AND....I'm Retired!

[Eric24]

A few years back when I was stationed at FT. Campbell, KY 101st Airborne Division/Rakkasans...

This community did something Patriotic, Selfless and down right Top Notch...

As most of you know, the Pirate himself, Mr. Jim Van Dorn holds a BBQ the night before the C4/ZR-1 Gathering, on this particular night he held an auction for my Soldiers and myself. He auctioned/sold items in support of my guys deployed to Afghanistan.

You see, we were an Infantry unit in a small COP in a bad spot, no PX, stores for us, all we had for support was care packages and sometimes internet that worked. We were attacked daily and let me just say, we saw lots of action....

Nothing lifted my guys morale then when we got mail/packages, we were so far out that we did not receive these packages that most guys get from schools and other agencies, no one liked to fly into our AO....

So...once we starting receiving packages from JVD that you all supported by buying items at his BBQ, my guys morale went from 0-180 MPH in 4.4 seconds ( haha, a little ZR-1 joke) because of the numerous boxes that you all purchased. We had guys from the other platoons wanting to be with me just because of all the food/snacks we received..

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you one last time...See, I just retired after 24 years and 3 months of Active Duty time, all spent in the Infantry and I just wanted to let you all know that with all those years in, this was by far the coolest, nicest, selfless thing I have ever received or seen......

And this act of kindess was not forgotten!

I salute you all...

MSG (R) Eric Egelstad

AKA - 'Stad

[gbrtng]

JVD cleaned out all kinds of ZR-1 stuff from his closet - we all bought something. Glad to help; and thanks for your service.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Thanks so much for your service.

Sincerely
Brett

[FU]

We greatly appreciate your service to our Country Eric.

That was a great time we had raising bucks for you and your men Eric. Your mom , dad and wife were in tear's over the outpour of kindness from the group. The owner of that facility poured his heart out to make that the greatest event of that gathering. Thanks' Jim.

[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by Eric24

A few years back when I was stationed at FT. Campbell, KY 101st Airborne Division/Rakkasans...

This community did something Patriotic, Selfless and down right Top Notch...

As most of you know, the Pirate himself, Mr. Jim Van Dorn holds a BBQ the night before the C4/ZR-1 Gathering, on this particular night he held an auction for my Soldiers and myself. He auctioned/sold items in support of my guys deployed to Afghanistan.

You see, we were an Infantry unit in a small COP in a bad spot, no PX, stores for us, all we had for support was care packages and sometimes internet that worked. We were attacked daily and let me just say, we saw lots of action....

Nothing lifted my guys morale then when we got mail/packages, we were so far out that we did not receive these packages that most guys get from schools and other agencies, no one liked to fly into our AO....

So...once we starting receiving packages from JVD that you all supported by buying items at his BBQ, my guys morale went from 0-180 MPH in 4.4 seconds ( haha, a little ZR-1 joke) because of the numerous boxes that you all purchased. We had guys from the other platoons wanting to be with me just because of all the food/snacks we received..

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you one last time...See, I just retired after 24 years and 3 months of Active Duty time, all spent in the Infantry and I just wanted to let you all know that with all those years in, this was by far the coolest, nicest, selfless thing I have ever received or seen......

And this act of kindess was not forgotten!

I salute you all...

MSG (R) Eric Egelstad

AKA - 'Stad

You know gang, there are so many who go around bragging about this or that, trying to create their own self-esteem, but then there are the few who actually make a difference. The Egelstads attended our Gatherings and drove all the way from WA state. When I heard Eric was deployed in the forward-most area of ‘Stan, the idea came that we could do some good for some guys who were a long way from home and in Harm’s Way.

Thanks to all of you who attended, those of you who donated items for our last minute auction, (Tommy Morrison, Graham Behan, Gary Cline and so many others), we raised over $4,000. I asked Eric for a list of necessities and he provided a list of items including a football, Red Bull, jerky and all types of other food items. I took pride in going to Sam’s Club and buying each item and then packing it up in USPS APO boxes, and then taking them to the post office for shipment. I did all of that on your behalf and I thank each and every one of you. We really appreciate what you helped us do.

I believe others stepped up and sent packages also. Thanks again.

(Of course the Air Force had to deliver them)

Being around since the early days, I’ve seen our group do some terrific things including showing our appreciation to those who built our engines, to commemorating the last ZR-1 off the line and then handing the NCM and ZR-1 Registry the proceeds. We kept the NCM open back in those days folks, and that is an accomplishment we can all be proud of.

Some of you noticed we longer host our welcoming BBQ. Maybe some day we can get back to having fun and rewarding times.

P.S. Hey ‘Stad. Just a hint: throw the green boxers away and get white ones….uh…on second thought…..

SGT jvd
USAF (ret)

[phrogs]

Congrats, I should have retired this year in May, but me and the US Marine Corps had a disagreement.

[cvette98pacecar]

JP, You should have read the fine print.

[Eric24]

Originally Posted by phrogs

Congrats, I should have retired this year in May, but me and the US Marine Corps had a disagreement.

I had the same run in with the Army, I tried to retire at 23 years and they said, "no"...I almost passed out! It all worked out for the best though, i got a little over 24 years in and it helps a little on my retirement pay..

[gbrtng]

biting my tongue and fuming ...

[vandornjim]

Originally Posted by gbrtng

biting my tongue and fuming ...

I shoulda known I'd get moderated for hangin out with them Army types....

Me thinks I'm the most moderated guy in ZR-1 history...