Welcome back to another episode of Common Veterans, where we delve into the diverse and often untold stories of those who have served our country. In this seventh installment of Season 2, titled “You Got More of Those Deployments,” we explore a theme that resonates deeply within the veteran community: the complexities of multiple deployments.
For many veterans, the question “You got more of those deployments?” encapsulates both the camaraderie and the challenges of military service. Each deployment represents a chapter in the lives of these brave men and women, marked by duty, sacrifice, and a unique blend of emotions that only those who have served can truly understand.
Throughout this episode, we will hear firsthand accounts from veterans who have navigated multiple deployments. Their experiences vary widely, from the adrenaline rush of combat zones to the quieter moments of reflection during downtime. We'll explore the impact of prolonged separations from loved ones, the evolution of camaraderie among unit members, and the personal growth that comes from facing adversity in different corners of the world.
Moreover, we'll examine how each deployment shapes a veteran's identity and influences their transition back to civilian life. The challenges of readjustment, finding a new sense of purpose, and coping with the invisible wounds of war are themes that underscore the resilience and strength of our veterans.
As we embark on this journey together, it's important to recognize that while each veteran's story is unique, their collective experiences bind them in a shared tapestry of service to our nation. Common Veterans strives to honor these stories, offering a platform for voices that deserve to be heard and insights that deserve to be understood.
Join us as we explore the profound impact of multiple deployments in Episode 7 of Season 2, “You Got More of Those Deployments.” Through these stories, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and a greater understanding of the challenges they face long after their uniforms are laid to rest.
Understanding Military Traditions: Exploring the Why Behind the What
Introduction
Welcome readers to the “Common Veterans Podcast: Season 1 Addendum,” where we delve into the rich tapestry of military traditions, unraveling their deeper meanings and historical significance. We’ll uncover why these practices endure, shedding light on the unique mindset and sense of humor prevalent among military members.
The Purpose of Traditions
Military traditions are more than rituals; they serve as threads weaving together the fabric of camaraderie, honor, and history within the armed forces. Understanding their origins provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural backbone of military life.
Traditions Are Traditional
The Salute
From its roots in the Middle Ages as a gesture of peace to its modern-day symbolism of respect and recognition, the salute is a cornerstone of military etiquette.
Taps and Reveille
The solemnity of waking to a cornet’s notes and the symbolism behind honoring the national colors being lowered underscore the reverence for duty and sacrifice.
Covers (Hats) Outside
Beyond fashion, these headpieces signify protection, camouflage, and a visible marker of rank, fostering a sense of unity and distinction among service members.
Being Pinned
The act of pinning, whether for rank or awards, represents a badge of honor earned through dedication, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a tangible symbol of one’s journey and accomplishments.
Because We Can
Military balls, replete with unique rituals like the Army‘s “Grogg” or the Air Force‘s “Jeff,” offer glimpses into the unit’s identity and shared experiences, strengthening bonds among comrades.
Beyond physical fitness, PT instills discipline and preparedness, while uniforms promote unity and morale—a visual representation of a collective identity.
Hazing
A controversial practice that, in elite units, serves to test resilience and integration. Stories from these experiences illuminate the dynamics within these specialized circles.
Battle Buddies and Group Dynamics
Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, battle buddies epitomize the ethos of collective success and safety, forming the backbone of military operations.
Deployments and Beyond
Embracing More Traditions
Exploring further traditions or quirks unique to different branches or deployments, highlighting the diversity and richness of military cultures.
Conclusion
Addendum II Teaser
As we conclude this deep dive into military traditions, stay tuned for our next podcast, “Take This Job and Shove It,” where we explore the service concept and possibly feature a special guest shedding light on their experiences.
In what has become the first overblown manufactured outrage of the general election, the media has decided to use a Gold Star family to attack Donald Trump as someone who hates the families of dead Americans. I’m not going to focus too much on Khan‘s speech at the DNC, which was full of hyperbole and dishonest accusations against Trump and his policy positions. I’m not even going to go into detail about Mr. Khan being in the business of immigration, and as such, is professionally motivated to oppose Trump. Nor will I spend much time on the fact that many veterans are openly criticizing Mr. Khan, and his ties to the Clinton Foundation.
The fact that Trump has never stated he wanted to ban all Muslims, deport all Muslims, or anything similar is irrelevant in how the media and Democrats are spinning the attacks against him. The fact that Hillary supported the war, and sending Captain Khan overseas where he’d lose his life, and Trump opposed that war doesn’t mean anything either. Not to a partisan media that will do whatever it takes to elect Democrats. Then there’s the fact that the Khans are criticizing Trump over an issue irrelevant to their son‘s death. Using their Gold Star status as a shield of sorts.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]The fact that Trump has never stated he wanted to ban all Muslims, or deport all Muslims is irrelevant to the media.[/Tweet]
The same media fawned over the Democrats, literally, rebranding their entire party as patriotic flag waving lovers of the Founding Fathers after four days virtually flag free at their convention, and years denigrating flag waving patriots who share the Founder’s vision for the country. The flag was so far from Democrat’s thoughts that they had to borrow them from Philadelphia City Hall for crying out loud.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]The flag was so far from Dem’s thoughts that they had to borrow them from Philadelphia City Hall. Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
The same media who elevated Cindy Sheehan while ignoring thousands more Gold Star families with opposite views is now doing the same for the Khan family. This media would have you believe that Trump offering the Khan family condolences, honoring their son’s sacrifice, and saying that he wanted to hear what Mrs. Khan had to say was somehow the worst possible attack on Gold Star families ever seen. Sorry, but media darlings Code Pink saying soldiers deserved to die in Iraq is far worse. His comment about Mrs. Khan was inarticulate and ill-advised, but hardly a horrendous attack. Confirmation bias will steer how awful one views that remark.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Trump’s comment about Mrs. Khan was inarticulate and ill-advised, but hardly a horrendous attack. Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
Mr. Khan gets to go on national TV and attack Donald Trump with factually untrue statements, but Trump can’t respond? If he does, he ‘disrespects’ all Gold Star families? According to the media trying to elect his opponent, yes.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Mr. Khan gets to go on national TV and attack Donald Trump with factually untrue statements, but Trump can’t respond?[/Tweet]
The same media ‘outraged’ that Trump would honor Captain Khan’s service, and ask what Mrs. Khan thinks is the same media who didn’t, and doesn’t, give a damn about Pat Smith or any other surviving relatives of those murdered in Benghazi. The same media ‘outraged’ by Trump’s ‘disrespect’ of the Khans is the same media that didn’t give a damn Hillary LIED to the families of those who were murdered in Benghazi. That same media also didn’t care when Hillary called all of them liars years later. That same media gave glowing reviews of Hillary’s Benghazi testimony when she said “what difference, at this point, does it make.” Where’s the media’s outrage at Hillary’s disrespect? Where’s their outrage for not protecting them? Hillary’s State Department made Marines change uniforms four times instead of rescuing our people in Benghazi, but Trump asking what Mrs. Khan thinks is crossing the line?
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]The same media ‘outraged’ by Trump/Khan feud doesn’t give a damn about #Benghazi families. Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Hillary’s State Dept. made Marines change uniforms 4 times instead of saving American lives, but Trump went too far?[/Tweet]
Anyone remember Vice President Biden’s disrespectful comments to Tyrone Woods’ father as his body was brought back to the US? The same day Hillary lied to family members about Benghazi being caused by a video. No? That’s because there wasn’t a media firestorm about it since it painted a Democrat in a negative light.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Remember Vice President Biden’s disrespectful comment to Tyrone Woods’ father? No? Didn’t think so. Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Media ‘outraged’ by Trump/Khan feud said nothing when Chris Matthews said ‘I don’t care’ what Gold Star mom feels.[/Tweet]
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Media ‘outraged’ by Trump/Khan feud said nothing when GQ writer said he wanted to beat Gold Star mom “to death.”[/Tweet]
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Media ‘outraged’ by Trump/Khan feud said nothing when Hillary Clinton called Gold Star families liars.[/Tweet]
Make no mistake, the media isn’t rallying around a war hero’s family because of honor, or some horrible injustice has been done. They don’t care about the Khan family. Just like they didn’t care about Cindy Sheehan, and they don’t care about Benghazi families. They just want to use them to get Hillary elected.
The media peddling this disingenuous narrative that Trump is ‘attacking’ a Gold Star family ignores the Gold Star families who’ve openly spoken out in support of Trump. They’ve provided essentially no air time for them, while doing wall-to-wall coverage of the Khans.
What do you expect from a media that ignores Trump was the only American with influence who stepped up to help Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi when he was ignored by Obama and Hillary and everyone else. Have you heard the media tell you about the staff sergeant Trump handed $10k to so he could jump start his education? Didn’t think so. Have you heard about Trump getting the New York Vietnam Veterans Plaza built? They say it wouldn’t have happened without him. How about when he was called upon to help with the 50th anniversary WWII parade? He not only gave money, but allowed organizers to use his personal helicopter to get around the city quickly. You also don’t hear about how the Benghazi survivors have endorsed Trump. The same survivors Democrats accused of lying about what happened on the ground in Benghazi. The same survivors Hillary testified she ‘checked in on’ but we learned she only called 1 of the 35 survivors, and she still will not speak to her ‘good friend’ Ambassador Stevens’ fiance.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Why won’t Hillary Clinton speak to her ‘good friend’ AMB Stevens’ fiance? Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Have you heard about the SSG Trump handed $10k to so he could go to school? Didn’t think so. Via @CaseyTheHost[/Tweet]
That’s because the Democratic Party, and their media allies, don’t care about veterans, or their families opinions unless they help get Democrats elected.
Trump isn’t the one who said veterans dying as a result of the VA scandal was being blown out of proportion, Hillary did. Also, her statement that the VA scandal wasn’t widespread was a lie. She tried to make it seem like Republicans were intentionally not funding the VA so that it would collapse. Again, no wall-to-wall media outrage.
[Tweet theme=”tweet-box-shadow”]Trump didn’t say veterans dying as a result of the VA scandal was being blown out of proportion, Hillary did.[/Tweet]
The man, Daniel Llorente, was holding the flag across his back at the waterfront as the ship approached. He was detained after making a speech about liberty on the communist island. It‘s unclear what charges were leveled against him.
The Student Government Association resolution, which passed April 20 by a 27-4 vote, is a nonbinding, formal opinion. It asks the university administration to consider adding the wearing of headdresses as a violation of the student code of conduct.
