I’ve googled most of the ribbons but was unable to find the middle left and top left ones.

Man does a tremendous amount of work to honor vets in his community.

Edit: oh fuck that’s a silver star

  • jws_shadotakEnglish
    31·
    14 days ago

    Left middle is a freebie for global war on terrorism national defense. it’s given to anyone who enlisted from like 2008 to just last year served during wartime. Also known as the McDonald’s.

    The dude is credible.

    Edit: yeah I got the name wrong but it’s a generic “you served during this time” type ribbon

    • FoxyFerengi@lemm.eeEnglish
      9·
      14 days ago

      That one is national defense, and it was given for service during any war since 1953

      Source: I have one and I served before 2008

      • TwoBeeSan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        6·
        14 days ago

        Man has mentioned that during a mission in laos during Vietnam that his friends saved his life and are why he is alive today. Was giving a presentation about his service and said “they’ll say we weren’t there but we were.” In the most matter o fact way.

        Hearing an 80 year old vet say “he was my friend” through tears is something you never forget.

        Unsure of after nam career. Has never come up naturally.

        • verity_kindleMEnglish
          6·
          14 days ago

          See, that anecdote makes me more skeptical. “Missions in Laos [or Cambodia] with no records” is a frequent trope for fake combat vets or real vets who are exaggerating their combat records. They lean on it, because few have the background to call them on their stories. It’s easy to use it as a crutch and an excuse for missing documentation or lack of corroboration.

    • BigPotato@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      14 days ago

      You can’t go confusing the Rainbow Badge for the NDSM and pretend like they’re the same thing. Kids these days don’t even get one straight out of basic anymore!

      • jws_shadotakEnglish
        5·
        14 days ago

        I saw someone in NSUs the other day and I felt like something was wrong with their uniform. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

        He just didn’t have any ribbons. No pistol qual, no national defense.