Smoking

[betrayed]

I entered the service in 1976. I didnt smoke. The only thing that we as recruits had to look forward to was called a "smoke and coke" If the company of recruits was good that day we would get a smoke and coke, or anytime something went well we would get a smoke and coke as a reward. Everyone piled into the lounge where there was buckets of sand for butt kits and three soda machines. If you didnt smoke like me you could stay in the barracks practically alone. So I started smoking. I would like to know how many of you started like me? I know that at some point in time my smoking will be the blaim for the denial of some SC issue. I think we should get a electronic depository of statements in support from people like me who were encouraged to smoke in the service. Then if you want print them and use them as evidence. :P

[calnight]

vike,

The marine corp doesnt have the money for commecials they dont even have a tv program. I know the navy does but the marine corp is treated like the red headed step child. we used to get the armys handydowns. when i was in there was no antismoking program. yea we could not smoke in bootcamp but after that it didnot matter. and unlike smoking you could chew in formation during pt even most of the officers chewed. I think compared to other services the corp did not make it a top priority.

[Testvet]

Berta, is the smoking aspect as secondary to PTSD allowed as a link to the COPD and the heart disease I suffer from now, I smoke to help with the stress, and the claims have all been disallowed due to my own negligence in smoking they don't even link it to PTSD do I just need to change my argument since I suffer from COPD and heart disease that the VA blames on my smoking history? The stressor they used for my PTSD occurred in feb 1975 would that be a factor in my case? They granted my PTSD back to Dec 2003 at the 100% rate.... or just let the claim go to BVA they way it is now? the Edgewood environmental exposures or as heart disease secondary to PTSD using Dr Boscarino's studies and my doctors statement?

Edited January 27, 2007 by Testvet

[Cavman]

In the late 60`s you could smoke while doing pushups in bootcamp. Lol. They needed bodies.

Speaking of smoking, you know how you use to have a smoke after relations....One of my ex wives not only smoked after, but also smoked during. The smoking during really didn`t bother me as much as that cold ashtray on my back.....Hope I don`t get bounced for this...Lol

Cavman

[Objee]

I agree with caveman as far as smoking to stay up. I used chewing instead I to started in the military to help stay up on gaurd duty. and after almost 13 years i finally quit it was the hardest thing i have ever done. i was chewing a can a day. at 5.00 bucks a can times 30 days thats a 150.00 a month. chew is more expensive than ciggs. I used the patch and have been chew free for 3 months now. and still crave it bad right after ameal is the worst. my wife hated me for the first month think about living with someone with ptsd and trying to kick a habit more addicting then herion. also gained 10 pounds but its better than cutting off my jaw. the military still does nothing to warn servicemembers about the risks of tobbaco.

Military hypocracy (redundant?) I started on board ship with a pipe. Butts were 80 cts a carton. Stayed with a pipe and quit ashore.

Then shoreside deployment. C & K rats - 4 luckies or camels. Gotta stay awake on security watch. Guess what! Yep, addicted in about 2 months. As Mark Twain said "Quitting smoking is easy - I've done it a hundred times." Didn't smoke before service. Still smoke now. Not service connected? Bull----!

Ralph

[SLEDGE]

We got those 'smoke breaks' in basic and more in advanced training.

Both of my drill instructors smoked all of the time.

At my first duty station they asked me 4 questions up front.

Do you smoke and what kind?

Do you drink coffee and do you know how to make it?

Then I started drinking to much coffee and chain smoking.

This is interesting:

"Just acted like she was pissed off that she had to waste her time on someone like me."

I've run into that doctor in 4 different VA medical facilities.

They must be clones.

sledge

[MrPain7]

In 1967 in boot camp,when we were in the field we were given C-rations with the small pack of smokes if I remember I think it carried 4 smokes, I didn't smoke but I was young and tried to look like the older guys did so I started smoking then..

I tried to Quit at least 6 to 8 times the longest I could go was two weeks But The Last Time I said enough is enough

and thank God I havn't had one since Oct. 5,2006 I think I can beat It this time........To all And for All

Benj..