In the marines he was a correspondent.

Robert Sanders 1 wrote:

As a veteran who served during peace time I think it’s much more important that someone serves and less important in what capacity they serve.

In Vance’s case he served a 4 year enlistment as a combat correspondent. His last six months he was deployed to Iraq. One could try to make an argument that a combat correspondent isn’t “really” serving but before doing so they should buy a copy of Requiem: By the Photographers Who Died in Vietnam and Indochina. Perhaps Vance didn’t see action but his MOS was most certainly a combat related one.

Then there is Waltz. He should have never said, “We can make sure those weapons of war – that I carried in war – are only carried in war.” He never served in a war. On the other hand he served in the reserves for 24 years. Yes he did attain the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E9) but retired as a Master Sergeant (E8). The reduction in rank upon retirement reflects that he didn’t serve the minimum time required in rank to make that rank permanent. Then there is the argument that he abandoned his unit prior to deployment because he didn’t want to go to war. In reality he filed paperwork with the FEC for a Congressional election bid 5 months before his unit received deployment orders.

Both men chose to serve their country and did so HONORABLY. Neither should be ashamed of their service but those who question it should be ashamed of doing so.

Abrignac wrote:

As a veteran who served during peace time I think it’s much more important that someone serves and less important in what capacity they serve.

In Vance’s case he served a 4 year enlistment as a combat correspondent. His last six months he was deployed to Iraq. One could try to make an argument that a combat correspondent isn’t “really” serving but before doing so they should buy a copy of Requiem: By the Photographers Who Died in Vietnam and Indochina. Perhaps Vance didn’t see action but his MOS was most certainly a combat related one.

Then there is Waltz. He should have never said, “We can make sure those weapons of war – that I carried in war – are only carried in war.” He never served in a war. On the other hand he served in the reserves for 24 years. Yes he did attain the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E9) but retired as a Master Sergeant (E8). The reduction in rank upon retirement reflects that he didn’t serve the minimum time required in rank to make that rank permanent. Then there is the argument that he abandoned his unit prior to deployment because he didn’t want to go to war. In reality he filed paperwork with the FEC for a Congressional election bid 5 months before his unit received deployment orders.

Both men chose to serve their country and did so HONORABLY. Neither should be ashamed of their service but those who question it should be ashamed of doing so.

Abrignac wrote:

Sorry, but stolen valor is not honorable. Refusing to see that and trying to label people that point it out is all on you.

DrMaddVibe wrote:

Stolen Valor? He never wore unearned decorations. He didn’t tell outlandish stories about battles he never fought. But he did serve in the reserves for 24 years gaining numerous promotions along the way making it to the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve in the reserves and was honorable discharged.

Have you ever served? Jail doesn’t count. Do I need to post a link to your mug shot that includes what you were charged with, your bond amount and the address where the incident occurred?

I’d suggest blocking my posts so you aren’t tempted to respond to anything I post. Next time you do I post the link.

Abrignac wrote:

Stolen Valor? He never wore unearned decorations. He didn’t tell outlandish stories about battles he never fought. But he did serve in the reserves for 24 years gaining numerous promotions along the way making it to the highest rank an enlisted man can achieve in the reserves and was honorable discharged.

Have you ever served? Jail doesn’t count. Do I need to post a link to your mug shot that includes what you were charged with, your bond amount and the address where the incident occurred?

I’d suggest blocking my posts so you aren’t tempted to respond to anything I post. Next time you do I post the link.

Abrignac wrote:

You're kind of stepping over the line, don't you think Anthony?

Brewha wrote:

Despite the ping/pong we have here...thank you.

DrMaddVibe wrote:

Sorry about that Doc - I think that is the single lowest thing I have ever seen someone do on these forums.

That is way wrong.

Brewha wrote: