My own view
 

As with all things a lot depends on the individual. For some dirt bag to view a picture of somebody in a newspaper and come gunning for them seems like doing it the hard way.

Much easier to find that guy with all the Hoah stickers all over the car, tattos of death before whatever, shooting his mouth of at a bar, etc, etc, etc at his home station.

So for you active guys, what stickers have you put on the car that the wife drives to the Mall?

Just how "Quiet" are you?

Little food for thought this morning.

Pete

:D Not patting myself on the back, just adding to Pete's food for thought.

While in Hawaii I wouldn't even put the base decals on my POV to avoid being a skinny white ragdoll being tossed around by the locals. It stuck and I still don't put them on my truck, and I'm stationed in MD. Advertisement is the worst form of self imposed punishment. In this day and age of extremism, no target is too small to fit the terrorist agenda. The power of pride will get you a good amount of thank you's and some dirty looks, maybe worse.

I recall a conversation with an older gentleman that had served in Vietnam and was proud of his service to the nation even though he felt his own citizens had abandoned him and wished him the worst. He had one of the most patriotic cars that I'd seen in years and was proud to show it. My Truck only has an NRA sticker on the back glass. This man was unhappy (not knowing I'm AD Army) that I wasn't outwardly proud of my nation and angrily told me that I wasn't patriotic. I explained that his support was appreciated and my patriotism lies with this nation by doing my duty as he did and not expecting fanfare and recognition.
The "Oh $h!t, I'm sorry!" response soon followed and all was well.

Be proud of who you are and don't ask for recognition, those that do ask will find themselves trying to do damage control because their reputation exceeded their ability.

My .02, soapbox returned!!! :D

Absolutely true, however I have turned away folks from assignment to a unit just because they had been too visible. As you say, it does depend on the individual and the circumstances.

Jack Moroney

Late to the party.
 

Anyone have a copy of that article? I'd like to read it if its not too much trouble.