Old Soldier Meets Young Soldier (Marine Reacts) 

My dad was in Vietnam but he never told me until I was about 12. I was having issues and was diagnosed with PTSD. He said he liked to act like he'd never been there but he always had breakdowns. He said anytime he thinks back all he can see is one of his buddies being blown up or being in a tunnel. I lost him in 2018. He asked why I was leaving work to take care of him. I said you're my buddy and i won't leave you behind. He smiled and said he knows he's going to heaven because he's already been through hell. He passed later that night.

"You've been through a lot Son..." That man literally fought for the survival of his country and way of life... yet he put ALL that aside as he saw the eyes of another warrior, and recognised he was hurting. THAT is why they were known as The Greatest Generation... they put others before themselves.

Really pleased you enjoyed the content - very insightful comments. Let us know if you're ever in the UK, would love to do something together.

"You've been through a lot son, haven't ya?" What a lovely old chap.

Allways respect an old man in a profession where men usually die young.

My brother is 18 years USMC this year. Joined in 2002. He just started seeing a therapist recently and its made a world of difference.

In germany it is said that the Navy still preferes sailors who dont know how to swimm because they defend the ship longer.

“Well you’ve been through quite a lot son, haven’t you?” That sentence gets me every time, is amazing how the old man understand the young soldier and probably this was the first time that the lad was really heard

This was not pointed out, but there was a subtle difference between the two men. Old soldier was wearing his medals on his jacket, while the younger soldier was not. Without either saying one word, this is tells me that the older soldier is proud of his service, while the younger man still does not want to make it wildly known to the public.

The burned page transition and a new camera angle, is a nice change.

"You've been through a lot, haven't you son" - this line really resonates

My father served in the Falklands and its taken him 30 years of suffering with PTSD to actually be able to talk about it. After 30 years he has recently revisited the Falklands which helped him immensely and now he is in part able to talk about what happened.

The bit at the beginning where the old soldier says "you have been through a lot son" chokes me every time. Here is a giant from WW2, his heart speaking directly to another warrior on the same level, knowing the same sacrifice.

My wife saved me. She just took the bullshit because she loves me and wouldn't let me slip away. Alone, I would have swung on a rope a long time ago. Your reaction is very, very emotionally on point. Kudos, man.

“You’ve been through a lot haven’t you son?” Hits every single time, he knows and understands something a person like me never could on a level I never could. Don’t get me wrong I can see he’s hurting and on a level I can understand but not on a level another veteran can.

When the older vet said "well you've been through quite alot, haven't you son", it looked like that struck him inside a bit. Almost like how alot of people feel so much and then finally find someone who understands.

I joined the military at 17 and retired at 39. After getting out, I foundered, I was a fish out of water. Trying to make friends with civilians who didn't share my experiences, my dark, crass, inappropriate sense of humor, my struggles with PTSD or TBI due to VBIDs or IEDs, or having known great guys who died horribly sometimes in your arms, is impossible. I frequent the VFW and am around people who get it and don't judge me as inappropriate or psycho because of how I express myself. Trying to relate our experiences in a civilian workplace is nearly impossible as well. We're taught to " suck it up and drive on or to improvise, adapt, and overcome", and the civilian mindset isn't in lockstep with that ethos. Things we take for granted, they bitch and whine about. Things they take for granted, we flip out about. It's just so hard readjusting after serving a nation at war for as long as we have been. Talking about it with others with shared experiences, helps. You're not indestructible, despite what you did in service. If you keep it in, it will tear you and your family apart.

Interesting note - This bloke's mate, Paul McAleese, who was killed in Afghanistan is the son of John McAleese (SAS) who took part in Operation Nimrod (Iranian Embassy siege).

I remember my grandfather. After pension he regressed, never talked about what he been through and hardly moving out of his chair. He hated Germans and loved Russians because he was with them in POW camp. The nice moments with him were rare but golden.

As a Englishman it's so nice to see how respectful you are when reacting to are soldiers you have one of the best reaction channels on RU-vid and love watching your stuff Thank you for the entertainment

I'm from the uk. No military experience, however everyday is remembrance for me. To any soilder reading this "Thankyou for your service"

That young lad when he was asked if he lost anybody, it was the 1000 yard stare. I hope he will be alright.

15:03 The soldier that the younger lad is talking about is Paul McAleese was actually the son of an SAS soldier (John McAleese) who was part of the team that raided the Iranian Embassy in London in 1979. John McAleese (who passed away in 2011) was known as 'The Real Captain Price'

“It took all my youth” incredible. The men and women old and young who have served are the greatest people.

"guy in vr talks about their worst day as a soldier", it's 20 min but appreciate if you took a look at it.

I don't know about the Americans but in WW2 my dad always referred (in his diary) to "shell shock" as "bomb happy"

It’s crazy to see how the younger lad is just in his hard times and is not the proudest of his accomplishments as a soldier, whilst the older lad wore his medals and uniform like it was true patriotism. And I love how your commentary just blends in with both sides and your empathy makes it a very good commentary. 👍🏽

Heard about a young US paratroper that met a veteran i France, said something like this - I done 20 jumps, said the young soldier - I only did three ,Sicily, Normandy and Nederlands.

'Heroes' is a term that is used casually and often lazily. Sports people, celebrities etc. are often accoladed as 'heroes.' What we have just witnessed in this video are real heroes. We owe them a real debt of gratitude. The narration and analysis was first class. I salute them all.

I did pre jungle deployment training in the winter in wales. -10 it’s was haha. Safe to say the 20 hour close target recce was interesting. We had that much warm clothing on we looked like the Mitchelin men lol

You can see how he almost broke down when the old vet said "you've been through a lot, haven't you son". Moving

This is beautiful. Old generation soldiers give me the chills

God bless brave soldiers that fight on all sides

I'm german, essentially all my male relatives that were old enough joined the military one way or another and fought during World War 2. I didn't realise it as a kid that much but when I look back and talk to my father about it, I remember sitting at birthday parties in the 90s and all the guys were battered people, missing limbs, eyes, fingers, toes, were blind etc. and something a lot of germans can probably relate to: they drank warm beer. But I never thought much about it because that's how they always were. Granted as a german you are confronted with what your grandfathers did during the war at some point and there is no way really around it, but by simply talking to them you could not have figured out what they went throught or what they did. I just remember my paternal grandfather always being on edge, he was never violent towards my grandmother or my father and his siblings but he was loud, very loud always screaming if something didn't go his way and afterwards he drank himself into a blackout. I think that's how most of them coped with things, just like you said - they started drinking. Together with the trauma of what they went through, what also played a big role is how they were portrayed in the media - they were the bad guys, my grandfather was well aware of that but it still nagged on him when the media said "liberated by the allies from the nazis", you can't liberate someone from themselves, you can "beat" the nazism out of them but you can't liberate a country from it's inhabitants. So before everyone jumps on me I'm in no way or form saying everyone was a nazi but in the words of my grandfather "you would have had to be blind, deaf and an idiot to not realise what was going on"

This put a tear in my eye. I had the honor of being a nurse at the Veterans Home to a Great War (WWI) veteran twenty seven years ago. He lied about his age to get in. I asked why and he is said life was boring on the farm and he wanted good shoes. Makes you appreciate modern times.

“You need to learn the fundamentals of war! So you have to stand up, load your musket...wait? I’m not an old head basketball coach?” - my coach

I know ste, absolute top bloke who’s doing a lot to break the stigma of ptsd 👊

My dad was in 87ID at the Bulge and never talked about WWII 'til the 80s. When I was a little boy I asked, "Daddy, did you fight in the war?" He answered, "I fought and I fought and they still made me go." I didn't appreciate that until I was elegible for the draft in the Viet Nam era. Don't get me wrong: I never served. When I dropped my deferment in '72 my number was 206 and the only called to 190. I told that to an Air Force vet and he said, "So you missed Viet Nam?" I answered, "Not even a little bit." Too many of my friends came back traumatized, shot up, or not at all. I can only imagine what warriors go through. That it took my dad, one of the most honest and strong men I've ever known, 40 years to get this crap off his chest speaks to the amount of hurt carried by our military.

My dad served in the Royal artillery in the 50's and spent his entire army career in Germany, think he always felt guilty that he was never sent to Korean war but lost friends there! Have the utmost respect to anyone who serves in the military, as a civilian I don't think I'd be able to do the things you amazing people do! ❤️ From 🇬🇧

Used to talk the old vets from the Gallipoli War when I was like 14-16 years old. They always been happy to just talk about it over a cup of tea. Their stories helped me a lot to overcome some issues I had to face during my Service.

Great production on your reactions marine. Been keeping an eye out and it it’s looking brilliant man. Keep the good work up and keep grinding. Your well on your way to that 1 mil!

I have so much respect for these older people that served their Countries. The sad part is that so many people from younger generations doesnt understand. My Grandpa served for the Soviet Army and i loved listen to him and his Stories. Sadly he passed away years ago. Much respect from a Russian person living in germany. Keep up these great Videos Sir 😉👋

I was a kid when war broke in Kosovo. The horrors I've seen still haunt me to this day. If it wasn't for the US troops, me and rest of my family wouldn't be here today. God bless the US. we in Kosovo are forever indebted!

When I was a young boy, I remember sitting at the kitchen table with my Gramps (known as Pappy). He would speak to me and my brother about some of his experiences in WWII. He was Navy aboard a Destroyer (Tin Can he said). It was quite evident that he hated his enemy still at that time. He carried that hatred with him all his life. From what I can remember (I’m 65 now and also a Navy Vet) much of his hatred stemmed from the atrocities he personally witnessed that were committed by the enemy against not only his own shipmates but but those warriors who fought them island by island. He retired an E-7 and drank as long as I knew him.

You may be interested to learn that the younger guy mentioned Paul McAleese who was killed in Afghan in 09. His father was SSgt John McAleese, an SAS operator who took part in Operation Nimrod - the Iranian embassy siege in London in 1980.

My father was at the Battle of the Bulge too Damn j.t., damn near makes us brothers. Haha

For some reason I always find the "Old Man Handshake" so wholesome and pure. Where he puts his other hand on top of the shake as a welcoming gesture. It just always gave me the impression that they were engaged with you, invested in hearing what you have to say, and glad to have the opportunity to talk to you

One of my best friends in school, his dad was in Vietnam, and I knew him when we were young. But I ended up working with him the last six years before he passed away. The guy was always happy and singing and a joy to be around. Then when it was just the two of us working together, he would tell me stories about his time over there. Most of the time I would just sit silently and listen. He knew I was interested but I wouldn't ask him anything until he stopped talking. He had amazing stories of how it really was over there. He hated the way hollywwod portrayed the war. He was one of my all time favorite people ever. RIP sir. You are gone but not forgotten

It's not just mental health for vets, it's the fact that we have so many homeless vets. They sacrificed to protect us and in return they get the boot.

The younger lad in this video actually did a follow up video where he addressed some of the comments that was really interesting. A lot of people made some very stupid and ill-thought comments aimed towards the guy and the manner and way he answers them really adds to his character. You should definitely consider taking a look at that video and see what you think, it reveals a lot about how society view veterans like him

Once I heard "General Gray", we were instant brothers. I remember him being the ONLY CMC that took his command photo in utilities while everyone else was in their Alphas. He followed PX Kelly; removed the enlisted chevron from the covers, white skivie shirts became green, and the Marine Corps Institute (MCI) courses grew to a book volume of required reading as opposed to the single handbook. Gen Gray attended VMI, rose to Sgt, then was given his commission once his paperwork confusion was cleared. I met him as the CG of 2dMarDiv, then recognized him as CMC. I will never forget is camo dinner jacket.

It’s amazing that he says, “as long as you’re going forward, you’re going the right way. Wars used to be fought on fronts... now they’re fought on all sides.

You should react to a marine was accused for stolen valor for wearing camo pants by lumpy718

I bumped into a old war vet in a pub one night years ago and we got talking was a honourable moment. I bought him 3 whole half pints 😂 he was a legend 💪

JT if you see this, thank you! I was classified 4F in 1979 with a childhood eye injury when I tried to join the Marines. God bless you, your grandfather and father, and your family for all the sacrifices!

Man... damn... just damn. I'm a civilian, I'll never understand the life or the experience of a soldier, being on the frontline, training, being shot at, losing your mates, etc, etc. But I just feel like that I HAVE to express some kind of respect, some kind of acknowledgement for what soldiers go through and have gone through. Even if perhaps they feel its not warranted or maybe even disrespectful in some regards, I think acknowledging just what was sacrificed, either their lives, their friends lives, or the time served, is one of the first ways to honor about these strong and proud people. So thank you, for anyone who's served. If you don't hear it from anyone else, then I'll say I'm proud of what all you guys have done and put yourselves through, just so people like me and many others don't have to. I hope you folks that are either still in, or out and trying to adjust, are able to find the strength to keep moving forward.

I hope this your man realizes just being able to sit down and talk with one of the these men a Man of this caliber I hope you realize it is a complete honor

I hope that those who see this comment end the day having a cold beer

oof. This really hit home. Thank you JT for sharing this video and bringing light to the situation of how things have changed between the military back then and our military now. And also how the different soldiers are dealing with it mentally after serving.

Thank you for posting this. I think I really needed to see this today.

My dad used to tell me how his dad (ww2 vet, pacific theater) would get drunk then yell/say mean stuff to the neighbors. (neighbors happened to be Japanese) But his dad would never talk directly about anything from his service. (never met my grandpa. he died when I was a year and a half old) I went to Iraq in 05. My MOS was mechanic but downrange you do what's needed and my boys and myself found ourselves doing convoy security. We were guntruckers. We were outside the wire as much as combat arms guys. Until 2011 I never realized (or maybe just didn't want to admit) how much it changed me. My mom couldn't understand why I wasn't the same but my dad knew. He tried explaining it to my mom but I don't know if she ever really excepted it. (she passed away three years ago so I'll never know) 2011 I finally admitted I needed help and went to the VA. It helped some. At least it gave me the tools to deal with things better. I was medically retired in 2012 after 23 years of service. I still miss the Army but have found something to fill the void and it helps a lot.

My great granddad was in ww2 north africa. Was hit in the leg at el alamein had to walk with a cane rest of his life. My granddad was always said he never wanted to talk about war and when they would see his friends who he served with they would never talk about it. He never accepted his medals either didnt want a thing to do with them. Interesting man my great grandfather shame I never met him

Wow that was really touching, I hope that guy gets more of the help he deserves.

this was really good insight on an already really interesting conversation between the two. thanks

I remember being around an old great uncle from the First World War, Australian light horse, charged Beersheba on horseback, the last great charge, was going to say cavalry but they weren’t cavalry, the idea of the light horse was to ride on horseback to where you had to be & then advance on foot, but they shocked the enemy by not dismounting & charging under the guns, amazing shit But he never said much, served in WW2 too, different generation, much tougher than us, had a mind of their own, didn’t need large government to tell them what to do, they survived on their own wits, but he was a good old bloke, very quiet, lived into his 90s

What I appreciate about RU-vid is that it allowed people with military backgrounds to show others that they too are humans. It certainly helped somewhat with alleviating the common belief that soldiers are monsters, a stigma being perpetuated by the mainstream media.

Powerful video, and your input is always a nice touch. Thanks!

My grandpa was in the marines, I’m thankful he’s still with us. Thank you for your service

The level of respect between the two men is great to see

I've a lot of respect for people in the military who put themselves in harm's way for us. For the politicians who send them out, not so much.

I have tremendous respect for the veterans! My dad was in ww2 even he said it was no movie. This was a very informational video. It seems to me you have to grow all the way up fast. Thanks for the video.

This was a really cool video and I’m glad I watched it. I am a little to young to have been able to talk to a lot of people about their time in WWII and/or the Vietnam war and those but I hope that anyone I come across serving or who has served in these newer wars will be positively impacted by our interaction

As a german/ American I have had family that served on both side ironically My grandfather was a US dive bomber and was shot down over Guadalcanal by anti aircraft fire. And I also had a great grandfather (other side of family) that served for Germany that was an infantryman Apparently he was killed in action But in the end no matter what country you have fought for, every army is made up of men, men that fight for there country and there beliefs Respect for all the men who served no matter what side

My Gran dad was in 7th Gurkhas Rifles He fought in WWll used to tell me stories how they entered Japanese & Nazis tent at night and start cutting them when they in sleep. Next morning when the commanders wake up the job was done. After my Gran retired & passed away. My dad joined in the same regiment Than he retired after 1982 Falklands war. And than elder brother joined in still serving And now was my turn joined in but not as Gurkha but as regular British soldier Joining as Gurkha was playing a lucky dip for me 50%chance outa 10,000 lads But Had to keep the tradition flowing on. Will never let the family traditions & history fade "Better to die than to live like a Coward" Jai Gurkha 🇳🇵🇬🇧

love these type of videos! will always thank and show respect to anyone who served , better men and women then i know i'll ever be. at best i did 1.4 yr of air cadets when i was a teenager which was nothing, but it did give me a respect for those who did serve

I love your channel, probably one of my favorites on RU-vid and I just wanted to say thank you so much for your service and for all the sacrifices you made as a marine for our country. I never had the honor to serve and I wanted to be a marine and was even in ROTC back in high school, but due to certain life choices and my mental illness I was turned down and tried to join multiple times, but every time I was rejected... it is what it is and I’ve accepted that it just wasn’t meant to be and I do really appreciate you for your service.

I’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan and lost brothers in Afghan. I was more angry with the upper chain than I was with the Taliban.

My 17yo twins joined the Army this summer after HS. One of them just reported to his 1st duty station a few days ago, Ft Myer VA, the Old Guard. The other is still in basic at Ft Benning. They joined a couple of months apart from each other. I pray daily for not only their physical safety but for their mental health! It's a scary world right now, I feel like a war with China is kicking off soon. So incredibly PROUD of my boys, PROUD of our Military & PROUD to be an American 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸!! God Bless all of our soldiers, young & old!

Amazing video and great commentary. I've never served, never been in a war but I can recognise trauma when I see it. Brave men, I've nothing but admiration for these guys.

These men have gone through so much. They are so brave, and I have so much respect for them.

Training in Belize was specifically for Iraq- its the humidity. It was Belize and Oman pre training

I did 6 years and I remember reading "With the Old Breed by E. B. Sledge" and one of things that struck me most was through the horror, hate and gore the thing that bothered/confused them most was when a buddy offed himself. One of the best books I have ever read.

Very important video. Nice to see you put this along your other content.

This is a brilliant exchange, and your input makes it better. Thank you for this.

I left the army 20 years ago and still found this very hard to watch, but still worthwhile. Many thanks.

Amazing video keep up the great work, an i hope your 2021 is going well!

I watched the original video a while ago so when I saw Jameson made a reaction video, I went for it immediately. I really enjoyed this content and I will treasure what I've learned from the story and insight of three veterans. Especially since I'm too young to have witnessed any of those war.

THANKYOU FOR THIS ONE

My dad was newly married when WWII took him to Europe for 4 years ,my mother followed him to his basic training camp and 9 months later I was born, he and I didn't meet until I was 3 years old. He had no respect for Germans or Japanese. In 1966 I bought a new VW, he was not pleased, claiming that 20 years ago those bastards were trying to kill him.His good friend in 1976 bought a Honda Accord,my Dad said to him,"What's wrong wih you? These are the same people that put that piece of shrapnel through your cheek! And you're buying a car from them?" He had a long memory.

Thank you for your service James, I have been with this channel for like 6 months now and you have given me a new look on military life and true appreciation for all men and women in the military. Thank you my friend 🙏🏼🙏🏼

I've never served but there's so much in your videos that relate to everyday life. I find your views and insight help me and I'm sure they are helping others

EXCELLENT...Thanks for your amazing play-by-play and this important interview...WE NEED MORE OF THIS!!!

Great content and personal review on this topic, also the camera transitions are very good, great to see the vast improvements on your channel, carry on!.

Yee yee Love ya Mr. Jameson, thanks for putting out consistent content good sir 🙏

Never been in the military. But I love your video’s. Much respect to all those who’ve served past and present. We all owe you

This is PHENOMENAL content! Thank you so much for this video.🙏🏽

I couldn't make it thru watching this whole video (the original one) alone until I watched your reaction video. Thank you for posting it I'm glad i watched it

Its always a few situations that affect you mentally, as those situations build up, it becomes harder and harder to keep the thoughts at bay when you have vivid memories.

I want to thank you for your service, sir and everyone who served throughout generations

Ive watched this before This is priceless, I cried at times I can't put it to words so much love and respect for bolth Vets . Thank you so much for sharing this .