The Blue Super Jock Badge.
A story about a military award.29 total reviews
Comment from Jacob1395
This was fascinating to read about your military career. It was really interesting to read about your training and the medals you received as well. A well written piece, I enjoyed reading it.
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
  |
This was fascinating to read about your military career. It was really interesting to read about your training and the medals you received as well. A well written piece, I enjoyed reading it.
Comment Written 30-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Jacob for your review. I really appreciate that!
Comment from EeanBlack
I'm very impressed. I did two years as an army ranger, then did an inter-service transfer to the Navy for BUDS, SEARS and SEAL training. I didn't make it past hell week. I regret not making it. My most memorable time was spent in a small unit traveling as a Navy Drill team unit.
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
|
I'm very impressed. I did two years as an army ranger, then did an inter-service transfer to the Navy for BUDS, SEARS and SEAL training. I didn't make it past hell week. I regret not making it. My most memorable time was spent in a small unit traveling as a Navy Drill team unit.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Eean. I really appreciate your review! Thanks for your service too!
Comment from Nebuli
I really, really enjoyed reading this story particularly because of how good at building a convincing setting you are! You had many details here and there that seem small but together they build up a strong mental image. I do have a few suggestions because I really like this story and I think with a few edits it will be even stronger (obviously take these with a grain of salt because you are the writer and you should be writing for yourself!) I felt a tad bit disconnected from the main character because I felt like we never really get a strong sense of how they are feeling. They tell us their thoughts from time to time but what I mean is we never really get a description of their emotions (we are told but not shown). for example, when they are getting off the bus and get stuck because of their backpack, we are told that they are embarrassed but you could show us by having the main character react in someway that shows embarrassment like blushing or something. Another suggestion I have is to reread your story with a focus on how some words are unnecessarily repeated. For example, "bootcamp" is used a lot when we as the readers already know that is what you are referencing.
Again, you have done a really wonderful job with this story and I had a great time reading it! Happy writing, friend :)
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
|
I really, really enjoyed reading this story particularly because of how good at building a convincing setting you are! You had many details here and there that seem small but together they build up a strong mental image. I do have a few suggestions because I really like this story and I think with a few edits it will be even stronger (obviously take these with a grain of salt because you are the writer and you should be writing for yourself!) I felt a tad bit disconnected from the main character because I felt like we never really get a strong sense of how they are feeling. They tell us their thoughts from time to time but what I mean is we never really get a description of their emotions (we are told but not shown). for example, when they are getting off the bus and get stuck because of their backpack, we are told that they are embarrassed but you could show us by having the main character react in someway that shows embarrassment like blushing or something. Another suggestion I have is to reread your story with a focus on how some words are unnecessarily repeated. For example, "bootcamp" is used a lot when we as the readers already know that is what you are referencing.
Again, you have done a really wonderful job with this story and I had a great time reading it! Happy writing, friend :)
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Nebuli. I really appreciate your insight and your review!
Comment from Sharon Elwell
This story is engrossing every step of the way. I appreciate the detail. It didn't feel rushed, but you took us through with curiosity building all the way through. Boot camp is something everyone wonders about who has never experienced it. Thanks for a great peek into your experience!
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
|
This story is engrossing every step of the way. I appreciate the detail. It didn't feel rushed, but you took us through with curiosity building all the way through. Boot camp is something everyone wonders about who has never experienced it. Thanks for a great peek into your experience!
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Sharon. Yes, it is something to be experienced! I appreciate your review!
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
I have nothing but respect for those who go through the rigors of military training and service. You should be proud of the honor you received in that badge, knowing how hard you worked for it. Very interesting story. Thanks for sharing it.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
|
I have nothing but respect for those who go through the rigors of military training and service. You should be proud of the honor you received in that badge, knowing how hard you worked for it. Very interesting story. Thanks for sharing it.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Marilyn. And yes, I am. I appreciate your review!
Comment from royowen
I never qualified for the armed forces, the only one I wanted to join was the navy, but I failed the entrance exam, my best friend succeeded and served for twelve years, but became a naval lecturer because of his expertise in technical ability, my brother was wounded in Vietnam as an infantryman, beautifully written Harry, congrats, great writing, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
|
I never qualified for the armed forces, the only one I wanted to join was the navy, but I failed the entrance exam, my best friend succeeded and served for twelve years, but became a naval lecturer because of his expertise in technical ability, my brother was wounded in Vietnam as an infantryman, beautifully written Harry, congrats, great writing, blessings Roy
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Roy! I really appreciate your review!
-
My pleasure
-
Thanks Roy!
-
Welcome Harry
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I enjoyed reading and thank you for sharing his story with us.
My husband retired from Fort Hood. We still live in the area. I do have a funny story. Our oldest son, Greg went into the Army and just retired after 26 years in. He did boot camp, basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. We were stationed in Germany. The first time Greg got phone privileges he called and said, "Mom, this sucks." I said the normal mom things, "I'm sorry to hear it, but it'll get better." He replied, "No, Mom! This really sucks." After a long pause, he continued, "I know Dad has enough rank to get me out of here." My replied, "Sweetheart, you signed up for three years. This is not high school P.E. where we write you a note and get you out of it. This is the US Army. After you do your three years commitment, you can get out." "But, Mom!" he replied. Then a drill Seargent's voice told him to end the call so the next person could use the phone. Must no have been that bad. He stayed for 26 years.
man named James Street boarded and sat next to me. (sat beside me)
The next day we did our first five-mile run in combat boots and fatigues. (The following day)
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
|
I enjoyed reading and thank you for sharing his story with us.
My husband retired from Fort Hood. We still live in the area. I do have a funny story. Our oldest son, Greg went into the Army and just retired after 26 years in. He did boot camp, basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. We were stationed in Germany. The first time Greg got phone privileges he called and said, "Mom, this sucks." I said the normal mom things, "I'm sorry to hear it, but it'll get better." He replied, "No, Mom! This really sucks." After a long pause, he continued, "I know Dad has enough rank to get me out of here." My replied, "Sweetheart, you signed up for three years. This is not high school P.E. where we write you a note and get you out of it. This is the US Army. After you do your three years commitment, you can get out." "But, Mom!" he replied. Then a drill Seargent's voice told him to end the call so the next person could use the phone. Must no have been that bad. He stayed for 26 years.
man named James Street boarded and sat next to me. (sat beside me)
The next day we did our first five-mile run in combat boots and fatigues. (The following day)
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
-
LOL! Oh Barbara. That is hilarious! I know. I seen a lot of that. Thank you for the laugh. I really liked that area where Fort Hood is located. Thanks for the great review!
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Well we have heard of it now and no wonder you feel so proud! Your length of service too is a very impressive source of pride. Your story, as ever, is very readable with humour (being stuck in the door) and clearly explained details about the nature of the boot camp. My only suggestions would be making:
'pair' perhaps plural in the first paragraph (sorry about the alliteration!)alliteration
They whipped us (into) shape quickly
As it turned out(, a)fter all the sweat in the NJ heat(, o)nly three man....
Thanks for sharing, Harry, your excellent piece. Debbie
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
|
Well we have heard of it now and no wonder you feel so proud! Your length of service too is a very impressive source of pride. Your story, as ever, is very readable with humour (being stuck in the door) and clearly explained details about the nature of the boot camp. My only suggestions would be making:
'pair' perhaps plural in the first paragraph (sorry about the alliteration!)alliteration
They whipped us (into) shape quickly
As it turned out(, a)fter all the sweat in the NJ heat(, o)nly three man....
Thanks for sharing, Harry, your excellent piece. Debbie
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
-
Well, thank you Debbie for your review and insight. I really appreciate that!
Comment from Begin Again
Well, I wish I had six stars for you to pin on your shirt, my friend. 27 years and a Blue Super Jock Badge. Way to go! thank you for your service and for sharing your story.... Quite the accomplishment! Does this mean I have to salute you when we speak? LOL You should be proud of your abilities and all you've done for your country.....
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
|
Well, I wish I had six stars for you to pin on your shirt, my friend. 27 years and a Blue Super Jock Badge. Way to go! thank you for your service and for sharing your story.... Quite the accomplishment! Does this mean I have to salute you when we speak? LOL You should be proud of your abilities and all you've done for your country.....
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
-
LOL! No Carol. No saluting...Thank you for your kind words and your review. I really appreciate that!