A Veteran's Story on Veterans Day | Knowing Better
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- čas přidán 10. 11. 2019
- Knowing Better opens up about his military experience.
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The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer
amzn.to/33M8Kjb
The Most Realistic War Movie Is Full of Sh!t - • The Most Realistic War...
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Most images and video are my own (or from people who gave it to me, who will remain anonymous), unless otherwise listed.
Video Credits -
United States Naval Academy Graduation 2018 - • United States Naval Ac...
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Designated Survivor Season 2 Episode 17 - Overkill (2018)
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Generation Kill (2008)
American Sniper (2014)
Photo Credits -
www.space4peace.org/images/oah...
coastguard.dodlive.mil/files/...
thenypost.files.wordpress.com...
i.pinimg.com/originals/1c/57/...
www.understandingwar.org/sites...
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Intro/Outro and Background Music by Michael Cotten/Nomad
www.mwcotten.com
Spotify ► open.spotify.com/album/0zCYP8...
Amazon ► amzn.to/2zbsfHd
Intro Art and Channel Avatar by PoetheWonderCat
/ thatcatnamedpoe
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Hashtags: #veteransday #army #military #veteran #veterans #usa #america #american #unitedstates #support #troops #supportthetroops #ptsd #honor #militaryveterans
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This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
His badge says "Better" lmao, first name Knowing, last name Better
@@abrahamwilberforce9824 I was wondering the same, and I only realized watching this video I don't know his real name
@@Zecronym Only after meeting him in person at Vidcon did I find out his real name LOL
@@GaviLazan If only you could prove that.
@@xilogex7403 Prove... what?
@@GaviLazan Like, do you have any videos of Vidcon and meeting KB?
“4 star democracy distributor” made me lose it. “Hey kid, wanna buy some freedoms?”
It'll cost you a commission.
Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, is a commodity with a price tag here in the great U.S. of A., including freedom itself, and the U.S. military is a vehicle used to distribute and spread this philosophy to the far corners of the Earth.
@@erichanson3369 So.... Do you have to worry about being beheaded? Because you don't agree with the government or the local church. No. I didn't think so. So quit talking shit. We have it good. Just because it's not perfect doesn't mean it's bad.
@CommandoDude Of course we have problems. Everyone does. But we also foot the bill for many countries around the world too. No one ever says we are perfect. I'm perfectly happy and secure to talk about our problems.
@@HmlsDarkOps I never said anything in that last comment about whether conditions in the US are better or worse than in other countries/places. In fact, in many ways, things are better in the U.S.A. than in a great many other places. It also happens to be a fact that pretty much everything can be commodified, according to current laws and social customs/norms. Those two facts are not mutually exclusive, and, again, my first comment only mentioned and was relevant to the latter.
I’m an Iraqi citizen who lived the 2003 war events
I enjoy your videos so much. But this one has opened my eyes to another side of the multi layered story of life.
I wish you the best
Much love man. I hope you're doing well today.
I hope we didn't do too much harm to your lands my friend, I'm always torn on if we're truly helping anybody
@@GuenterErde1 I am doing well, thank you for asking
@@illeagle9560 the Iraq war is extremely complicated; it’s not black or white, this much I can tell you. I really appreciated your sentiment
@@loolylooly81 I agree with that, I just feel weird about war since we haven't really been invaded by any nation since the development of modern warfare. People supporting what we ourselves have never experienced isn't cool
"soda in Iraq was made of actual sugar and not corn syrup" wait til you hear about every other country in the world
"You mean I can get sugar in my food without getting shot at?"
With the notable exception of Mexico, ironically the first country most people think of when they hear "cane sugar coke."
Mexican coke has HFCS in it.
@@user-en7dx1qp3k what is HFCS?
@@user-en7dx1qp3k this might be true in the border states but I've never seen hfcs as an ingredient in coke any time I've visited Mexico, just sugar.
@@joosh6106 High Fructose Corn syrup
You know you've pissed America off when the coast guard starts storming your beaches.
yo, if they anything like Her Majesty's Coastguard, those dudes be legit.
also the Coast Guard are prolly the best qualified to storm a beach if you think about it. ;P
Robert Simmons actually probably
🤣
@@TheSimmr001 i think any countrys marine branch would disagree with you there mate. the coast guard members on dday were just the landing craft crew, the guys doing the actual storming were soldiers (army service members)
Absolutely no disrespect for the soldiers landing intended, but I can imagine the look on the boat drivers face when they told him where he had to go... It's mostly just the landing door on those things that have armor.
"I'm not particularly special..."
*Sees Specialist rank pins*
E4 mafia?
@@JamesKintner Represent.
Nothing special about the Army.
*OORAH SEMPER FI KILL.*
The Creed of the Specialist
No one gets away with more than I. I am a non Non-Commissioned Officer, a beast of burden. As a junior enlisted soldier I realize that I am a member of an under appreciated, much chastised group of soldiers which is known as the ribcage, or perhaps pancreas, of the Army.
I am proud of myself and my fellow Specialists and will continue to bitch, whine and sham until the absolute last second regardless of the mission at hand. I will use my grade and position to avoid responsibility, accountability and any sense of presence of mind.
Ignorance is my watchword. My two best excuses will always be on the tip of my tongue "I didn't know," and "It wasn't me." I will strive to remain invisible and unavailable for details. Never ever volunteer for anything is my rallying cry.
I am aware of my role as a SPC and if you need me for anything, I'll be on appointment. I know the other soldiers, and I will always refer to them by their first name or in some cases derogatory nickname. On weekends, or days off I will consistently drink myself into oblivion, and I will never answer my phone. I understand that for a person in my hierarchal position, rewards are going to be few and far between, and punishment will always be swift and severe.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties, because I will be accomplishing them for them. I will kiss up to their face and badmouth them behind their back, just like everyone else. I will be loyal to those with home I serve, provided there's something in it for me. I am the last bastion of common sense that stands between me and the Army philosophy of "Work Harder, Not Smarter." My voice is a tool and my complaints are a weapon that I wield with unmatched skill and finesse. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget, Specialist is the greatest rank in the Army and rank has its privileges.
anon2234 Yut rah
My dad served in the army for 20 years, retiring in 2009. He spent most of my life deployed and gave me a life I wouldn't trade for the world. While he was always kind and compassionate toward me and my sisters, he never really let us in on how much he's struggled since retiring. I just sent him this video because I feel like I might understand his struggles a little bit better now. Thank you.
My father in law is a 20 year Air Force veteran. Next year marks 20 years since he retired, and it's been really hard from him. Slowly he has admitted to me that he has spent the last 20 years looking for a job that would make him feel like he did while he was active duty. He got out when he did because it was best for his family and he loved them wanted to do what was best for them. However, I don't think anyone realized until recently that being a civilian for him was as hard as being a military family for the rest of them.
@@nooranik21 You hit the nail on the head. My dad's had a few odd jobs since retiring but he always frames it like it's a step down from when he was active duty. He's finally in therapy and group counseling and it's helped a lot.
It legitimately sounds like coming back from the military is a lot like coming home from prison.
You’re just... shoved back into this world that’s kind of moved on and you’re kind of desperately trying to become situated to those changes with no real idea where to even begin.
That sounds.... I couldn’t even begin to envision it.
Never been in prison, but I _was_ in the Army, and yeah it does seem similar. At least that was my experience
@@saintburnsy2468
Hopefully your adjustment is going well now and thank you very much for your service.
@@DiegoAlvarezBeltran1993. Thanks, I appreciate it. I've been struggling but things are slowly coming together. Thank god for the GI Bill
@@saintburnsy2468
I don’t wanna speak out of turn because I don’t have first hand knowledge of the situation but I’m sure it’ll come together in its due time.
@@DiegoAlvarezBeltran1993. Oh I know it will! Processes are slow at times, but I've been making consistent progress. Thanks for the encouragement!
And the situation is just that I was bad with my money and fell back into poverty. I was even homeless for a few months. 100% my own fault. But I'm going to university now and making a career change, plus I've got a "manifest your reality"/ "roll up your sleeves" mindset that I can thank the military for, so I'm back on track.
Man I got choked up when you started to get emotional talking about how lonely you were when you got back. I know the feeling, but I’m glad you made it through and are here today.
Positive vibes from New Hampshire and remember to be kind to yourself and each other. Thanks to the veterans and their families.
@Sebastian Thor dude you need to be quit nobody cares about your whack ass conspiracy theories
@Sebastian Thor while the american intervention is bad, it isnt for oil at all, you are just a conspiracy theorist
@Sebastian Thor Oil? Come on guy. We spent way more money than them oil fields would ever replace. Let's not be simple.
This right here. I went back and watched that part a couple of times because of the raw emotion in that portion of the video. Some things can't be simply explained yet the emotion almost universally translates. The tone of voice, the speech pattern, the facial expression... I've not the words to explain the reaction that generated within me.
Probably the best joke I have seen about military nomenclature is this. "When your buddy says he loves the M1 but you can't tell if he means the rifle, carbine, tank, or helmet."
Mat Cauthon
Oh look another wheel of time fan.
@@allthenewsordeath5772 Please. Cosmere any day
ErikTheRed33
?
@@allthenewsordeath5772 Sorry. I assumed that if you were a fan of the Wheel of Time, the last few of which were written by Brandon Sanderson, then you would also be familiar with Sanderson's other main series (plural), collectively referred to as the Cosmere.
or a british motorway
In the end, you can hear in his voice how he is close to crying, his voice was cracking, those memories brought pain to him, and it’s incredible how he managed to tell us.
That's SOP for any veteran who has been in wartime situations and especially if they lose buddies.
Thank you for being so raw with your emotional reactions.
A few years ago, I was a manager at a pet store and speaking with a man about dog food, and suddenly he asked “hey, can I ask you a really personal question?” In my head I’m thinking that’s it’s going to be a weird sex question, but I went ahead and said “sure”. He said, “How long have you been diagnosed with ptsd?” He said he knew because of my tattoos, rolled up his sleeve to show me his and said “ink therapy, right?” He said he was military, and that he had tattoos to help him remember what he went through and that he’s still here. Then he asked if I was getting help, and mentioned a support group that he was in, if I needed it. I never saw the dude again, but I never forgot him and the empathy that he showed towards me, a complete stranger.
Reaching out to others because someone out reached out to you is a testament to your strength, sir.
A veteran drinks a 10 year old soda. This is what happens to his patriotism.
I liked the care with which he avoided the sharp edges on that pull tab. I could see that he, too, was a man with experience. :p
Sensed some overweight emu ref maybe...
Jsuarez6 I sense a reference an overweight member of Australia’s master race
@@pickle7056 everyone over the age of thirty is experienced with those pull tabs. That's all there used to be.
Chubbyemu
“But we’re all united in making fun of the Chair Force” lol
WolfvineGaming as an Airman I had a good laugh!
Yep, laughed out loud.
Is it just a pun on air force, or is there some deeper context I'm not aware of?
nice meme bro. I fine with my desk job in a air conditioned building, and access to 5 star hotels if I get sent anywhere
@@Qaos Its Inter-service banter but the other services all like to say the Air Force has chairs assigned to them instead of rifles because the Air Force doesn't usually take part in boots on the ground fighting. With the exception of the AF special forces most of the Air Force is back at the base.
Any one who ever got their asses saved via air strike however will tell you differently. It's also the AF Pararescue Jumpers or PJ's (some of the toughest Spec Ops) who are trained combat medics with the goal to get inside enemy territory and get people out.
Most service members who have been on an AF base see the greener grass on the other side.
Just watched this for the 3rd time … I like it more every time I see it. :) I'm retired (ch)Air Force, 22 years ordnance, 5 years medic, 3 tours at Balad/Anaconda, 04, 06-07, 07-08, plus Bagram in '09. I've got the Coke can with Arabic writing on it, and the alcohol free Budweiser. I laughed out loud when you wiped the dust off the soda can … It took me a can of compressed air and a professional cleaning to get all the dust out of my laptop. I wouldn't say I exactly miss it, but I definitely miss parts of it … no one cared about my sex or color or anything but did I know (and do) my job. I loved Ammo, and there is absolutely no civilian analog.
Like you, I'm a little frustrated by the driving issue …. I've driven everything from a little 4K forklift to a 13KAT forklift, and even an ISO container lift a couple of times. But no one wants to hire a short, old, female forklift driver, no matter how much experience I had. But you know what frustrates me the most? When I'm wearing an Iraq- or Afgh-vet t-shirt and someone asks me if my husband was in the military. Well, yes, he was, but I deployed a bunch of times after he retired. :/
You seem to be missing the fact that people see your vet shirt and enter "military worship mode", giving you special treatment.
Sure, they're being sexist, but they're also giving you special treatment they don't give to the rest of mortals.
Also, I find hilarious how vets act like they're superior /are owed stuff by the rest of people... considering how they openly admit that "civilian life" at home is harder.
While you were in the military, you had privileges that people in your country simply don't have... including socialized healthcare, being allowed to invade countries without facing prosecution for it (all at the expense of the government), decent pay (better than minimum wage, anyway), job security , possibility of promotion, government protection (even if you killed people, you had de facto immunity).
Sure, you could get a bullet, but, hey, people attending concerts in Vegas, kids at school, etc. can get those any day... only that, unlike them, you had been trained, you were armed, you were given body armor and there was an army supporting you.
Who do you think was safer, you in a combat zone or the victims of mass shootings in a concert or school?
You can always do onlyfans without any certifications LOL
”I'm not special. Most of these ribbons are just for showing up.”
I feel you there. Aside from your Iraq deployment ribbon we have pretty similar ribbon racks.
"Look! That's a camel in the back of a toyota!"
Don't you mean a technical mounting a camel?
Yes, the Toyota Camelry
That's the legendary camel tow I've heard so much about.
I hate all of these puns
Nerro Works you should
That camel is probably on a one way ride...to the butcher.
The only guy on CZcams who takes everything seriously, but doesn't take himself seriously. Funny yet truthful.
Thank you man!
And humble
Its really Wholesome watching this
@Vasian Vasianich JFC I hope you're joking.
@Vasian Vasianich u ok fam
I hope he's still got a case of Pit Bulls and Ripits from the DFACs :P
To this very day, I have never felt more alone than I did standing on the pier watching my boat pull out of port while holding my freshly signed discharge papers. I had thought it would be a day I would enjoy, but even now, 22 years later, its still soul crushing. There are times where I have thought about or wanted to go back (life really is simpler in many ways), but for various reasons, that was never going to happen. Since I am an inter-war veteran, I sometimes feel like I'm less of a veteran since I wasn't shot at. Then I remember getting a phone call at 1am while on leave back home, having to throw all of my gear in to the back of my car and speed for 14 hours to get back to my boat in time so I wouldn't miss ships movement, deploying 2 weeks early, setting a pacific transit record for our ship class (while skirting a typhoon), sneaking a peek on the flightdeck while we transitted the straits of Hormuz and then spending two months doing BFC's in the Gulf all the while knowing we were in an active mine field and I'm forced to wonder, did I ever need to be shot at to be traumatized?
Thank you Better, for sharing your story. We all have stories and this one was yours.
Ship. Not boat.
@@arthurmcbride1235 bro
@@arthurmcbride1235 spotted the civilian
@@derhesligebonsaibaum for real
I just now realized you did this good of a job hiding your real name. That's impressive.
Also, you praise your high school history teacher a lot. Have you ever contacted them to let them know how much they impacted you and where you've gone?
I had a great history teacher too. He got diagnosed with terminal cancer. I didn't know enough about cancer to understand what kind, so I don't remember, but he only had months left when he let us know. I wish I could let him know that I'm still alive, less angry, and that I pay my taxes.
KB isn’t his name?
/s
"You do learn things, but it doesn't count without that piece of paper"
God damn I hate how true this is
That freaking subtle quivering in your voice when you talked about how the VA saved your life... That has to be the realest thing I've ever heard. Watching this video, how freaking real and genuine it is... You've just jumped from being one of my favorite youtuber, to being my absolute top favorite creator.
Mark Wuahlbuargg totally agreed
You could tell he teared up a little bit between the takes. It's not often you see such genuine emotion on youtube.
The VA rocks, they take care of my health, sent me to college and ALWAYS thanks me for my service!
They would do a better job if they stopped hiring pill pushing doctors and provided medical Marijuana and proven alternative therapies.
well said!
"Artillery is the king of the battlefield, Infantry is the queen. Do not forget what the king does to the queen."
Yea, but don't forget the queen always protects the king.
@@horacesubayar794 This is starting to sound like an abusive relationship...
The king sits behind (needing their protection), whilst the queen pushes forward
As in screw or screw over?
If we're talking about Chess, the greatest and oldest strategy game,
the king sits on his ass and must be protected at all cost.
The queen swoops around the battlefield like a flying machinegun or a Horsewoman of the Apocalypse.
While I love strategy games, I suck at Chess.
Finally (July 2022) made time to watch this, quietly blown away & learned a lot, thank you. Please accept my measly samoleans in your CZcams busker's hat in furtherance of your creative mission
“I’m not going to explain my nickname.”
From the vets I’ve talked to, it’s kinda old custom to never explain your nickname to civvies.
As a civilian, this is something I never knew.
Yeah, C.W. Lemoine mentioned that, but still explained why his callsign is "Mover"
It was because he accidentally mowed down a bunch of cows during a training exercise with the 20mm cannon of his F-16. They (Air Force) call strange, unexpected objects that move and aren't targets "Movers"
I think it is because when his helmet is on his cheeks look like they’re filled with cottonballs
In my brother's unit, there were 3 guys with the last name "Smith"....I'll just let you figure out why their nicknames were: "White", "Brown", and "Black".
@@JT-Rebel sounds like me in high school. There were so many Davids in my 10th grade math class, I was regular David; Gonzalez was Dominican David; Owusu was Black David. Always the normie
"But apparently i don't know anything about guns.." DAMN thats some shade
@CommandoDude people only think that because he has different beliefs when it comes to gun control but he certainly does know about guns, sadly idiots cant see that and only like to believe any gun law means someones gonna steal your guns from you
The AR-15.com crowd build their lives, their egos, and their manhood around pop guns and pop gun trivia.
On one hand, they like to proudly tell anyone who isn't wearing a 2A Magpul T-Shirt that "if you won't stand behind the troops, stand in front of them"
But their delicate ego is also threatened by legit troops. They have to dick measure to feel secure. In the same breath, they also declare Servicemen to be "amateurs" who don't know guns. Not like _they_ do, of course. And you should all acknowledge their small-arms savant status, that when it comes down to it, Rambo and his prized Noveske will save you, not Private Joe Snuffy and his platoon.
Remember that these guys are the MEPS rejects, 1st enlistment washouts, failed cops, and false valor crowd who have some unrequited jealousy for that Veteran shine.
This is why I can't stand shooting with the NRA tinfoil hat crowd. They can't resist coming over like an unwelcome hobo and trying to impress you with what they learned on Hickok45 or the Shooter's Bible.
"Oh, you used Ma Deuce for 10 years? That's cool. Check out my blank-milled .300 Blackout. It's off the books, no serial number, I'm pro like that. You know you should real accurize your rifle with a bench res..."
"OK, boomer."
@@joedatius Well there are over 20k laws in the US. How many more do we need? And most dems (and some Republicans) want to steal or "buy back" guns.
Just because he served in the military doesn't mean he's an expert on the public policy end of guns. And it certainly doesn't mean his opinion matters more.
@@johntoughlove479 And none of them actually prevent the bad guys from committing crimes. More laws inevitably become an excuse to disarm the population.
Bro you had me dying at the "But, you cant leave ." statement and the point I can literally feel the emotion behind that one. That pretty much sums up the military. "No body knows and they cant leave."
Not american, but also served, and that's the most relatable thing even across nations. The endless waiting is real. Some details are different, but for me the waiting started in basic training where it took 8 hours queuing for everyone to get uniforms and basic equipment. You either stood in line waiting, or you received it and waited anyway. We were split into 2 halves for that, and if you were unlucky with a delay you waited the whole first day and had to show up for waiting the next day, too.
6:00 I finally understand why Ryder calls the National Guard "weekend soldiers" in San Andreas.
So just to let you know. When you almost cried I almost cried also.
So. Fucking. Great. Love ya mate
@Sebastian Thor Shh the general population isn't supposed to know these numbers. Trust me, I'd be general population, they treat us like mushrooms fed full of shit and left in the dark.
He did cry. He edited it out.
Watching you smile going through your memories chest is one of the most heartfelt things I’ve seen on this site. Thank you for sharing your story with us
The coke is better, but the ketchup tho.
All the ketchup. #chairforceproblems
I think the worst part about coming back for me was finding out that most of my military experience didn't count for shit in the real world, which made adjusting to civilian life that much harder. I got there, eventually, but for a good few years there, it was really shaky.
Meeting another veteran is like meeting a college buddy. The affinity is everlasting.
You won my heart when you talked about the help you got at the VA. That was the most sincere and vulnerable I think we've ever seen you.
You have my respect.
@Гасыр Жалгасулы he even teared up :(
Yeah
There's an insane amount of emotion in the small moments where he discusses his return home. Amazing video.
The way he jerks his head around a bit more than usual there seems like something was being held back. There's a bit of a quiver too. Its real.
I notice that to
"In hindsight I really wish I put more thought into that decision"
Me too Better.
"Those ACUs are really effective, in the motor pool" I laughed out loud. A friend used to say, "ACUs do a good job when you're up against any ACU pattern background."
All this time, I thought you said you were a "veterinarian"...
*D'oh!*
When i was treating dogs in Iraq....
Camels more likely.
@@paranoidandroid6095 I thought the only treating they did to dogs in Iraq was prepping them for the stew.
@@jakubgawrys2763 Only their toes.
Watch the Ali G clip of “Vietnam Vets”. It’s hilarious.
So what qualifications do you have for this job?
I can fire 20 shells a minute out of a howitzer.
Sir this is a Wendy’s.
@Charles Yuditsky Hell, that should get you assistant manager easy. Have you been to Wendy's lately?
LOL 4 star "democracy distributors" priceless!
One of the best videos I have ever seen here; sincere and honest, great work!
You and I share a good deal of the Iraq experience, though I was a maintenance guy in 04 in Mosul for a combat support hospital.
Despite those same feelings like you were going to die any day and just accepting that fact or the experiences we shared after returning home of not feeling connected to people or caring about your own personal safety, I stayed in and went active duty, commissioning through ROTC. Staying within the army sphere was how I coped with all those feelings.
But, in the end, I had a terrible experience with the army and its senior officers, got disillusioned with the difference between what the army professed itself and its officers to be versus what they actually were, and resigned after getting punished for reporting an issue to the unit - a violation of the whistleblower protection act. I did exactly what I had been told to do and was suppressed and abused for it.
At that point, I tossed everything relating to the army, including awards, uniforms, and memorabilia. Now I just live in regret for having wasted my life and gone through those experiences, both at home and on deployment, for no real purpose. All those feelings I faced after returning home from deployment were only delayed rather than properly dealt with.
I’d add that you’re right on certifications. My advice to anyone nearing the end of their time in service in the army is to maximize the use of the credentialing funding the army provides each year. Get certifications in your desired field on the army’s dime before you leave and set yourself up for success.
29:00
Bruh.
Oof man.
I'm not even really watching so much as listening in the background but that hit hard. Just the little wobble in your voice.
Thank you.
Yeah. All the respect to him. I'm not even from the US. Just fucking cried then.
@@Zivudemo Same here man ...
what was he referring to? (yea i feel ignorant already don't berate me)
@@louispetitjean1652 the support from the VA and his country when he got back
I know man I was shook a bit 😭
My "oh shit, this is real" was the low crawl live fire exercise.
@Dokkasan So is the point mostly to get you used to the IDEA of real bullets and the noise of guns being fired near you while you do stuff?
@Dokkasan they still do the live fire exercise.
I think mine was when the Drill Sergeants showed up at reception to take us to our company.
Mortar Shelling during Some exercise in the german army and having a fellow soldier cry because of it. that was kinda weird and althogh i have no combat experience or such i still get weird when theres a firework etc nearby.
Sorry for spelling mistakes, more fluent in german than english, obviously.
The real danger isn't the bullets, it's the Barbed Wire, lol.
as an army brat whose dad was a special forces officer up til like five years ago: the challenge coins are definitely still a thing
edited just to say: thank you for your service.
The same is also practiced in the police and intelligence service as well which is always really fun hearing stories from law enforcement friends running into officers whilst on their holiday and instantly connecting when they would show them their departments coin (even had one trade his coin once in order to get his speeding ticket reduced to a warning lmao). In fact it even extends internationally and it seems to be generally accepted well between nations forces. I managed to get myself an FVEY coin from my father when worked with them and its always a great conversation piece when bumping into people who've also worked in the military intelligence sector. Honestly really glad the tradition is still as alive and healthy as ever.
This was really one of the most meaningful videos Ive seen. My older brother was in the Army and my Dad too but they really didnt say much about what it was like. What you said about not having to make decisions and then suddenly AAAAAARGHH! Thanks love your channel.
Hello, I would like to impart my sympathy, I would never know the feeling of such immense job, Im not even American.
I might be your only Kuwaiti Viewer, And i gotta admit it was nice to see your souvenirs.
All in all what im trying to say is, Thank you for this video and all your previous helpful and entertaining content, I sincerely hope this video did not hurt you.
Hi from Oman 😀
Hello from Pakistan
underrated comment
nope, hello fellow kuwaiti!
Hi I’m Iraqi :)
The entire Bush Administration was a bit of a bruh moment
Same thing about the Obama Administration, still dealing with the fallout from that and most of it is being pushed on Trump
@@TheMonkePrince the last 20 years of American politics have been a pretty big bruh moment
A big bruh monument in history
@@TheMonkePrince what is the fallout of the obama administration?
@@ignaciogonzalez7904 funding civil wars, doing nothing when ukraine gets invaded, not helping turkey when military coup happen now turkey is Russia Allie. the creation of Obamacare, there's Manny more problems which you will be stuck with it.
Thanks for the interesting video on what seems to be USA's weirdly prized holiday. I've learnt a lot about other cultures from your talks and I will look forward to watching more to come.
"Do not recommend..." Most accurate review for Ft.Sill I've ever heard
I went to WLC at Ft. Sill. Totally agree. Do not recommend
Some guys in my old platoon were headed to Sill, and some others are gonna get Lost in the Woods by November.
Interesting to find out in this video that his last name is, "Better".
.. and after watching this I now realise that works on at least two levels.
I think he did that for the video. Any other footage or media of him he shows he makes sure to blur out his name tag
now you know better
@@justinnrzellet6287 😉 🙂
the nametape is a shade darker and rougher looking than the blouse with different stitching so i assume he got the tape special for this vid/his channel.
35 min video? Felt like 7.
Honestly I could watch and listen to you all day and just get lost in time
I concur. And I'm a Veteran Navy Corpsman.
It’s the perfect flow and the occasional hilarious joke. Great work!
That is probably the best episode you’ve ever uploaded. I can feel the emotions attached to it so much.
Thank you for this excellent video about your service, experiences, and the struggle you had when you left.
In 1996 I was medically discharged after 4 years in the NZDF after a 3 month peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. I remember all too well the intense loneliness and loss of meaning, made worse in my case with PTSD.
When soldiers leave active service especially when they have spent part of it little more than decoration not being able to protect anyone while wearing a blue helmet and seeing terrified innocent people being killed around you it messes you up.
While on deployment I too felt a weird kind of fatalism. Once while taking cover in a Basement with terrified civilians crying and praying around me, as the building was being pounded by artillery, in the dust, near darkness punctuated by the deafening thumping and vibrations from the shells I felt almost tranquil. I thought at any moment the building could come down on top of us and there would nothing I could do about it. Not me, not the NCO yelling into his radio for evac, nor anyone else.
It's a strange feeling.
Thank you for this video. When you got to the end and said I'm okay it made me think and realize I am not okay. I'm going to call my VA rep now and hopefully I will improve.
Hang in there, dude. Also, don’t spend too much time waiting and hoping it’ll just get better. It doesn’t seem to work like that and the years just start stacking up. Good luck, brother.
Hope you get the help you need.
I hate to say it but if u live in a big city dont bother, u are just a number. They will give u a bunch of pills and send u on your way Pittsburgh and Denver are garbage. But when i got to boise(much smaller), it was great. Im down to just 2 meds lol and doing pretty good
Good luck bro
Here's hoping you're on the path to being okay. I'm rooting for you, stranger.
"My many friends who were assuring me that they were giving me a special deal." I love that.
My friend! My friend! Special price for you, because you are my friend! The funny thing is that Americans would start talking like this to regular locals, calling them "my friend" constantly.
This is so sweet. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m really glad you’re still here
I wasn’t expecting the reaction I had to this. Thank you for putting your experiences into this video, and for providing the information so well!
Watched the "Knowing Better" Veterans' Day issue. Served 26 years in the navy and reserves. Retired 1996. Thankyou for your service and much success to you.
thank you for your service sir.
My grandpa served in WW2, he told me fascinating stories of his experiences there. Before his passing he passed down his coin collection of all the countries he visited when he was there. I miss him
My great grandfather died in a concentration camp in WW2. Got drunk and fell out of the guard tower.
@@dcanaday :/ mkay
@@dcanaday savage!
This was amazing. Thank you for your service, both to the country and CZcams. You’re honestly one of the best channels I’m subscribed to on this platform.
Thanks for making this, man. Helped explain more of what my friends went through.
Your not the only one. I hid from being a civi for my first 10 years home. I finally pushed myself to hard faking civi life and my world fell apart. These last 5 years I’ve been rebuilding myself as both a Purple Heart combat vet and a whole person. Never think you’re alone little brother.
I was bought up by my dad a NZ Sargent Major who had PTSD before it was named! He managed to raise 3 awesome daughters on his own after awful experiences in Vietnam, Malaysia and Borneo. He's my hero and so are all yall who managed even slightly to handle civil life. Kia Kaha
Take care brother, I am sure the VA got you hooked on multiple plans by now, but in case you need some recommendations on the east coast, let me know, we gotta take care of each other.
That coke can part was one of the most emotionally powerful things I've seen on CZcams this year. I know it might not have been as charged as the later parts of the video, but that combination of nostalgia and bittersweet finality really hit home for me. Thanks for sharing this moment with all of us, and thank you for all of your videos.
Thanks for being here, being real, and sharing your story.
Speaking as a UK citizen, you've broadened my perspective of, and respect for, the United States' military. Bravo man.
"I never expected to make it to thirty" I just want to give you a hug.
The fact that you bothered to add a name badge with your CZcams last name “Better” on it, makes me admire you even more. This attention to detail and you way of sharing information is unique. This a great educational video.
Laura MiPe is this a real comment
Or, he's played the long game for years, and has been Mr. Better for over a decade...
@CommandoDude I think this will be the most appropriate response whenever someone asks what his real name is... Cottonballs
@@DonnyTheNerdfighter We never had personal nicknames in any unit I was in. Ft. Carson Colorado, in county Vietnam, and Two Rock Ranch California. 98C Traffic Analyst.
Thanks for taking the time to share this. You explain it much better than I could have, and I'm grateful for your taking that burden on.
Thank you for telling your story, and don’t think any of us take you for granted. Genuinely appreciate you!
Happy Veterans Day, Armistice day, or whatever you want to call it. Hope you’re getting the respect you deserve.
it's independence day here
It's St. Martin's Day, actually
@Alex Petersen Poland?
Remembrance Day in the commonwealth
"... like a war... or a manufactured boarder crisis."
@Dokkasan is FOX still tracking multiple caravans heading for the US ?
@@tomservo5007 comon even the dems are admitting now theres a border crisis
@@jermsmason2082 people searching for a better life, willing to work jobs you don't want --- is a crisis?
@@tomservo5007 not in itself, but it lowers domestic wages, which largely hurts the African American community. Pick one to protect. And when theres tons of people coming across theres not enough jobs money or resources for them all. No rain drop ever thought it was responisble for the flood.
Jerms Mason it lowers domestic wages when we don’t regulate the companies and the amount of immigrants coming in properly. So technically it’s the government causing the issues. If you actually take the time to look at the amount of resources we have compared to the amount of people coming in and how much our economy would grow with a higher controlled amount of people coming in every year.
Considering you are wrong it makes your analogy flawed because each individual isn’t contributing to a disaster because you have no reason to assume a disaster.
I’m happy you’re still here, thank you for all the informative and entertaining videos you make available to us for free.
I don’t know what to say other than thank you for sharing, I respect your genuine, heartfelt experience. Truly appreciate you and your creative channel.
Happy Veterans Day! I served 5 years in the USMC, 2013-2018. I found out about your channel over a month ago and I’ve found myself binging on your content. Thanks for helping me reformulate some opinions and become a better listener. I hope you have a great day
Thank you for your service!
One note however: His "complete moderate guide" videos aren't moderate, and aren't particularly factual either. Especially not the gun one.
His other videos are good though! Enjoy :)
@@TJ-oo5mx 😒
T J the point of my comment wasn’t necessarily how “factual” his videos are; it’s the fact that I am much more willing to listen to the opposing view. And that takes intellectual humility, that which I did not have before in nearly the amount that is required to have meaningful debate
Happy veterans day Joe 😃
4:44 I sense a great disturbance. As if a million Marines suddenly cried out in anger, and were never silenced because they won't shut up about how its actually part of the Department of the Navy.
Well if yall got it right, we wouldn't have to correct you.
@@BeltFedSelfDefense found the butthurt Marine
@@dorkmax7073 Reeeeee
I really appreciate you making this video. I've fallen for your channel and have the utmost respect for you
This came at a very odd yet perfect time for me. Thank you, don't ever stop
Two things: 1) Love the "Better" name tags. 2) Just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.
Please understand that is his name.
I respect your privacy you'll have to excuse us we just thirsty man 😩
Bad weeb, go back to your cage
lmao why isn't this pinned
Brandon Davidson I think he knows how sexy he is already. No need to flex his hotness on us too much 😉
I just want you to know I feel this video, and I appreciate you sharing your story. The "souvenirs I bought from my good friends who assured me I was getting a special deal" bit killed me because it is so real.
Man, this was one of the best videos of yours. Thanks for sharing.
At 29:00 you can hear the emotion he went through when coming back.
I never went to military and I can't say how it is, but I can see in his eyes...it wasn't good.
Yeah i don't think i would wanna go. Ill just help by paying taxes.
@@iminavegetativestatestudio1730 Don't forget, there are several charities to help our returned veterans. A few dollars will go a long ways to help our wounded veterans get the help they need.
@@toysoldier46552 just not the wounded warrior foundation. Anyone but them.
If you guys ever want to help in a way that feels "real" go to your local VA hospital and look at volunteering some time. You will meet some amazing folks. You can also look around at your area for other volunteer activities related to service members. Don't think that only applies to the US either, Canada, UK, Australia, South Korea, and numerous other countries sent a lot of people to Iraq and Afghanistan. Reach out to your community, I PROMISE it will pay off far more than giving some money!
@@sorrento114 Was just pointing out there are organizations out there.
"I owe my life..." I've never served in the military, nor been through what you have, but damn, I know those words a little too well.
Also, hats off for making a girl who had a panic attack over a non-functional bb gun feel interested in the military.
You are my favorite youtuber, Thank you for being here and thank you to the VA for helping you through that dark time.
I've found out about this channel literally 5 hours ago and yet I think you're freaking amazing! I'm almost 16 right now and I'm aspiring to join the air force or coast guard, I dont know very many people who can give me much insight but this video really helped and made me feel a lot more confident when I end up going in. I also like the fact that we kind of have the same ambitions with the military and loving history. I know you probably wont see this but keep up the great videos!
Generals staff:
"The general is going to stop by for a speech, so plan on being there 15 minutes early"
The next guy:
"We were told be there at this time, so plan on being there 15 minutes early"
Btw the time it got down to us:
6 hours of waiting in a field for a 15 minute speech.
15 minute speech. come on, you know he's going to ramble for an hour while you're standing at parade rest in the field with the itchy sweat beads rolling down your back.
@@elliottparks8762 *15 minutes of actual on topic speech
@@Waitwhat469 yeah that's more accurate lol
Don't forget the multi day cleaning to get everything ready for his visit, and then he doesn't even go near anything you were cleaning.
There's also the awkward time when they ask if anyone has any questions, "free shots on goal". Generally it is either silence, or the guy with the dumbest question.
Yep, it was never several hours but always at least aan hour and a half.
I have said a couple of times since coming back, "I thought I was coming home but I now realize I left it."
I eventually made a choice to come home and its been a process since then.
Happy Veteran's Day, Mr. Better. Anyone else out there too who served.
For everyone else, thanks for paying your taxes.
We dont have a choice, if we didnt pay our taxes, men like you would haul us off to jail or shoot us. Its almost like you know that and youre happy to rub it in and feel like a tough guy again.
@@Scratchy314Yes because the IRS sends veterans after you to shoot you. Are you by any chance under the age of 7?
@@anonymoussecret5948I'd estimate around 13. Every 7 year old I've met will worship the feet of any "army guy" they come across... where as 13 year olds have that edgy antiestablishment drive mixed with complete and total lack of knowledge on how the government works.
@@anonymoussecret5948 im two and i dont particularly appreciate my baby food being taxed to pay for really really stupid wars that only make things worse for the US, wreck several countries, cause casualty figures in the millions, last for decades and require a budget in the trillions, and for your stupid pensions and trips to the nail salon and free healthcare. My money would have been better spent literally anywhere else. You and your army buddies could have all gone out and done a ton of coke and thrown money at strippers all night every night for the past 17 years for less money and with an arguably much more positive result.
@@Scratchy314 I am sorry you are offended, but when I was in the military was not charged with catching tax offenders. I'll have to check and see if that has changed.
I only found your channel like 3 days ago, but you've quickly become one of my all-time favorites. There's an honesty in your approach and delivery that's rare. Thank you for sharing this personal story. I think its impact will be greater than you would have ever predicted.
I know I'm a year late, but thank you so much for your service. God bless you.
The most badass thing knowing better said,” Yeah well, artillery runs in my veins.”
Redlegs :)
Holy hell. The "when youre sitting in full battle in a convoy, and dont know why, and no one else does either, BUT YOU CANT LEAVE..." That got me laughing pretty good
It's the truth tho. You WANT to leave... but you're stuck there for what seems like FOREVER. And NOONE higher up CARES. To be fair.... you find the smallest things amusing when you get used to it. xD
A 3 year old video about a holiday that is months away, but this is one of the best youtube videos i've watched in a long time. took me 2 sittings to get through it, time-wise, but i'm glad i watched to the end. I really learned a lot. Thank you for making it, and I don't say this lightly, thank you for your service
Hey, I started watching your channel around year 2, currently watching thru my backlog . I just wanted to comment and say thank you for the amazing content and for sharing you experiences with us. I could tell this video meant a lot to you.
Thanks man. Your video helped me through a rough Veterans Day.
14:39 "Once you have 3 or 4 people in your downline..."
For a second I thought: Oh, crap it's another MLM!
A card for the MLM video pops out at that very moment, too.
Whoever you are, you really do seem like a quality dude. Thanks for sharing so much in this vid.
Thank you for being so honest. I have watched my husband and son go through the same type of life after combat transition. Welcome home.
29:09 broke my heart man
@@bennelong8451 War is Hell that's why no one wants to go there except the totally insane.
@@bennelong8451 Imagine if you could feel bad.. for both.
Wow, what an outlandish concept!!
24:00
I’m gonna assume that his call sign “Cottonballs” is probably derived from his teammates seeing him as being so squared away. Like he shines his boots/dress shoes with cotton balls which is the trademark of a motivated, straight shooter, high-speed, attention to detail type of person. Just a guess though...
Of maybe the opposite of brass balls. Cotton=soft
Ha! A call sign based off a positive trait. You’re a real comedian
Most likely from going prematurely gray.
Anna Stodola I promise you that is Not seen as a positive quality
or more likely he has really hairy balls
This totally nails it. After my tour (OIF 08-09 Balad Air Base / 154C) I tell people I came back the least messed up of all my friends. And for those who know me they see how it affected me. Great work on this and I hope it helps others understand what their soldier is going through. Also “Rip Its”
Absolutely Great Video!!! I hope this can help the many who need and deserve to feel good enough and that you are never alone!! Makes me proud to see this honesty!