My grandpa went into the army in 1942 at age 17 and left in 1970 as a Lieutenant Colonel at age 45. He spent 28 years in the Army and served in 3 wars. Rest In Peace, Papa. He died age 91.
My great-grandfather was drafted in 1945 and stayed in until 1973. Also 28 years. I don't believe he went over in the Big Second, but he did fight in Korea and did 3 tours in Vietnam. Retired as an E-7 Sergeant First Class. He is still alive at 92 years old.
Back in the eighties, my unit had a retirement ceremony for two Chief Petty Officers who had served since World War II. During the ceremony, I kept thinking, I'm in the Navy with WWII vets. What an honor.
I remember a couple of WW2 vets retiring from the Army in the early 80s. I was stationed in Germany at the time, and one quipped that Germany was his 1st assignment and his last, adding that his first tour was quite a bit tougher and Germans were no where near as welcoming as they were in 1981.
I was an active duty Seabee from 1973-77. When I got off active duty I joined the reserves. In my reserve unit there were several original WWII Seabees. They had some stories.
I wonder what he would have thought if, back in 1972, that sitting there, holding that draft notice, he would still be in the military nearly 40 years later? Some people search for their dream job for a lifetime and never find it. This guy's dream job found him. *RESPECT*
Ryan Nguyen, I disagree. It may not appeal to you from the outside, as was maybe the case for this guy, but when he was forced to join he discovered it was not what he thought it was.
@Gregory Smith That's so not true. The Roman Legions were originally levies, anyone who owned land had to maintain their own equipment and respond when the legions were levied. It was considered a 'civic duty' just like the draft is. The difference was that the Roman Levies weren't paid salaries (they were paid in loot) until the Marian reforms when the legions were professionalized.
@Gregory Smith no, I was talking about the Polybian army before Marian reforms. You had to be a land owner to be eligible to join the legions. It wasn't until the Jugurthine War when Roman Manpower was depleted due to previous wars so Gaius Marius reformed the army removing the land ownership requirement and allowed the landless poor to join the legions. The situation you speak of when poor legionaries were granted land came specifically from this reform. That said, there's a fine line between slavery and conscription. Slaves are NOT paid, conscripts are. Using your definition, any servicemen who want to separate but can't because their contracts hasn't run out would be considered 'slaves' because they are forced to stay in the military against their will.
Ya in Europe they still have the draft and guys over there hate the military. The only ones in the US military who like it have cushy office jobs. Notice the desk behind him...... They used to call them REMFs!
IKR, I did my 20 in the Army, Ets'd 2014. I couldn't imagine continuing to hump for 20 more years, though, if another war kicks off I will do my damndest to reenlist.
I worked for CSM Mellinger in Alaska. He was tough, hard, very knowledgeable and fair. He had just come from the Ranger Regiment Recon when we met, and as it turned out, we knew a lot of the same people he worked with in RRR and other assignments. It was an honor to work for him and we crossed paths again and again after that. I was in Afghanistan when he retired but I sent him a note praising his service and how honored I was to know him. Great guy, but it was 50/50...some disliked his style, others thrived under it
I often found that the leaders who had that 50/50 ratio of either liked or not or thrived or not were the best leaders. Only thing I cared about was fairness once I became a Sgt. Fairness is how I played the game as well. Ypu don't have to be liked but you do need to be respected and to me thats more valuable
Ive been in the Army 7 years now. Anytime I hear about "so and so is a hardass, stay away from them" I ALWAYS end up getting along with those types the most. A lot of soldiers seem to be afraid of discipline and structure coming from higher up, but if you know how to handle it then life can be so much better under them than leaders that are more relaxed.
@Old man Goat it depends. Plenty if not most military dont do shit. But for those who do, it is tough to put in n all that time. Were you Navy? The Goat is their thing.
The Command Sargeant Makor was correct serving your country is great and the kudos of being a senior NCO is great, I know as a retired CPO Coxswain RN Submarines yep I'm also a Brit Run Silent Run Deep
My old man spent 32 years, 8 months and 16 days in the USAF and retired as a Full Bird (Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 11 Air Medals ). He recently passed away from cancer at 89 years of age after serving multiple tours in both Korea and Vietnam. I miss him every single day. Congratulations, CSGT. Messinger, your retirement is well earned!
@@robertisham5279 no, the Army remains the most backward branch of the military and still is to this day. You still have a lot of extremely ignorant and stupid people whose vocabulary is constantly laced with curse words. The Air Force is beyond woke!
My job as your Command Sergeant Major is to make you the best 4-star general around. Ma'am, you're really going to make me work at this...Only a Command Sergeant Major could say that to a general.
WHOAAAAAAAAAAAA, everyone just look at the economy. It's at the highest point it's been in like 10 years. Nuff said. but i do agree with getting out of Obama's ass. He did literally nothing in his presidency other than obama care and that was a complete shit show soooo. Yeah...
Of course the General is the thumbnail. The General is a woman, and woman are not suppose to be in command positions. It is a direct violation of the scriptures.
Knobhead the most dangerous thing in the world is an officer with a Map and the 2nd thing is the Junior Soldiers below them i met a Soldier in the south of Germany in 1979 who was a Vietnam Soldier the other so called soldiers treated him like shit i was 19 when i went to Northern Ireland for my 1st tour and 4 months later i went back the American Army could not do my Job then u are not good enough to walk in my shoes been there done it read the book and got the t.shirt
So this guy goes in, drafted, 10 years before I went into the service, I did six years and honorably discharged, and this guy was still rolling along in the military decades after me. Amazing God bless his service :-) I am glad that I went for 6 years also. During my time I met a Master Chief that had went in during World War II and was still in when we were in service in Lebanon over 40 years later. Men like this are amazing.
Why is the algorithm just recommending this to me? I never knew! Belated congratulations to you CSM Mellinger! You make me grateful I wore the uniform once, and can feel some sort of link to a hero like you. I'm still learning the lesson of serving and now you stand as "one of the great cloud of witnesses" that it can be done. Thank you, sir - yeah, you deserve a "sir."
CSM Mellinger, thank you much for your dedicated service to out nation. I wish you only the best in whatever you decide for the future. I'm still in awe of how long you served. I thought my 24 years was long. :-)
Looking back now, Id give anything to be able to spend my entire career in the military. I did my time and then spent the next 25 years in various careers that were so unfulfilling. Though I always had hopes and dreams of being this and that, the military was the one thing that I truly shined at. I truly feel that I was meant to be a soldier.
+shane270wby If you had a family being in the military long term is not the best thing for them. More people need to do short service instead of going to college. Opening up training via the military might be the way to go in doing this. Instead of spending trillions on Colleges the government should be training young people via the military. Full time national guard service should be an easy option for many people. Or one year full time with the rest being part time. There is no reason why a school teacher could not be doing service part time.
My father was a child when this guy was drafted. He grew up went to college and did a 27 year career in the Army before retiring. All of that within the span of this guys career and with many years to spear. Thank you for your service CSM Mellinger.
Why? Why is he a fantastic human being? He's just a guy who worked in the most evil most corrupt army in history, they invade countries they kill millions what are you talking about? seriously
@@jmadventures9830 40 years of selfless dedication to others and to a cause (freedom) that benefits all people worldwide. Now take your socialist hate back to your hut.
My Uncle, Command Sergeant Major Thomas S Miyashiro of the of the 442nd 100th Batallion served from 1942 - 1984 (42 years) passed away Wednesday October 5, 2016 at the age of 92.
For those who don't know 442nd WWII history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States) Keep in mind many of their families were in US detention camps, but they went to war for the nation whose bigotry got their innocent families imprisoned!
My hat of to this fellow warrior and military brother. I have served 37 years in the British Army and due to leave in 3 months time. He has made the world a safer place.
The last day I wore the uniform I knew I’d never be apart of anything bigger or more important. The U S Air Force made me the man I am today. I’ll always be grateful, I was humbled to serve.
Adding context for anyone who sees this and doesn't know what a set of foreign jump wings means... he participated in a jump with a foreign Jump Master. In this case, the JM was Canadian. High key one of my own goals for my career, to earn a set of foreign jump wings
My uncle served in WW2 and was on the board trying germans in court , like Himler in Nurenberg, he just got awarded for it last year in 2019. He is still alive! Way to go uncle Al Loikits
When you consider how this Soldier made it all the way to CSM and stayed enlisted for 40 years it truly is one of the greatest accomplishments in life that common civilians may not even grasp. In a career there is ample time to succeed and just as much ample time to fail between deployments, professional and personal hardships to include physical injuries or ailments that may induce discharge. There are soldiers out there who can’t even get past Basic Training due to injuries such as fractures! But to strive and continue military life, truly a feat.
+Mansa Q Musa If that’s your idea of this video and this mans life of service; get the F$CK off this thread and gobto Haiti or anywhere else you hateful ass!!! This man wasn’t given a choice whether to serve in the military initially, but he CHOSE to serve after his drafted enlistment was concluded and in so doing, he swore an oath to give everything up to and including his life to defend America and the Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and Domestic (just like you)!!! Not just once or twice, but many times over he swore that oath for each re-enlistment for 40yrs!!! He could have retired 20yrs ago on a FULL pension at a pay rate most likely better than what you earn per month and he could get that sitting in his living room, man cave, or out enjoying his favorite hobby, and he would never had to work another day in his life; because he EARNED that!!! WHAT, prey tell, have you contributed to your fellow man, but negativity???
@@f.c.m4367 so im confused. I'm not trying to start anything. I just wanna know what you think about the military. And without using emojis and shit , actually talk. Cause you said you dont like propaganda, but u said "fukkk amerikka " which is a propaganda catch phrase .
Similar to my dad. He retired after 40 years as Command Sargent Major as well. I was an officer. Dad was the first to salute me and I have him a silver dollar as is the tradition. Army proud!!!
Congrats to the CSM! I, also, was drafted, however, in 1971. After serving two years active duty, I eventually returned to federal service for a total of 35+ years, with over 33 years service in the DOD. It was a rewarding journey to serve our country!
I did 40 years, three months......32 in the Regular Force and the rest in the Reserves then was surprised to get a letter enrolling me in the ready serve.....!
Well done! If it weren't for this freak accident of a back injury at 18, I'd have 36 years in now (father was in 30, grandfather was in 30, family business, one could say), so it's fair to say that I'm choosing to live vicariously through you, sir. I'll say it, I'm envious. Again, congrats! You make America proud.
My dad went into the Army to pay for college and switched to the Air Force a couple years in. 35 years after joining the Army, he retired as Chief Master Sergeant (in the AF) and now continues to do his emergency management job for other businesses.
John Pierce... What an ignorant statement "reserve doesn't count". Reserve makes up half of the deployed troops who are balancing home life and military life. My reserve unit deployed to Irag and Afghanistan twice. Was their service less important than the active soldiers? Just a really stupid thing that you said.
It's cool. I don't get defensive about the reserve vs. active banter. Unlike most reservists today, I was never called to serve in combat or overseas. I don't pretend to be something I was not, and I honor everybody who served in any capacity.
Just curious, Mr. Pierce, have you served? A hell of a lot of reservists have paid the ultimate price in the past few wars of America. Most vets don't talk about them the way you do. With the typical 8 year enlistment in the National Guard, a soldier is now likely to spend a full two years on active duty, and at least a fair amount of that time in a combat zone.
@John Pierce the military is not about who has it the hardest. Just because one member has it harder than another member, doesnt make him better . You logic makes no sense at all. Plenty of reservist have done amazing things. And the guy said he was in the reserves for 20- something years. Since you want to compare things, 20-something years in the reserves, can be just as bad and dangerous as a full 4 year enlistment from an active duty member
i had a csm who had been in longer than i had been alive . i remember he had developed a ability to teleport and appear behind any group of people standing around in the motor pool . i cant remember his name but i think he retired with the 41st fires bde .
I was drafted August 23, 1972, three days after my college graduation. Had orders for Nam which were cancelled due to Paris Peace talks. Got out 90 days early in exchange for one year of active reserves. I enjoyed my time in the Army and looking back, I wish I had stayed in and made a career of it.
I had something similar I enlisted in the Air Force in 1999 and had filled out the stuff for selective service when turned 18 in high school. After the Air Force at college the financial aid people said that I wasn't eligible because I had never filled out for selective service. They had to contact someone and faxed them my DD214. The government agreed that I wasn't a draft Dodger and unblocked the financial aid. Of course I had GI Bill but hey I use anything you're eligible for. It definitely was kinda funny though and shows you how stupid the government can be.
i only have one story about a sergeant major . in 1971 a captain got p oed at me . he ordered me to followed him to the company commanders office . when we stepped into the outer office where the sergeant major was . the captain ask to see the commander . the sergeant major asked what the problem was . the captain started screaming about me . the sergeant major told the captain to lower his voice . then the sergeant told the captain he would take care of it . that was the first time i saw a captain afraid of a sergeant . i smiled after the captain left and the sergeant said what the hell you smiling at . then told me to get out before he shove his foot up my you know what .. never heard another word about it .. that's when i learned you never mess with the top sergeant .
It will either get better or worse, if it goes south then move on to something more fitting for you but at 2.5 years you haven’t really experienced the good part....tough it out and give it a chance. I’m retired AF, you’re not experiencing the leading and responsibility that come with advancement. Go with the flow and move onward and upward. Just my humble advice as an old guy to a young man (I assume) who had the honor and courage to represent our nation in the armed forces. I’d be just as proud of you if you didn’t re-enlist as I am for you enlisting in the first place.
The first unit (4th ID) I was assigned to had a few gentlemen that were Desert Storm Era vets. They were very down to Earth and a pleasure to work with, very professional and they had common sense (which is not common anymore). The only fella was a E5 lifer (he made E5 a long time ago and was grandfathered into the 20 year retirement phase, they let him retire as an E5 despite not progressing in rank that much during his career. I asked him why did not pick up E6 (or E7) by that point and he said he would rather go back to being a Specialist (E4) but they would not let him retire out at 20 being an E4 but he was grandfathered in for E5 20+ year retirement. He had been in practically as long as I had been alive (as I was in my mid 20s at that time). The other man picked up E6 (Staff Sargent) after our second deployment to Iraq. This was in the 2010s during the height of OEF/OIF, finding qualified tactically disciplined men to deploy was getting fewer and farther between, they made both of them force to retire (one of which was a bronze star & purple heart recipient at that). Personally I could care less how old someone is, or how long they have been in, if they are still worldwide deployable (and can continue to do the tasks) I say let them stay in. But not in today's ultra SJW PC cucked world, God forbid old whyte men stay in, we need more DIEversity. I got out in 2018 (ETS honorable discharge) and man oh man it was a dysfunctional mess when I entered and it was a dysfunctional mess when I left.
I was in 2/2 Cav Bamberg WEST Germany and had CSM "Mean" Gene McKinney as squadron CSM. That was one BA soldier and he went on to become SMA and I knew it would happen the first time i had the honors of Meeting/Encountering him in the squadron AO
There may not be any more official draftees, but there are likely still people serving who got back door drafted out of the IRR. I was one of them. I was forced to return to the Army and shipped off to Iraq after being out only 3 years. I went through refresher training at Fort Jackson with guys who got back door drafted 16 years after they last put on a uniform, lol.
So you are saying that YOU are one of only 18 men who served in the Corp for over 37 years? Oh Paleeeeeeeaaaaaase....................All of which were High Ranked Officers? Oh Paleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase again. Bullshit!
Great job. That is some real dedication. I did my 8 in the Army and went to college. What rank were you when you retired? Don't be too hard on me Marine.lol
My dad had 44 years in 4 years in the Navy and then 40 years in the Navy reserve and the Army reserve retired an E 9 not bad for an 8 th grade farm boy drop out his dad died when he was 12
I joined the Army at 17 and got a warning by mail from the draft board while in basic training that I have to sign up for the draft. didn't think I had to being I was already in the Army. So I did sign up.
I signed up at 17, got out at 20, and wasn't allowed to vote in 1964 because they had not yet amended the Constitution to give the vote to 18-year-olds to justify drafting them to send to Vietnam. One of the greatest advances for freedom in my lifetime was the effective ending of the draft. A free country doesn't need to defend itself with enslaved soldiers.
you didn't have to sign up instead you have to show them your orders showing that you're currently enlisted. basically you were legally exempt so long as you provided documentation.
I was on the USS Voge in 1976 a destroyer in the Med near Crete. We were rammed by a Soviet Echo II cruise missile sub . It damaged our single propellor ( thanks accountants, no destroyers in the last had one screw) gave us a few holes in the hull and broke a sailors arm. Dead in the water . Both ships were probably Nuke capable as we had ASROC. At 18 I admit I was scared! The crusty chief Petty officer was a WWII vet and Korea. He calmed us all down as he had seen a lot and since he did not expect a Kamikaze we would be fine….
@@IsraelCountryCube Yea? Why do you think that? I'm making a comment on the youtube algorithm for recommending videos... did you think I was saying something else?
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Think about it. They made him start the military and then 40 years later, they made him get out.
It really is crazy, hes the only person i know of that had that happen to him
Yes, that's kind of what they said in the news report, (toward the end)
He is in his late 50s so I’m guessing they don’t want people that old.
They need to make up their minds. Do they want him or not?
Then: You're in the Army now and you're gonna like it!
Now: *Please leave.*
US government in 1972: "Mellinger, Jeffrey. You are now stuck with military service"
Mellinger, Jeffrey: "lol no you're stuck with *me* now"
😂😂😂
Lol? It was the 1970s. He probably said "far out," or "groovy." 🤣
Perfect Comment 🙌🏽
You beat me to it by only a year.
PS happy 2023 🎉
This video was recommended to me, but I just noticed its from 2011!
My grandpa went into the army in 1942 at age 17 and left in 1970 as a Lieutenant Colonel at age 45. He spent 28 years in the Army and served in 3 wars. Rest In Peace, Papa. He died age 91.
My great-grandfather was drafted in 1945 and stayed in until 1973. Also 28 years. I don't believe he went over in the Big Second, but he did fight in Korea and did 3 tours in Vietnam. Retired as an E-7 Sergeant First Class. He is still alive at 92 years old.
Cameron Douglas Wow, tell him I said thanks!
Is that your grandpa in your pfp?
Toast Yes. The pic is from 1944 when he was 19 yrs old. 2 years after he enlisted
William Menendez you come from solid wood brother 🙌🏻🙌🏻
God bless your grandpa 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Why does this look like The Onion.
if it looks too good to be true it probably is
I actually clicked on this because it sounded so similar to the oldest neurosurgeon video.
I was actually skeptical 😂
It's not this CSM served 40 + years.wished I could. We retired same month and year, heard about him wished we served together. Would learn from him
I deadass checked the channel name to make sure because I thought that same thing for some reason
Back in the eighties, my unit had a retirement ceremony for two Chief Petty Officers who had served since World War II. During the ceremony, I kept thinking, I'm in the Navy with WWII vets. What an honor.
I remember a couple of WW2 vets retiring from the Army in the early 80s. I was stationed in Germany at the time, and one quipped that Germany was his 1st assignment and his last, adding that his first tour was quite a bit tougher and Germans were no where near as welcoming as they were in 1981.
I was an active duty Seabee from 1973-77. When I got off active duty I joined the reserves. In my reserve unit there were several original WWII Seabees. They had some stories.
That's one hell of a DD214
My wife has DD's also. She's only 38
Andrew Hall hahahaha
Travis Thacker my dd214 is nothing in there hahaha
Ok I don't get the joke. What is a dd214??
@Moe Green how is that funny?
I wonder what he would have thought if, back in 1972, that sitting there, holding that draft notice, he would still be in the military nearly 40 years later?
Some people search for their dream job for a lifetime and never find it. This guy's dream job found him.
*RESPECT*
he can really say he didn't choose the military life the military life chose him
Military life is either you love it, hate it or both. Most of the time people who hate it stay the longest for some weird reasons.
Ryan Nguyen,
I disagree. It may not appeal to you from the outside, as was maybe the case for this guy, but when he was forced to join he discovered it was not what he thought it was.
@Gregory Smith That's so not true. The Roman Legions were originally levies, anyone who owned land had to maintain their own equipment and respond when the legions were levied. It was considered a 'civic duty' just like the draft is. The difference was that the Roman Levies weren't paid salaries (they were paid in loot) until the Marian reforms when the legions were professionalized.
@Gregory Smith no, I was talking about the Polybian army before Marian reforms. You had to be a land owner to be eligible to join the legions. It wasn't until the Jugurthine War when Roman Manpower was depleted due to previous wars so Gaius Marius reformed the army removing the land ownership requirement and allowed the landless poor to join the legions. The situation you speak of when poor legionaries were granted land came specifically from this reform.
That said, there's a fine line between slavery and conscription. Slaves are NOT paid, conscripts are. Using your definition, any servicemen who want to separate but can't because their contracts hasn't run out would be considered 'slaves' because they are forced to stay in the military against their will.
imagine if he retired as E-4
taking the mafia to a whole different level
I knew an E-5 in his 40's.
@@user-bm6wu9zw9m I knew a gen in his 20s. Lol jk
There are service limits and HYT, regulations.
Wow, is the Spec 4 mafia still a thing!?
@@firstlt2 I'm very confused, what do E-4 and E-5 mean exactly?
*Forced to retire*. It was actually him who drafted the Army.
Ya in Europe they still have the draft and guys over there hate the military. The only ones in the US military who like it have cushy office jobs. Notice the desk behind him...... They used to call them REMFs!
“How long is it?”
“That’s a rather personal question, Sir.”
- Monty Python
Lmao!
I'm using that
This doesn't get recommended on my feed until 2020...
Yep
Just did 👀
Same here
26.12.2020
oh yeah ive seen this a long ass time ago but I'm glad Ive seen it again honorable and respected
Kid in 1940’s when I turn 18 I wan-
U.S military: no
You mean kid in the 50s? Because most people who fought in Vietnam were kids in the 50s
@Koala Eucalyptus that is not the draft, just the order of precedence
@Koala Eucalyptus nice
@Koala Eucalyptus I dont think you remember aanything from when you are 6 years old or younger
lol welcome to Israel
I spent 21 years in the Navy and came out an E8 Senior Chief , and my hats off to anyone who puts in that much time.
Thank you for your service, Senior Chief.
John Doe you stupid fuck, show some respect
IKR, I did my 20 in the Army, Ets'd 2014. I couldn't imagine continuing to hump for 20 more years, though, if another war kicks off I will do my damndest to reenlist.
Jef Rey hooah
Adm Rickover Annapolis grad 1922 - retire 1982!
Guy took the draft literally
Army: “I was kidding..”
I remember going through basic listening to Msgts who had entered service under the Eisenhower Administration!!
I worked for CSM Mellinger in Alaska.
He was tough, hard, very knowledgeable and fair.
He had just come from the Ranger Regiment Recon when we met, and as it turned out, we knew a lot of the same people he worked with in RRR and other assignments.
It was an honor to work for him and we crossed paths again and again after that.
I was in Afghanistan when he retired but I sent him a note praising his service and how honored I was to know him.
Great guy, but it was 50/50...some disliked his style, others thrived under it
I often found that the leaders who had that 50/50 ratio of either liked or not or thrived or not were the best leaders. Only thing I cared about was fairness once I became a Sgt. Fairness is how I played the game as well. Ypu don't have to be liked but you do need to be respected and to me thats more valuable
@@marc2638 Sounds like you were a good leader
Ive been in the Army 7 years now. Anytime I hear about "so and so is a hardass, stay away from them" I ALWAYS end up getting along with those types the most. A lot of soldiers seem to be afraid of discipline and structure coming from higher up, but if you know how to handle it then life can be so much better under them than leaders that are more relaxed.
What base
@@shane7051 And they are consistent in their style. Not running hot and cold depending on some personal issues, like some leaders I had
I regret not doing 20 and you did 40. Much RESPECT and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Yes, me too.
@Old man Goat it depends. Plenty if not most military dont do shit. But for those who do, it is tough to put in n all that time. Were you Navy? The Goat is their thing.
The Command Sargeant Makor was correct serving your country is great and the kudos of being a senior NCO is great, I know as a retired CPO Coxswain RN Submarines yep I'm also a Brit Run Silent Run Deep
Me too !
Dude if we have the same full name I'm about to freak
Can you imagine 40 years in service and still going strong God bless you and a special thank-you for your service
In the 1980's I had the pleasure of meeting two Master Chief's who had +40 years in.
My old man spent 32 years, 8 months and 16 days in the USAF and retired as a Full Bird (Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 11 Air Medals ). He recently passed away from cancer at 89 years of age after serving multiple tours in both Korea and Vietnam. I miss him every single day. Congratulations, CSGT. Messinger, your retirement is well earned!
Hell yeah. How long were you in the military?
@Karl with a K He did what he wanted to do with his life. What you think is irrelevant.
@Karl with a K *or you don't and stay a fool your ENTIRE life.*
So, like you.
Good to know.
@Karl with a K Okay, douchebag. lol.
Condolences 🙏
My SGM of 43 years retired this past year. He would have kept going but the military has a mandatory retirement at 60.
What about generals
@@rizzla4871 I think everyone is forced to retire after 40 years in the army.
@@jtp6428
He better embrace the suck when he gets out, because it will.
@@rizzla4871 Even Generals must retire. If they didn't, there couldn't be enough timely promotions of new Generals.
@@jtp6428 I knew a Captain who did the same thing.
Saying "Thank you for your service" seems kinda not enough. THANK YOU SIR!
He's not a sir, he works for a living.
@@danielhowell1640 yerppp
That pension should be a good thank you..!!!
Thank him? You DO know he's paid...right?
@@WillyWillis1965 he could choose another job with better pay and working conditions. but he choose to serve the army
Worked with him in Helmand province a great guy and leader respected UK 🇬🇧 troop,s as well as his own
40 years?? Dam! Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💯
@@A-rk3dn lol its the government
@@A-rk3dn do you rlly think that only russian think american make wars for oil
@@A-rk3dn they doesnt even care
@@A-rk3dn it mostly us european,latin and asian that knows about it
@Andy Smithson the old president himself or russian
“Fear the old men in a profession where men die young”
Well that profession wouldn't be the army.
Most soldiers never see action...but you don't know that. Vincent Conti E4 D116174
@@JB1994 nice!
Prettyyyyy SUERE Thea rmy is the best Proffession as honorable as it goes!!!!
Especially if they start out as an 11B17
40 years in holy cow he looks like he can give another 20 years he looks hella healthy
Given HOW WOKE THE ARMY IS I THINK ITS GOOD THAT HE DIDN'T DO ANOTHER 20 YEARS.
Looks can be deceiving. I understand he had a heart condition.
Ok grandpa, we’re glad you’re out too :)
@@robertisham5279 no, the Army remains the most backward branch of the military and still is to this day. You still have a lot of extremely ignorant and stupid people whose vocabulary is constantly laced with curse words. The Air Force is beyond woke!
My job as your Command Sergeant Major is to make you the best 4-star general around. Ma'am, you're really going to make me work at this...Only a Command Sergeant Major could say that to a general.
True.. Very True 😂
Hell, he has been in longer that her, she has more respect for him that most of the officers beneath her..
man: works in the army for 40 years
President: i'm about to end this man's whole career
Thanks, Obama.
@@iakushi12 no shits given
@Chris Davis comment negates the joke. Never take away from the humor.
@Chris Davis lol u gay
@Chris Davis Were you the white guy who captured me ?
Nobody loves a soldier ! Till the Enemy is at the gate . Good for you sir 🇨🇦🇨🇦 70 yr old expat 🇬🇧
WHOAAAAAAAAAAAA, everyone just look at the economy. It's at the highest point it's been in like 10 years. Nuff said. but i do agree with getting out of Obama's ass. He did literally nothing in his presidency other than obama care and that was a complete shit show soooo. Yeah...
Derek Hepburn HUH? Nobody loves a soldier? What the fuck are you talking about, soldiers are supported and loved immensely
@@nickm1032 they get laid more then you.
Jeddy Rapper huh? What the fuck does that have to do with what I said?
@Big Bill O'Reilly shut the hell up you ain't no real patriot you're just using the comment for your advantage fake ass
Of course the General is the thumbnail instead of the enlisted man.
I think it's the videos auto thumbnail they put in if you don't choose one. Just picks a random frame mid way thru
Of course the General is the thumbnail. The General is a woman, and woman are not suppose to be in command positions. It is a direct violation of the scriptures.
Knobhead the most dangerous thing in the world is an officer with a Map and the 2nd thing is the Junior Soldiers below them i met a Soldier in the south of Germany in 1979 who was a Vietnam Soldier the other so called soldiers treated him like shit i was 19 when i went to Northern Ireland for my 1st tour and 4 months later i went back the American Army could not do my Job then u are not good enough to walk in my shoes been there done it read the book and got the t.shirt
@Bobby Alan just shut up and say, "Yes private!" You're not worthy to even respond to him.
For me it’s him as a Specialist. Maybe they changed it?
So this guy goes in, drafted, 10 years before I went into the service, I did six years and honorably discharged, and this guy was still rolling along in the military decades after me. Amazing God bless his service :-) I am glad that I went for 6 years also. During my time I met a Master Chief that had went in during World War II and was still in when we were in service in Lebanon over 40 years later. Men like this are amazing.
He’s HALO qualified which means hes been attached to some special units
HELL YEAH HALO!!!!!!
ODST GET SOME!!!!
That looked more like Canadian jump wings (right side).
Yep he was a Ranger
@@johnh.tuomala4379 In the Drill SGT pic, you're right. But the wings on the left side, top of the stack, are US HALO wings.
This man has done more for our nation than the countless bureaucrats, and self serving politicians! Thank you for your service sir! Godspeed!
Thank you CSM Mellinger for your long , illustrious and tenured service from our country! Stay Army Strong Always!!!
Thank You Command Sergeant Major Mellinger! What a great model for young Americans to follow.
👌👍👍🇺🇲
As a felow draftee that served in the duch army i salute you sir.
And he's young enough to start another career because i'm sure he is not the type of guy to go sit down some where. Respect and much appreciation.
Thank you for your service. The civilian world is a very different place from when you were drafted, I wish you all the best.
Thank you for your service, not many men or boys would have the balls to do this
Outstanding service, that was one hell of a ride! Me, still in the Reserves, 32 years, and counting.
Awesome! I have a HS buddy who went guard and active guard just after HS, I ended up going active navy though.
@Karl with a K aktIalLY
@Karl with a K you sound like a mouth breather no?
Why is the algorithm just recommending this to me? I never knew!
Belated congratulations to you CSM Mellinger! You make me grateful I wore the uniform once, and can feel some sort of link to a hero like you. I'm still learning the lesson of serving and now you stand as "one of the great cloud of witnesses" that it can be done. Thank you, sir - yeah, you deserve a "sir."
Thank you very much for your service 40 years is a long time it's greatly appreciated!
CSM Mellinger, thank you much for your dedicated service to out nation. I wish you only the best in whatever you decide for the future. I'm still in awe of how long you served. I thought my 24 years was long. :-)
Took the phrase "I will never quit" to heart
Outstanding Sgt major, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Anyone else wondered why this was in their recommendations after so long but found it honestly very interesting
yes cyka blyat
Looking back now, Id give anything to be able to spend my entire career in the military. I did my time and then spent the next 25 years in various careers that were so unfulfilling. Though I always had hopes and dreams of being this and that, the military was the one thing that I truly shined at. I truly feel that I was meant to be a soldier.
You have to David goggins you're way through life
+shane270wby
If you had a family being in the military long term is not the best thing for them. More people need to do short service instead of going to college. Opening up training via the military might be the way to go in doing this. Instead of spending trillions on Colleges the government should be training young people via the military.
Full time national guard service should be an easy option for many people. Or one year full time with the rest being part time. There is no reason why a school teacher could not be doing service part time.
Wow! What a run! Very motivational and he was in Ranger Battalion and served years in battalion and in Infantry line units.
My father was a child when this guy was drafted. He grew up went to college and did a 27 year career in the Army before retiring. All of that within the span of this guys career and with many years to spear. Thank you for your service CSM Mellinger.
What a fantastic human being. God bless you Jeffrey Mellinger.
Why? Why is he a fantastic human being? He's just a guy who worked in the most evil most corrupt army in history, they invade countries they kill millions what are you talking about? seriously
@@jmadventures9830 how truly ignorant you are. Crawl back in your hut and pray to you dictator, loser.
@@jefff6167 ok, well that doesn't answer the answer "Why is he a fantastic human being?" What did he actually do that makes him so great?
@@jmadventures9830 40 years of selfless dedication to others and to a cause (freedom) that benefits all people worldwide. Now take your socialist hate back to your hut.
@@jefff6167 How does the US army invading various sovereign nations benefit me?
Thank You, Sir, for giving us the blanket of Freedom we all sleep under.
🇺🇲👌👍
I was drafted ('69), Served with pride. Congratulations CSM Mellinger. A career worth the praise of a grateful nation.
My Uncle, Command Sergeant Major Thomas S Miyashiro of the of the 442nd 100th Batallion served from 1942 - 1984 (42 years) passed away Wednesday October 5, 2016 at the age of 92.
Salute.
Roland Galindo -RESPECT for your uncle Thomas S. Miyashiro! 42 years!!!!!!
For those who don't know 442nd WWII history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)
Keep in mind many of their families were in US detention camps, but they went to war for the nation whose bigotry got their innocent families imprisoned!
Glad you did the maths for all us retards
Respect
40 YEARS! Incredible. Congrats and thank you for your service!
My hat of to this fellow warrior and military brother. I have served 37 years in the British Army and due to leave in 3 months time. He has made the world a safer place.
My great uncle enlisted in the us marines in 1945 at 16. He retired in 1987 as a senior master sergeant Usaf. 3 years marines, 39 years usaf.
The last day I wore the uniform I knew I’d never be apart of anything bigger or more important. The U S Air Force made me the man I am today. I’ll always be grateful, I was humbled to serve.
Air force? Rofl.
Quite the stockholm syndrome you've got going on there
2:19 for those interested, the badge over his nametag are Canadian Jump Wings
Adding context for anyone who sees this and doesn't know what a set of foreign jump wings means... he participated in a jump with a foreign Jump Master. In this case, the JM was Canadian. High key one of my own goals for my career, to earn a set of foreign jump wings
Thank you for your service to our country Sgt.Major. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👌
My uncle served in WW2 and was on the board trying germans in court , like Himler in Nurenberg, he just got awarded for it last year in 2019. He is still alive! Way to go uncle Al Loikits
There are not to many of us Enlisted who served 40 plus years, Congratulations Command Master Sargent, Fair Winds and Following Seas.
When you consider how this Soldier made it all the way to CSM and stayed enlisted for 40 years it truly is one of the greatest accomplishments in life that common civilians may not even grasp. In a career there is ample time to succeed and just as much ample time to fail between deployments, professional and personal hardships to include physical injuries or ailments that may induce discharge. There are soldiers out there who can’t even get past Basic Training due to injuries such as fractures! But to strive and continue military life, truly a feat.
I believe there are more LtCol's in the Army than there are CSM's. A rare breed indeed.
@@tidefanyankee2428 here is one Lt Col that can attest to that! Truly an achievement, a good snco/wo is worth a fortune!
Your a child looking for attention
+Mansa Q Musa
If that’s your idea of this video and this mans life of service; get the F$CK off this thread and gobto Haiti or anywhere else you hateful ass!!!
This man wasn’t given a choice whether to serve in the military initially, but he CHOSE to serve after his drafted enlistment was concluded and in so doing, he swore an oath to give everything up to and including his life to defend America and the Constitution from all enemies, both foreign and Domestic (just like you)!!!
Not just once or twice, but many times over he swore that oath for each re-enlistment for 40yrs!!!
He could have retired 20yrs ago on a FULL pension at a pay rate most likely better than what you earn per month and he could get that sitting in his living room, man cave, or out enjoying his favorite hobby, and he would never had to work another day in his life; because he EARNED that!!!
WHAT, prey tell, have you contributed to your fellow man, but negativity???
@@f.c.m4367 so im confused. I'm not trying to start anything. I just wanna know what you think about the military. And without using emojis and shit , actually talk. Cause you said you dont like propaganda, but u said "fukkk amerikka " which is a propaganda catch phrase .
Thank you for your device and welcome home. God Bless and stay safe
Similar to my dad. He retired after 40 years as Command Sargent Major as well. I was an officer. Dad was the first to salute me and I have him a silver dollar as is the tradition. Army proud!!!
Thanks,, see my comments. .. quite a Servo e too.. etc. Interesting, mine was quite a Career , too...Civilian...Etc.
I got a draft notice as well. Decided to enlist. 26-years later I retired. US Army. 1972-1998.
Congrats to the CSM! I, also, was drafted, however, in 1971. After serving two years active duty, I eventually returned to federal service for a total of 35+ years, with over 33 years service in the DOD. It was a rewarding journey to serve our country!
I joined on my birthday 7 July 1973!
Retired 1 September 01 27 Years! Would do it all again in a Heartbeat!
HOOAHH!!!
MSG CHAPA
I did 40 years, three months......32 in the Regular Force and the rest in the Reserves then was surprised to get a letter enrolling me in the ready serve.....!
At 40 years he will draw 100% of his pay as his pinchin! Being a CSM commands a lot of respect. Even top brass listens to what CSM’s say.
You got that right! I've seen it happen!👍✌
100% is correct. My 40 in the Navy will be 8/4/21..Command Master Chief.
Even? he knows more about the way a command works than almost any four star.
And God help the new Second Lieutenant who thinks he can order him around!! 🤦♂️ 🤷♂️
@@c.j.cleveland7475 that would be hilarious to see.
Well done! If it weren't for this freak accident of a back injury at 18, I'd have 36 years in now (father was in 30, grandfather was in 30, family business, one could say), so it's fair to say that I'm choosing to live vicariously through you, sir. I'll say it, I'm envious. Again, congrats! You make America proud.
WE SALUTE YOU SIR & TRULY
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ... ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
God bless you CSM Mellinger. Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Army: "You've been drafted"
CSM: "You don't understand... I'm not trapped in here with you. You're trapped in here with me."
From one senior NCO to another: much respect SGM.
CSM. You'd think a MSG would know the difference.
And of course a CPL points it out, lol.
Robert Roye ur cool
My dad went into the Army to pay for college and switched to the Air Force a couple years in. 35 years after joining the Army, he retired as Chief Master Sergeant (in the AF) and now continues to do his emergency management job for other businesses.
God bless you and thank you for your many years of service Command Sergeant Major! Thank you so much!
Wow! This is impressive. In 21 years in reserve components, I made it to O-4, and I doubt I know 1/100th what this CSM knows.
Okay, okay... at least I volunteered. And I've got 2 sons in the Corps and 1 in the Army.
John Pierce... What an ignorant statement "reserve doesn't count". Reserve makes up half of the deployed troops who are balancing home life and military life. My reserve unit deployed to Irag and Afghanistan twice. Was their service less important than the active soldiers? Just a really stupid thing that you said.
It's cool. I don't get defensive about the reserve vs. active banter. Unlike most reservists today, I was never called to serve in combat or overseas. I don't pretend to be something I was not, and I honor everybody who served in any capacity.
Just curious, Mr. Pierce, have you served? A hell of a lot of reservists have paid the ultimate price in the past few wars of America. Most vets don't talk about them the way you do. With the typical 8 year enlistment in the National Guard, a soldier is now likely to spend a full two years on active duty, and at least a fair amount of that time in a combat zone.
@John Pierce the military is not about who has it the hardest. Just because one member has it harder than another member, doesnt make him better . You logic makes no sense at all. Plenty of reservist have done amazing things. And the guy said he was in the reserves for 20- something years. Since you want to compare things, 20-something years in the reserves, can be just as bad and dangerous as a full 4 year enlistment from an active duty member
This was probably the most respected person in the Army
i had a csm who had been in longer than i had been alive . i remember he had developed a ability to teleport and appear behind any group of people standing around in the motor pool . i cant remember his name but i think he retired with the 41st fires bde .
HAHA. Yeah. I know a few Master Chiefs like that in the Navy.
before i forget his name again it was csm hughes ,
God Bless you young man. Hats off to you. Thank you for your service!!,❤️❤️❤️You probably served with my Father ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your service CSM.
I was drafted August 23, 1972, three days after my college graduation. Had orders for Nam which were cancelled due to Paris Peace talks. Got out 90 days early in exchange for one year of active reserves. I enjoyed my time in the Army and looking back, I wish I had stayed in and made a career of it.
It needs to be a calling to have a career in the military. Doing one service term is hard never mind doing a career of it.
I had something similar I enlisted in the Air Force in 1999 and had filled out the stuff for selective service when turned 18 in high school. After the Air Force at college the financial aid people said that I wasn't eligible because I had never filled out for selective service. They had to contact someone and faxed them my DD214. The government agreed that I wasn't a draft Dodger and unblocked the financial aid. Of course I had GI Bill but hey I use anything you're eligible for. It definitely was kinda funny though and shows you how stupid the government can be.
i only have one story about a sergeant major . in 1971 a captain got p oed at me . he ordered me to followed him to the company commanders office . when we stepped into the outer office where the sergeant major was . the captain ask to see the commander . the sergeant major asked what the problem was . the captain started screaming about me . the sergeant major told the captain to lower his voice . then the sergeant told the captain he would take care of it . that was the first time i saw a captain afraid of a sergeant . i smiled after the captain left and the sergeant said what the hell you smiling at . then told me to get out before he shove his foot up my you know what .. never heard another word about it .. that's when i learned you never mess with the top sergeant .
Awesome 👏 from a not long ago Australian veteran “army SOTG EOD” 15 years for me till I played with one two many IEDs
Excellent job. I am proud to know that people like you are on my side. You are the best of the best.
Thank you for your service. I wish you health and happiness in your retirement.
I'm only 2 and a half years enlisted in the Army and I feel like I'm losing my mind...
It will either get better or worse, if it goes south then move on to something more fitting for you but at 2.5 years you haven’t really experienced the good part....tough it out and give it a chance. I’m retired AF, you’re not experiencing the leading and responsibility that come with advancement. Go with the flow and move onward and upward. Just my humble advice as an old guy to a young man (I assume) who had the honor and courage to represent our nation in the armed forces. I’d be just as proud of you if you didn’t re-enlist as I am for you enlisting in the first place.
Bro lol todays my last day in the army, tomorrow is civilian life.
Corek BleedingHollow - As a 10 year Army vet I can tell you, it's what YOU make of it. My Army service was ten of the best years of my life.
@Bobby Johnny same here and I left 15 years ago 😂
@Bobby Johnny i did since they messed up my wrist and neck.
Friend of mine was drafted. He retired as a Sgt Major.
The first unit (4th ID) I was assigned to had a few gentlemen that were Desert Storm Era vets. They were very down to Earth and a pleasure to work with, very professional and they had common sense (which is not common anymore). The only fella was a E5 lifer (he made E5 a long time ago and was grandfathered into the 20 year retirement phase, they let him retire as an E5 despite not progressing in rank that much during his career. I asked him why did not pick up E6 (or E7) by that point and he said he would rather go back to being a Specialist (E4) but they would not let him retire out at 20 being an E4 but he was grandfathered in for E5 20+ year retirement. He had been in practically as long as I had been alive (as I was in my mid 20s at that time).
The other man picked up E6 (Staff Sargent) after our second deployment to Iraq.
This was in the 2010s during the height of OEF/OIF, finding qualified tactically disciplined men to deploy was getting fewer and farther between, they made both of them force to retire (one of which was a bronze star & purple heart recipient at that). Personally I could care less how old someone is, or how long they have been in, if they are still worldwide deployable (and can continue to do the tasks) I say let them stay in.
But not in today's ultra SJW PC cucked world, God forbid old whyte men stay in, we need more DIEversity. I got out in 2018 (ETS honorable discharge) and man oh man it was a dysfunctional mess when I entered and it was a dysfunctional mess when I left.
I was in 2/2 Cav Bamberg WEST Germany and had CSM "Mean" Gene McKinney as squadron CSM. That was one BA soldier and he went on to become SMA and I knew it would happen the first time i had the honors of Meeting/Encountering him in the squadron AO
There may not be any more official draftees, but there are likely still people serving who got back door drafted out of the IRR. I was one of them. I was forced to return to the Army and shipped off to Iraq after being out only 3 years. I went through refresher training at Fort Jackson with guys who got back door drafted 16 years after they last put on a uniform, lol.
Thank you so much for your service. Wishing all the best.
Strange that the last drafted soldier is being commanded by a woman who could NEVER be drafted.
Almost beat him, 37years 9 months
Semper Fi
So you are saying that YOU are one of only 18 men who served in the Corp for over 37 years? Oh Paleeeeeeeaaaaaase....................All of which were High Ranked Officers? Oh Paleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase again. Bullshit!
@@Tony-og5up How about you? did you ever served? Pleassssssssssseeeeee!
@@Tony-og5up yeah tony what have you done. You are probably living in your mommie's basement.you shitbag.
@@Tony-og5up oh by the way a lot more than 18 served that long. I personally know two that have 42 years. Check your facts dope
Great job. That is some real dedication. I did my 8 in the Army and went to college. What rank were you when you retired? Don't be too hard on me Marine.lol
Thank you for your service! I spent eight years in the Air Force myself. MERRY CHRISTMAS and stay safe!
My dad had 44 years in 4 years in the Navy and then 40 years in the Navy reserve and the Army reserve retired an E 9 not bad for an 8 th grade farm boy drop out his dad died when he was 12
I joined the Army at 17 and got a warning by mail from the draft board while in basic training that I have to sign up for the draft. didn't think I had to being I was already in the Army. So I did sign up.
eogg25 you should have not signed up and see what they say. Really screw with their minds
+eogg25
That was just an admin error.
I signed up at 17, got out at 20, and wasn't allowed to vote in 1964 because they had not yet amended the Constitution to give the vote to 18-year-olds to justify drafting them to send to Vietnam. One of the greatest advances for freedom in my lifetime was the effective ending of the draft. A free country doesn't need to defend itself with enslaved soldiers.
you didn't have to sign up instead you have to show them your orders showing that you're currently enlisted. basically you were legally exempt so long as you provided documentation.
I was on the USS Voge in 1976 a destroyer in the Med near Crete.
We were rammed by a Soviet Echo II cruise missile sub .
It damaged our single propellor ( thanks accountants, no destroyers in the last had one screw) gave us a few holes in the hull and broke a sailors arm.
Dead in the water .
Both ships were probably Nuke capable as we had ASROC.
At 18 I admit I was scared!
The crusty chief Petty officer was a WWII vet and Korea.
He calmed us all down as he had seen a lot and since he did not expect a Kamikaze we would be fine….
Me: *watching Minecraft videos*
UA-cam: Here's a video about a soldier retiring, from eight years ago.
you're an asshole ngl.
@@IsraelCountryCube Yea? Why do you think that? I'm making a comment on the youtube algorithm for recommending videos... did you think I was saying something else?
Bless You and Yours Sir,,and Thank YOU for Your Service.
OUTSTANDING!
That’s the definition of a true soldier