Life Membership for Veterans Question

wbwood wrote:
Wow. I really can't believe what I have read about how "some" feel about veterans. As the old saying goes, "if you can read this, than a teacher....if it's in English, thank a soldier (veteran)". As a veteran and a law enforcement officer, I chose my career path. Would I have it any other way? Maybe. Would I have chosen to go through intensive physical, mental and educational training for nothing? Would I have done it for no reason at all? Would I have done it to keep my family, friends and millions of others I don't know safe each and every day? Would I have sacrificed my time and my life all for a measly salary that is considered just above poverty? And as far as medical benefits goes, my father enlisted in 1956. When he enlisted at 17 years, he was promised free medical for life and great retirement package. While he does get somewhat of a retirement check, he also has to pay into medical insurance. He and and my mom have to see civilian dentists (even though they are less than 3 miles from a military installation). Are they taken care of as promised? No. Please walk a mile in the shoes of a veteran before you down play it. I know for one that I did not enjoy being called up and having to report with all my gear at a moments notice to get on a plane and not know if it was a drill, for real and where we were going. Only to tell your loved ones that you have to go, you don't know where or for how long, but you will try to contact them when you return. And all in order to keep the country safe and that others who would not sacrifice themselves or their time for their country. One thing I do remember from my American history class is that if those patriots of the revolution who made the sacrifice to protect their great land, so that their families and others could live in peace and prosperity. If not for those patriots, we would not be where we are today. If not for all the veterans of the armed forces, the same would go today.

By the way, I am happy that I was able to take advantage of the $149 law enforcement discount a couple years ago. Even though I am a veteran of he armed forces, I was not a current active duty veteran which was needed to get the discount that way. Veterans do not look for handouts, but they do appreciate the gestures given in discounts for products. Yes it is a great perk from those who offer it.

Well said

Wow. I really can't believe what I have read about how "some" feel about veterans. As the old saying goes, "if you can read this, than a teacher....if it's in English, thank a soldier (veteran)". As a veteran and a law enforcement officer, I chose my career path. Would I have it any other way? Maybe. Would I have chosen to go through intensive physical, mental and educational training for nothing? Would I have done it for no reason at all? Would I have done it to keep my family, friends and millions of others I don't know safe each and every day? Would I have sacrificed my time and my life all for a measly salary that is considered just above poverty? And as far as medical benefits goes, my father enlisted in 1956. When he enlisted at 17 years, he was promised free medical for life and great retirement package. While he does get somewhat of a retirement check, he also has to pay into medical insurance. He and and my mom have to see civilian dentists (even though they are less than 3 miles from a military installation). Are they taken care of as promised? No. Please walk a mile in the shoes of a veteran before you down play it. I know for one that I did not enjoy being called up and having to report with all my gear at a moments notice to get on a plane and not know if it was a drill, for real and where we were going. Only to tell your loved ones that you have to go, you don't know where or for how long, but you will try to contact them when you return. And all in order to keep the country safe and that others who would not sacrifice themselves or their time for their country. One thing I do remember from my American history class is that if those patriots of the revolution who made the sacrifice to protect their great land, so that their families and others could live in peace and prosperity. If not for those patriots, we would not be where we are today. If not for all the veterans of the armed forces, the same would go today.

By the way, I am happy that I was able to take advantage of the $149 law enforcement discount a couple years ago. Even though I am a veteran of he armed forces, I was not a current active duty veteran which was needed to get the discount that way. Veterans do not look for handouts, but they do appreciate the gestures given in discounts for products. Yes it is a great perk from those who offer it.

I don't think I will be driving a Motor home much longer, so I will just keep my membership a year at a time. As I am 80+. I am feeling so old I don't even buy green bananas.

"You can't handle the truth" good movie.

tstryk wrote:

AKSuperDually wrote:
tstryk, at this point I wouldn't expect you to get it.

Nor would I expect you to. You are entitled to nothing more or less because you are a vet. You are no more or less special than anyone else because you were in the armed forces. I do, however, respect and thank you for your service. My thinking is that we all choose our jobs/careers. Those in the military chose that job (in our modern day/ post draft). Teachers chose their careers, as did law enforcement, etc. Some are woefully underpaid. Yes, the military are not paid well, but there ARE perks. While I was working, if I wanted family medical coverage, I would have had to part with between $1000 and $1500 a month. Military folks face danger at times, law enforcement face danger almost ALL of the time. Good and bad to each professions - each is a special form of service and deserves respect.

If that's what lets you sleep at night, who am I to shatter your world? I'll say no more.

AKSuperDually wrote:
tstryk, at this point I wouldn't expect you to get it.

Nor would I expect you to. You are entitled to nothing more or less because you are a vet. You are no more or less special than anyone else because you were in the armed forces. I do, however, respect and thank you for your service. My thinking is that we all choose our jobs/careers. Those in the military chose that job (in our modern day/ post draft). Teachers chose their careers, as did law enforcement, etc. Some are woefully underpaid. Yes, the military are not paid well, but there ARE perks. While I was working, if I wanted family medical coverage, I would have had to part with between $1000 and $1500 a month. Military folks face danger at times, law enforcement face danger almost ALL of the time. Good and bad to each professions - each is a special form of service and deserves respect.

tstryk, at this point I wouldn't expect you to get it. You've revealed your character in this forum.

I appreciate that Good Sam as a corporate entity shows respect to those who've served their country. When I join a club like this, the political/lobbying agenda of the organization is important to me. I don't simply join to receive discounts on camping....

If I'm going to put a sticker on something I own, or display a membership for discount at a camp...I want to be sure the organization I'm telling everyone I belong to is something I can be proud of. Giving a hefty discount to veterans in recognition for their service, makes me proud to be a part of Good Sam.

My Grandfather was a member of Good Sam. He attended rallies in the early days. He was one of the first airstream dealerships, and he stayed with them until they closed their production doors. A combat veteran himself, he always told me that Good Sam was a club worth belonging to.

AKSuperDually wrote:

I was trying to be nice.

:h

well said AKSuperDually

Hello Everyone! Let's please try to keep on topic here or we will have to close the thread. Thanks and safe travels!