Early Veteran's Day

Got to have two vets in my boat today. We battled the 25+ mph winds and were rewarded handsomely! Be sure to thank a vet!

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That’s absolutely awesome. I’ve been taken out by people as part of Take a Vet fishing and it’s great that people like yourself take the time to do things like this.

So many veterans have given so damn much. I was in Iraq twice and I don’t say that as a “oh good for me” comment, but to add context to the fact that I know what combat deployments are like and I can’t imagine what they were like for previous veterans. Once I got settled into a base camp in Iraq for the first time it really made me think of deployments in 2004 vs. Vietnam in ’68, Europe in ’43, Korea in ’52, etc. Those folks had it a million times worse, and it’s never not a good time to show appreciation for them.

I also think it’s pretty sad that a post like this goes relatively unnoticed while people jump at the chance to beat the dead horses of politics and COVID. It’s unfortunately a sign of the polarization in our country and what a lot of this site has become.

That’s great to hear Tom. Thanks for taking out a couple of vets. Those are some nice looking fish.

I did a take a vet event on pool 4 last year. It was great to have the vet in my boat with me for the day. Sadly we didn’t see the same fish you did but we both had fun.

Great job Tom and please remember to honor a Vet in the next coming day’s or weeks. Don’t just thank them find a way to honor them maybe buy them a beer, a dinner or pay for there car repair, something that really say’s that you might understand there sacrifice, what they went through, and what they are maybe still going through today. Take a vet fishing is an awesome event!

Dan wrote:

That’s absolutely awesome. I’ve been taken out by people as part of Take a Vet fishing and it’s great that people like yourself take the time to do things like this.

So many veterans have given so damn much. I was in Iraq twice and I don’t say that as a “oh good for me” comment, but to add context to the fact that I know what combat deployments are like and I can’t imagine what they were like for previous veterans. Once I got settled into a base camp in Iraq for the first time it really made me think of deployments in 2004 vs. Vietnam in ’68, Europe in ’43, Korea in ’52, etc. Those folks had it a million times worse, and it’s never not a good time to show appreciation for them.

I also think it’s pretty sad that a post like this goes relatively unnoticed while people jump at the chance to beat the dead horses of politics and COVID. It’s unfortunately a sign of the polarization in our country and what a lot of this site has become.

First of all, THANK YOU for your service Dan!

And you nailed it, sadly our world and society is now so far removed from the true hardships and sacrifices during a large scale war.

Not necessarily their fault, but younger generations have little idea what it was like during those times. Even some of the older generation seem to have forgotten.

A few years back I had the privilege of hosting a couple Viet Nam vets at a TAV fishing event on Mille Lacs.

The one gentleman in the brown jacket was battling cancer linked to his exposure to Agent Orange. He seemed to be doing okay but we had a heck of a time getting him out of the boat.

These guys exhibited a childlike excitement when they caught their fish, I myself was so grateful to have the opportunity to guide them.

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Thanks for posting this and for taking a couple of vets fishing. Hopefully more people are inspired to do the same. And congrats on getting some nice ones.

Well done guys.

I had a cable installer that did 2 tours in the sand as a helicopter pilot. He got hit and they went down, obviously he lived and seemed ok physically. I thanked him for his service and he seemed grateful that I said that. My biggest problem always is, I’m real curious about what happens over there but don’t want to bring back bad memories by asking questions. Kind of a embarrassing time for me so I generally thank them and leave things at that.

Thank you Dan! There’s always room for vets in my boat.

Dan wrote:

That’s absolutely awesome. I’ve been taken out by people as part of Take a Vet fishing and it’s great that people like yourself take the time to do things like this.

So many veterans have given so damn much. I was in Iraq twice and I don’t say that as a “oh good for me” comment, but to add context to the fact that I know what combat deployments are like and I can’t imagine what they were like for previous veterans. Once I got settled into a base camp in Iraq for the first time it really made me think of deployments in 2004 vs. Vietnam in ’68, Europe in ’43, Korea in ’52, etc. Those folks had it a million times worse, and it’s never not a good time to show appreciation for them.

I also think it’s pretty sad that a post like this goes relatively unnoticed while people jump at the chance to beat the dead horses of politics and COVID. It’s unfortunately a sign of the polarization in our country and what a lot of this site has become.

Like Andy said, you nailed it, and thank you for your service, Dan.

I work with active and retired veterans everyday and every one of them who has been deployed recently (especially within last 5 years) has mentioned how “easy” their deployment has been compared to generations before. I certainly don’t diminish the sacrifices of our current service members, but when thinking back about the previous generations, it shocks me at how little appreciation those older folks get. And it sickens me at the disgusting disrespect the Vietnam vets received at the time, especially when considering the fact that many were drafted and had no choice.

blank wrote:

I work with active and retired veterans everyday and every one of them who has been deployed recently (especially within last 5 years) has mentioned how “easy” their deployment has been compared to generations before. I certainly don’t diminish the sacrifices of our current service members, but when thinking back about the previous generations, it shocks me at how little appreciation those older folks get. And it sickens me at the disgusting disrespect the Vietnam vets received at the time, especially when considering the fact that many were drafted and had no choice.

So many good things about what you wrote there. When comparing eras I always pointed out how I could damn near get blown up during the day and still call home at night, while vets in WWII would go years at a time with nothing more than letters to their parents, wife, kids, etc. Unbelievable what people have done for this country. Absolutely unbelievable.

And to your point about Vietnam vets, I’ve always said they’ve had a special place in my heart, and I’ve posted on here about it too. They were treated the worst of any war vet generation in our country, yet when my generation returned from the middle east you’d see all kinds of Vietnam vets there to show support. On a connecting flight in Dallas coming home we came up the ramp from the plane into the terminal and there were vets lined up to greet us, many of them Vietnam vets. How do you even describe a situation where people were scorned and insulted, yet when they have the opportunity they’re there to welcome people home and show their support? The integrity, character, and patriotism of those folks is legendary.

Thanks to all the veterans on here for your service and sacrifices you have made for our freedom!

Thanks for taking those guys out, and thanks to all our vets.

Man, that front fish is FAT!

Thanks Tom!
The Vietnam vets were treated like crap. Imagine changing out of your uniform in the airport bathroom to avoid being spit on.
I was called a baby killer a few times at LAX, its like WTF is wrong with people. Sorry, rant over.

Thanks again Tom! I know everyone in the boat felt better for doing it.
On a lighter note I was accepted to the Marine Corps Honor Gaurd up here. Very excited (and nervous) to get started.

Thanks Tom and THANKS to all our Veterans.

Because of all who have served is why we can bicker about politics, covid, etc.

Again thanks to all Vets.