I served during a quiet time between 1984 and 1990. I didnt enlist until after I graduated from college. Went to Ft. Sill Artillery School MOS 13B. 155mm towed 1/156 Battery A NYARNG. I transferred a year or so later to NJARNG 3/113th Co D Mechanized Infantry. In 1986 I transferred to USNR FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry in Philadelphia and finished out my term as a Gunner's Mate GMG3. I am proud to have served and know that I came close to going to the Gulf as both of my Guard units were sent over. The 1/156 was assigned to 10th Mountain in Ft. Drum. I just wasnt in the right place at the right time. My regrets for not serving in combat have been diminished somewhat after visiting our wounded troops at Walter Reed on several occasions. It was always sobering to see these young men and women who were wounded and the suffering they were going through, but they were always in high spirits and many were planning to continue their careers in the military. The army hospital is now closed as I understand it and Bethesda (Navy) has taken over.
I am now a member of Rolling Thunder NJ chapter and work hard to raise awareneness and money for the POW/MIA mission and for our veterans. I am happy to say I am able to be a better veteran than I ever was a soldier. "All gave some, some gave all".
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