That is a question that I have asked myself on more than one occasion during this deployment.
However, it has come to a bit of a head as of late.
Why? Well, I told you a few days ago how we all got awarded our Combat Action Badges. And now people are starting to brag. Some brag to their families some talk to other soldiers, some brag on the internet. Blah, blah, blah.
I just don't get it. What the hell are you bragging about?
Who the hell really cares? Especially when you are here surrounded by nothing but Combat vets.
Am I a combat vet? Fucking A Right I am. Do I care that I am? I guess to a point I do, but do I think it makes me better than anyone else? Hell no.
You had guys who got these C.A.B.'s and literally 5 minutes later they were on the internet telling their family and friends what badasses they are.
You have got to be kidding me?
Let me tell you what you did, you went where the army told you to go, when they told you to go there. And you got shot at, or blown up or whatever happened to you. The operative words being "happened to you".
If you think you should brag about this sort of shit then you really need to evaluate your life's accomplishments. Graduate from college, start a family. Help someone out. These are all things that you could brag about. Getting shot at in a war zone is not amongst them. Not even in the same league, shit not even the same sport.
Some people just have nothing going on. And I feel sorry for them.
The worst its been is the douche bag who was in the truck with me the last two times the Taliban decided to try to kill me.
As soon as all the combat ended, and the bullets stopped flying. This motherfucker said to me, "Hey, you think we'll get our C.A.B.'s for this?" He was more worried about some little piece of plastic that he has to stick on his uniform than whether or not everyone was okay. That was the first time.
Second time, it was the same prick driving for me. As soon as all the shit was over he said, "Hey, if we don't get our C.A.B.'s for the first one, we'll definitely get it for this one!" Once again, are you fucking kidding me?
I've said this before and I'll say it again. Combat Action Badges are just another thing on my uniform that I have to center over the pocket and it has to be 1/4 inch from this, and 1/2 inch from that. Its just another pain in the ass thing that I have to pin on my uniform.
Its not necessarily that I don't like or want the thing. I just wish that people wouldn't put so much damn stock in it. Its just another ornament. But at least I don't have to wear it. I know what I did and where I've been. I don't need to show anyone.
I'm done now.
Later,
I love you Mom...
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Like I said in my last post, I joined a lodge of Freemasons. Immediately upon starting the process you start to learn things. A lot of diff... -
Friday, December 5, 2008 2330 hrs. Yeah, Cheena got shot the other day. Unfortunately for her it was probably entirely too easy for the bas...
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Shit but only farted...and so goes the traditional poem scrawled upon the walls of port-a-john's the world over. It was what I was read...
The 24 Inch Gauge...
Like I said in my last post, I joined a lodge of Freemasons. Immediately upon starting the process you start to learn things. A lot of diff...
You may not make a big deal out of it now, but, like in the St. Crispin’s Day speech the King gave to his outnumbered troops in Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’, one day you will be proud of what you had done and accomplished. Most men will never know the emotions and experiences you have faced, and many men wonder if they would have responded in their time of need. I am proud for you, for you have experienced and seen things no one should have to go through. You are a changed man, but if you really examine yourself, you will see that you are changed for the better. Wearing the CAB (it use to be the CIB for Combat Infantry Badge) and bragging about it means you not only have faced the enemy under fire, but you are here to talk about it. That’s a good thing. Have and keep your inner pride, but don’t belittle those who have a different value system. I’ll shut up now.
ReplyDeleteDamnit Coffeypot, I hate it when people give me opposing points of view. Especially when they're right!
ReplyDeleteBesides what Coffeypot said, just think of all those 'fobbits' that were in a war zone, yet didn't see the war...
ReplyDeleteAnd that's what makes that CAB so special. You were in the *shit* when they weren't.
Now stay safe!!
I'll make my comment short also. I ditto Coffeypot and Ky woman. My son got his CAB in Baghdad during the "surge". He feels pretty much the same way you do. Having said that I and his mother when she alive saw a little gleem of pride in his eyes when he pinned it on his uniform. Yes, he cussed a little bit trying to make sure it was 1/4 inch this way and 1/2 inch that way but a little pride none the less. Because of guys like you and him we sleep peacefully in our beds this night.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't talk about how he earned it and I suspect neither will you. That is the sign of a true warrior.
God Bless and keep you butt close to the ground and your helmet on!
Pops
hey mudpuppy I remember taking that cubs suck photo and the one of you and the dog..i am still working in the sand box
ReplyDeleteWhoever you are, thanks for taking that picture and you should probably find a new job...
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