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Rattler

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Everything posted by Rattler

  1. Attention Insurgents It is with great satisfaction that I make the following announcement. Know Ye that, having placed due trust and having observed the the sustained superior perfomance of duties, I hereby promote the following Insurgents to their newly appointed ranks: Fleet Admiral Chavik Balor Fleet Commander Fleet Admiral ShoHashi Bishamon Fleet Commander Fleet Admiral Kyle Antilles Spectre Fleet Commander And now for the Special Announcement. I will continue to monitor the boards from time to time and check in when I see the need for some Old Insurgent Wisdom but, having already placed my trust in the above individuals, I doubt that much wisdom shall be needed. With that, I hereby request to be transferred to the Insurgency Reserve and be allowed to Retire with Full Honors. Insurgency.....Dismissed!!
  2. HERE! On one of my short stays at home for now. These 90 out, 60 back, 60 out, and 90 back rotations truely add new meanings to Hoover Majic! Glad you guys are keeping this place together and I'm sincerely glad the SC is still willing to put up with us. I deeply appologize for my continued absence but without jobs, we don't eat, buy games and keep good friends close to our hearts. I sure wish somebody would find old BL so that we could all get back to normal again. Insurgents are still near and dear to my heart, and some Galcommies as well.
  3. Heh! I've been called far worse by the SC! If you are going to survive on this board, take your feelings off your sleeve and suck it up when ya know it's going to happen. BTW, appologies do go a loooooong way on this forum. Never, ever be afraid to ask a question here. Remain civil and all will be forgiven.
  4. Happy Thanksgiving All! Enjoyed my meal today and then went off to work. We had Yams, Turkey, all the trimmings, etc; Me, I chose Prime Rib, Crab Legs, Lobster, Dressing, Green beans, and a very nice Shrimp Cocktail. What the hey! They were serving it in the mess tent and I couldn't pass it up. Again, have a Happy Thanksgiving and I sure hope I get to post the next holiday wishes from HOME ! For now, it's me, the tent, the laptop, and darned right cold from this little pad in Uzbekistan. Rattler......Out!!!!!
  5. Ladies and Gentlemen of this Illustrious Forum, I've just been emailed an astounding piece of reporting and thought I'd share it with all of you that care to read it. I take no credit for it's content, I wish I could though. It's real, it's life, and it's eye opening. I've already forwarded it to some of you but I think everyone here should read it. (Warning, those easy to tear up, grab a box of klenex) (Salute) The passenger -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Story Tools Printable story Email story Subscribe now -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Staff Sgt. Jeramie Brown Detachment 4, Air Force News Agency 11/14/2003 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Like most Americans, I find that I am pretty selfish sometimes. I learned just how selfish on a recent trip to Iraq. I was sitting on a C-130 Hercules waiting to leave a location I can't spell or pronounce, when we got delayed. I was annoyed. I'd been traveling for hours trying to get to my destination and here we were, stuck in some out-of-the-way place and I was hot, tired and ready to get there already. Then it happened. I found out we were waiting on another passenger. I didn't know his name. I say 'his' but I didn't know if he was actually a he or a she. I didn't know what branch of service he was in or what rank he was. All I knew was that this passenger cost me another hour and a half on that plane. Little did I know how profound an impact "The Passenger" would have on me. You see, this passenger that we had to wait on, who delayed our trip and annoyed me and the other passengers, was a casualty of war. The ground crew brought him on board in a body bag. They laid him down between the jump seats and the cargo pallet, and covered him with Old Glory. At that moment, I felt the heat of shame in my face. Who was I to worry about a little lost sleep or a few extra hours on a plane when he had given his life in this war? By this time, everyone on board had stood up out of respect and, when they had "The Passenger" secure, the sergeant leading the crew called the plane to attention and barked a quick command. Every man and woman on that plane, from private to colonel immediately snapped a crisp salute in honor of the ultimate sacrifice made by "The Passenger". It was a moment of perfect unity. Every eye on that flag, every arm raised in respect, every breath caught in every throat for just one second. With our respects paid, everyone took his or her seat and prepared for take-off. I don't know about anyone else on that plane but I found myself contemplating what this passenger's sacrifice meant: to me, to our country, but mostly to his family. I found myself wondering what he gave up for the war on terror. Did he leave a wife behind when he deployed? Did he have children out there somewhere who would never see their father again? What about his parents, brothers and sisters? How would his family cope with his death? Was the sacrifice he made for his country worth it? To his family, perhaps not. To the Iraqi families, maybe. You see, I learned something else on this trip. I learned how the Iraqi people are living. Ramshackle houses... no cars... no central air, or any air conditioning for that matter, none of the so called 'modern conveniences'. I also learned that, thanks to our efforts, some of the kids are now able to go to school for the first time in years. Teachers are allowed to teach in multiple languages and cover subjects that were banned during the old regime. Clinics are opening all over the country, doctors are no longer afraid that if they misdiagnose someone it will cost them their lives. That's right, there is no malpractice insurance in Iraq. A doctor at one of the clinics told me that, under the old regime, if a doctor made a mistake, he paid for it with his life. So was "The Passenger's" sacrifice worth it? I guess it depends on your point of view. Then I started thinking about my own family. How would my wife deal with my death if it came on this trip? Would my children be ok? How horrible would it be for my parents to outlive me? I thought of my brother and his family in California. How many times have I meant to call them only to get distracted and forget? I haven't seen them in almost four years. My sister in Illinois hasn't seen me in a couple of years either. When was the last time I called her? Why haven't I e-mailed her or my niece lately? I use to send her e-mails every week or so, but I seem to have let my oh-so-busy life get in the way of communicating with the ones I love. Do I write enough? Call enough? Definitely not! I think that's what it all comes down to. We get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget about the other people in this world. We forget that not everyone lives in a free society. We forget that sometimes you have to stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves. We forget that we have a responsibility to the people of this world, and not because we are a super power or have the best military in the world, but simply because we all share this planet. We forget that, for good or bad, what one person does affects everyone. What we can't forget is that we never know when the moment of our death will come. Don't forget to tell the people who are most important to you how much you love them and how much you miss them. Don't forget to take time out of your 'busy' schedule and call your family and friends. Don't forget to do something today that will make a difference tomorrow, so that when your time comes someone can say 'Thank you for the sacrifices you made, you had a profound impact on my life.' So to "The Passenger," I say thank you. Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. Most importantly, thank you for making me realize that our time on this earth is never certain and we'd better do our best to make it worthwhile. May you find peace and happiness wherever you may be. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go call my kids, my parents, my brother, my sister... [ 11-19-2003, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: Rattler ]
  6. Good to see you guys are still keeping tabs on everyone. Have a great holiday season ALL!
  7. Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen! Rattler here, speaking from yet another "Camp Site" in yet another not so fun place to be. Should any of you desire to drop me a line or two, I may (for the time being) be reached utilizing the address of [email protected] . I would greatly appreciate hearing from you and will endeavor to answer you in a timely manner. SC, should you start the beta on UC, and consider me worthy, I have a P3 laptop out here that I think I can get to run it. Let me know, Old Friend! Rattler......Out!
  8. quote:Originally posted by J.Smith: I'm outta bassic now and in AV school in pensicola FLA. So i'll be checking in when i don't have my nose buried in a technical manual. Hey!!! "Uncle Rattler" lives near Pensacola!! Drop me an email sometime SOON and maybe we can get together somewhere! As a Retired Aviation Technician CWO, I can sympathize with your sore nose syndrome from all those tech manuals. That and the tired eyes and sore forehead from banging it on the book when you've been studying for too long! Just remember, you're there to learn, and not too much!
  9. Microsoft has disabled this site and activity until after this weekend I am told. This is a precautionary measure to avoid "That" virus. Just checked at 10:25 PM EST. Worked fine for me at XP Update Site. They do however have a "how to" window that comes up for checking on the worm. [ 08-17-2003, 10:46 PM: Message edited by: Rattler ]
  10. I think we're talking about "Dances With Wolves". I agree with the SC here, Cosner has been given a bad rap all the way around. Haven't seen the latest of his releases but I plan on going to see it. Maybe the goobers out in movie land will start doing westerns again. It seems that there are no more original thinkers out there though. Just about everything I'm seeing coming down the pike are "do overs". How about an original for a change? JMHO though!
  11. All is NOT forgotten Mr. Most! "Uncle Rattler" doesn't forget. He never forgets Friends. I hope you become one. Now go play nice with the Galcommies! quote:Most, if you know who Rattler is (at least to me), you'd know that he is one of the most respected members around here and a long time friend of most of us BC primaries. So, him vouching for you is the highest honor you can imagine and shouldn't be taken lightly. Step of out of line and you're on your own. Since he is an admin, he'll be banning you himself.Only if he posts in Insurgent Forum, Boss! I'm no longer an Admin, unless you reinstate me to that Prestigious Position again. [ 08-11-2003, 10:54 PM: Message edited by: Rattler ]
  12. quote:Originally posted by Supreme Cmdr: quote:Originally posted by Carl Burning: Define 'vet' for the BC seriesIf you have more than 77 posts, for one. And you were around for the Great BC Depression of 1996-1998. ...and got your ass burned to a crisp, right through the ordeal. If someone calls you a DS sychophant, you're a BC vet. You were around playing a BC title back when we used a BBS (Wildcat BBS) system to tranfer files. I'm sure the other vets can pitch theirs in (cough---cough) Ermh...I think I qualify for the Veteran status utilizing those benchmarks! AND the Brig Parties!!!! Yes SIR!! I'm a VET!!!
  13. SC, Gentlemen of Galcom, I appologize for intruding on your personal forum however, I would be terribly remiss if I didn't come to the aid of Mr. Most. I first identified his post (the one he and the SC are mentioning here). I offered him some advice, before he got into trouble. I think he took that advice onboard and made an honest commitment. As a brother in arms, IF the SC will reconsider, I will stand good for him. I don't know him from Adam, but I know that if he gives his word, you can take it to the bank. Military people are/should be held to that standard. SC, give him another chance. If you will not allow him into the Galcom community, can we take him into the Spectre Fleet. I and Gallion will assist his transition. With ALL Due Respect! (Salute)
  14. quote:Originally posted by Race Bannon IV: As One of the respondents said, thats why they call it WAR! Once a target has been designated hostile the crew in ANY asset will act and act swiftly. They do not have the luxury of hindsight. They do not choose to go and engage the enemy, it is thier DUTY to do so. This is why a lot of our professional soldiers are less apt to jump into a war than the fatcat politicians that send them in. They know what our weapons can do to a human body, but once engaged they will do thier jobs. On a side note that is precisely why I laugh, when I hear the militia types who horde hunting rifles and semi automatics to "protect" themselves from our gov't. If they saw half the shit I 've seen in advanced NBC training they'd trade those small arms in for a deal on a good cemetary plot. Well Said, Sir!
  15. quote:Originally posted by Kasey Chang: Didn't I read somewhere that Spectres need a "big finale" to attract the eyes of enemy defenders while it makes its exit? Or does that only apply when attacking serious defenses? Kasey, I can't get too specific of the opperational tactics of the AC-130 Gunship, so bear with me as I tip-toe around this. The "Gunship" does not need a "big finale" so that it may make it's exit. It is too big and slow to make a hasty exit. Therefore, it shall never be intentionally called in to an AO where significant threat exists to the Gunship itself. It is designed to engage and neutralize ground forces and their support craft (Tanks, Armored Vehicles, Field Pieces, etc;). If there is a significant threat in the area (Ground to Air or Air to Air) those threats are normally neutralized prior to Spectre's arrival on the scene. Once there, Spectre will engage any and all targets which have positively been declared as hostile and will not break off such engagement until all have been neutralized, or when all onboard munitions have been expended. Once either of the above conditions has been achieved, it will simply turn away and lumber off into the night. It will come from the dark, operate in the dark, and leave with the darkness. You will NEVER see it flying missions in daylight hours. If you do see one flying, it's going somewhere else, and not operating. Simply transiting the airspace above you. I hope I have helped with this topic. BTW, Spectre and all it's predecessors, as well as any future generations of this aircraft belong to the Airforce, Spec Ops Command, although they support ALL branches of the service. They can even sink small ships, as evidenced in this last engagement in Iraq. "Nuff Said!"
  16. Well, I guess now you guys know (partially) where "Uncle Rattler" has been. I make no secret of what I work on. Those very aircraft that you are discussing now is what I support. Keep watching those video's gents. That gunship would never fire at a ground target without first having it identified as hostile by ground observers and then given the order to neutralize the threat. Plain and simple, they don't come out of the protection of darkness without being ordered to do so. "Nuff Said"
  17. ATI Radeon 9800 Pro! Super card so far. No complaints on this end. Save lots of coins though if you want the 256MB version. Mine is only the 128.
  18. Hey Gummy! Good to see you! Now for the big question.....Why haven't you registered in the Fleet DB? Do you still have time to be Eversor Fleet Commander? If you do, register in the DB. If not, drop me an email and I'll understand. (Salute)
  19. Good to see you here Parias! We've been missing you! Now don't miss another muster! [ 08-06-2003, 10:35 PM: Message edited by: Rattler ]
  20. Send them to me as well please. I have a website now on tripod that Spectre can use. Gallion, want to put it there?
  21. As the proud owner of the Mackeral, I remember going to bat for quite a few of you "anoying" people in the past. Was it worth it? You bet it was! Look where most of you are today (you know who you are out there). I've only been disappointed by one little scurvey individual that I saved here. He later put a sharp blade in my ribs, from behind I might add. Anyone remember Antti? I now try not to! The rest of you guys have done yourselves, The SC, and Myself proud of the way you have grown to enjoy the fellowship of this board and truely learned to enjoy the product of the SC's labor. Now, let's give the little guy a little slack on the rope and safety those airlock switches. "Nuff Said!"
  22. Cadet, A friendly word of advice here from a seasoned survivor of poking the SC with a sharp stick (I know you didn't ask for it but I'll give it anyway). IF you post something and have to appologize for it in the same post, you probably shouldn't have posted it. Maybe I have misunderstood your post and, if so, I'll appologize for it now. If I did read between the lines AND got it right, you just about criticized the most powerful person on this board. HIS Board! Tread softly young man. Life is good, but too short to dodge angry, powerful people. Have a nice day, Sir!
  23. Roger Boss, I have created Spectre Fleet (Gallion's Gang) however, I can not edit my own profile to move me to Spectre Fleet. Need Admin help for that. Additionally, I do not have access to all the Insurgent Fleets to check for and approve the Fleet Commanders attempting to Register. Shohashi is trying to register in Bishamon Fleet however, it's not showing up. I had him try it again with the same results. If there's someone to take the flack over this, make it Rattler, Boss! I'll shoulder the blame. He is the Fleet Commander of Bishamon Fleet. (Salute) [ 08-05-2003, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: Rattler ]
  24. Gentlemen, I need to receive correspondence from all Insurgent Fleet Commanders As Soon As Possible. I will be monitoring ICQ for the next couple of nights. If you get a chance, give me a shout. We need to talk. It concerns YOUR/Our Fleets, so it's important. Thanks In Advance,
  25. Hello Eclipse. Good to hear from you again. I believe that you were a Station Commander, correct? The SC has opened it up for Fleet Leaders at this time if I read the thread correctly. That could be the problem. Maybe not, I have been wrong before. Let's give him some time to sort this out and then we can charge him in mass.
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