Nice gesture to servicemen!
Thread Starter
Nice gesture to servicemen!
Travelling back on an overcrowded cattle truck, which First Great Western describe as a 'train', I noticed that the train manager had a number of military badges on his satchel. Including an all-arms dagger, RM mudguards, para wings etc.
"Nice collection - was that you?", I asked.
"No - I wasn't a serviceman. But I feel that anyone who signs up to put his neck on the line should get some recognition. So I have discretion to upgrade certain people to First Class. Disabled people, pregnant ladies and anyone who shows me a Forces Railcard I'll upgrade, provided that they don't make me look foolish by misbehaving. It's the least I can do. The badges? They're expressions of thanks from servicemen who I've upgraded over the years..."
What a top chap! Determined to do his small part in supporting our servicemen in a tangible way.
"Nice collection - was that you?", I asked.
"No - I wasn't a serviceman. But I feel that anyone who signs up to put his neck on the line should get some recognition. So I have discretion to upgrade certain people to First Class. Disabled people, pregnant ladies and anyone who shows me a Forces Railcard I'll upgrade, provided that they don't make me look foolish by misbehaving. It's the least I can do. The badges? They're expressions of thanks from servicemen who I've upgraded over the years..."
What a top chap! Determined to do his small part in supporting our servicemen in a tangible way.
Plumbum Pendular
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I am not convinced about this. Why should they get preferential treatment?
What about firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, all save lives and risk their lives? Where do you draw the line?
This too I think is a farce:
The Sun says | The Sun |News|Sun Says
What about firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, all save lives and risk their lives? Where do you draw the line?
This too I think is a farce:
The Sun says | The Sun |News|Sun Says
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They should get preferential treatment because this man wants them to have it.
It's a free country, and he has the right to choose!
This freedom was won for me and him by far too many deaths of servicemen and women over a number of years.
It's a free country, and he has the right to choose!
This freedom was won for me and him by far too many deaths of servicemen and women over a number of years.
Thread Starter
I am not convinced about this. Why should they get preferential treatment?
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fmgc
I strongly disagree with you.
"What about firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, all save lives and risk their lives? Where do you draw the line?"
The line is, most of those, bar the odd brave one or two a year go home to
a nice warm house / bed every night.
The soldier, sailor, airman and women might go home but
just as likely stuck in some barracks or dusty outpost and
have a much higher chance of getting killed.
As well as seemingly being screwed by the Gov't all the time.
And as for the airlines, why not, it's no big deal, can be done
at check in if they know how full the plane is or when the
passengers have sat down and the staff see free seats available.
Edit
And as the three posters above have said so well.
I strongly disagree with you.
"What about firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, all save lives and risk their lives? Where do you draw the line?"
The line is, most of those, bar the odd brave one or two a year go home to
a nice warm house / bed every night.
The soldier, sailor, airman and women might go home but
just as likely stuck in some barracks or dusty outpost and
have a much higher chance of getting killed.
As well as seemingly being screwed by the Gov't all the time.
And as for the airlines, why not, it's no big deal, can be done
at check in if they know how full the plane is or when the
passengers have sat down and the staff see free seats available.
Edit
And as the three posters above have said so well.
Last edited by 500N; 17th Jun 2013 at 20:44.
I'm with fmgc, I never asked for a free upgrade in my life and I'd be embarrassed to be offered one. I never felt I did anything special during 2 tours each in the recent hot spots, I did a job that I'd volunteered to do.
If I notice one common theme on PPRuNe it's old men of cold war vintage getting either outraged on behalf of currently serving who really don't give a toss about discounts and upgrades, or getting mawkishly misty eyed about their own quiet service years and believing they're owed a free lunch for getting pissed in Germany for a few years.
If I notice one common theme on PPRuNe it's old men of cold war vintage getting either outraged on behalf of currently serving who really don't give a toss about discounts and upgrades, or getting mawkishly misty eyed about their own quiet service years and believing they're owed a free lunch for getting pissed in Germany for a few years.
Last edited by Laarbruch72; 17th Jun 2013 at 21:13.
fmgc:-
You're not from around here, are you?
I am not convinced about this. Why should they get preferential treatment?
Laarbruch72
If I notice one common theme on Prune it is people like you being disparaging about folk you dismiss as Cold War veterans!
If Falklands War, GW 1, Afghanistan etc had happened one or two generations earlier then those Cold War warriors you so childishley mock would have given the same sterling service as I assume you did. Grow up!
If Falklands War, GW 1, Afghanistan etc had happened one or two generations earlier then those Cold War warriors you so childishley mock would have given the same sterling service as I assume you did. Grow up!
Last edited by Brian 48nav; 17th Jun 2013 at 21:23. Reason: too many words
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Laarbruch, I think I see where you are coming from but I disagree.
Some Servicemen indeed experienced rigorous service that they bore with fortitude. Indeed some probably thought it was bliss (see previous thread about really good ****). As a friend of mine said, I can't believe they are paying me for this.
Then some civilians believe that some Servicemen indeed experienced rigorous service that they bore with fortitude. They feel they would like to recognise this and say thank you.
Now it is inevitable that the latter may not meet for former but by saying thank you to any Serviceman they are both extending goodwill and enjoying a little bit of satisfaction in so doing.
Do Servicemen (and ex-) deserve this more than police, fire, RNLI, etc? That is a whole different argument.
Some Servicemen indeed experienced rigorous service that they bore with fortitude. Indeed some probably thought it was bliss (see previous thread about really good ****). As a friend of mine said, I can't believe they are paying me for this.
Then some civilians believe that some Servicemen indeed experienced rigorous service that they bore with fortitude. They feel they would like to recognise this and say thank you.
Now it is inevitable that the latter may not meet for former but by saying thank you to any Serviceman they are both extending goodwill and enjoying a little bit of satisfaction in so doing.
Do Servicemen (and ex-) deserve this more than police, fire, RNLI, etc? That is a whole different argument.
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As an ex forces Police officer I'm more than happy to see serving forces personnel get preferential treatment. However, it's true that I risk my neck more often now than I did during my RAF service. I made my choices. I'm happy with that.
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I came closer to being killed in industry and the MN than I ever did in the Army or RAF (I think) but I go along with the OP in thinking it's a generous, agreeable and heartwarming gesture.
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"old men of cold war vintage getting mawkishly misty eyed about their own quiet service years and believing they're owed a free lunch for getting pissed in Germany for a few years"
Laarbruch, you are an ignorant arse. I am one of those old men you disparage. Borneo, Radfan, Falklands, GW1 to mention a few minor adventures during 34 quiet years. As an RAF mover you must have had a really tough time during your recent 22.
Laarbruch, you are an ignorant arse. I am one of those old men you disparage. Borneo, Radfan, Falklands, GW1 to mention a few minor adventures during 34 quiet years. As an RAF mover you must have had a really tough time during your recent 22.
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If I notice one common theme on PPRuNe it's old men of cold war vintage getting either outraged on behalf of currently serving who really don't give a toss about discounts and upgrades, or getting mawkishly misty eyed about their own quiet service years and believing they're owed a free lunch for getting pissed in Germany for a few years.
Myself as an ex Cold War jobbie that didn't just contain my getting pissed to just Germany, I would never try to get a free lunch out of anyone, nor have I bothered to get one of those Veteran badges...
Neither have I travelled on a train since I last used a travel warrant and have no desire to do so, my memory was of expensive and overloaded trains which frequently meant standing outside the toilets from Fleet to Carlisle... Would I like to see current servicemen upgraded like this, yes.. I would rather see a serving Serviceman being given an upgrade rather than the likes of George Osbourne
MPs ride first class at taxpayer expense - Channel 4 News
Last edited by NutLoose; 17th Jun 2013 at 22:26.
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Genstabler, turning it into a pissing contest doesn't impress, we've all done our bit. Laarbruch raises a point that is more prevalent in the younger generation of service person in so much as he's right, they couldn't give a toss about perks such as upgrades etc. They signed up for what they do and we all know that brings its own rewards.
It is however good to see these things happen where its appropriate and I did see something similar at a concert last year where two Royal Engineers were treated like VIP's for no reason other than the security staff identified them as servicemen.
It is however good to see these things happen where its appropriate and I did see something similar at a concert last year where two Royal Engineers were treated like VIP's for no reason other than the security staff identified them as servicemen.
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Laarbruch72
it's old men of cold war vintage getting either outraged on behalf of currently serving who really don't give a toss about discounts and upgrades, or getting mawkishly misty eyed about their own quiet service years and believing they're owed a free lunch for getting pissed in Germany for a few years.
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What a fine example of an individual showing his gratitude, appreciation and respect for our service personnel in an otherwise cynical world, which fmgc seems to be firmly a part of... Recent events in Woolwich show the danger they face even at home, I'm sure the Railway Manager's simple gesture will be looked upon by the vast majority as entirely appropriate, those that don't can go and take a flying fcuk!
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Sorry for upsetting you Pete, but I don't appreciate the service of my generation of Cold War warriors being dismissed so contemptuously by arrogant young arses.
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What about firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, all save lives and risk their lives?
From another 'old fart' - Aden, Oct '63 to Oct '64.