It was much quieter during my time (1981-1991). Not much excitement except for Just Cause and Desert Storm and that really was no comparison. But as you well know, we like it quiet in the military! Everyone always wants alittle action until they get it and then once is more than enough. The theory of no females on the front lines is 'laughable' to say the least--where are the 'front lines' in modern warfare? In one country I was patrolling with an infantry unit for specific purposes but I could NOT be assigned to them in peacetime-funny, huh? A lot of attitudes about women in the military during the last three mini wars were changed and, I'm sorry to say, a lot were reinforced I've heard over the years... If everyone could just remember that we are all 'individuals' and you cannot stereotype anyone whether they be male, female, black, white, asian...

I was in too many units to recall them all. All in all, I would only be interested in getting back together with a couple of them including the unit I was with in Panama. I made a lot of friends though who are still my friends to this day. I did get to see a lot of countries including Germany, Switzerland, Nederland, Italy, France, Russia, East Berlin, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatamala, one mideast country..., as well as many posts in the states: Ft Dix, Ft Eustis, Ft Rucker, Ft Polk, Ft Lewis, Ft Huachuca, DLI, Ft Bliss...Everywhere I went I kept meeting people who had been in one unit their entire enlistment. It amazed me, because the longest I spent anywhere was Germany and I was there for three years and I was stationed in three different locations there!

I guess I should post my picture on the UT (I did email it once about 7 months ago, but it never got posted so I guess I left some information out about my account or something), but I kind of enjoy everyone not knowing whether they are conversing with a male or female. If everyone knew that they were conversing with a female they would 'temper' their responses and I prefer they just 'attack' as they would otherwise. I can take it *BG* :o)

Tracy

>Tracy;
>
>LOL! I was in the Air Force. Sometimes you are nothing more than a number when you are in the military. This August we are having a reunion of the 636th RADON at Condon, Oregon. I cannot wait to see some of my friends whom I have not seen since 1965.
>
>The things I remember about the military (what I like to remember) is the funny things that occured. You do get to meet "interesting people" and be a part of an environment that even the movies cannot capture! :)
>
>Tom
>
>>Believe me, Charles is being overly generous in his compliments! I'm accustomed to everyone thinking I am a male (not in person though, thank goodness!). The entire time I was in the Army, the 'powers-that-be' (DA) had me down as a male so I kept getting those wonderful assignments like air-cav, etc... Everytime I showed up at a new unit they would tell me to pack my bags, I wasn't staying (by law) and needless to say, it always took at least a year to get reassigned! It was very interesting to say the least! None of it bothered me too much except I could've done without the year in Fulda, FRG (and a couple of others as well). I'm glad it's over--it was fun while it lasted but those days are LONG GONE... :o)
>>Tracy
>>
>>>Thank you for the information. It can be a bit difficult to tell sometimes whom you are talking to! In fact by looking at the typing it is impossible! :)
>>>
>>>>And "he" is a hell of a lot prettier than your average "she".
>>>>
>>>>Tracy is a very attractive lady who is even smarter than she is attractive.
>>>>
>>>>>>FWIW when I met you and guessed your age I was off by about 10 years.
>>>>>
>>>>>Now I know you mean he looks younger then he actually is. :)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>You motivate me! Almost two years ago I turned 40. Not a big deal, I know, but it sure changed my life in ways I never dreamed of. All my life I was healthy and energetic. I was always slightly underweight, very active, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, low cholesterol, etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Well, in the almost two years since I turned 40 my cholesterol shot up from 145 to 309! (I think that is really due to my Norwegian and German ancestry and eating fatty meat and potatoes all my life!) Needless to say I am on the fitness bandwagon! Changed my diet and I exercise 6 days a week now. I have not lost any weight--in fact I gained 10 lbs! I do an hour of aerobics 3 times a week (rotate 3.5 minutes aerobics and 1.5 minutes lifting weights) and an hour on a glider the other 3 days a week (had to add the glider because the aerobics/weight training was making me too muscular). Now to just keep it up for the rest of my life! Actually I've found that the stress reduction from exercising has made it all worthwhile in itself.