A BIG salute to each of you veterans.  And to all vets, transgender or not, a BIG salute for your service.  Thank you.

Christine

@LoriDee
Dear LoriDee:
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures from your US ARMY service. 
Looks like you were having lots of "fun"...  Yes, can get mighty cold
in Germany in the winter, perhaps not quite as bone chilling as where
I live in Alaska.

Once again, I will THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: LoriDee on April 09, 2024, 09:29:42 PM
Since we are sharing pictures of toys we used to play with, I'll contribute a few:


I had just been assigned to the commander's tank as the gunner. We named the tank "Charlie's Angel". We were in Charlie Company and the commander's tank crew can do no wrong. 


This was taken during the REFORGER war games in Germany in 1984. That was the coldest winter I ever experienced. I got frostbite on my face and I think it took years for me to shake the chill.


This was an annual ARTEP evaluation war game in Hohenfels, Germany. The fog was so thick that hiding tanks was fairly easy. You can see a tank behind the ruins and an Armored Personnel Carrier to the left of it. There are three more tanks in this picture hidden in the fog.

I loved my job!

I notice so many dials and things on the cockpit instrument panels.
So complex!


Chrissy

I'm New here. I served in the Marines from 2005-2014. 1/1 bravo Co. Just trying to discover and explore this side of myself that I've been suppressing my entire life. Of course the timing can't be worse.

@ Robbyv213

Hello Robby,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for your service. We have a lot of veterans here, myself included. You have come to the right place to get information and figure out what path you wish to take. Since this is your first post, allow me to provide some important links to informative posts. Please pay attention to those in red.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments. We all come from different backgrounds and represent a wide range of experiences. No matter who you may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

We would like to get to know you. Once you feel comfortable here, please feel free to stop by the Introductions Forum and introduce yourself and tell us something about you.

Please review the links at the end of this message, they include information that will help you navigate the site and use the available features. When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile. Until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at  LoriDee605@outlook.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee

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@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Quote from: Robbyv213 on April 12, 2024, 03:20:14 PMI'm New here. I served in the Marines from 2005-2014. 1/1 bravo Co. Just trying to discover and explore this side of myself that I've been suppressing my entire life. Of course the timing can't be worse.

@Robbyv213
Dear Robby:
Thank you for joining as a member of Susan's Place and the Forum...  I see that you were warmly welcomed
by our lovely Official Greeter @LoriDee. 
Be certain to look over the information and important Links that she provided for you. 
Lots of answers there to questions that many new members ask...
...and also be certain to click the INTRODUCTIONS LINK that she gave to you so that you
can briefly tell all of our members about your arrival on the Forum.

I really appreciate that for your very first posting here that you found you way to the Military Veterans Confab
and the Roll Call thread. 
Your military service is very much appreciated. 
Here you will find that many Forum members that have been in or are now serving in the military.

  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and for YOUR willingness to serve.

Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Hello Robby

My name is Sarah B   and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

A journey begins with one small step and you have taken that first step.  I see that my fellow greeter Lori has already opened her arms with a warm message.  She has already mentioned that she is a veteran and her story is really worth reading and with a little prodding from me, I suggest you read her story.  I also have a story and they are completely different, but there are similarities.

I'm aware of whats going on in America and UK, I live downunder (Australia) and the issues need to be fought with all our resilience and determination.

When you feel comfortable here on Susan's, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forums.  I see that Lori has provided a link for you to go to.  I would appreciate it very much if you do so as, I'm always interested in learning something new from new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well.

I was never in the 'services' and I would like to take this opportunity to say;  "Thank you for your Service".  If it was not for people like you and others, we would not have the life we have now.

Take care and I hope you find what you are looking for. Once again welcome to Susan's.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@LoriDee
@Robbyv213

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 09, 2024, 11:20:53 PMI notice so many dials and things on the cockpit instrument panels.
So complex!


Chrissy

Yes.  Nowadays, they call the look of traditional instruments "steam gauges" (as in steam punk), in comparison to the modern video screens.  The Snowbirds team, who still fly the Tutor jet I posted the pictures of, are getting a new instrument panel that consists of three screens.  I'd be lost.  Give me steam gauges any day!

We had a week to learn them all at the beginning of our training. 

Thank you. I have made a post in the intro section.

 Active duty 1970 - 1972, 13A10, Artillery. 6 month early out as people coming back from Vietnam. Gave me a good conduct medal and kicked me out. reservist 1972 - 1976, supply company.

Went on sick call in 1970, and ended up in the hospital. I was told that my appendix burst while I was on the operating table. My unit was not informed, so I was also AWOL.
 I had read my medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany. It was a bit of a shock to read that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That would make me an intersex.
About ten years later, I wanted to get tested to verify. The medical doctor told me not to bother because it never happens. I can't have both male and female.
Michelle

@Michelle_K
Dear Michelle:
Thank you for sharing and posting about your military service.

What you described about what you went through... I think that you are very
fortunate that you are still alive.

Very interesting regarding what you stated about when you had read your medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany and that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That can explain a lot about your personal desire to MTF transition.  The VA, over the past several years is becoming more and more supporting of our transgender veterans special needs... make certain that you find the support that you need from the VA.

          I am giving you my BIG THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Warmest Regards.
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
                      US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

    cc: @LoriDee                                                                    

Quote from: Michelle_K on May 13, 2024, 09:38:48 PMActive duty 1970 - 1972, 13A10, Artillery. 6 month early out as people coming back from Vietnam. Gave me a good conduct medal and kicked me out. reservist 1972 - 1976, supply company.

Went on sick call in 1970, and ended up in the hospital. I was told that my appendix burst while I was on the operating table. My unit was not informed, so I was also AWOL.
 I had read my medical records while on leave prior to going to Germany. It was a bit of a shock to read that the doctor observed a healthy ovary during the operation. That would make me an intersex.
About ten years later, I wanted to get tested to verify. The medical doctor told me not to bother because it never happens. I can't have both male and female.
Michelle

Thank you all veterans for serving!

Chrissy

Hello ALL,
I'm Lisa Jenn, surviving (so far) in neon NW Florida. I am an Army Veteran. I served from 1974 to 1988 as a 12B4L Combat Engineer and a 12E4L Atomic Demolition and Munitions Team Chief, 9 years of that in (at the time) West Germany. I had a 12 year break until September 2000 when I was commissioned a Chaplain. I served multiple Afghanistan tours and TDYs. I retired in 2010. As a Brigade Chaplain, I was the go to for many LGBTQ soldiers before and after 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.' I frequently had to invoke the "Priest - Penitent Privilege" when queried about soldiers sexual orientation, but fortunately had commanders who honored my position. All the while, I was, ironically, a very closeted and repressed Trans Woman.

I sincerely thank you all for your service, and I wish you strength and joy in the days ahead.

LJ

@LisaJenn
Dear Lisa:
I am so very glad that you came here to the Roll Call topic on the Military Veterans Confab
sub[forum board to share and tell all of us more about yourself and your Military Service. 

      THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Warmest Regards.
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator
                 US Air Force Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                      Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                      staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: LisaJenn on December 07, 2024, 02:14:46 PMHello ALL,
I'm Lisa Jenn, surviving (so far) in neon NW Florida. I am an Army Veteran. I served from 1974 to 1988 as a 12B4L Combat Engineer and a 12E4L Atomic Demolition and Munitions Team Chief, 9 years of that in (at the time) West Germany. I had a 12 year break until September 2000 when I was commissioned a Chaplain. I served multiple Afghanistan tours and TDYs. I retired in 2010. As a Brigade Chaplain, I was the go to for many LGBTQ soldiers before and after 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.' I frequently had to invoke the "Priest - Penitent Privilege" when queried about soldiers sexual orientation, but fortunately had commanders who honored my position. All the while, I was, ironically, a very closeted and repressed Trans Woman.

I sincerely thank you all for your service, and I wish you strength and joy in the days ahead.

LJ

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1969 at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in June of 1971. My MOS was 4312 (press information). Twice, orders were cut to deploy WestPac (Western Pacific). Twice, I went on pre-deployment leave but, both times, the orders were cancelled prior to deployment during phased withdrawals under President Nixon. Before becoming the sports editor of the Camp Pendleton Scout, my primary duty was to interview returning 'heroes' and write stories about them for their local newspapers. So many of these marines really are heroes, and I heard many war stories but never heard a shot fired in anger. I obtained the rank of corporal (E-4) prior to discharge and sergeant during my two years in the Army National Guard (small unit recon). Thanks, everyone, for your service.

Thanks to all for their service!

Chrissy

  @Mrs. Oliphant
Mrs. Oliphant  
  Thank you for coming to "Roll Call" and sharing of your military experiences.

  Your service, dedication, and time spent in military service in the
US Marine Corps and the Army National Guard is very much appreciated.
 
  You served during the tumultuous times of the Vietnam war and I am certain
that as a function of your primary duty at Camp Pendleton in California that
was to interview returning 'heroes' ...that you had heard many heartbreaking
war stories from the service men and women.
 
                THANK YOU for your service.

Warmest Regards,
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                              US Air Force Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on March 30, 2025, 12:04:49 PM
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1969 at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in June of 1971. My MOS was 4312 (press information). Twice, orders were cut to deploy WestPac (Western Pacific). Twice, I went on pre-deployment leave but, both times, the orders were cancelled prior to deployment during phased withdrawals under President Nixon. Before becoming the sports editor of the Camp Pendleton Scout, my primary duty was to interview returning 'heroes' and write stories about them for their local newspapers. So many of these marines really are heroes, and I heard many war stories but never heard a shot fired in anger. I obtained the rank of corporal (E-4) prior to discharge and sergeant during my two years in the  my primary duty was to interview returning 'heroes' (small unit recon). Thanks, everyone, for your service.

I think the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam conflict is this year, although the last of the US troops left a couple of years earlier. 

I remember in high school history class the talk of how many US soldiers died, many local people were killed then, Cambodia was awful, and so on.

War is not good.  There are a number going on right now.  That is sad.  Plus some people are terrible savages, just killing many people who have nothing really to do with the war.

I am glad that our president is trying to help end the war in the Ukraine.  Such a mess there.
Can the other wars be ended too? 

Chrissy

@ChrissyRyan
Dear Chrissy:
Thank you for sharing  your comments and thoughts.
Please see the following post:       
                Honoring Veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day - March 29th
                                  https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,250567.0.html 
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
                              US AirForce Veteran... served right after college.
                                    1st Lt   First Lieutenant
                              Much of that time at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
                              Staff at the Air Education and Training Command

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on March 30, 2025, 12:57:24 PMI think the 50th anniversary of the official end of the Vietnam conflict is this year, although the last of the US troops left a couple of years earlier. 

I remember in high school history class the talk of how many US soldiers died, many local people were killed then, Cambodia was awful, and so on.

War is not good.  There are a number going on right now.  That is sad.  Plus some people are terrible savages, just killing many people who have nothing really to do with the war.

I am glad that our president is trying to help end the war in the Ukraine.  Such a mess there.
Can the other wars be ended too? 

Chrissy

I served for 26 years on active-duty in the Army, retiring at the rank of Colonel. My postings included 2 tours in Germany, 1 in Tunisia and at various posts in the US including Fort Sill, Fort Ord, the Defense Language Institute and several tours in the Pentagon.