Massey Ferguson tractors overseas

[radrock]

This was my travel gear, plus a Kevlar of course. Spent a year living out of that backpack. Was First Sergeant of a Postal Company scattered all over Iraq and Afghanistan. Flew on 63 Blackhawk flights, 17 Chinook flights, 12 C-130 flights and 5 C-17 flights that year. Rarely woke up in the same camp more than two mornings in a row. What an adventure. Wouldn't have missed it for nothing. http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/o...resentation/151Traveling_zpsf8fe3452.jpg.html Here's another Massey plowing. They do it Kansas style!!! http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/ovrszd/media/Army/Mosul area/iraqfarmer_zps0755b0e5.jpg.html Farmstead http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/ovrszd/media/Army/Mosul area/Iraqifarmer_zps4fa1f94d.jpg.html

I assume that is you in the picture Richard? I stumbled across this thread today.

 

[smstonypoint]

Great pictures. Thanks for posting and thanks for your service.

X2!

I think I spotted the second combine. I hope you will identify it sometime in the future.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[ovrszd]

It was green is all I know. We were in a hurry!!! I called it a JD. Ain't goin back to check!!!

Yep, that's me in 2006. What an adventure. It's a young man's game for sure.

Since this is my thread, guess it wouldn't be hijacking to tell this story.

At the location where that picture was taken we were waiting for a Chinook to haul us back to Kabul Afghanistan. There were a dozen or so Soldiers milling around waiting.

I struck up a conversation with an Army Sergeant. What interested me is he didn't have any "Battle Rattle". Didn't even have a weapon. Struck me odd. The reason he didn't have gear was that he was just released from the Hospital and his gear was coming in on the Chinook.

He was 9 months into his tour and this was his 4th wound. He'd survived an IED under his Hummer, blowing his ear drums and small shrapnel wounds to his legs/arms. He'd been shot with small arms fire in his left arm. He'd been hit by IED shrapnell while on foot patrol and took wounds to both lower legs. This time he had been shot thru the calf of his left leg.

He was 40 years old and this was his 20th year of service. He was counting the days til he could go home and retire. He was married and had two pre-teen daughters. He talked a lot about how War was a young man's game. He said he wasn't as fast as he used to be. That's why he'd gotten shot the last time by a sniper while trying to cross a street. He was the last to cross and ran as fast as he could. Said he made it across and only knew he'd been shot when his buddy said Hey Your Pants Are On Fire. ACU's then were not flame retardent. The round had caught his pant leg on fire.

Hosea and I had an instant bond and talked non-stop for an hour. He had a dread look in his eyes. Said he didn't think he was going to make it. Asked me if I'd pray for him and his family. We shared a long hug as the helicopter was approaching.

When the Chinook landed his gear was tossed off and we got on. As I went up the ramp I waved at him and he held up his hand in response. As we were lifting off I mouthed to my buddy "Dead Man Walking" and pointed to the ground. He nodded.

For a couple weeks after that I read the Obituaries in the Stars and Stripes looking for his name. One night I laid awake thinking about him and vowed to not look anymore. I'd rather live with the hope that our prayers were answered and he went home to his family and retirement.

I was a First Sergeant for 21 years. I cared deeply for all Soldiers. But especially for the War Fighters. I started my military career in 1971, spent 1972 in Vietnam as an Infantry Squad Leader (Sergeant). I knew what this Soldier felt. I knew the dread and fear of being short and only wanting to go home.

God Bless all our Soldiers. If you ever meet one that wants to talk, take the time to listen. It's Jewels in your Crown, Jewels in your Crown....

 

[radrock]

Great story! Did you ever find out if he made it. You and I were in at the same time I went in December 70 but I didn't make a career or it. I got out in 73. I was young and they sent me to Germany. I was in the engineers. It was a good experience and I don't regret it a bit.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story.

 

[ovrszd]

Great story! Did you ever find out if he made it. You and I were in at the same time I went in December 70 but I didn't make a career or it. I got out in 73. I was young and they sent me to Germany. I was in the engineers. It was a good experience and I don't regret it a bit.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story.

Nope, never heard. As I said, I'll just believe he did.

I was drafted 09 February 1971. Spent the second year in Vietnam.

Was in a very rough Firefight in Vietnam. Had to be extracted because we couldn't hold our position. Got back to DaNang and my Platoon Sergeant said pack your sh** you're goin home. An hour later I was on a C-130 to Saigon. Arrived in California 24 hours later. 12 hours after that I was home. Totally suffering from PTSD. I was married, my eldest Son was born while I was gone. I came fresh out of the field to a Wife I hadn't seen for almost a year and a Son I'd never met, totally jacked up mentally. We were renting a house in town. I closed all the window blinds and holed up for the first week drinking Beer. My older Brother showed up and said you gotta get out and face the World. I had just begun to come out when Thanksgiving came. Of course the family had a big dinner to celebrate my return. I was talking to my Brother when my 6 year old neice came up to me. Before she could say anything my Sister grabbed her and led her away saying "don't ask him questions about Vietnam, he doesn't want to talk about it". So for the next ten years, I didn't.

Our military is a lot better about that now. Soldiers being brought home and discharged are decompressed by a painfully slow processing. But it's good for them. Let's them adjust a little before being dumped out into society.

After I was out 3 years I got into the Army Reserves where I stayed until two years ago. They put me out to pasture at 60. I had a great career, saw a LOT of the World, mostly sh**hole places, but I am who I am because of those experiences. For the last 21 years I had the greates job in the Army, Company First Sergeant. The Commander owns the Company. The First Sergeant runs it. I don't regret it a bit either.

 

[radrock]

Nope, never heard. As I said, I'll just believe he did. I was drafted 09 February 1971. Spent the second year in Vietnam. Was in a very rough Firefight in Vietnam. Had to be extracted because we couldn't hold our position. Got back to DaNang and my Platoon Sergeant said pack your sh** you're goin home. An hour later I was on a C-130 to Saigon. Arrived in California 24 hours later. 12 hours after that I was home. Totally suffering from PTSD. I was married, my eldest Son was born while I was gone. I came fresh out of the field to a Wife I hadn't seen for almost a year and a Son I'd never met, totally jacked up mentally. We were renting a house in town. I closed all the window blinds and holed up for the first week drinking Beer. My older Brother showed up and said you gotta get out and face the World. I had just begun to come out when Thanksgiving came. Of course the family had a big dinner to celebrate my return. I was talking to my Brother when my 6 year old neice came up to me. Before she could say anything my Sister grabbed her and led her away saying "don't ask him questions about Vietnam, he doesn't want to talk about it". So for the next ten years, I didn't. Our military is a lot better about that now. Soldiers being brought home and discharged are decompressed by a painfully slow processing. But it's good for them. Let's them adjust a little before being dumped out into society. After I was out 3 years I got into the Army Reserves where I stayed until two years ago. They put me out to pasture at 60. I had a great career, saw a LOT of the World, mostly sh**hole places, but I am who I am because of those experiences. For the last 21 years I had the greates job in the Army, Company First Sergeant. The Commander owns the Company. The First Sergeant runs it. I don't regret it a bit either.

Well I'm glad you got over most of it. I have no doubt that there is some stuff that you still have trouble with from time to time. I had a brother in law that was in some rough stuff too. He would stay with us on occasions and I had to be very careful as to how I woke him to go to work. He would come up fighting until he came to reality. Gosh you got drafted right before the draft ended didn't you? I think they ended the draft in 71-72 didn't they? WOW. You had to be in the reserves almost 40 years huh. I though thirty was a max? And you were a TOP... I was gonna ask what rank you were. I could tell a sergeant but couldn't make it out very well on the hat. Well you have something to be proud of and you have the right to hold your head high even if you are getting to be an old man haha

 

[ovrszd]

I don't remember exactly, but think the Draft ended about six months after I got in.

Max years in the military is based on a lot of things, First being rank, each level has a maximum years of service (MYOS) attached. Next is age. Officers can get a waiver to go past 60. Very rare to see in the enlisted ranks.

I was worn out when I turned 60. Had been Deployed a lot to Iraq/Afghanistan. Reserve tours don't have maximum days cap. My last tour was 508 days.


Helicopter transportation in Iraq/Afghanistan was sporadic. So weather permitting, I'd sleep on or near the landing pad so I would wake up when one landed. I had spent the night on a pad at Camp Speicher once and was awakened by an approaching Hummer. It was hauling two Navy guys that would eventually get on the same Blackhawk as I. We struck a conversation. They were complaining about being away from home so long and how much they missed their cushy stateside duty. I wasn't saying much. After a minute or so one of them kinda cleared his throat and said "but we shouldn't *****, our Deployments aren't as long as you Army guys". Then he said we only Deploy for 90 days at a time. I had been Deployed for 284 days at that time. They politely changed the subject.

It don't bother me to be called old. **** proud to have made it this long!!!

 

[radrock]

I don't remember exactly, but think the Draft ended about six months after I got in. Max years in the military is based on a lot of things, First being rank, each level has a maximum years of service (MYOS) attached. Next is age. Officers can get a waiver to go past 60. Very rare to see in the enlisted ranks. I was worn out when I turned 60. Had been Deployed a lot to Iraq/Afghanistan. Reserve tours don't have maximum days cap. My last tour was 508 days. Helicopter transportation in Iraq/Afghanistan was sporadic. So weather permitting, I'd sleep on or near the landing pad so I would wake up when one landed. I had spent the night on a pad at Camp Speicher once and was awakened by an approaching Hummer. It was hauling two Navy guys that would eventually get on the same Blackhawk as I. We struck a conversation. They were complaining about being away from home so long and how much they missed their cushy stateside duty. I wasn't saying much. After a minute or so one of them kinda cleared his throat and said "but we shouldn't *****, our Deployments aren't as long as you Army guys". Then he said we only Deploy for 90 days at a time. I had been Deployed for 284 days at that time. They politely changed the subject. It don't bother me to be called old. **** proud to have made it this long!!!

I was thinking it was late 71 when the draft ended and it was then called VOLAR. I remember we got a pay raise almost double. I went from $110 a month to $220 haha. Actually I don't remember what it was. I know it was 80 a month when I got in. Those Navy guys had it rough huh? I think I spent 29 months in Germany. From July 71 - to the third week of November 73. It wasn't rough though. Boring as heck at times but I would never have seen any of that part of the world if I didn't go in. I don't know how old you are but guess a couple years older. 62 or so? I think it's kind of funny that you operate a motor grader too. I went to work for the county about 8 months after I got out of the service and have been in construction every since. Mostly graders but a lot of time on dozers and excavators too.

 

[ovrszd]

I've got my first pay slip. I took home $78.

I've been to Germany several times for two week training exercises. One time we setup a Post Office operation in a farmer's barn. he milked cows. Every morning and evening we'd help him milk. Slept in the loft. Just like you, I'd have never saw the World without the military.

I turned 62 last November. Got my first SS payment this month. Never thought I'd see that!!!! If I draw a check to 14 years I'll have drawn out the amount I paid in.

Running any type of motorized equipment is good for the Soul. I'm a decent grader operator, decent backhoe operator, decent excavator operator. But I'm just along for the ride on a Dozer. Haven't ran one enough to get it. Can't keep my work area smooth.

 

[radrock]

I've got my first pay slip. I took home $78. I've been to Germany several times for two week training exercises. One time we setup a Post Office operation in a farmer's barn. he milked cows. Every morning and evening we'd help him milk. Slept in the loft. Just like you, I'd have never saw the World without the military. I turned 62 last November. Got my first SS payment this month. Never thought I'd see that!!!! If I draw a check to 14 years I'll have drawn out the amount I paid in. Running any type of motorized equipment is good for the Soul. I'm a decent grader operator, decent backhoe operator, decent excavator operator. But I'm just along for the ride on a Dozer. Haven't ran one enough to get it. Can't keep my work area smooth.

Where were you in Germany? I was stationed in Dexheim. A very small place and small post. It was close to the Rhein river near Oppenheimer and Neirstein. Don't know if you know where any of that is. Wow another thing in common haha. I turned 60 in November. Mine is on the 21st. It is sometimes just hard to keep anything smooth with a dozier. I know if you are operating one with a bad undercarriage it can really mess with you. But hey. I was always told by the dozer operators I know. That the smoothing up is done by the grader hand haha