ended up getting hauled up in front of the Chief, who gave him a lecture on the necessity of the Buddy System, and why headcounts are so important.

The moral of the story? Keep track of your younguns. God knows they might just be out treading water somewhere.

The Snake Story: A total hoot. Already have shipped it out to others who will love it.

Medics story: Oops....Where's Joe? ROFLMAO.

ok, HERE'S MINE:

My two female WAC buddies and I decided that for graduation from our schooling at Ft. Sam Houston in 1970 that we would make chocolate chip toll house cookies for the NCOs who taught us and all the guys graduating with us (Vietnam Era Army).

Well, somehow we got the brilliant idea to add EXLAX to the ingredients. I guess we added a little too much because all the guys in our graduating class had the runs so bad that they decimated the water pressure in their barracks and it got a little rough on them then, lolololololol.

Although it was painful, they did admit it was pretty funny. Yes, we got caught and were chastised but did not get in trouble. Frankly, because we felt so bad about our little trick causing our main NCO to end up in the hospital.

Seems he had severe ulcers and we really made him sick and he had to be hospitalized. The WAC officers saw us all three burst into sobs and turn white as a ghost when we were called in to them and realized the "spirit" in which we MEANT to proceed.

Helps to be female, lololol. Yep, those were the days, ha ha ha ha ha. Moi, do something like that? he he he

Lynne (grin)

p.s. WE NEEEEEEEDDDDD this topic badly, ha ha ha.

My dad was an airline pilot. He was taking a flight from Seattle to Honolulu in the early model 707 (those USAF types familiar with the early KC-135 know how underpowered the early jet engines were). Back to story...the plane was full of passengers, fuel, freight, etc for a non-stop to Hawaii. As they taxied from the gate to the duty runway, the copilot was getting their flight clearance and my dad got on the inside public address to give the pasengers a welcome and the enroute time, weather along route, etc.

As he finished the announcement, the Flight Engineer handed him the takeoff power settings and weight and balance sheet. Without (forgot to) switching his headset microphone off the PA, he commented to the Engineer "wow, we are heavy, well we just got our clearance to go, so let's see if we can get this piece of #$&% off the ground". This comment to the engineer went back to the cabin over the PA. The lead flight attendant came running into the flight deck yelling "turn that #$@&% PA off". That too went into the cabin.

Well, one humble pilot went back to the cabin after they were safely on the way at cruising altitude. Picture a pilot trying to be humble: apologetic ,shuffling, whistling, that 'who me?" kind of look. All he got from the passengers were smiles and laughter and some good nautured ribbing. He was waiting for the complaints to the company president and the axe to fall. No copmplaints were made, or forwarded if they were made.

A sense of humor is important, no matter where. When you really mess up, someone else understands because they have been there too (although they may be slow in admitting it). Laughter is good medicine.

My computer is working again.
Rick

be careful out there

If a person has multiple personalities, and they contain thierself, is it considered a hostage situation?

If the same person commits suicide, is it considered a mass/serial murder? Are they a serial killer?

Okay, I think I finally lost it.

You hadn't lost it Bro. I think most of us are a hostage to ourselves, It seems that the good part of our life is overcome or traped inside by the bad side at times and it's a struggle to break free, a line from a poem I wrote a long time ago say's, it's like being locked up within yourself,and wanting so much to be free, that was written yr's ago Jeff, so know that your not alone on this one Bro. As for as the second part of your question, I think one would be a serial killer because one would be killing that part of himself that wants to live, I think that good part of our lives is worth saving Bro. Susicide is not the answer, but getting the help that one needs and having the guts to hang in there is. I had a brother that killed himself because he didn't think he could handle it anymore, this is so sad because he took a very good person with him,and one that we all miss very much.
Later Bro GHG

Sometimes it's the little kid in me that wants to get free. Back to another life where it was "safe", and we didnt know about bad stuff.

Life isnt fair, we play out the script as well as we can, 'cause it's all we got. I rejected the alternative. Some other folks never got the chance to make a choice - in that I'm lucky.

Rick

be careful out there

(This is how i feel sometimes)

Lost, its a simple word really. But so very powerful if it happens to you. I have experienced it more than i care to admit to myself. I have been lost in the woods, in the store, in the mall.

But no time in my life was i more angry, scared, lonely than when i was lost in a world full of people. I have sat in a crowd and wondered if just one person even cared if i was there or not. I dont think they did. How many times have i gone some where and felt so lonely, even through you could barely move for the crush of people.

Like going to a fair, and standing in shadows and realizing that no one would miss you if you suddenly disappeared. That is a scary thought to have. At least it is to me.

I wonder what could have happened to me if i hadnt found my love. Would i be alive, or in prison, a shattered person with no hope. Would i have become something greater than i am today. Dont think so, but life has its ways of playing you a hand. You make the most of it i guess.

My worst fear of all is being lost in a world full of people. I know what that is like, i have been gone for days and not one person would call or come and check on me. Sometimes, i wonder how long it would have taken them if i had actually pulled the trigger. Would someone miss me, would anyone care.

Being lost, what a small little word. Until you go through it. I have been there, and i can tell you its no fun. Being lost in a world full of people.

That is why i am so glad to have such good people like you to come to when i feel this way. Its nice to know that at least somewhere out there. Someone cares enough to say HI. To make you feel safe and cared about. Maybe lost is such a simple word. But its one i dont want to ever experience again. And with people like you, i dont think i ever will.

THANKS.

Ray, One die hard true blue American Military supporter. Member of Troll Hunter Squadron.....Aerial Gunner

DEAREST RAY:

Hon, I honestly think everyone on our forum struggles with that sense of "aloneness". In fact, I sat in my EMDR therapy session this week and talked about how my delayed PTSD is A LONELY ILLNESS.

I want you to know this and it comes from my heart. You do not have to feel alone anymore as long as this forum and this amazing group of SURVIVORS exist.

Each one of us struggle with the same emotions. We DO KNOW and DO CARE. So, Ray, you just hang here with us. We each daily deal with this and are here to help in any way we can.

JEFF, HON:

After my phone call to you and your email, I know how hard it has been for you lately and how you struggle after a full work day out in the real world. How you manage to get through the day just shows what strength and will power you have.

I know your symptoms are off the scale and that you are suffering intensely. I so hoped those first meds would work for you. I also know that just sitting at the computer and typing these posts is an act of true heroism on your part because of your physical and emotional exhaustion.

Jeff, hon, your walk and struggles humble me. At the same time, it's encouraging to know that you care about all of us on the forum too, enough to sit at your computer and type, even when you are not actually physically able to do. You are heroic and have a heart of gold.

God Bless You, my friend and brother, God Bless You. Give your wife a hug for me. Wowsers, does she love YOU !!!!!

Huge hugs & all my prayers to both of you,

Lynne

quote:

---

Question....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If a person has multiple personalities, and they contain thierself, is it considered a hostage situation?

If the same person commits suicide, is it considered a mass/serial murder? Are they a serial killer?

---

Please know that I was at a light heart when I wrote this. I was trying to be funny when I didn't really feel like it, and it may have came out wrong. Please know that I have had NO thoughts of cashing in any of my chips, let alone leaving the table.

When I don't feel good, and I try to post, it comes out all wrong. I can only speak of how I feel. I am still trying to learn all of the similarities that exist between us all. I am sure that alot of the time I alienate myself. Please understand, you all mean a great deal to me, I just don't know how to act sometimes.

It has always been easier to be rude, crude, and antisocial. I feel like I am so lost sometimes, I have nothing to offer here and I get on this role talking about myself. (anyone notice I am doing it again ).

I apologize for not returning phone calls. It's been a hard week, I felt about two inches tall, and was overwhelmed with the thought of speaking on the phone. Cowardly I know, but please don't give up or lose faith in me. I thank you all from the best spot my heart has and wish you all the best.

Originally posted by sgtbear111

quote:

---

Some other folks never got the chance to make a choice - in that I'm lucky.

---

Rick- God bless you bro', you don't know how hard this hits home. The fact that we are here is a tremendous blessing. God bless those who are not, I will never forget.

On the contrary, my friends. I've talked to this self described big bad dude on the phone and talk about a softie.... The secret's out, Jeff !!!!

HUGE WARM HUGS,

MOM

Thanks Lynne, for all the kind words. I am glad that i found this forum. Its been good to have a place to come to and not have to worry about trolls and to argue with some of the other folks on mil.com.

Sometimes its nice to have a place to just come and relax a bit and talk to some good folks. Thanks to all of you, for accepting me here.



Friends like you

I have walked many miles in these old shoes
Sometimes wondering around without a clue
I have been here for over a year
Many of you i hold very dear
Its great to have Friends like you

Sadness and laughter we have shared
Its good that so many seem to care
Pain, and anger, they sometimes flare
But we talk them away, like we are aware
Having Friends like you is so very rare

So know this day and from now on
I am here for now and always
We all need someone from time to time
People you trust and can rely on
Thats why its nice to have friends like you.

Raymond Lee



Not good, but its okay i guess. Not bad for spur of the moment and in a hurry. Later friends.

Ray, One die hard true blue American Military supporter. Member of Troll Hunter Squadron.....Aerial Gunner

[This message was edited by cherryread on Tue, 16 March 2004 at 11:50.]

Just wanted to make sure this was on here too.


In The Darkness

As i sit here all alone
In the darkness of my home
The memories have come again
I stare at the trees as they bend
I hate the sorrow,anger and the pain
A cold and lonely night of rain

They have come again to cause me grief
These demons of memories give no relief
I wonder if they will go away
Sometimes they haunt me for days
I cant stand this anymore
Its hurts down to my very core

Why cant i make them stop
My head feels like its going to pop
It feels so bad to lose control
Like i dont have authority of my soul
I find my self staring at the walls
Or pacing up and down the halls

What i wouldnt give for one nights rest
My spouses arm across my chest
Another memory has crossed my mind
Stealing another hour or day of my time
Will these demons never go away
Must i suffer everyday

I have watched the hands on the clock
So much time has passed, that i am shocked
Here is the daylight, and still no peace
These demons have given no release
All the family has now awaken
One more night that i have faken

I spend my day as if nothings wrong
But i am scared to death all day long
I know the demons are waiting there
In the hours of darkness and despair
Within myself i know i am smart
But anger and sadness control my heart

Dinner time has come again
Kids off to bedtime i do send
Spouse lays down and starts to creep
Off to that land of magical sleep
As i sit here all alone
In the darkness of my home

Author
Raymond Lee
Feb, 2003



God Bless all of you.

Ray, One die hard true blue American Military supporter. Member of Troll Hunter Squadron.....Aerial Gunner

[This message was edited by cherryread on Tue, 16 March 2004 at 11:49.]