Thank You Veterans for Serving and Sacrificing

[Crusty Old Dive]

My Uncle who served in Korea just passed away. He was bed ridden for 6 years from a stoke. But he was a badass cold weather soldier who used ski's to traverse the mountains of North Korea. During his tour he was shot in the chest on a deployment by a Chinese sniper. So he said. Anyhow, as he laid there in the snow with warm liquid spreading across his chest he closed his eyes and said his prayers. Then he realized it was his coffee canteen that was hit. He had some shrapnel from the canteen in his chest but it was only a flesh wound. He lived to tell me that very tail.

My great Uncle Walter Tolmie was part of the D-Day operation and made it all the way to Berlin, Germany unscathed. During the victory celebration in Berlin one of his buddys ran him over while drunk. That's where he died. I would have loved to hear what he went through while fighting his way across Europe. He was a great hero from what my Grandmother told me. They even named the Highschool Gym after him in Cooperstown, NY. Also, if you go to the VFW there you will see his photo proudly displayed on the wall across from the bar.

My Grandfather Joe Chatigny was a Navy Medic during the landing at Normandy. He told my Nana that the blood of the U.S. Marines was ankle deep where they were treating the wounded. His arms were covered in tattoos but he always wore long sleeved shirts so noone could see them. When I was about 7 years old he rolled them up and told me about each one of them and what they meant. He said that they were to remind him of the sacrifices America made for the world. Too bad I can't remember much more than that.

My father Walter William Tolmie was an Army Officer in the Vietnam Conflict. He rarely spoke of the things he saw over there and when he did he turned pale. He said it was like living in Hell with high humidity and giant bugs.

My Uncle Vic Chatigny served in Vietnam as well as an officer.

My Uncle George was in heavy combat in Vietnam and was awarded a purple heart. He never talked about it to me.

I served in the Navy as a Diver from 1991 to 1998.

My step brother just joined the Navy last year and will be going to Japan in December.

Several of my friends on spearboard (Snackrifice, Muzzy, Kevin Sheets and many others served)

Thanks to all of you here and gone for protecting our freedom! Hoo Yah America!!!

[rambofishsniper]

touching bro it is thanks to u guys that we are able to do what we love go where we want hats off to all u guys much love bros

[cboneill37]

Thanks to the vets and all the guys and girls still serving

[weekendrx]

Thanks for your service John and everyone else here.

[straight shaft]

My uncle, Juaquin Colon, served as a communications specialist in the 75th infantry Battalion(Army) in the Korean War. My uncle, Salvador Gracia was in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. My brother. Jorge Gracia is a Leutenant Commander in the Navy and graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy in Kingsport, NY and I served as a Army Airborne Ranger (1/75th Airborne Ranger Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga) from 1983-1989. Hoooo****inyaaaahh!!!

[Freedvrjim]

My father served in the navy during the Korean War as a diesel mechanic and although I never felt the call myself I've always had a deep respect for those who did and do.
Recently I was asked by a friend of LIFishslayer to clinic some soldiers in mounting up some skis that were shipping out with a deployment heading to the mountains of Afghanistan. I was offered a consultation fee which of course I refused, the experience alone was more than a civilian could ask.
We arrived at the 106th airborne in Westhampton Beach and were greeted at the gate by a fellow spear fisherman and combat veteran who escorted us to the tech room. Wow, what and assortment of high tech "toys"! In 2009 the 103rd pararescue squadron was created to extract injured Americans from anywhere and everywhere by dropping these heroes out of C130's, helicopters and alike.
It was an honor for us to spend a couple of hours shoulder to shoulder with men of such honor and integrity, absolutely an experience of a lifetime for me.
This thanksgiving I'm especially greatful to have so much, especially now in the wake of Sandy. Thanks to all the Vets who serve and are serving and stay safe!
-jimmy