For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

WB9MCW · 12-23-2011

We thank you for your service - Here is a great story to share

Viet Nam1966

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

A26B · 12-23-2011

I attended a Bob Hope Christmas show with Ann Margaret, Danang, 1968. When the show was over, I was part of a detail that formed a sort of corridor to a waiting CH46, for Ann Margaret & some others. I was at the door of the helicopter as she came out alone, a few minutes before others. I held her hand as she got on. She sat down, waved to me and said "I wish you could go with us." Needless to say , I felt the same way as I said "I wish I could too, but I have to stay." To this day I can still see her there in that moment. Ann Margaret is a beautiful, incredible woman and still my favorite today. She will never know how special those few moments were to me.

Jagdpanzer · 12-23-2011

Jerry,
Bob Hope Christmas shows were another fancy perk you in country marines had over us poor 7th Fleet sailors bobbing around the Tonkin Gulf and South China Sea in our WWII era tin can destroyers. However, I did get the chance to catch a Bob Hope USO Christmas show he did at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1973.

A26B · 12-23-2011

LOL! Fancy perks? Lemme see....Navy...chow 3xday, all hot, clean racks, ice cream, clean clothes, probably A/C..... should I go on???

Merry Christmas Phil!!

efnfast · 12-23-2011

Thank you guys for keeping me and my family safe. Have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you again for your service.

FU · 12-23-2011

That's when you were good lookin Jerry !
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God Bless Our Veteran's

Merry Christmas !

A26B · 12-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by FU2

That's when you were good lookin Jerry !
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God Bless Our Veteran's

Merry Christmas !

PM Sent!

Jagdpanzer · 12-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

LOL! Fancy perks? Lemme see....Navy...chow 3xday, all hot, clean racks, ice cream, clean clothes, probably A/C..... should I go on???

Merry Christmas Phil!!

Actually counting midrats it was hot chow 4 x day.
My birthing compartment was located just aft of the after twin 5"/38 gun mount.
Our AC unit was shaken to pieces after the first dozen rounds of the firing missions called in by, guess who, our dear USMC brothers on the beach.
I still have to envy you though, face time with Ann Margaret versus movie call on the mess decks featuring a 16 mm celluloid film version of "It's a Wonderful Life" using a Bell & Howell reel to reel projecter and a bed sheet hung on the bulkhead.

Merry Christmas to you and yours as well Jerry!!

12-23-2011	#1
WB9MCW Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: McHenry, Il. Posts: 6,607	For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! We thank you for your service - Here is a great story to share Viet Nam1966 Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam , other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures. A few years ago, Ann Margret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing. When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it." She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there. Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said. That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband. I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country. If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make. __________________ http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...9mcw/SIG-2.jpg http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o128/wb9mcw/vcm.gif "The Budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome will become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance." - Cicero, 55 BC " We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." - Abraham Lincoln

12-23-2011	#2
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,394	Re: For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! I attended a Bob Hope Christmas show with Ann Margaret, Danang, 1968. When the show was over, I was part of a detail that formed a sort of corridor to a waiting CH46, for Ann Margaret & some others. I was at the door of the helicopter as she came out alone, a few minutes before others. I held her hand as she got on. She sat down, waved to me and said "I wish you could go with us." Needless to say , I felt the same way as I said "I wish I could too, but I have to stay." To this day I can still see her there in that moment. Ann Margaret is a beautiful, incredible woman and still my favorite today. She will never know how special those few moments were to me. __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

12-23-2011	#3
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! Jerry, Bob Hope Christmas shows were another fancy perk you in country marines had over us poor 7th Fleet sailors bobbing around the Tonkin Gulf and South China Sea in our WWII era tin can destroyers. However, I did get the chance to catch a Bob Hope USO Christmas show he did at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1973. __________________ Phil Wasinger 1994 Torch Red ZR-1 WAZOO Member George Braml Intake

12-23-2011	#4
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,394	Re: For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! LOL! Fancy perks? Lemme see....Navy...chow 3xday, all hot, clean racks, ice cream, clean clothes, probably A/C..... should I go on??? Merry Christmas Phil!! __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

12-23-2011	#5
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,486	Re: For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! Thank you guys for keeping me and my family safe. Have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you again for your service.

12-23-2011	#6
FU Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Found Member Posts: 4,346	Re: For the VETS and current Military -- Thanks for your service!! That's when you were good lookin Jerry ! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ God Bless Our Veteran's Merry Christmas ! __________________ Frank Urbo. NCM Lifetime member # 982 Registry Founding # 237