Fort Sill soldiers heading home for holidays

I was in the National Guard and stationed at Ft. Sill for basic training approx. 30 yrs. ago. The regular Army called the Guard members "No Go's".... and the Drill Instructors didn't miss a chance to denigrate the Guardsmen, because the regular Army resented the "Weekend Warriors". Even the sign-in list in the cafeteria separated the guardsmen into a lower class. And everyone had to pay their own way from the base to their home and back again for Christmas. I think we were making $320 a month back then.. after travel expenses there sure wasn't much money left for paying the monthly bills, much less buying Christmas gifts. The main road leading off base [Fort Sill Blvd.] was lined with several dozen full nudity strip joints, and many recruits.... 18 year old kids away from their momma and daddy for their first time, spent much [if not all] of their pay on the strippers.

I was in the National Guard and stationed at Ft. Sill for basic training approx. 30 yrs. ago. The regular Army called the Guard members "No Go's".... and the Drill Instructors didn't miss a chance to denigrate the Guardsmen, because the regular Army resented the "Weekend Warriors". Even the sign-in list in the cafeteria separated the guardsmen into a lower class. And everyone had to pay their own way from the base to their home and back again for Christmas. I think we were making $320 a month back then.. after travel expenses there sure wasn't much money left for paying the monthly bills, much less buying Christmas gifts. The main road leading off base [Fort Sill Blvd.] was lined with several dozen full nudity strip joints, and many recruits.... 18 year old kids away from their momma and daddy for their first time, spent much [if not all] of their pay on the strippers.

C--I am a Veteran also. I know how it works. You just go back to mowing your lawns and collecting your welfare checks and let me and Cooter take the bold steps of running the country.

It is still the same way, my friend just got back from active duty and we are so glad to have him here for the first Christmas in a while. I would be glad to see my tax dollars go to deserving soldiers honestly. Thank you James, I'm sure you served around the same time as my father and he is the same way. It makes me proud to see a veteran encourage a young soldier. Happy holidays to our troops!!!

Mike, when I was in, you had to pay your own way and I'm pretty sure it's still the same way. Remember when our Nat'l Guard troops were training in El Paso last year at this time and folks raised money to bus them back to Oklahoma? I'm pretty sure they still pay the bills.

Cooter and Mike,
The two of you should get together. You sound like 2 of a kind. Thank you James and every soldier, no matter where you are or how you are serving our country, I thank you and pray for you every night.

this could be the last Christmas I get to see my Mother in Law who lives overseas. Can I get the US Tax Paying Citizens to pay my way to the Caribbean to visit her for 2 weeks? Lots of us have applaudible reasonings for Christmas time leave. The soldiers leave in on equal grounds to my vacation leave at Christmas time. Lets get real about who pays the bills...I am sick of it.

this could be the last Christmas I get to see my Mother in Law who lives overseas. Can I get the US Tax Paying Citizens to pay my way to the Caribbean to visit her for 2 weeks? Lots of us have applaudible reasonings for Christmas time leave. The soldiers leave in on equal grounds to my vacation leave at Christmas time. Lets get real about who pays the bills...I am sick of it.

Question-- Who pays for their trip home? Taxpayers? Because when I was in I had to pay my own way--off a estimated $550 a month paycheck as an E3....Most airline tix are $800 plus.....Just wondering because i for one do not care to assist in paying for their airfare. It is their job and their adventure--their choosing to go into the military around this time of the year...
I am not calised, but sensible...

Question-- Who pays for their trip home? Taxpayers? Because when I was in I had to pay my own way--off a estimated $550 a month paycheck as an E3....Most airline tix are $800 plus.....Just wondering because i for one do not care to assist in paying for their airfare. It is their job and their adventure--their choosing to go into the military around this time of the year...
I am not calised, but sensible...

David is right, Cooter, please remember that these troops might not ever make it back home! It is very emotional for their families and for them!

I remember coming home on Christmas exodus from basic training in Georgia in 1985. It was one of the best Christmases because I didn't get to come home for the next two years. I remember snoozing on a hard bench in the USO room of the Atlanta airport awaiting my flight to leave. The song, "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley still takes me back to that time because I remember hearing it when we were coming back to our barracks the day before we left. We're a lot more aware of our service men and women now than we were 20 years ago because of the sacrifices they are called to perform. I was fortunate to have served during a peaceful time. I always thank a soldier when I meet one today. Yep Cooter, being away from family during the holidays is rough, whether you are in the service or otherwise.

This could be the last christmas some of these soldiers will be here for, who knows when they will get to spend their next christmas at home. My cousin hasn't been home for christmas in 3 years. This is his first one back since he left. I know it's hard on the men and women. Also, for the families here. Thank you soldiers. I for one am very appreciative of what you do.

Just because they are not in a war zone does not mean they are not doing their part and are away from family also. I for one was glad to see they are going to be with family for the holiday. I hope you are with family and loved ones also Cooter. My Thanks and best wishes to all who are sacrificing so that I might choose to celebrate and be with who I choose.

Merry Christmas soldiers!

Thanks to all these soldiers for their sacrifice...no matter where you're serving.

Coming home for the holidays is a happy thing no matter where you are coming from. Cooter, have a great Christmas and Happy New Year, no matter where you are.