View Full Version : Need advice and opinions from those who served
First, I have never served my country but consider myself a patriot and love my country.
I also have a great deal of respect for those who do or have served our country.
Anyhow, I have a vest I wear from time to time when I ride my motorcycle. I'd like to sew on a couple of patches to show support for my country and those who serve but don't want to confuse anyone who sees it by thinking I am former military.
I was thinking of a flag on the left front chest area. Maybe a yellow ribbon below it?
Is the yellow ribbon a universal symbol to show support for our troops?
Would the flag be appropriate or would I just look like a douche bag? If it is OK, should I do the traditional red/white/blue or would one of the multi-cam type colors be OK? And which side should the field of stars be on if I wear it on my chest?
Also, any other ideas would be welcomed. I just want people to know I am a proud American and I support our troops but don't want anyone to think I am deceiving them by pretending to be something I am not.
Great-Kazoo
02-15-2015, 09:51
IMO, NOT having an American flag on your vest is a problem ;) Do what you're comfortable with. You're not acting as some poser, PLUS there's a massive amount of mc riders who still have the POW/MIA patches. Showing support is never lookd at as bad.
The only issue i have with mc riders is those who THINK they're in some 1% club. ESPECIALLY when i see those SOA or other FAUX top & bottom rockers [facepalm]
EVEN WORSE The ones riding with American Flags that are torn to shreds. CHANGE THAT FLAG NOW!
SideShow Bob
02-15-2015, 09:54
As long as you're not making up stories about being shot down in a helicopter in Afganistan or the like! Wearing a flag only shows patriotism and love of your country. Go with the RWB, make it stand out.
StagLefty
02-15-2015, 10:17
I was never a sniper or in the SEALS but I proudy wear this hat to show my respect for Ryan Job and Chris Kyle.
The Craft Skull is a daily reminder to us all the sacrifices brave warriors have made and what it takes to triumph over evil. 56335
I have no issue with what others choose to display as long as they are respectful. I have met lots of people who wear military patches and will immediately tell you if asked, that they did not serve but are proud of our military. The "posers" are a totally different story.
It is never disrespectful to fly the flag. All Americans earn that one by being American. The issues come when you put on patches from units or areas of the Military that you have never had any involvment in to be "tacticool". We earn those badges when we serve. Even though I did serve, I have no right to wear a Ranger patch, that is not where my contribution to the services was at. By the same token I can wear my Dolphins with pride, and it signals me out to my fellow bubble heads. This happened just yesterday at the Golden Gun Club where a guy was wearing a hat displaying Dolphins. I struck up a conversation with him and within seconds we both knew where we stood. If he had given BS responses it would have pissed me off..... He would not have earned them.
theGinsue
02-15-2015, 11:26
I agree that wearing of the flag is always appropriate - so long as it isn't done in some sort of inappropriate way. Good on you for adding this to your vest.
Wearing the flag over your left breast demonstrates that it is "close to your heart". Perfect place for it for a patriot.
Worn over the left breast, the flag should be displayed with the field of stars to the top & left to the viewer (wearers right) - just as you see 99% of flag pictures. The field of stars should always be worn to the top. Read this quick explanation for flag patches with the flag reversed:
Source: http://www.usflag.org/flagpatch.html
Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms?
Following is a quote from the Department of Defense website...
"Thank you for your inquiry about the proper placement of the American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Army Regulation 670-1, “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia,” updated most recently September 5, 2003, addresses explicitly the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform.
The regulation states that when authorized for application to the proper uniform the American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that “the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the ‘reverse side flag’.”
We appreciate and share your concern for the respectful display of our American flag on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces."
For more information on Army Regulation 670-1 please visit the following web site, http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf
Now, as far as other patches to show your support... I don't know what would be best here. This is a tough one (for me anyway). I know that the POW/MIA emblem is popular, but it really just focuses on those who are/were POW/MIA. Perhaps a patch that had the logos of each branch of service on it would be good. It wouldn't look like you were claiming to be a veteran on one particular branch since all branches were covered.
ETA: The yellow ribbon traditionally symbolizes caring and concern for military members who are still serving in harms way. While it (is believed) to have started by those concerned for a specific loved one serving, it quickly expanded to be used by anyone concerned for all service members - not just for someone you know personally.
I hope this helped.
It's your country, too. :)
Wear that flag with pride, just as Ginsue said. You're not being a poser, and you're not indulging in stolen valor. I've known people that wear unit patches of loved ones that were KIA, or relatives that served during a war. They're eager to tell people about their friend or relative; they don't claim that they served.
My Dad didn't serve- he had high blood pressure and flat feet and they would not let him in. For every military member, there's a network of support in the community. That's you.
Thanks, gentlemen. All of the responses helped.
Think I'll do a simple, traditional, red/white/blue flag. I'll still have to figure out exactly what to do to honor and show respect to our military.
sandman76
02-15-2015, 12:03
I have a U.S. flag patch on my vest. Left breast as mentioned. A patch on the back that is a triangular field with the words In Memoriam. I was never in the service either. Just feel that it's patriotic. I don't wear it that often when I ride these days though.
BPTactical
02-15-2015, 12:47
You know Ray, a subtle and respectful statement would be the Captain America chopper from Easy Rider.
You KNOW you want to......[harley]
It's your country, too. :)
Wear that flag with pride, just as Ginsue said. You're not being a poser, and you're not indulging in stolen valor. I've known people that wear unit patches of loved ones that were KIA, or relatives that served during a war. They're eager to tell people about their friend or relative; they don't claim that they served.
My Dad didn't serve- he had high blood pressure and flat feet and they would not let him in. For every military member, there's a network of support in the community. That's you.
I have one of my dad's rank insignia patches from when he was in the Navy in the late 1960's. Your post reminded me I had it somewhere. Went and looked in a box out in the storage building where I thought it was but couldn't find it. Now I'm a little bummed I seem to have misplaced it.
If memory serves me it was three (or maybe two) red chevrons on the bottom with two curved red bars over them with a crossed lightning bolt and hammer between them. I think he was a carpenter and electrician or something like that.
I can't think of where else I might have put it. Haven't seen it in many years.
You know Ray, a subtle and respectful statement would be the Captain America chopper from Easy Rider.
Lol. I've actually ridden a replica of that bike. Scary as hell. Handled really bad and only having a rear drum brake was spooky.
Honey Badger282.8
02-15-2015, 13:23
I have one of my dad's rank insignia patches from when he was in the Navy in the late 1960's. Your post reminded me I had it somewhere. Went and looked in a box out in the storage building where I thought it was but couldn't find it. Now I'm a little bummed I seem to have misplaced it.
If memory serves me it was three (or maybe two) red chevrons on the bottom with two curved red bars over them with a crossed lightning bolt and hammer between them. I think he was a carpenter and electrician or something like that.
I can't think of where else I might have put it. Haven't seen it in many years.
Here's a link to the wiki page on Naval rating insignias.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_ratings
If you can ID it and it's not a discontinued I'd be happy to pick one up from the Navy Exchange for you. I'll be heading back to CO within the next two weeks so it works out well.
Here's a link to the wiki page on Naval rating insignias.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_ratings
If you can ID it and it's not a discontinued I'd be happy to pick one up from the Navy Exchange for you. I'll be heading back to CO within the next two weeks so it works out well.
Thanks for the link.
This is the symbol that was between the bars and stripes.
56341
I'd have to try to figure out the stripes. I might have a photo somewhere of my dad in his Navy uniform. Maybe I can see it in the picture.
Although, I don't remember the wings.
I know that patch is around here somewhere. I might have to really dig through some old, boxed up stuff to see if I can find it.
Aloha_Shooter
02-15-2015, 15:17
I never have a problem with people flying or showing the flag respectfully. I may give them some pointers if they are in violation of the US Flag Code but I applaud anyone who respects the flag.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
It is never disrespectful to fly the flag. All Americans earn that one by being American. The issues come when you put on patches from units or areas of the Military that you have never had any involvment in to be "tacticool". We earn those badges when we serve. Even though I did serve, I have no right to wear a Ranger patch, that is not where my contribution to the services was at. By the same token I can wear my Dolphins with pride, and it signals me out to my fellow bubble heads. This happened just yesterday at the Golden Gun Club where a guy was wearing a hat displaying Dolphins. I struck up a conversation with him and within seconds we both knew where we stood. If he had given BS responses it would have pissed me off..... He would not have earned them.
Very much agree. I was a REMF for sure, but I did serve with the 1st ID and it pisses me off to see douchenozzle punks wearing the Big Red One for fashion.
mcantar18c
02-15-2015, 15:31
I say go for it.
Just make sure it's facing the correct way... big pet peeve of mine.
My Fulmer 3/4 helmet actually came with flag decals on each side. I frequently wear hats w/flag patches and my summer riding jacket has a flag on the left arm. I have a hat, t-shirt and sweatshirt with my older son's last unit on it that I wear. I was recently gifted a "punisher" patch from a retired SEAL friend whose son-a current SEAL-sent for me. I'm not trying to pass myself off as a member of either and if asked I tell what my association is. I also have a license plate frame for the bike that says "US ARMY" on top and "PROUD DAD" on the bottom so all can read as I pass them lol.
Great-Kazoo
02-15-2015, 16:24
After reading here and your other thread . IMO you are more than entitled to wear (within) reason anything you feel is something showing respect & support for our military.
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/146583-Funny-the-little-things-you-find
Might have found a simple, but "to the point" patch to go with the flag.
56365
BPTactical
02-15-2015, 20:24
Classy touch Ray.
Fly the colors with pride.
Double00
02-15-2015, 20:50
I come from a military family but never served. I fly the flag a the house everyday and have nothing but respect for those who have served and are serving. Wear it proud Ray.
Like others have said, just wear it correctly and with pride. If you haven't served avoid confusion and don't wear military patches or insignia. You may support Rangers or SEALs, but to a lot of them it can seem insulting to wear their patches. Mine has a flag with "VET" stitched on the front of it, a POW/MIA Not Forgotten patch, and my aircrew wings pinned on as well. The back has a large patch of an eagle grasping a flag, but I steer clear of any top or bottom rockers to avoid people thinking I am in some MC, or trying to pose as one.
Too bad mine is hanging up now though, my wife panicked a couple years ago when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has this idea I'll have a glucose drop and pass out while riding. So I had to get rid of my bikes.
Honey Badger282.8
02-15-2015, 23:09
Like others have said, just wear it correctly and with pride. If you haven't served avoid confusion and don't wear military patches or insignia. You may support Rangers or SEALs, but to a lot of them it can seem insulting to wear their patches. Mine has a flag with "VET" stitched on the front of it, a POW/MIA Not Forgotten patch, and my aircrew wings pinned on as well. The back has a large patch of an eagle grasping a flag, but I steer clear of any top or bottom rockers to avoid people thinking I am in some MC, or trying to pose as one.
Too bad mine is hanging up now though, my wife panicked a couple years ago when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has this idea I'll have a glucose drop and pass out while riding. So I had to get rid of my bikes.
What'd you fly in?
What'd you fly in?
UH-60 Black Hawks
Honey Badger282.8
02-17-2015, 03:11
UH-60 Black Hawks
Nice! SH/HH/MH-60 Seahawks here.
JohnnyEgo
02-17-2015, 08:12
Real men flew SH-60Bs and had to be winched down to land... Just kidding. Thanks for your service.
On a related note, my parents called the other day and told me they found a box of my 1970s prison looking dungarees. I told them that after two decades of storage, I probably won't be needing them again, and if I did, they'd need to sew two of them together for me to fit.
Bitter Clinger
02-17-2015, 08:58
Thanks for the link.
This is the symbol that was between the bars and stripes.
56341
Aviation support tech is what this insignia is.
Two chevrons below is a petty officer 2nd class
Three chevrons below is a petty officer first class
Did they look like this?
http://www.uniforms-4u.com/productimages/15380/big-u-us-navy-female-aviation-support-equipment-technician-dress-blue-rating-badge-21755.jpg
I'd have to try to figure out the stripes. I might have a photo somewhere of my dad in his Navy uniform. Maybe I can see it in the picture.
Bitter Clinger
02-17-2015, 09:02
You might consider a R.E.D. patch (remember everyone deployed).
Bitter Clinger- that patch looks pretty familiar. I'd still like to find the actual patch around here somewhere. Or at least a picture of it. I'll try to dig through some photos tonight and see what I find.
I have one of my dad's rank insignia patches from when he was in the Navy in the late 1960's. Your post reminded me I had it somewhere. Went and looked in a box out in the storage building where I thought it was but couldn't find it. Now I'm a little bummed I seem to have misplaced it.
If memory serves me it was three (or maybe two) red chevrons on the bottom with two curved red bars over them with a crossed lightning bolt and hammer between them. I think he was a carpenter and electrician or something like that.
I can't think of where else I might have put it. Haven't seen it in many years.
The trick for me finding items that are misplaced is to stop looking for that specific item, and dig for something much more urgently needed. Murphy's Law works wonders around here- I can't tell you the amount of, "So that's where it is!" stuff that I've come across while looking for something completely different. :)
This is one of the shirts I wear regularly, also have the patch on a hat and sweatshirt. It was the prior unit my son deployed with last year.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/doc4545/IMG_3976_zpse16ca306.jpg
Honey Badger282.8
02-17-2015, 22:19
Real men flew SH-60Bs and had to be winched down to land... Just kidding. Thanks for your service.
On a related note, my parents called the other day and told me they found a box of my 1970s prison looking dungarees. I told them that after two decades of storage, I probably won't be needing them again, and if I did, they'd need to sew two of them together for me to fit.
RAST, eff that noise. I'm happy with the 3-2-1-tail-main. I've got more sets of utilities than I do of the new aquaflage cammies though.
I have a shirt that I would like to wear more, but have the same concerns as ray.
I have never served, but I have worked closely with a number of military units in my life. I have a really nice shirt (and hat - but I don't like it much, and a nice plaque) that the 21st Special Operations Group (AF) gave me when I did a bunch of geek work for them. I wore it once in the US and numerous people asked if I was military (I said no), and ever since then I have refused to wear it. I don't want people to think I have done something I haven't; especially about serving.
I occasionally am asked what branch I served in when I use the military phonetic alphabet. I'm quick to let whoever is asking know that I never served.
I occasionally am asked what branch I served in when I use the military phonetic alphabet. I'm quick to let whoever is asking know that I never served.
You need to use my phonetic alphabet to avoid that kind of confusion.
Apple, Bingo, Christmas, Dog, Elephant......
StagLefty
02-18-2015, 08:40
You need to use my phonetic alphabet to avoid that kind of confusion.
Apple, Bingo, Christmas, Dog, Elephant......
When you get old and cranky that changes to Asshole, Bastard, etc. I usually never get asked to spell anything anymore [Coffee]
Bitter Clinger
02-18-2015, 08:54
I have a shirt that I would like to wear more, but have the same concerns as ray.
I have never served, but I have worked closely with a number of military units in my life. I have a really nice shirt (and hat - but I don't like it much, and a nice plaque) that the 21st Special Operations Group (AF) gave me when I did a bunch of geek work for them. I wore it once in the US and numerous people asked if I was military (I said no), and ever since then I have refused to wear it. I don't want people to think I have done something I haven't; especially about serving.
I don't think hats or shirts are a big deal. I gave my dad a seabee hat from my regiment. The 30th naval construction regiment, when I was enlisted. My uncle gave him a USS Portsmouth hat. He wears them both from time to time, no harm as far as I'm concerned.
Bitter Clinger
02-18-2015, 08:57
I occasionally am asked what branch I served in when I use the military phonetic alphabet. I'm quick to let whoever is asking know that I never served.
Ha ha me too, but I served, then I have to explain what a seabee is. I HATE when people use names (Adam, BBrandon etc...). I always have to stop and think lol.
Aloha_Shooter
02-18-2015, 09:16
I have a shirt that I would like to wear more, but have the same concerns as ray.
I have never served, but I have worked closely with a number of military units in my life. I have a really nice shirt (and hat - but I don't like it much, and a nice plaque) that the 21st Special Operations Group (AF) gave me when I did a bunch of geek work for them. I wore it once in the US and numerous people asked if I was military (I said no), and ever since then I have refused to wear it. I don't want people to think I have done something I haven't; especially about serving.
Tell the truth, you didn't serve but the unit gave you the shirt in recognition of work you did for them and you wear it in proud memory of them.
Aloha_Shooter
02-18-2015, 09:37
For what it's worth, the phonetic alphabet is not exclusive to the military. The US military uses the same phonetic alphabet as the aviation community (although I admit the military was probably the forerunner). Police use a different phonetic alphabet resulting in One-Adam-Twelve. You can tell the geezers or who learned the phonetic alphabet from WW II movies when they use Easy instead of Echo (although Sgt. Rock of Easy Company rolls off the tongue more smoothly than Sgt. Rock of Echo Company).
For what it's worth, the phonetic alphabet is not exclusive to the military. The US military uses the same phonetic alphabet as the aviation community (although I admit the military was probably the forerunner). Police use a different phonetic alphabet resulting in One-Adam-Twelve. You can tell the geezers or who learned the phonetic alphabet from WW II movies when they use Easy instead of Echo (although Sgt. Rock of Easy Company rolls off the tongue more smoothly than Sgt. Rock of Echo Company).
Yea, I think it's more about unit patches, tabs, awards, etc. where most folks that served get rubbed.
(no, not flipper rubbed)
All of that seems perfectly fine to me.
There must be something about my face that seems familiar to people. Can't tell you how many times people I don't know swear they've met me before. I had a guy swear up and down I was in his unit (or platoon or company or whatever) during the Gulf War. Even after I told him he was mistaken I'm not sure he believed me.
BushMasterBoy
02-18-2015, 20:14
http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/11/30/preproinuke_2.jpg
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