It is extremely hard to hang up the uniform. Very often you have to be ordered to retire by law or by your wife. At times your body simply cannot keep taking the pounding of military duty.
Eventually it gets kind of lonely, as everyone that you started to serve with is long gone, but you still hanging around the Reserves or National Guard. Even your commanders are younger than you. But if you got your stuff together, you do get a lot of respect.
My Dad remembers him when marching through Tajikistan, he thought that he was joking when he claimed that he served in Vietnam. It wasn't possible to be in that long, but it was.
When I was qualifying on the rifle range at Fort Lewis in the Summer of 91 I had a Sergeant Major from as an Instructor with Combat Jump Wings from the Korean War.
Been there, done that ! Completed 28 years and active from Nam to Desert Storm. Flew aircraft to 5 continents and many countries. At 74, I would do it all over again. Thank You Sergent for you service ! ATCS (USN) ret.
"I haven't done anything that would indicate valor". You were where you were needed when somebody needed to be there. Those that flew the birds that you maintained that received awards for valor did so because you did your part. They have you to thank.
Reminds me of an Old Movie about An Air-Force Mechanic, A buddy sign's up to go work on Commercial Passenger planes. Then proceeds to go into a fit about how somebody has to this job for the nation.
McCarther served in WW1, WW2, and Korea. Robin Olds served WW2, Vietnam (missed Korea training others stateside). Sgt Major Plumley served WW2, Korea, Vietnam. I served overseas in Iraq with a SFC who fought in Vietnam. As well as serving overseas with others who fought previously in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Panama, Grenada, etc. Many other examples. not all that uncommon for some career service members to serve in many conflicts.
@@SoloRenegade and Truman was too much of a pussy wimp to let MacArthur go into China and blow out those commie bastards (I paraphrased one of my favorite movies)
We had a guy who had worked his way up the ranks from Pvt to Major his first war was the falklands war were he was the last Air Defense Gunner to shoot down a plane in the British Army he had two confirmed kills he then went on to pass the All Arms commando course he served in every war after that Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Serra Leon, Iraq, Afghanistan, (NI Iraq, Afghanistan. he did multiple tours of) I used to run a 7 minute mile and a half PFT. I was in my 20's fit as a butchers dog! he was probably about 40 odd years and he would run up beside me and say good effort McGrath keep it up I am just going to drop back and push the fatties up! without sounding out of breath. the bloke was a machine but a really nice guy with it too. One of the best LE Officers I ever worked with (LE stands for Late Entry commission usually guys that make RSM Regt Sgt Maj get offered a commission as long as they don't fuck up badly)
@giddy I have worked with a fair few LE Officers as a general rule they were usually much better officers than there peers that commissioned out of sandhurst and made the rank of Captain or Major and the very rare cases of LE making Lt Col (there are a few LE Lt Col’s as I said very rare)
I had more ribbons as an E-4 than many Generals had. I know lots of guys with huge stacks of ribbons from serving in multiple wars and deployments, and even in multiple branches of the military. Many have far more than me. My unit earned 6 Unit Awards even, in only 2 deployments, and those are worn on the right side of the uniform. Many enlisted men I served with became officers and warrants later too.
@@tonyslaughter8954 -It’s based off of cumulative service. All the branches essentially share the same retirement/benefits package, kinda like different departments within a company.
Same with my dad.....USMC Drill Instructor, Parris Island 1950-1951, Korean War Veteran1952, then transferred to the Air Force as my Mom wasn’t allowed overseas with him, served in Vietnam 1970-1971, retired from USAF in 1976....he has been retired for 44 years and he always tells me when he gets a retirement pay raise. 😂. Thanks for your service.
It has been an honor to serve with you Sargeant, from a sailor who served in one form or another for 42 years. I went up "on the wall' in 1964. We earned our pay.
Actually, this type of service is not that uncommon. Many guys have years and years of service and have been "around forever ". I myself enlisted in summer 1980 and served Navy, Navy Reserves, and National Guard with no break in service until Jan 2013, just under 33 years service. You should have seen my service stripes on my dress blues! Damn near to my elbow, (when the stripes were still half inch wide), looked like a Admiral. I served in The Cold War, Panama, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan before I was forced to retire. I was ready to continue serving, but the Guard decided to clean house of most people that had 20 years or more of service. Not all, but a good majority.
My brother was the same, they had to drag him from his military service (26 years). These days we ride our motorcycles together, although I can see he still wishes he was in his khaki uniform.
Well earned retirement by going to 3rd world countries, bombing and killing innocent civilians for the big corporations and bankers Yea great job buddy!
He'll end up not getting the right help from the VA and community just like most other US veterans... If you see him on a street corner, remember to get him a pair of socks.
He's coming to tears just by giving this random ass interview. You can see this man has lived for war, it was his life, and he is proud. Will be hard for him to let go and retire.
Holy crap! I went to Avionics school at NATTC Millington, TN with AQ2 Wright when he re-enlisted in the Navy in 1989. I just happened to click on this video but had no idea they was him until he started speaking. Once I saw his old picture, I knew it was him! Wow. He was a really good guy, a good mentor for the young sailors and Marines he worked with. Glad to see he had a great career! Would love to get in touch with him.
I retired after two branches as well. Joined the Navy in 1974 (Vietnam Vet), got out after 6 years of active duty, joined the Navy and Army reserve. After 10 years of civilian life, went back to active Navy again and retired from the Navy at age 50. Bravo, Zulu to you my friend.
The last combat troops left Vietnam in the Spring of '73. The Vietnam Service Medal was retired in March of '73. The Vietnam era ended in '75, so you might want to clarify that you are a Vietnam era vet, which there is nothing wrong with, but you are not a Vietnam veteran. There is a difference and you know it.
@@GradyPhilpott Thanks for the update and clarification. I don't claimed about being a Vietnam era vet because I wanted to, I am just following all my records showing I am a Vietnam era vet even though I did not get any Vietnam medals or ribbons. I got out from the Military in 1980. Went to college and classified as a Vietnam era vet GI bill for my tuition. Sorry, about the confusion, too late now to correct my records based on what you said.
@@manuelgigante6741 Well, you are a veteran during the Vietnam era, which is nothing to sneeze at. Many who put their boots on the ground in Vietnam just like to keep the distinction clear. I'm not accusing you of stolen valor, but there is a valid distinction between the two designations.
This is the kind of guy who we need in a leadership position. Someone who has seen us at our best and at our worst. Who has endured the hard times and seen the brightest of days. He needs to apply as an Officer or go into public service, this man is a hero.
My proudest moment serving in the Army happened 5 or so years after I retired as a SFC(P) in MOS 63E40. A Staff Sergeant, in uniform, walked up to me in civilian cloths and no name tag and asked if I was "Jesse Johnson". I stated yes and he commented I was the reason he decided to make the Army a career. Most of the time, people have no idea how they effect the people around them. So, be a good example ALL THE TIME!
@@timprescott4634 I spent the last 8 years in the Army serving twice in Germany and once in another state while my wife stayed at a house we started purchasing in 1979. We were together for 3 years in Germany from '76 to '79 and I was worried if a conflict ever started, she would not get out of harms way in time. So, in those 8 years, we were together about 8 months while I was on vacation. It was not worth the additional $100 a month in retirement if we were separated for another 2+ years if I accepted the promotion. And we're still together, after marrying in '74, enjoying each others company, living comfortably. I'm a lucky husband! 💑
@@User-qi4vw And I mean, Most of the gear and weapons have been the same since vietnam. M67 grenade, B52 bomber, Apache, M16 etc. Camo has changed yes and technology outside weapons.
All my respect and thank you for your service. I hope though, you will have an easy and good family life. Being a soldier is never easy for the families and do I hope they are able to see the hero he is and to value him. God bless.
I think a person having dedicated their life too the cause for that long deserves the medal of honour. Sure, some people perform unbelievable acts of courage, bravery and so forth.. but you can tell me that this man having stood his post for that long isn't honourable enough?
Thanks for all you vets for your service. The military wasn’t for me but I’m glad there are so many of you who could hack it.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 You have my respect .
I did from 5/73 till I was discharged from the Navy 5/09. It was a mix of active duty/reserve/National Guard time with breaks in service. Made E-6 3 times!
Should be CSM of the Army by now. good god man .Your committed and thank you for it. This vet wishes that I would have stayed in for another 12 years. Good work . Your are hearby relieve of duty And Godbless soldier.
True American Patriot! Thank you for your extraordinary Service and tremendous efforts, SGT Wright! I hope you can happily and healthy enjoy your Retirement for many Years! Men and Women you introduced to the military and a life of service will take it from here! Thank you!
Dude you flew amazing machines which takes amazing disciplined people, its not just a job, nobody sees the downtime the boring parts and the hard times it brings families, its more than being just a so called grunt especially with this skillset. Well done.
Life long company man. Credit for the physical capability after 40. Rare to see that from any one. Hope he goes on speaking tour. Would love to hear his story.
I respect anyone who's a structures guy for that long. That's some intense work no matter who you are. I bet the people working with composites aren't half as tough as that guy is.
This ex-British Army Para is impressed by SFC Victor Wright-- impressed by his service, and even more by his modesty and complete lack of bragging, bonbast and bullshit.
So wholesome, just a shame that the government won't treat him like he deserved, and he fought in wars which he believed to be for America, and world peace when in fact it was only for America, and her allies instead of bringing peace.
My deepest respect for this sailor, soldier. I didn't know a SNCO could serve past the age of 60. In Australia, when I was in the RAAF, many years ago, the official retirement age was 55. However, I met several exceptions to this rule. I knew a W.O.D. (Warrant Officer Disciplinary - the senior WO on a base) who had earned his jump wings in the last stages of WW2 when he served in the British Paras. I guess his knowledge and commitment was too valuable to let go. I also was mates with a much older bloke, a simple corporal who wore WW2 service ribbons on his tunic and the medals that went with them when we were on OC's or CO's parades. He kind of hinted he'd once held a more senior rank but, sadly, the drink had got to him and he just stayed in the RAAF as a corporal because he didn't know any other life. Clearly, the RAAF were keeping him to assist him and to repay his long service. He was a good, decent, humble bloke. I would have stayed in and become a 'lifer' except for the fact I got married and my then wife, insisted I take a discharge. A bad mistake as it turned out. 10 years later she was gone. It's a great thing to meet and serve with soldiers like this outstanding US serviceman. All the best to you, sir and I hope you don't miss the uniform too much. Thank you sincerely for your service. Cheers, BH
One has to give tons of credit to men like this Sargent. My enlistment was short, but I hope my son stays in at least 20 like this gentleman. He is in the Army serving as Arabic speaker and intelligence specialist.
My first lpo (leading petty officer) on the USS TULARE at the end of the Vietnam war had enlisted on 9 Dec. 1941. It took him 2 days to walk to the nearest recruiter somewhere in Mississippi. Or he would have enlisted sooner.
Looks like he lost rank a few times lol. When I first joined in 1993. We had 25 year Vietnam vets who were E4s.Later in the mid 90s. You could only be a E4 for so many years.
He’s only an E-7 after all of the war, experience..!!! The damn army couldn’t do that for him to make him a SgtMaj or something?! I’m a marine and for someone to serve since Vietnam....they get some more rank... General Panther started off as a private in Vietnam and retired in I believe 2014 in Camp Lejeune...I was about to deploy back to Afghanistan when I heard this, but I met the guy...he served with my uncle...for that long of service, he attained the rank of general. I met him in while deployed... Amazing someone actually has the spirit to serve that long. Semper USMC / Retired
I'm not military, so correct me if I'm wrong, but could he also have the option to stay Sgt1stC if promoting would take him away from the actual helicopter work that he seems to love?
Depend on NCO slots for that MOS. When you hit E8 and E9, you will most likely work as "admin" against your will, and some soldiers just don't like it. I knew quite a few took the reduction voluntary (they are still on promotional list) so they can work in their MOS vs working "admin job" in S2 or S3. Some line units only have up to E7 for infantry, so some soldier just take promotion just to go to school then come back take reduction to stay in their MOS.
@@jackjackson7343 That's correct actually. Some unit only have up to E7 for certain job, then we have warrant officers. E8 and E9 (not CSM) are mostly work as "admin" at battalion level, and sit in S3 all day. Some soldiers would go as far as take administration reduction in rank so they can work in their MOS vs sitting at battalion.
@@ryannguyen7466 I knew a USN E-5, on my ship USS FARRAGUT DLG-6,that didn’t want to get promoted to E-6 because that would have taken him off the work he loved and put him into admin/paperwork. By the time he was ready to be promoted he only had to pass the test. He had so much time in grade that he was rated very high on the fleet promotion list. But that was back in the day.....
I retired a US soldier in 1973, he enlisted only for WW2, Korea and Viet-Nam. He said at the time that it took a special exception to let him in to fight in Viet-Nam in 1963 because of his age. He had just enough years for a 20 year retirement. He said that the best time to be in was during a war. A remarkable guy.
You could tell in his eyes that if he could serve twenty more years,then he would.That's a man of comitment right there.
This is off topic but am I the only one who thinks he looks like Ray Liotta? Lol.
Bad thing though the life expectancy after serving so long is not great.
@@michaeledlin9995 Hopefully the transition went well for him.
True American Patriot 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It is extremely hard to hang up the uniform. Very often you have to be ordered to retire by law or by your wife. At times your body simply cannot keep taking the pounding of military duty.
Walks into VA meets other vets vets:"where'd you serve bro?"
Him:everywhere
Other vets - "Where did you serve?"
Him - Yes!
Eventually it gets kind of lonely, as everyone that you started to serve with is long gone, but you still hanging around the Reserves or National Guard. Even your commanders are younger than you. But if you got your stuff together, you do get a lot of respect.
62 years old. He looks like he’s 40
Brady is 43 and looks at least healthier...but on the other: Brady does not look like his age neither.
@@bluerisk Tom brady? The millionaire with a pampered life since college?
@@bluerisk yeah he was pampered
Usually, you're 23 looking like you're 45.
Taking care of your body and mind in your youth has that effect
My Dad remembers him when marching through Tajikistan, he thought that he was joking when he claimed that he served in Vietnam.
It wasn't possible to be in that long, but it was.
wow
When I was qualifying on the rifle range at Fort Lewis in the Summer of 91 I had a Sergeant Major from as an Instructor with Combat Jump Wings from the Korean War.
They are rare, but very valuable. One who has been there, done that.
I fight the battle of the bulge every morning while trying to put on my ocp pants.
My Sergeant Major was a member of Darby's Rangers in WW2, this was in 1973.
I did ranger school at Ft Lewis.
@@AndyDaClimber alright that's some funny shit right there
Been there, done that ! Completed 28 years and active from Nam to Desert Storm. Flew aircraft to 5 continents and many countries. At 74, I would do it all over again. Thank You Sergent for you service ! ATCS (USN) ret.
Well then Thank you too....I was just talking about my uncle who was ATCS USN WW2 KO VN. Nobody has told me what ATCS means though.
Wow you really are the KY KING! America thanks you!
*thank you for your service!* i’m sure you have amazing stories
Than you for your service!
what do you think of the world in the modern age?
"I haven't done anything that would indicate valor".
You were where you were needed when somebody needed to be there. Those that flew the birds that you maintained that received awards for valor did so because you did your part. They have you to thank.
Powerful.
i understood none of that
@@shrimp3486 sad
Reminds me of an Old Movie about An Air-Force Mechanic, A buddy sign's up to go work on Commercial Passenger planes. Then proceeds to go into a fit about how somebody has to this job for the nation.
Like hearing a soldier say he’s served in the meat grinder of WW1 and then going on to fight in WW2 and Korea...
It has happened
It did happen it was just 6 years after WWII ended and nearly 12 million served in the US so yeah
McCarther served in WW1, WW2, and Korea.
Robin Olds served WW2, Vietnam (missed Korea training others stateside).
Sgt Major Plumley served WW2, Korea, Vietnam.
I served overseas in Iraq with a SFC who fought in Vietnam. As well as serving overseas with others who fought previously in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Panama, Grenada, etc.
Many other examples. not all that uncommon for some career service members to serve in many conflicts.
@@SoloRenegade and Truman was too much of a pussy wimp to let MacArthur go into China and blow out those commie bastards (I paraphrased one of my favorite movies)
What percentage of military personnel served in both World Wars? Does anybody know?
Served with a two Marines that was in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
My Grandfather did that in the Navy. 42 to 72
That's fascinating, if you don't mind me asking were there any stories?
@@Glhaw My grandfather passed away when I was 3 in Vietnam in 72. Non-Combat related. I never got to hear his stories.
My great grandfather served in those same wars
Same, I served with soldiers that was in the Revolutionary War, French Revolution, and Bourbon Restoration.
We had a guy who had worked his way up the ranks from Pvt to Major his first war was the falklands war were he was the last Air Defense Gunner to shoot down a plane in the British Army he had two confirmed kills he then went on to pass the All Arms commando course he served in every war after that Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Serra Leon, Iraq, Afghanistan, (NI Iraq, Afghanistan. he did multiple tours of) I used to run a 7 minute mile and a half PFT. I was in my 20's fit as a butchers dog! he was probably about 40 odd years and he would run up beside me and say good effort McGrath keep it up I am just going to drop back and push the fatties up! without sounding out of breath. the bloke was a machine but a really nice guy with it too. One of the best LE Officers I ever worked with (LE stands for Late Entry commission usually guys that make RSM Regt Sgt Maj get offered a commission as long as they don't fuck up badly)
.
or ,
@giddy I have worked with a fair few LE Officers as a general rule they were usually much better officers than there peers that commissioned out of sandhurst and made the rank of Captain or Major and the very rare cases of LE making Lt Col (there are a few LE Lt Col’s as I said very rare)
@giddy I won’t go that far! As there’s still some fantastic career officers coming out of Sandhurst in fairness to them.
what Fucking War are you talking about !?
I met a W-4 while I was in the Navy and he had so many ribbons on his chest, he would put a admiral to shame.
I had more ribbons as an E-4 than many Generals had. I know lots of guys with huge stacks of ribbons from serving in multiple wars and deployments, and even in multiple branches of the military. Many have far more than me. My unit earned 6 Unit Awards even, in only 2 deployments, and those are worn on the right side of the uniform. Many enlisted men I served with became officers and warrants later too.
I retired after 2 branches as well, USMC 10 years active, USAF 11 years Ohio Air National Guard... 1980-2017
Army, USN, USMC personnel all eventually see how the USAF live and think “I made a mistake...”!
@@tonyslaughter8954 -It’s based off of cumulative service. All the branches essentially share the same retirement/benefits package, kinda like different departments within a company.
Same with my dad.....USMC Drill Instructor, Parris Island 1950-1951, Korean War Veteran1952, then transferred to the Air Force as my Mom wasn’t allowed overseas with him, served in Vietnam 1970-1971, retired from USAF in 1976....he has been retired for 44 years and he always tells me when he gets a retirement pay raise. 😂. Thanks for your service.
Doug Ro what year did he join the Corps?
It has been an honor to serve with you Sargeant, from a sailor who served in one form or another for 42 years. I went up "on the wall' in 1964. We earned our pay.
*Sergeant.
I went into the Navy in 1968 and retired in 2003.
Good old days!
Thank you. Go Navy !! 🇺🇸⚓
Actually, this type of service is not that uncommon.
Many guys have years and years of service and have been "around forever ".
I myself enlisted in summer 1980 and served Navy, Navy Reserves, and National Guard with no break in service until Jan 2013, just under 33 years service. You should have seen my service stripes on my dress blues! Damn near to my elbow, (when the stripes were still half inch wide), looked like a Admiral.
I served in The Cold War, Panama, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan before I was forced to retire. I was ready to continue serving, but the Guard decided to clean house of most people that had 20 years or more of service. Not all, but a good majority.
@@jonnwray960 That's something to be proud of. Thank you for your service and commitment, Sailor !! 🇺🇸⚓
Were you in Nam?
@@roderickstockdale1678
Nope, just a few years before my time. I was still in high school when Vietnam War ended.
Doing his job, and doing it well!!! Thank you, Sir, for your Service and Your Continued Service 🙏 ❤ 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🪖🪖🪖
Thank you for your dedication and willingness to teach others! You are very Special in my eyes! God Bless You and yours!!
My brother was the same, they had to drag him from his military service (26 years). These days we ride our motorcycles together, although I can see he still wishes he was in his khaki uniform.
Thank you, kind sir, for your service. It's much appreciated!
I'll be lucky to look that good at 42 let alone have lived a life full of that much service and, likely, adventure.
he's 62
Reading and comprehension is at an all time low.
@@ALAPINO the latest comment tho 😂😂😂 straight facts
So he has served in every unjust and unnecessary war. Good for him! What a accomplishment!!!
He's the military version of Johnny Cash's "I've Been Everywhere Man" lol
underrated and accurate comment
Don’t you mean Johnny Sins
@@x-90 nope, Johnny Cash
@@x-90 bruh
@@x-90 wait...
That’s an Admirable guy right there, hope he enjoys his well earned retirement
Well earned retirement by going to 3rd world countries, bombing and killing innocent civilians for the big corporations and bankers
Yea great job buddy!
He'll end up not getting the right help from the VA and community just like most other US veterans...
If you see him on a street corner, remember to get him a pair of socks.
@@berserk6855 thirth world countries?
@@berserk6855 3th
@@berserk6855 disrespectful af
He's coming to tears just by giving this random ass interview. You can see this man has lived for war, it was his life, and he is proud. Will be hard for him to let go and retire.
Holy crap! I went to Avionics school at NATTC Millington, TN with AQ2 Wright when he re-enlisted in the Navy in 1989. I just happened to click on this video but had no idea they was him until he started speaking. Once I saw his old picture, I knew it was him! Wow. He was a really good guy, a good mentor for the young sailors and Marines he worked with. Glad to see he had a great career! Would love to get in touch with him.
I retired after two branches as well. Joined the Navy in 1974 (Vietnam Vet), got out after 6 years of active duty, joined the Navy and Army reserve. After 10 years of civilian life, went back to active Navy again and retired from the Navy at age 50. Bravo, Zulu to you my friend.
Thank you for serving. Navy vet myself.
The last combat troops left Vietnam in the Spring of '73. The Vietnam Service Medal was retired in March of '73. The Vietnam era ended in '75, so you might want to clarify that you are a Vietnam era vet, which there is nothing wrong with, but you are not a Vietnam veteran. There is a difference and you know it.
@@GradyPhilpott Thanks for the update and clarification. I don't claimed about being a Vietnam era vet because I wanted to, I am just following all my records showing I am a Vietnam era vet even though I did not get any Vietnam medals or ribbons. I got out from the Military in 1980. Went to college and classified as a Vietnam era vet GI bill for my tuition. Sorry, about the confusion, too late now to correct my records based on what you said.
@@manuelgigante6741 Well, you are a veteran during the Vietnam era, which is nothing to sneeze at. Many who put their boots on the ground in Vietnam just like to keep the distinction clear. I'm not accusing you of stolen valor, but there is a valid distinction between the two designations.
Thank you for your service Sir. God Bless you.
The man!!! Definition of a stand up human and man!! Honourable loyal honest stand up MAN!!! 🙏 thanks
Hell of a man right there. Thank you for your service!
Thank You for your service, Sargent.
He's proud to serve & we're proud of his dedication... Truly the right stuff! Thank you Sgt.
Old Soldier Never Die, they just faded away ...
Salute and Respect to you SIR
Salute!!! Thank you for your service. After serving for 25 years I left the Army. For someone to have served this long my hat is off to you.
Hats off to this guy. Served his country for his entire working life and retires humbly.
Respect , Sir, for your services from Siam. You will be in my prayers.
This is the kind of guy who we need in a leadership position. Someone who has seen us at our best and at our worst. Who has endured the hard times and seen the brightest of days. He needs to apply as an Officer or go into public service, this man is a hero.
My proudest moment serving in the Army happened 5 or so years after I retired as a SFC(P) in MOS 63E40. A Staff Sergeant, in uniform, walked up to me in civilian cloths and no name tag and asked if I was "Jesse Johnson". I stated yes and he commented I was the reason he decided to make the Army a career. Most of the time, people have no idea how they effect the people around them. So, be a good example ALL THE TIME!
Why did you retire Promotable?
@@timprescott4634 I spent the last 8 years in the Army serving twice in Germany and once in another state while my wife stayed at a house we started purchasing in 1979. We were together for 3 years in Germany from '76 to '79 and I was worried if a conflict ever started, she would not get out of harms way in time. So, in those 8 years, we were together about 8 months while I was on vacation. It was not worth the additional $100 a month in retirement if we were separated for another 2+ years if I accepted the promotion. And we're still together, after marrying in '74, enjoying each others company, living comfortably. I'm a lucky husband! 💑
He's all "WRIGHT" in my book!!!
Thank you for your service!!!!
Thank you Sarge. Enjoy your retirement.
Love these men . Have a uncle. Served 38 years. in the Army , 3 wars . he's 97 still going at 100%. Is age is 98 and will be 99 in may.
A Soldier with a good heart❤️
Staff sergeant Wright, thank you so much for your service to our great nation. You are a hero in my opinion.
Thank you for your service and God bless you on your retirement 🙏
I served 22 years and retired at 39 with no regrets. Thank you for your service.
This guy seen military weaponry evolution and everything. This guy is a badass thank you for your service🇺🇸 enjoy that retirement you’ve earned it.
A lot of stuff is just same old from the cold war, just updated. Like Apache helicopter is already 46 years old.
@@DuBstep115 gear, weapons and camo, technology stuff like that is what I meant
@@User-qi4vw And I mean, Most of the gear and weapons have been the same since vietnam. M67 grenade, B52 bomber, Apache, M16 etc. Camo has changed yes and technology outside weapons.
Thank you for your service and god bless!
This is awesome
Thank you for your serves
May God bless you and your family
Your a true sign of excellence in uniform. Thank you for your service. You are a true patriot for your longevity of service.
Thank you for your service sir
All my respect and thank you for your service. I hope though, you will have an easy and good family life. Being a soldier is never easy for the families and do I hope they are able to see the hero he is and to value him. God bless.
Thanks for your service. We are a grateful. nation
Thank you for your Service
I salute you, Sir.
I think a person having dedicated their life too the cause for that long deserves the medal of honour. Sure, some people perform unbelievable acts of courage, bravery and so forth.. but you can tell me that this man having stood his post for that long isn't honourable enough?
Thank you for all your service Sir. I,hand salute you.
thank you for your service
Thanks for all you vets for your service. The military wasn’t for me but I’m glad there are so many of you who could hack it.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 You have my respect .
I did from 5/73 till I was discharged from the Navy 5/09. It was a mix of active duty/reserve/National Guard time with breaks in service. Made E-6 3 times!
Should be CSM of the Army by now. good god man .Your committed and thank you for it. This vet wishes that I would have stayed in for another 12 years. Good work . Your are hearby relieve of duty And Godbless soldier.
There a man that loved his job. did his duty time for some you time. I only did 10yrs in the navy but still miss it every day.
God bless SFC Victor Wright! Such a humble soldier. Thank you for your service, and for starting out as a "Salty Squid"!
Imagine seeing the horror of Vietnam, I would of quit the earliest chance I get! This guy is hard-core. Respect.
He saw it from a ship
@@stevedawson741 Still gotta hand a certain amount of respect to that.
True American Patriot! Thank you for your extraordinary Service and tremendous efforts, SGT Wright! I hope you can happily and healthy enjoy your Retirement for many Years! Men and Women you introduced to the military and a life of service will take it from here! Thank you!
Thank you for your service
I would like to hike a few trails with this humble servant of our great country.
and this ladies and gents is why we are back to back undefeated world war champs
but u cant fight Vietnamese coz u lost xD
Lennard we can fight them we dominated them actually they didn’t win a single battle.
Dude you flew amazing machines which takes amazing disciplined people, its not just a job, nobody sees the downtime the boring parts and the hard times it brings families, its more than being just a so called grunt especially with this skillset. Well done.
Walk into a bar, "thankyou for your service, where'd you serve"
Him: Yes
I was never in the army, but what this guy did during army navy week he would come down and cheer on the navy
Huge respect to this man !
I respect this man greatly. Especially for surviving Vietnam.
What a lad. An absolute legend.
Life long company man. Credit for the physical capability after 40. Rare to see that from any one. Hope he goes on speaking tour. Would love to hear his story.
You are Awesome Brother
Aw man , in the End he is almost bursting of tears , Huge Respect for him , he could have been a General with his position.
*Get this man a shield*
Seriously though, this man is a hero
I respect anyone who's a structures guy for that long. That's some intense work no matter who you are. I bet the people working with composites aren't half as tough as that guy is.
You served both as a Sailor in the Navy ,and, as a Soldier in the Army. Thank You for Your Naval and Military Service, Sergeant First Class!!
Ahh, his Navy service is also military service.
For someone who fought in Vietnam War in the navy he looks great for his age hasn't aged at all
God bless this man
@ 1:11 CVN-65 "The Big E" my dad did a Vietnam tour on her in 71. I thank you all for your service as my dad didn't get that thanks when he returned.
This ex-British Army Para is impressed by SFC Victor Wright-- impressed by his service, and even more by his modesty and complete lack of bragging, bonbast and bullshit.
People: Where did you serve?
Him: It's complicated.
So wholesome, just a shame that the government won't treat him like he deserved, and he fought in wars which he believed to be for America, and world peace when in fact it was only for America, and her allies instead of bringing peace.
My deepest respect for this sailor, soldier. I didn't know a SNCO could serve past the age of 60. In Australia, when I was in the RAAF, many years ago, the official retirement age was 55. However, I met several exceptions to this rule. I knew a W.O.D. (Warrant Officer Disciplinary - the senior WO on a base) who had earned his jump wings in the last stages of WW2 when he served in the British Paras. I guess his knowledge and commitment was too valuable to let go. I also was mates with a much older bloke, a simple corporal who wore WW2 service ribbons on his tunic and the medals that went with them when we were on OC's or CO's parades. He kind of hinted he'd once held a more senior rank but, sadly, the drink had got to him and he just stayed in the RAAF as a corporal because he didn't know any other life. Clearly, the RAAF were keeping him to assist him and to repay his long service. He was a good, decent, humble bloke.
I would have stayed in and become a 'lifer' except for the fact I got married and my then wife, insisted I take a discharge. A bad mistake as it turned out. 10 years later she was gone.
It's a great thing to meet and serve with soldiers like this outstanding US serviceman. All the best to you, sir and I hope you don't miss the uniform too much. Thank you sincerely for your service. Cheers, BH
One has to give tons of credit to men like this Sargent. My enlistment was short, but I hope my son stays in at least 20 like this gentleman. He is in the Army serving as Arabic speaker and intelligence specialist.
God bless him
This is the kind of leadership and commitment we need in government!
Salute!!!💪👍
True patriot right there.
This guy is a legend
He genuinely looks 40 wtf. He can’t possibly be 62, that’s amazing
He was probably 17/18 when he joined.. So literally right at the end of the Vietnam war.
Thank you sir for your service. ❤️❤️❤️
He shouldn’t be sgt 1st class he should be one of the generals
Yes because that is how the rank structure works in the army
Ok, A: not how it works in the army, B. Most guys who serve for life are happy being the guys on the ground so to speak
My first lpo (leading petty officer) on the USS TULARE at the end of the Vietnam war had enlisted on 9 Dec. 1941. It took him 2 days to walk to the nearest recruiter somewhere in Mississippi. Or he would have enlisted sooner.
Looks like he lost rank a few times lol. When I first joined in 1993. We had 25 year Vietnam vets who were E4s.Later in the mid 90s.
You could only be a E4 for so many years.
That lightbulb moment, that is the best!
He’s only an E-7 after all of the war, experience..!!!
The damn army couldn’t do that for him to make him a SgtMaj or something?!
I’m a marine and for someone to serve since Vietnam....they get some more rank...
General Panther started off as a private in Vietnam and retired in I believe 2014 in Camp Lejeune...I was about to deploy back to Afghanistan when I heard this, but I met the guy...he served with my uncle...for that long of service, he attained the rank of general. I met him in while deployed...
Amazing someone actually has the spirit to serve that long.
Semper
USMC / Retired
I'm not military, so correct me if I'm wrong, but could he also have the option to stay Sgt1stC if promoting would take him away from the actual helicopter work that he seems to love?
He been screwed over.
Depend on NCO slots for that MOS. When you hit E8 and E9, you will most likely work as "admin" against your will, and some soldiers just don't like it. I knew quite a few took the reduction voluntary (they are still on promotional list) so they can work in their MOS vs working "admin job" in S2 or S3.
Some line units only have up to E7 for infantry, so some soldier just take promotion just to go to school then come back take reduction to stay in their MOS.
@@jackjackson7343 That's correct actually. Some unit only have up to E7 for certain job, then we have warrant officers. E8 and E9 (not CSM) are mostly work as "admin" at battalion level, and sit in S3 all day. Some soldiers would go as far as take administration reduction in rank so they can work in their MOS vs sitting at battalion.
@@ryannguyen7466 I knew a USN E-5, on my ship USS FARRAGUT DLG-6,that didn’t want to get promoted to E-6 because that would have taken him off the work he loved and put him into admin/paperwork. By the time he was ready to be promoted he only had to pass the test. He had so much time in grade that he was rated very high on the fleet promotion list. But that was back in the day.....
I retired a US soldier in 1973, he enlisted only for WW2, Korea and Viet-Nam. He said at the time that it took a special exception to let him in to fight in Viet-Nam in 1963 because of his age. He had just enough years for a 20 year retirement. He said that the best time to be in was during a war. A remarkable guy.
"Beware of an old man in a profession where they die young" comes to mind...