New "National Defense" Tartan

[Barb T]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

[Geoff Withnell]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

Well said. I hold the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, so I have "looked down the barrel of a gun" but my comrades who were never sent still put their lives on the line, being willing to be sent. Some Gave All, but All Gave Some. Even if that is one's only medal, it indicates standing between your loved home and the war's desolation. They are my brothers and comrades in arms, and I am seriously thinking about getting a kilt in the tartan, it looks cool!

Geoff Withnell

[kiltimabar]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

Somebody always manages to say it better than I could. Thanks, Barb. You get it.

[David H]

Barb, you are correct!! I could not have said it any better. I have been in the USAF (active, Guard, and Reserve) for 26 years. The past ten I have been on active duty.
I have had the opportunity to work in the civilian sector, the past few years, but I choose not to. I know that I could make more money in the civilian sector but I wanted to wear the uniform. My two little boys thinks it is "cool" that their daddy is in the USAF and they live on base.
I really take exception to those who think that you have to just show up to their Guard or Reserve unit in order to receive this medal. Most of us who have earned this medal have really worked for it. We do it because we love what we do and we think that we can make a difference.
As far as the tartan is concerned, it is really a nice looking kilt. I have been looking for another one to purchase. I will put this one on my list.

[Chas]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

Hear, Hear! When I was blown up in Northern Ireland, I was more than grateful to the dedicated men and women, back in England, who put me back together again.

"They also serve who stand and wait.

Regards

Chas

[cavscout]

With all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission. It is veterans who understand that this medal is given to EVERYONE serving during ANY conflict. When a Private or PFC walks off Parris Island (or San Diego) they are wearing this medal and a Rifle Qaul. Badge. The gesture of this medal is very nice but as a vet who served in a rear position I don't have a problem with WE who earned it joking about it. There are MANY other Veterans Issues I will choose to get my hackle up about. Also, there are things Vets can joke about that civilians cannot. This is one of them. I can also joke about my Good Conduct Medal (Good Cookie) 2nd award considering the fact that a lowly 18 year old private is held to the strict standards of the UCMJ (take a guess at what the penalty for bouncing a $5 check would be ) yet the highly educated civilian leadership is not and would be thrown under the jail if they ever were. While vets are not getting the care they deserve or their families have to figure out a way to provide for their kids upon their death; while those in a theater of operation have to have their families send them diaper wipes or food to trade with the locals; and while most enlisted personnel live below the poverty level, a veteran joking about the NDM is a rather small issue. I'd like to see the budget amount dedicated to the NDM given to the charity in my link, Ward 57 . Alas, it takes private donations to provide for these warriors and their families during a very long recovery.

[Splash_4]

with all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission. It is veterans who understand that this medal is given to everyone serving during any conflict. When a private or pfc walks off parris island (or san diego) they are wearing this medal and a rifle qaul. Badge. The gesture of this medal is very nice but as a vet who served in a rear position i don't have a problem with we who earned it joking about it. There are many other veterans issues i will choose to get my hackle up about. Also, there are things vets can joke about that civilians cannot. This is one of them. I can also joke about my good conduct medal (good cookie) 2nd award considering the fact that a lowly 18 year old private is held to the strict standards of the ucmj (take a guess at what the penalty for bouncing a $5 check would be ) yet the highly educated civilian leadership is not and would be thrown under the jail if they ever were. While vets are not getting the care they deserve or their families have to figure out a way to provide for their kids upon their death; while those in a theater of operation have to have their families send them diaper wipes or food to trade with the locals; and while most enlisted personnel live below the poverty level, a veteran joking about the ndm is a rather small issue. I'd like to see the budget amount dedicated to the ndm given to the charity in my link, ward 57 . Alas, it takes private donations to provide for these warriors and their families during a very long recovery.

amen!

[McELT]

With all due respect, let's take a step back and notice that no one is saying that those who served in the rear are any less valuable or necessary to the overall mission... .

Let's also notice that those "snickering" about the National Defense Medal were all holders of this medal - veterans and active duty. I don't think they need to be lectured about the sacrifices that they and their comrades are making even if not serving in the combat zone.

And yes, I am also a veteran with a National Defense Medal.

[planemaker]

I like the tartan. Would any of my cousins in the Americian Forces object if this former Canadian Air Force officer wore this tartan?

Also....thank you for your service. I always enjoyed working with the USAF and US Army units. int:

Cheers!

Paul

[cavscout]

No objection from a Dual Service Vet (Marine Corps and Army). Wear and be proud (and free )