Reposted from @dewitty1 PRAN DeWitt 1992-1995 US Navy Aircrew Survival Equipmentman aka Parachute Rigger It's Veteran's Day in the USA. Please hold your thanks. I haven't done anything to be thankful for, really. I joined the Navy for various reasons... Because joining the Armed Forces seemed to be a tradition in our family. And more, that I think I wanted my parents to be proud of me. I was sent to boot camp in Orlando FL on the day of my grandfather's funeral. I landed in the middle of a thunderstorm. Boot camp was an overwhelming experience, I'll never forget. I'm amazed I made it through, actually. And my duty station was in Ridgecrest CA. The Desert. Naval Weapons Testing Station, China Lake. My squadron tested smart bomb software. I had to have secret clearance just to go to work. I drove miles out to the flight line every day. And I worked on pilot's survival gear, and sat at a sewing machine. I also was trained as a Plane Captain. Which sounds fancy, but it's really not. I just got to change the oil, fill the gas tank, wash the windshield and make an F-18 ready for flight, and then help a pilot taxi it out, and taxi it back in. Nothing glamorous about it. I don't regret my time in the service. But if someone asks me about joining, I don't think I'd necessarily encourage it. Especially not in today's political climate. Oh, and about not thanking me- I understand that you may want to honor Veteran's for their service. I'd rather see you do something nice for another veteran like visiting a veteran's home, or donating to a veteran's organization. There are some great ones out there like The Wounded Warrior Project, The Fisher House, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Vietnam Veterans of America and so many more (find one you like at VeteransAdvantage.com). I do what I can, when I'm able, too. To me, that makes more of an impact. Anyway, just my thoughts. I hope you have a nice day off today, if you get one. #VeteransDayUSA2022 #PleaseDontThankMe #HonorByDoingNotThanking #helpveterans #veteransday https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck0-sURJ787/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
