Got into verbal argument at a bar today

[Mursilis]

The VA does differentiate between simply Veterans and Combat Veterans. General populace doesn't, but it is a distinction based on their DD214 and listed combat deployments or lack thereof.

For the most part, VA benefits for combat (and wartime) vets are the same as those for non-vets, with very rare exceptions. This is because it's so hard these days to establish combat vs. non-combat service.

 

[lupi]

What rank?

The VA does differentiate between simply Veterans and Combat Veterans. General populace doesn't, but it is a distinction based on their DD214 and listed combat deployments or lack thereof.

Believe the VFW does also though I don't recall the specifics on my 214

 

[maziwanka]

sorry to hear that. those dude were idiots

 

[LumbergTech]

sounds like a horrible thread in P&N ;0

 

[Tsaico]

You guys are right, he shoudl have been schooling me on ranks, not if she qualified as a vet. On her last email to me, her sig ends with LCDR, which when looked up, is Lieutenant Commander. Not sure where I got the 2nd part then, there isn't a 2nd anything in the navy...

In any case, for all the other comments, it was just the strangest thing... One minute everyone is happy, the next people look like they are ready to square off... It all went down in less than 5 minutes. Either way, to say the least people felt really strong about this. As for teh other dude, I have no idea if he was military or not. He didn't look like a military guy, but maybe he was on leave? I also don't even really know if the other guy's buddys were even part of same group or if the bartender just wanted everyone involved out...

 

[Mide]

That's fucked up. Props to your sister for serving. She is definitely a vet it my eyes.

 

[Scotteq]

You guys are right, he shoudl have been schooling me on ranks, not if she qualified as a vet. On her last email to me, her sig ends with LCDR, which when looked up, is Lieutenant Commander. Not sure where I got the 2nd part then, there isn't a 2nd anything in the navy...

In any case, for all the other comments, it was just the strangest thing... One minute everyone is happy, the next people look like they are ready to square off... It all went down in less than 5 minutes. Either way, to say the least people felt really strong about this. As for teh other dude, I have no idea if he was military or not. He didn't look like a military guy, but maybe he was on leave? I also don't even really know if the other guy's buddys were even part of same group or if the bartender just wanted everyone involved out...

The Bartender couldn't know who was at fault - I'm sure he just wanted the entire drama to go elsewhere. Sooner the better. Best for him, certainly. And probably best for everyone - since an aggrieved party couldn't fill up on liquid courage and come back.

 

[BoomerD]

IME, combat vets NEVER disrespect those who served as combat medics...IMO, Navy Corpsmen have balls as big as church bells...and deserve far more respect than they get from those who never served with them.
Doctors who served in field hospitals, battalion aid stations, MASH units all have earned the respect they're due...and should be considered "combat vets" even if they never carried a gun of any kind...nor were ever actually shot at.

 

[Scotteq]

IME, combat vets NEVER disrespect those who served as combat medics...IMO, Navy Corpsmen have balls as big as church bells...and deserve far more respect than they get from those who never served with them.
Doctors who served in field hospitals, battalion aid stations, MASH units all have earned the respect they're due...and should be considered "combat vets" even if they never carried a gun of any kind...nor were ever actually shot at.

Truth.


Anyone who doubts it, please feel free to walk into a Marine bar and f*ck with their Corpsman. The lesson on how much they love/respect that non~gun~carrying Navy guy will be immediately forthcoming.

Let us know in advance, though - We'd like to capture the footage for YouTube.

 

[manlymatt83]

She is a Veteran. She may not be a War Veteran or a Combat Veteran, but she is a Veteran.

I thank her for her service.

this

 

[JujuFish]

I can't believe I'm defending this noob, but he admitted he was kidding in the same post.

And that's relevant how? Since when do trolls have to believe what they post?

 

[DawsonsDada]

If you see this person again, tell him for me, I proudly served my country and his right to be an "idiot" for as long as he wants.

I disagree with him wholeheartedly and would ask you to pass my, and my families, "THANKS" to her for her service.

 

[FelixDeCat]

I was first diagnosed with UC in 1990 by an Army gastroenterologist. Doctors & medics play in integral role in keeping the fighting force alive so they can come back home to their families. God bless them.

I thank your sister for her service.

 

[Linflas]

What rank?



Believe the VFW does also though I don't recall the specifics on my 214

VFW is always sending me stuff because technically I am a Vietnam era vet due to joining a month or 2 before they quit giving out the National Defense Ribbons. Most smart people in my position make it very clear that they never went anywhere close to Vietnam nor was there any chance they would. As far as I know combat service for benefits is determined by the time period you served in since technically all military personnel can be assigned to a combat zone at any time and not by whether you actually saw combat. All of this may have changed of course but that is pretty much how it worked out for me.

 

[dpodblood]

OP you got trolled IRL and the other guy is an idiot, but I think you know that. I can understand your need to vent though. The world has no shortage of idiots.

 

[Zebo]

Everyone who serves is a veteran.

I've always believed that there should be 2 categories of "Veteran" with different benefits.

Veteran. One who served in the military but never in a combat theater.

Combat Veteran. One who served in a combat theater.

I knew many guys who served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, yet spent their time in Germany or one of the other European countries. They get the same benefits as one of the grunts who fought in Vietnam.

Each class should get the same basic benefits...VA loans, GI Bill, etc., but the combat vets should get a bit more...they put their lives on the line daily.
Maybe extra credit for those who hire them, lower interest rate on VA loans, etc.

I agree. I've always thought in combat that one should get double your normal pay and accelerated time served by double. Much respect to all vets but ass on the line deserves more when you're in the shit.

 

[Nintendesert]

VFW is always sending me stuff because technically I am a Vietnam era vet due to joining a month or 2 before they quit giving out the National Defense Ribbons. Most smart people in my position make it very clear that they never went anywhere close to Vietnam nor was there any chance they would. As far as I know combat service for benefits is determined by the time period you served in since technically all military personnel can be assigned to a combat zone at any time and not by whether you actually saw combat. All of this may have changed of course but that is pretty much how it worked out for me.

I can't speak to how they used to do it, but it's very easy to differentiate between combat vets and vets. A DD214 will list which theaters you served etc. so for current combat vets simply having the OEF or OIF deployment listed is how they differentiate.

And for Lupi, I got out as a Sgt, USMC.

 

[lupi]

VFW is always sending me stuff because technically I am a Vietnam era vet due to joining a month or 2 before they quit giving out the National Defense Ribbons. Most smart people in my position make it very clear that they never went anywhere close to Vietnam nor was there any chance they would. As far as I know combat service for benefits is determined by the time period you served in since technically all military personnel can be assigned to a combat zone at any time and not by whether you actually saw combat. All of this may have changed of course but that is pretty much how it worked out for me.

Not sure if the national defense only gives eligibillity, but I've got two anyway. Also have a couple expeditionary medals and think that is what they need.

Will have to look at my 214 though, as I have no idea if there is any "lsaw combat" yes/no block.

 

[kage69]

That's the kind of bullshit "loud mouth soup" produces, sad but not surprising. Dickhead and his boys probably still butthurt after DADT got repealed.


Regardless, show me someone who bashes or looks down on medics, Corpsmen, etc and I'll show you a flaming asshole.

Grats on getting out of there without smacking him with a bottle. No need to spoil the holiday with jail time.

 

[Scotteq]

Not sure if the national defense only gives eligibillity, but I've got two anyway. Also have a couple expeditionary medals and think that is what they need.

Will have to look at my 214 though, as I have no idea if there is any "lsaw combat" yes/no block.

Expeditionary badges, Combat Infantry Badges, etc, would be in your service record.

Since Navy Corpsman came up earlier: It used to be the case that the Marine Units the corpsmen were attached to would award a "Fleet Marine Force" combat badge to their medics. I don't know if that's still the case, but I can't think of any reason why they would have discontinued the practice. The Navy would also grant a Combat Action ribbon.

 

[edro]

If you had the guts to enlist, you are a veteran in my book.

 

[Perknose]

I was first diagnosed with UC in 1990 by an Army gastroenterologist. Doctors & medics play in integral role in keeping the fighting force alive so they can come back home to their families. God bless them.

I thank your sister for her service.

UC, Uncontrollable Cowardice? A gastroenerologist? Because you didn't have the stomach for war? I keed, I make the stupid joke, I jest. :$

 

[kage69]

Expeditionary badges, Combat Infantry Badges, etc, would be in your service record. Since Navy Corpsman came up earlier: It used to be the case that the Marine Units the corpsmen were attached to would award a "Fleet Marine Force" badge to their medics. I don't know if that's still the case, but I can't think of any reason why they would have discontinued the practice.

Yep, still in effect. My grunt buddies just informed me that there are 3 versions now, Enlisted, Officer, and Chaplain.

 

[FelixDeCat]

UC, Uncontrollable Cowardice? A gastroenerologist? Because you didn't have the stomach for war? I keed, I make the stupid joke, I jest. :$

No prob Perk......Im just about finished drinking from this beer mug.

 

[Eos]

Asshole in a bar? Say it ain't so...