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All Veterans
- Thread starter Babyfat
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
Well Said!
Again Thank you for all that you have done , That you do and continue to fight for. God bless those who paid the ultimate price and bless and give strength to those who have been left behind.
Again Thank you for all that you have done , That you do and continue to fight for. God bless those who paid the ultimate price and bless and give strength to those who have been left behind.
Ditto, to all sevices, I will take a moment here to brag about my particular service and the recent events in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.
Recent article in Time Magazine:
Time Magazine article
Although the CG isn't the largest service, and doesen't fall under DOD we have a very rich history:
History of the CG
Scott Vorhees
Chief Warrant Officer
U. S. Coast Guard
24+ years of proud service
Recent article in Time Magazine:
Time Magazine article
Although the CG isn't the largest service, and doesen't fall under DOD we have a very rich history:
History of the CG
Scott Vorhees
Chief Warrant Officer
U. S. Coast Guard
24+ years of proud service
Last edited by a moderator:
To all veterans past, present and future, THANK YOU. You are our heroes and the sacrifice you made will not be forgotten. May all those in Iraq come home safe and sound. I wish these folks got the appreciation and recognition they deserved form everyone not just a few and that includes the gov. that sent them to war. All gave some, some gave all.
AfterBurner
TDR MEMBER
Their Formation
The Missing Man Formation"
Looking heavenward you cannot help but shed a tear... mournful... lonesome... a hole that screams out almost as loudly as the roar of the engines that pass overhead.
This is The Missing Man Formation... perhaps the most magnificent and solemn aerial manuever ever seen. Whether flown with the wingman spiraling off into the great beyond, or, flown consistently with that awful hole where a buddy should be... this dignified, almost painful to watch manuever is a part of POW-MIA and combat history.
The genesis of this manuever is one shrouded in years of faded memories, long fought battles and countless missions almost a century old.
Rumored to have begun when British fighter pilots flew over the funeral of Manfred 'The Red Baron' von Richthofen as a sign of respect by his fellow aces, the formation does find its birth in World War I. At some point during the Great War, the RAF pilots created an aerial manuever known as 'The Fly Past'... whether this was before or after the alleged von Richthofen loss is unknown. But it is British in origin and it was used infrequently and privately during the War.
The 'Fly Past' remained a private affair... returning aircrews signaled to the ground their losses upon their return. The first written account of the manuever shown publicly is by the RAF in 1935 when flying over a review by George V. Prior.
During World War II, it morphed and evolved into a ceremonial tradition as part of RAF programs. The US first began the tradition in 1938 during the funeral for MG Westover with over 50 aircraft and one blank file. The 8th Air Force with her legion of Flying Fortresses, the Bloody Hundredth and other combat weary groups adopted the manuever when returning home from a 'milk run. ' Again, it signaled to those on the ground the losses incurred during the last mission... and held a place of honor for their fallen comrades.
The Missing Man formation, as used in the United States, was rarely if ever seen by the public. Only those privileged to attend military funerals and ceremonies were familiar with it. But during the Second Indochina War, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the public at large got its first glimpse of this sobering moment.
The first time a military aerobatics unit ever performed the Missing Man Formation was during the war in 1969 when the USAF Thunderbirds flew the manuver for the first time to honor the men and women who were then POWs in Vietnam. Other aerial demonstration squadrons, both military and civilian, have adopted the formation and perform it during ceremonial events such as National POW-MIA Recognition Day, Memorial Day, during funerals and at the interrment of repatriated remains of Prisoners and Missing. Aside from the fixed wing manuever, a rotary wing version is flown by National Guard and Reservists with exceptional beauty and solemnity.
Perhaps it is fitting that the true history of this exquisite yet sad tradition should be unknown... its history with those whom it honors and is named for... Missing.
The Missing Man Formation"
Looking heavenward you cannot help but shed a tear... mournful... lonesome... a hole that screams out almost as loudly as the roar of the engines that pass overhead.
This is The Missing Man Formation... perhaps the most magnificent and solemn aerial manuever ever seen. Whether flown with the wingman spiraling off into the great beyond, or, flown consistently with that awful hole where a buddy should be... this dignified, almost painful to watch manuever is a part of POW-MIA and combat history.
The genesis of this manuever is one shrouded in years of faded memories, long fought battles and countless missions almost a century old.
Rumored to have begun when British fighter pilots flew over the funeral of Manfred 'The Red Baron' von Richthofen as a sign of respect by his fellow aces, the formation does find its birth in World War I. At some point during the Great War, the RAF pilots created an aerial manuever known as 'The Fly Past'... whether this was before or after the alleged von Richthofen loss is unknown. But it is British in origin and it was used infrequently and privately during the War.
The 'Fly Past' remained a private affair... returning aircrews signaled to the ground their losses upon their return. The first written account of the manuever shown publicly is by the RAF in 1935 when flying over a review by George V. Prior.
During World War II, it morphed and evolved into a ceremonial tradition as part of RAF programs. The US first began the tradition in 1938 during the funeral for MG Westover with over 50 aircraft and one blank file. The 8th Air Force with her legion of Flying Fortresses, the Bloody Hundredth and other combat weary groups adopted the manuever when returning home from a 'milk run. ' Again, it signaled to those on the ground the losses incurred during the last mission... and held a place of honor for their fallen comrades.
The Missing Man formation, as used in the United States, was rarely if ever seen by the public. Only those privileged to attend military funerals and ceremonies were familiar with it. But during the Second Indochina War, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the public at large got its first glimpse of this sobering moment.
The first time a military aerobatics unit ever performed the Missing Man Formation was during the war in 1969 when the USAF Thunderbirds flew the manuver for the first time to honor the men and women who were then POWs in Vietnam. Other aerial demonstration squadrons, both military and civilian, have adopted the formation and perform it during ceremonial events such as National POW-MIA Recognition Day, Memorial Day, during funerals and at the interrment of repatriated remains of Prisoners and Missing. Aside from the fixed wing manuever, a rotary wing version is flown by National Guard and Reservists with exceptional beauty and solemnity.
Perhaps it is fitting that the true history of this exquisite yet sad tradition should be unknown... its history with those whom it honors and is named for... Missing.
AfterBurner
TDR MEMBER
I'd like to dedicate the above missing man formation to my late Grandfather. He spent some time in Korea with the Marine Corps. All he would ever tell me was that it was hell on earth, and no one could ever know what it was like until you were there. He never would talk about it.
He's a big part of the reason why I'm here today, and tomorrow.
To those veterns that missed being at the AF Academy today, there was a 4-ship of F-16's that did a roaring :--) missing man formation in your honor. You are not forgotten.
He's a big part of the reason why I'm here today, and tomorrow.
To those veterns that missed being at the AF Academy today, there was a 4-ship of F-16's that did a roaring :--) missing man formation in your honor. You are not forgotten.
To all who went before me and to those that still serve, I salute you.
Just to remind everyone, Veterans Day began as Armistice Day (the end of WWI). It is to honor all who served. Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day (a day to decorate the graves of Confederate dead) is to honor those who gave the supreme effort.
On that note, as one who spent my young adult years in uniform, I also want to honor every Mother and Father who has had to spend every day that their loved one was gone; worrying, praying, listening for a telephone ring or doorbell. Whether during times of war or peace, not knowing exactly what their son or daughter was doing at that moment. Who kept the letters and Care packages coming, who volunteered at a USO, who took in friends of their child during a holiday. You are the glue that kept us going when things got tough. For all the waiting and wondering, I thank you for the homecomings.
When I left active duty, I was terrified that this generation was too soft and lacked the dedication to "carry the ball", so to speak. And as I think back, I'm sure that's what those old Sergeants and Chiefs thought about us. But having seen them in action these past few years, I am proud beyond speech. They have proven themselves many times over.
Thank you to all who have been cold, tired and wet for days on end. Gone without showers, choked down cold chow, and been too tired to move but too miserable to sit still. You are my kind of people!
Phil Toth
USN (ret)
Bos'n Mate Chief
75-78 US Army
78-97 US Navy
Just to remind everyone, Veterans Day began as Armistice Day (the end of WWI). It is to honor all who served. Memorial Day, which began as Decoration Day (a day to decorate the graves of Confederate dead) is to honor those who gave the supreme effort.
On that note, as one who spent my young adult years in uniform, I also want to honor every Mother and Father who has had to spend every day that their loved one was gone; worrying, praying, listening for a telephone ring or doorbell. Whether during times of war or peace, not knowing exactly what their son or daughter was doing at that moment. Who kept the letters and Care packages coming, who volunteered at a USO, who took in friends of their child during a holiday. You are the glue that kept us going when things got tough. For all the waiting and wondering, I thank you for the homecomings.
When I left active duty, I was terrified that this generation was too soft and lacked the dedication to "carry the ball", so to speak. And as I think back, I'm sure that's what those old Sergeants and Chiefs thought about us. But having seen them in action these past few years, I am proud beyond speech. They have proven themselves many times over.
Thank you to all who have been cold, tired and wet for days on end. Gone without showers, choked down cold chow, and been too tired to move but too miserable to sit still. You are my kind of people!
Phil Toth
USN (ret)
Bos'n Mate Chief
75-78 US Army
78-97 US Navy
In remembrance of my Grandfather George Walter Davis Jr. Capt. U. S. A. F B17 pilot WWII. Shot down 3 times over Germany, the third resulting in his capture and became a P. O. W for nearly 3 yrs. Luckily made it home and passed in 1988.
My uncle Leon who served in Vietnam and made it home unfortunately had his broke broke before he came home and is still with us today.
In remembrance of my cousin James C. Howard Sgt. U. S Army 82nd airborn who was unfortunately killed while waiting on the tarmac at Pope A. F. B when two planes collided and slid down the runway crashing into the plane he was on. Even though he was severly burned by burning jet fuel he managed to help two other men to safety. He passed a day later in 1992.
My heart goes out to those whose loved ones are in Iraq and won't be home for the holidays and to those whose loved ones never made it back. I could never begin to put myself in their shoes and feel what they must feel. All I can say is thank you and hope that they can find a way to cope with their loss and be proud that they knew a hero a true American who put their life on the line for those of us that never took that call to serve. Last and certainly not least thank you to the families that supported our veterans and their decision to serve
My uncle Leon who served in Vietnam and made it home unfortunately had his broke broke before he came home and is still with us today.
In remembrance of my cousin James C. Howard Sgt. U. S Army 82nd airborn who was unfortunately killed while waiting on the tarmac at Pope A. F. B when two planes collided and slid down the runway crashing into the plane he was on. Even though he was severly burned by burning jet fuel he managed to help two other men to safety. He passed a day later in 1992.
My heart goes out to those whose loved ones are in Iraq and won't be home for the holidays and to those whose loved ones never made it back. I could never begin to put myself in their shoes and feel what they must feel. All I can say is thank you and hope that they can find a way to cope with their loss and be proud that they knew a hero a true American who put their life on the line for those of us that never took that call to serve. Last and certainly not least thank you to the families that supported our veterans and their decision to serve
A sincere thanks to those who have served.
Dan
Dan
"All gave some, And some gave all. "
OS1 Randy Hamilton, USN, Retired
OS1 Randy Hamilton, USN, Retired
"All gave some, And some gave all. "
Awsome song and statement!
Jim Fulmer
AD1 (AW/NAC)
USN
Awsome song and statement!
Jim Fulmer
AD1 (AW/NAC)
USN
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
