Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

I have recently researched my family ancestry and have learned I have some Russian heritage. I've always admired the Russian military and would like to visit during the Mayday holiday and meet some of the Russian soldiers and some of the World War 2 vets. I myself am a vet of the first Gulf war and was wondering how would the Russian soldiers both current and the WW2 vets view me? Would they accept me in a friendly manner and be curious of my combat experience? The ones on the internet have been so I'm thinking it would be a positive encounter. Am I correct?

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

I have over a 100 views and nobody can at least give me a opinion?

Varrah · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject:

Not so many soldiers or WWII veterans use internet, all others are just not certain enough to give any comparisons or opinions on this topic.
Can't say anything for sure, really.

Absurd · Frequent Guest Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 28

Ender · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject:

I guess you should read russian military related sites. I've seen different opinions about American soldiers - positive and negative. I think they will be interested from professional point of view but what about political... I don't know. Today our and your politicans doing every thing in order to place hatred in our hearts.

I'm artillerist but I didn't have real combat expericence, only training. From professional point of view I envy U.S. soldiers. I believe they receive best equipment possile and don't lose their time without reason. I prefer to go to shooting range or to hand-to-hand combat practice instead of peeling potatoes on kitchen or simply walking without business (sleep is forbidden) around a military base. Such things happened in 1996.

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

Ender · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:34 am Post subject:

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

Ender doesn't seem like you guys are as safety oriented as we are. Someone would have gotten in serious trouble over that. Thanks for sharing.

Ender · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

There are zillion rules and precautions, however shit some time happens no matter what you are doing. Of course there was high officers comission and there were measures taken to prevent that case from happening again.

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

Ender I just wanted to make it clear I am no longer in service.

Ender · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 9:05 am Post subject:

Me too.

danbrew · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:07 am Post subject:

Me three.

101st.

Vet · Just Starting Joined: 14 Sep 2008 Posts: 9

I was with the 101st from 93-94.

Randy · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:37 am Post subject: Russian soldiers/rus. veterans

Vet, I know this is an old post, but if your still interested about the thoughts of Russian soldiers I could tell you a few things. I began going to Russia in 1991, I have lived there on and off for more than five years doing volunteer work in a childrens hospital, and counseling with Russian soldiers, and veterans from Angola, Afgan., and Chechenya. I have been to active military bases, and spent some time in the Veterans hospital in St. Pete. I returned from my last visit this past August.
I visited with a WW2 veteran, a retired major who was very interesting. He had never met an American before, and asked me if I was. The first thing he told me was," I don't like Americans" We had a two hour conversation, and later he asked me to come to his home for dinner. My brother -in -law is a veteran and has shared his views with me. It seems that most all veterans, especially combat veterans, share a common experience. Not only combat, but also the emotional problems that come with it. Russian veterans are not aware of the specialized medical and mental help we receive after returning from combat. As to what I have seen, and gained from Russian doctors, is that the Russian veterans do not get the same help we get, nor do they get near the money compensation we get for VA disability. A high percentage of the returning combat vets have joined one of several mafia groups for work, of which, I have a few friends. All active soldiers I have spoken with, and vets are courious as to the American soldiers life, weapons, terms of service, living conditions, etc. I myself am a disabled combat vet of Vietnam which is why I made a point to seek knowledge from these soldiers and vets.
Like someone else mentioned, there is always a lot of propaganda by both governments, but less here than use to be.
Of course I could go on with this, but you can get a little from this I think. Hope it helps.