Can we request a username change ?

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Moved for a better location......

Well, My reply turned into a song, so I created a thread for that.

POSSIBLE THOUGHT. Maybe a Section or Sticky Created for "War Stories" that can be read by the masses. Not necessarily to be commented on but a locked Sticky where a worthy story can be placed by an admin for the enjoyment of others just to read. We all see a post here and there that just is something that fits the description. Just a Thought.


Now, here is a story from my Army Days

I was a fresh fish in the 82AA just out of my Infantry, Airborne, Ranger schools and been at the unit (C 2/325 AIR) for maybe 3 months. In these "Rapid Deployment Units" there are like 3 cycles that you live by. 1. Tranining 2. Prep for Mission 3. Mission (then Block Leave) Sooooo As I have said before I was Born and Raised in the Frozen Tundra of Michigan and as all "Michiganders" do when asked, I used to raise my hand and point to where I was from.

WELL, Let me tell you how that all changed.

One day I was in a long line to draw my weaponry for a week in the field of going to ranges so we would be qualified for the year. (Here is a little note, Everyone in the White Falcons is an Expert Marksman. We don't actually qualify per se, we are told to get good because if you don't you will die or your buddy will. NO PRESSURE AT ALL.) I was an E-2 at the time and the one who was getting to do all of the work in the squad because I was new. We all went through it. So, one of my squad members was also an Armorer and the guy at the door handing out the weapons. When I made it to about 4th in line he began his "I hate Michiganders" jokes. Everyone in the damn Company was there and they all knew what he was doing because he did this to EVERYONE from Michigan. This man knew more things about my state than I did at the time and was going on about each sports team college & pro, the Holland Tulip Festival, Hash Bash, M.I.S., and each of the Great Lakes one by one. Looking back I am impressed on how much effort this man put into his lead up for a prank.

One person at a time was getting their weapons in front of me and the whole place was laughing their asses off at his jokes that he made me interact in. When I got to the door and handed him my weapons card. He stared at the card. He stared at me. Back then I was not quick with the joke or reply as I am now. He read my name out loud and asked me to pronounce it. Asked me my serial numbers. Asked me the cycle of fire for each weapon.

He then asked me where I was from. He looked like he scratched his balls at this point. So I replied loud, which I didn't know would not be in my favor, "I am from the Great Lake State, Michigan." he laughed and took two steps back, apparently so everyone behind me could see also. The he said, (Yes I remember exactly what Specialist Carl Mathews said that day over 27 years ago. Some things Just stick with you), "OK Mr Michigander. Show Me." Here is where I should have just stopped, but I was 18 and Proud of my State (which don't charge military personnel income taxes) and I held up my hand and pointed to the center lower portion "The Pulse of Michigan" I smiled and was Proud and turned and held my hand up pointing for all to see.

WELL, You See, Specialist Mathews is from Florida. While I turned my back like a MORON. Specialist Carl Mathews took two steps back again and pulled out his "Florida" so all can see. I was smiling and thought that everyone was laughing WITH me because I showed this guy what is what. NOOO, when I turned back around to face Specialist Carl Mathews. He did not have MY rifle in his hand, he had his Florida there and with his other he pointed to where he was from.

So Picture this in your head. Me turning around to face this man with my hand in the air and me pointing to the center bottom of my hand to represent where I was born and raised. Proud, Chest Out, Smiling...... Specialist Carl Mathews standing sideways, His "Florida" in his hand and pointing to where he was born and raised. For Three or four seconds the whole area was silent. He said very loudly, "This is where I am from you dolt. Right At The Tip." The Place erupted in laughter for what seemed forever, and NO they were not laughing WITH me.

So, forever more, I can not see the state of Florida as a "Pop Tart" that has been chewed and crafted into the resemblance of a hand gun. OHHHH, I Wish I could. No I see Specialist Carl Mathews with his "Florida", it is a Traumatic situation that has scarred me for life. Furthermore I can not call America Female anymore because of this........ Its Male!!!!