P.S. A sad, far cry from the woke-DEI-Milleyfied institution that is the U.S. Military Academy and U.S Army under mismanagement (not leadership) of the Obama-Biden-Milley tenure.
I recognize that fellow squatting at the bottom of the photo as West Point's Ring Man on the Gymnastics team, also a Boxer for West Point. One John Lucas. Some say the Robert Duvall character in Apocalypse Now was based upon you and your cavalry hat. Could be. Stay frosty, old friend.
What an inspiring toast! What a timeless précis of the role of the professional soldier in the United States of America. And--with your introductory explanation--what a terse but piercing commentary on our country. Thanks!
Thank for this John. My attitude for years has been our men's saying in Vietnam when anything bad (death, no beer resupply, booby trap) happened: "F**k it, don't mean nothing, drive on."
But recently, maybe the last couple of years, I've started to come to the realization you write about here. We were extraordinarily lucky to fight in Vietnam and live to tell the tale. We learned a brutal Truth that is impossible to learn in any other way. None of our contemporaries can even begin to comprehend it. The Combat Infantryman's Truth.
Bongo-1, you put words in my mouth. I didn't say it was a great experience. Anything but. For those who survived, however, it was an experience to change your perspective on life and your place in it, in the most brutal way possible. There are gifts everywhere, even in the worst possible environments.
I had an understrength platoon of all draftees, none of them as old as me. My platoon sergeant was a shake-and-bake buck sergeant. That was my family in Vietnam, my brothers, and we understood and appreciated each other much better than you can ever understand.
Sir, you fail to realize the need for those “ring-knockers” you so cavalierly deride. They are the mortar that holds the bricks together during a time of war.
I realize that. I overreacted by misunderstanding Rick’s comment. As a Marine I had many friends from Annapolis who we kidded with the ring knocker thing.
What a fantastic toast. Thanks very much for sharing it. I wonder how long it will take to change the Military back into something that Col. Winton would recognize. Soon, I hope.
Every soldier that wore a uniform made America's enemies think twice. I am forever grateful.
What a fine, extraordinary father son legacy.
Thank you for sharing that eloquent salute.
P.S. A sad, far cry from the woke-DEI-Milleyfied institution that is the U.S. Military Academy and U.S Army under mismanagement (not leadership) of the Obama-Biden-Milley tenure.
I recognize that fellow squatting at the bottom of the photo as West Point's Ring Man on the Gymnastics team, also a Boxer for West Point. One John Lucas. Some say the Robert Duvall character in Apocalypse Now was based upon you and your cavalry hat. Could be. Stay frosty, old friend.
What an inspiring toast! What a timeless précis of the role of the professional soldier in the United States of America. And--with your introductory explanation--what a terse but piercing commentary on our country. Thanks!
Thank for this John. My attitude for years has been our men's saying in Vietnam when anything bad (death, no beer resupply, booby trap) happened: "F**k it, don't mean nothing, drive on."
But recently, maybe the last couple of years, I've started to come to the realization you write about here. We were extraordinarily lucky to fight in Vietnam and live to tell the tale. We learned a brutal Truth that is impossible to learn in any other way. None of our contemporaries can even begin to comprehend it. The Combat Infantryman's Truth.
Bongo-1, you put words in my mouth. I didn't say it was a great experience. Anything but. For those who survived, however, it was an experience to change your perspective on life and your place in it, in the most brutal way possible. There are gifts everywhere, even in the worst possible environments.
I had an understrength platoon of all draftees, none of them as old as me. My platoon sergeant was a shake-and-bake buck sergeant. That was my family in Vietnam, my brothers, and we understood and appreciated each other much better than you can ever understand.
I apologize for the unjustified vent. Misunderstanding your comment, I responded too fast.
Semper Fi, brother.
Rick - So great to see your remarks. Been too long since our time in the Green Zone. Warmest regards, Bill Caffery.
Sir, you fail to realize the need for those “ring-knockers” you so cavalierly deride. They are the mortar that holds the bricks together during a time of war.
I realize that. I overreacted by misunderstanding Rick’s comment. As a Marine I had many friends from Annapolis who we kidded with the ring knocker thing.
No problem. I’m a Marine “boat school ring-knocker”, one you probably kidded. Thank you for your service and SEMPER FIDELIS!
I think you should have told us whether George, Jr. came back alive.
According to Google, he did, and he became a dermatologist.
What a fantastic toast. Thanks very much for sharing it. I wonder how long it will take to change the Military back into something that Col. Winton would recognize. Soon, I hope.
Well done, good Sir! Thank you
What happened to oung Lt Winton?
Thank you.
Infantry officer, 2nd Bn, 3rd INF, 199th Infantry Brigade.