Steelclan,

Great story to read. Thanks! Crazy thing is though, I thought I was reading a portion of my own bio there for a minute. Well, except for the three wives part.

I too was stationed at Travis AFB, spent time at Keesler in Biloxi MS, did a Korea tour, spent time in Altus (THANKFULLY, I wasn't stationed there though) worked on the flight-line for 8 years but the rest of my years were all in Air Traffic Control. You didn't say for certain, but I was also stationed at Tinker for 4 years. Now here's the kicker, I also live in OKC. I'm no more than two miles from the base.

Wondering if I know you? Are you part of the OKC Steeler Nation fan club ???

http://oklahomacitysteelernationfanclub.webs.com/


I sent you a PM, try to contact me when you get the chance.


Oh! I and i loved this line, classic:

Clan, thank you (and others here) for your service. Hats off to you, and all, who serve our country with honor and valor. Thank you also for sharing your story.

I share, with others, my hope that you and all who serve return to our land safely and gather with family and friends once again.

With all respect, and gratitude.

_________________
Playing football was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. If I could go out today and suit up, I would do it.--Jack Butler

That is a helluva story and quite a life. You've seen things that civilians like me could never dream of. Thank you, and those like you for your sevice and the sacrifices undertaken to make it possible.

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The only things that matter to me are: Wins, Losses, Rings - FC

Since the start of the 2008 season, the Steelers percentage of designed rush plays has declined from a high of 46.4 percent of their plays in 2010 to 39.6 last season. - Chris Mortensen

Good luck in your new life. I'm almost there myself and counting every day off. We have a surprisingly similar story, aside from a few wives. I'm only on No. 2. I joined the Army in July 1989 at the age of 17, spent some time in the gulf in Desert Storm and got out 7 1/2 years later due to the ending of the first marriage, hoping to make it work, it didn't.. I came back in 4 years later and back into my old job, Air Traffic Controller, also my 2nd job in the army. I'm now at year 18 and some change, and working in special ops community in Civil Affairs. Once I get back from this current deployment I will have 18 months left, 16 if I take out my 60 days of terminal leave I plan on taking. I can't wait and its all I think about. Fantasizing about my new life after retirement is what gets me through some of the days here, then again I think it does make some of them harder I suppose. Anyway, good luck, can't wait to join the ranks myself. 19 1/2 months and counting.

wow guys, great stories. Just a fantastic thread.

From my family to yours, we thank you for your service and commitment to our country to keep us safe. For doing things most of the rest of us are too coward to do.

I say this alot, because I believe it. Only 2 people ever died because they cared about you. Jesus Christ and the American soldier. Honor both as heroes

_________________
Colbert on the #Steelers RB situation: "Where we were in running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position.''

Post of the year! God bless you clan and all those who serve. I'm a retired Navy CPO and I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything.



This^ all day and all night long.

_________________

its just a damn shame that we as a society sensationalize people and events like Lindsay Lohan and Michael Jackson's death while we're in the middle of a 10 year war on terrorism in a 3rd world country that doesn't even want to help themselves while tens of thousands of families are grieving and praying daily for safe return.

Not really informed enough on this to make an educated assumption, but you have to think its media driven. They throw Lindsay Lohan in our faces daily while you have to read page D-8 of the metro section to read about fallen soldiers. U.S. Govt. probably has some control over what either gets printed, or what reporters have access to see to even write about

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Colbert on the #Steelers RB situation: "Where we were in running game last year was indicative in the talent at the position.''

Post of the year, turned Thread of the year!


Thank you for sharing your stories.


Thank you to all, for your service and sacrifice for the rest of us.


God bless you and yours.

Good stuf Clan, and others!
And with the utmost respect...thank you sir!

_________________
"Flappy, good news, I've decided not to kill you!"-Stewie Griffin

In my 25-year career with my current employer I have the honor of working together with nearly all veterans of every imaginable National Defense Forces and one thing quite evident besides the personal devotion to task at hand, adherence to directive protocol is the mutual respect extended to colleagues from the onset of a project even before the project progresses. It makes me want to do a better job not because I believe I owe anything, it's just hard to put into words for me the presence of unstated confidence that together as a team, the team is stronger than the components themselves. So allow me to pause and tip my hat to all of you who have served in respect with index finger up.