Dear Thomas, Great listening to you. I spent 8 years in the Legion, 1979 to 1987. I can perfectly understand your problem relating to other people after you leave the Legion. It must have been much more difficult for you as you did many more years than me. Also I can see your life in the Legion was a much more dangerous time than I had, a much more adventurous time. I can see that you are a natural soldier, much more than I. I look forward to listening to more of your life in the Legion Thomas, and I'm sure you are adapting to your new new life. I wish you all the very best . Sincerely Frank.
Thomas, you just told the story of most professional military men. Its been 36 years since I got out after 10 years and I went through all what you described. Even today I can spot a combat vet across a room and I still prefer the company of those that have been out there in the mud and the blood.
You need to start selling those coffee Mugs!! I would purchase one. I completely understand how you feel. I served 24 1/2 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and in the U.S. Army. I have had issues feeling like I fit into the civilian world since I retired in 2014. I was not ready to get out at that time and I still miss the Brotherhood. Thanks for sharing.
Leaving after your salute you earned your rank the hardest part was leaving the regime i felt lost after leaving but keep in touch with old comrade's i meet the best men in the world civilian life is too easy after the military life your a brother at arms my friend thank you for this channel its a great honour my adjuant to listen in with you your amazing man and the legion will always will be a part of us xxxx
I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps US. When I got home, I was lost. I studied the French Foreign Legion. I was going to leave and head to France and join up. My father talked me out of it. I wanted a piece of Africa adventure. I wanted to get stationed in Djibouti. I just saw your channel yesterday and LOVE your stories. I regret not making the decision I had made. Semper FI brother. Keep up the work.
Thomas. I recognize bits of myself in you. I remember getting out of the U.S. Army coming back the States from overseas. I observed the behavior and deportment of the general population. I thought to myself " These civilians haven't got a fucking clue."
Thomas ich weiss ein bischen Deutsche, aber danke fur deine nachricht sir. Ich waere en der Marines aus Amerika und ich fuelt gleich nach meine zeit nur 4 jahren mit zwei deployments am Iraq. Stay strong and I feel blessed I have a job with the National Cemetery Administration and our entire field crew are all military veterans. It's the best thing that could've happened to me and worth it even on the hot days or cold ones. Danke Herr Gast, Daniel edit: Apologies for my grammatiche..
Thank you! For so openly and honestly sharing your feelings, your pain and your loss. When you left the legion you didn´t just leave a job, you left behind your entire world. Everything that was safe, orderly and familair. Being safe while being shot at, a contradiction. But what if being shot at involves a safe place? A workplace thats also your whole world. Filled with mutual respect, trusted friends and the best bosses money can buy. I can relate to you describing the "civilain" world. Filled with people who dont understand you, and you dont understand them. The amount of "bumbling around" just because a clear lack of purpose. The missing forethought and planning, resulting in hard setbacks. Setbacks that could easily have been avoided, with just another mindset. That discussion is best left untouched, for many would feel like you are "taking the mickey out of them". I salute you!
The thing is Thomas you left because of a fear.... A Fathers Fear..... because a soldier has no fear other than letting his brothers down in a time of need. A soldiers fear is much different than you discribed. It is how a failure of mine will affect others..... and not a feeling of not being there or helplessness to affect change. You left....only to find a world of others with a lack of discipline, lack of structure, no common goals, and little respect for their fellow man. It's a world very hard to find a place in......very hard to adjust to! Best wishes Thomas.. 🤠
I'm new to subscribe, and this is the first video I have seen of yours. I served as a British Royal Marines Commando. We also have a saying similar - OARMAARM Once A Royal Marine Always A Royal Marine
@@dmorgan0628 - Semper Fi. Marine 1969-73. I spent 3 years, 4 months, 22 days at Camp Lejeune, all in 2nd ANGLICO. Paratrooper. Married, lived in Verona, NC, then Midway Park, then Tarawa Terrace. Had a hard-assed SSgt in the company who looked just like this guy. He held the HALO altitude record for Vietnam, he had over 800 parachute jumps, most as a parachute test-jumper. Imagine that for a job. Thanks for the nostalgia, took me back to when I was young and foolish.
That fear creeps up on you when you have something to lose. Fear finds that tiny crack in your courage and tries to sneak in. That moment of fear does not define your 17 years of service. You may have felt like it did at the time but you did not let your men down only yourself. Life is cruel mon ami but I know you will not let that instance forever cast a cloud over the rest of your life, your much too good a man to let that happen. Bonne chance.
You are one of my favourite guys on youbtube. You have spirit, good heart, and you do suffer inside. Imagine this, you had time in your life where you belonged somwehere, some of us never had that, me for example, I don't fit in, but thats just how it is. We die alone.
Mr. Gast, I salute you! I do love your heartfelt stories of Légion étrangère life experience, lessons learned, and foremost you "share the knowledge" with us. Thank you very much indeed. Did you know any Venezuelans? Good Health and blessings for the day to you. No coffee, No workee. ✌🏼😎
Totally understand Thomas, I've been out Thirty Years from British Airborne, All my friends are former Airborne, We meet up all the time, we tell the same old stories and get the same old laughs as of we never heard the story before...lol
I went the same route. US Army Infantry 10 years. Got out went to work for a PMC. It's hard you want to talk about stuff but you just can't talk to anyone.
Thomas: The dreams/screams in the middle of the night got to my significant others for several years. Some could not understand/cope. It is a universal thing.....
I served my Country…it was thought For twenty years. And when I came To end it all, they said I ought To settle back and so reclaim My Country and my former place But though I looked I could not find My Country or a friendly face My Country changed and so had I And all was lost and nothing won Another land another sky My Country and myself were gone
I’m a former United States Sailor. Everything you said is true. I’ve been out 2 years and when I wake up every morning, I feel as if I’m in my barracks room. I feel as if I’m about to put on my uniform and go to work. But then I remember my job doesn’t start till nine, I have a beard, and I’m 1,000 miles from my ship. I have to remember that I’m a civilian. Your not alone brother
It took me about two to three years to adjust to civilian life after I got out. That period was what I call the "boomerang" time, where I was tempted to go back in the service. Here I am over a decade and a half later at 44 years old and I'm still (every now and then) drawn towards the life. Kind of a norma thing for most of us, I guess. Once "green", you are never the same.
Yes Tomas military good memories listening to you I think about my parachute malfunction at 20yrs age at the time total cigarette roll 1250 ft haha rerserve finealy pops 50 yds parachute god gave me the softest landing ever had
I know exactly what you're talking about. I've been where you are mentally and I am still where you are mentally for similar reasons you talk about. But not as a Legionnaire.
Thomas, Thank you for your service. You've served Germany and France. Long personal comment. Advice, please? I'm enjoying old 'Skittles' I saved from a well past American meal ready to eat (MRE). So, I'm torn. I'm American state reserve component. My story: I was going to work before Covid-19. I feel bad; I was torn between helping or going past the emergency; would I make it to work on time? I had to help. I saved a woman off duty, with a brave civilian (who deserves accolades and I don't know his name), from her disabled car on the rail tracks (after a traffic collision), as a high speed train was coming. Between my police and military careers, bullets, knives and suspected bombs are nothing compared to a train. I was, I'll admit, absolutely scared...it was a TRAIN! No time for gloves. The railroad alarm was ringing, the gates went down...and the high speed train was coming about 55 MPH (about 90 KPH). I got her blood on my right hand as we were pulling her out if the driver's seat. I ensured there were no passengers. He carried her to a safe place. The train wasn't blowing it's horn in rapid succession as if it had seen an obstruction (car). I ran towards the train and signalled it to stop. I was afraid the train would hit me or crash into the disabled car where it would be thrown into the bystanders at the adjacent railroad crossing. The train stopped about 200 feet (about 90 meters) before me and the crew got out. The police came (I am past civilian police for 22 years and current military 18 years) and I was concerned about being late for my now civilian job. The rules are the rules. I took pictures of the situation and immediately left. No briefing to the arriving law enforcement officer; I regret that; maybe it would've helped her to understand the mess she was arriving at. I called my work site and advised the supervisor of the circumstances and said I might be late (huge problem if late). She was so understanding. I arrived with about 3 minutes to spare. I showed her the dried blood. I washed it off. And, she saw the pictures. She said she would never look at me the same. I'm now, thanks to my son's urging, being considered for a military decoration. I didn't save her for a medal. We never serve and act for medals. I put my life on the line many times as a civilian law enforcement officer and military police member over the years to save and protect others. For some reason, I'm uncomfortable about a decoration. Maybe some people have helpful, positive comments to help? Thanks, KA
Thomas when you have memories of your life and have trouble adjusting just look at you beautiful daughter and think of your new life and think of her growing into a beautiful woman . My friend this will be your next mission .Good luck my friend all the best from Canada
Adjutant Gast Sir you take one of those boots and I take the other, we will polish them and then have a panel of drunks in a bar decide who has the shiniest boot, the loser will pay for the beers. We will toast the good and the bad but mostly the things in man that lives forever.
oh yes , the day we left was a very different day from the one when we arrived in Aubagne for the first time . The bags were heavy with experiences and memories and the great unknown awaited .... I left on the friday afternoon as Caporal Chef and woke up next day with my girlfriend as an everyday civilian . Monday I was on a flight to Sao Paulo starting my new job with a Paris based security consultant ( BD ) and I travelled the world for the next 9 years ... that girlfriend became my wife and mother of sons but I still recall the very first day I knocked on the door of Chateau Vieux in Bayonne to engage ..... One small knock on a huge door that like the beat of a butterfly’s wings , causes huge changes far away ..............
Hey Thomas don't worry about your experiences. You will have noticed in your conversations that what is important for the none legionnaires is just a the limit ridiculous to mention or to pay attention too, but they call lament on for hours about nothing, real meaningless things for us, we got the idea to abnormal not to be interested by the subject. About the way we are thrown out of the legion ( not retiring but thrown out) , this has a lot to do with the fact you cleaning up the shit the French are to cowered to do themselves, this disturbs those "grrrrrraaaaa Frrrrancaa...) , the ones who usually are rolling the " r 's" as rollercoasters and inflate themselves with importance considering to have made a noticeable contribution to the nation, preparations
22 years out of the US Army and I still line up my belt buckle, pants, and shirts along the 'gig line', still afraid to put my hands in my pockets, and stay on the sidewalk with a mortal fear of stepping on the grass.
Don't forget barber pole socks, 2 fingers above the eyebrows for your pisscutter location, carried objects in the left hand only, and white painted rocks straddling the front walkway!
hello tom i also remember when i left the army after 20 years but i think it was easier for me than you because i had my retired id card showing my retirement and authporizing me to most services from the military.. but for myself i understand the feeling of a death for that is what it is the death of that part of your liufe.. i also understand the not feeling comfortable with talking to people for many yuears i would not talk to anyone unless they had been or were currently in the military didnt matter what branch.. but for myself evenwith military i could not talk freely because most have no understanding of my experiences to work totally alone driving in viet nam and seeing many days dead viet cong alongside the road hearing rifle shots not knowing if it is friendly or enemy and nobody with me ALONE most soldiers can not understand that feeling for when you are alone in a war zone it is a feeling that not many people can understand. i think many would refuse such an assignment of course you try to occupy your ,mind wioth other things not to focus on the fact that you are aloine. as i told you before i became a long haul trucl driver here when i retired and i found many many of us truck drivers at that time were viet nam veterans who felt uncomfortable with civilians.. so being alone in the truck for days weeks and ,months was comfortable to me i drove truck 32 years and 1 year this week i retired for the 2nd time first retired from army then retired from truck driving and again strange to me i know right now where the freight is running out of yuma arizona produce this time of year i did it so long i knew everything a bout what freight moves where and i can tell you tom i loved that life it gave ma a life quite wonderful i had a place to sleep better than sleeping in a sleeping bag i had heat when it was cold and air conditioning wheen it ws hot to me this was wonderful as a liufe to me luxury most people say how can yoiu .ive like that i said to me its heaven.. the biggest problempeople have is EXPECTATIONS people expect too much for me i was and still am very happy to have a place to live and food to eat i can shower everyday oh that is a big deal to a former soldier used to having to wait days for a shower.. i live in a motel room it has a tiny kitchenette but not so tiny it is bigger than the room in the trucks i drived so its wonderfuo i have a tv i have a radio i have a laptop and internet i have my military retirement and my social security whch is good because i waited till the year of my 70th birthday to rettire so i got maximum benefits i can use the veterans administration for medical im healthyu as an ox and like you i ahve some great coffee to drink each day life is good for me and i hope that you can find your life as satisfying as i do havve a great day
Wow salute General more blessings and better improvement of your life and former Mr Thomas because this is really motivational and self acceptance at its best state....salute to you two legends
Brother i understand, civilians cannot. It sometimes fades a bit, then well. The veterans hospital here in Georgia they try, friend i thought I had turn their back, only those who had done, been there understand. Take care of yourself brother take care
you know thomas i really think that these videos you produce is really a good form of self help for you. stop you going crazy but i love them keep them coming. dm
Respect a la Legion et aux Legionnaires, d'un ancien caporal eclaireur de l'armee americain. J'ai fini ma service de 11 ans en 2001; bien sur l'intensite est different entre l'armee americain et la Legion, mais je me sens toujours une difference similaire vers mes collegues civiles. You can take the man out of the Army, but you can't take the Army out of the Man!
Hallo Herr Gast, In einem Ihrer Bücher erwähnten Sie eine Probezeit von 6 Monaten beim Anheuern. Wie darf man sich das vorstellen? Können beide Seiten wie im zivilen Arbeitsleben "kündigen" oder muss schon was "gravierendes" vorfallen? Danke mal im Voraus
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
Dear Thomas,
Great listening to you.
I spent 8 years in the Legion, 1979 to 1987.
I can perfectly understand your problem relating to other people after you leave the Legion. It must have been much more difficult for you as you did many more years than me. Also I can see your life in the Legion was a much more dangerous time than I had, a much more adventurous time. I can see that you are a natural soldier, much more than I. I look forward to listening to more of your life in the Legion Thomas, and I'm sure you are adapting to your new new life. I wish you all the very best .
Sincerely Frank.
You Sir are a legend, I could listen to your stories for hours hours. Stay safe.
I love this guy’s stories. He’s actually a masterful story teller. The accent just adds authenticity, and that laugh ha ha ha.
"people were looking at me, and I was looking at the people, and I found that the people were strange." what a quote.
Thomas, that story resonates with me, 25 years in the Army and now 7 years out. Funny about civvies at 400% - true story. No Coffee , No workeee :)
Thomas, you just told the story of most professional military men. Its been 36 years since I got out after 10 years and I went through all what you described. Even today I can spot a combat vet across a room and I still prefer the company of those that have been out there in the mud and the blood.
My Brother In Arms, your words will resonate with people the world over that have spent many years in the military. 👍😁
Great stories....never been in the Legion but appreciate your life adventures....
You need to start selling those coffee Mugs!! I would purchase one. I completely understand how you feel. I served 24 1/2 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and in the U.S. Army. I have had issues feeling like I fit into the civilian world since I retired in 2014. I was not ready to get out at that time and I still miss the Brotherhood. Thanks for sharing.
You could have *EASILY* served 10 more years if not for that issue.
After 17 years, "culture shock" is expected. Glad to know you are managing well.
Leaving after your salute you earned your rank the hardest part was leaving the regime i felt lost after leaving but keep in touch with old comrade's i meet the best men in the world civilian life is too easy after the military life your a brother at arms my friend thank you for this channel its a great honour my adjuant to listen in with you your amazing man and the legion will always will be a part of us xxxx
Thank you for being open enough for us to relate.
I could hear your stories for hours monsieur, best regards....
Toujours Legionnaires!
Great
Stories and your English is fine and clear. Your stories are a blessing to hear Thank you!
Thank you Mr. Gast for this video.
You are a wonderful communicator.
I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps US. When I got home, I was lost. I studied the French Foreign Legion. I was going to leave and head to France and join up. My father talked me out of it. I wanted a piece of Africa adventure. I wanted to get stationed in Djibouti. I just saw your channel yesterday and LOVE your stories. I regret not making the decision I had made. Semper FI brother. Keep up the work.
When did you leave the corps brother ?
Thomas. I recognize bits of myself in you. I remember getting out of the U.S. Army
coming back the States from overseas. I observed the behavior and deportment of the general population. I thought to myself " These civilians haven't got a fucking clue."
Thomas ich weiss ein bischen Deutsche, aber danke fur deine nachricht sir. Ich waere en der Marines aus Amerika und ich fuelt gleich nach meine zeit nur 4 jahren mit zwei deployments am Iraq. Stay strong and I feel blessed I have a job with the National Cemetery Administration and our entire field crew are all military veterans. It's the best thing that could've happened to me and worth it even on the hot days or cold ones.
Danke Herr Gast,
Daniel
edit: Apologies for my grammatiche..
Thank you! For so openly and honestly sharing your feelings, your pain and your loss. When you left the legion you didn´t just leave a job, you left behind your entire world. Everything that was safe, orderly and familair. Being safe while being shot at, a contradiction. But what if being shot at involves a safe place? A workplace thats also your whole world. Filled with mutual respect, trusted friends and the best bosses money can buy. I can relate to you describing the "civilain" world. Filled with people who dont understand you, and you dont understand them. The amount of "bumbling around" just because a clear lack of purpose. The missing forethought and planning, resulting in hard setbacks. Setbacks that could easily have been avoided, with just another mindset. That discussion is best left untouched, for many would feel like you are "taking the mickey out of them". I salute you!
All those beautiful Moments come up,very nice. Forever Legionnaire MR GAST.
Thank you for sharing Thomas.
I take off my hat for you. 🙏
So nice at the end i got tears in my eyes..............what a great man
I felt this same way leaving the military
I must say I very much enjoy hearing your stories. Much respect to you....
You are a beautiful soul. Your light burns brightly. Thank you for your sharing.
The thing is Thomas you left because of a fear....
A Fathers Fear..... because a soldier has no fear other than letting his brothers down in a time of need. A soldiers fear is much different than you discribed.
It is how a failure of mine will affect others..... and not a feeling of not being there or helplessness to affect change.
You left....only to find
a world of others with a lack of discipline, lack of structure, no common goals, and little respect for their fellow man.
It's a world very hard to find a place in......very hard to adjust to!
Best wishes Thomas.. 🤠
I'm new to subscribe, and this is the first video I have seen of yours. I served as a British Royal Marines Commando. We also have a saying similar - OARMAARM
Once A Royal Marine Always A Royal Marine
Semper fi I was a Marine across the pond.
@@dmorgan0628 I got 10 year ban from the US after an incident in North Carolina! Camp Cherry ( I think it was!)
Probably Cherry Point It's our air wing on the east coast. I was at Camp Lejeune stateside.
@@dmorgan0628 - Semper Fi. Marine 1969-73. I spent 3 years, 4 months, 22 days at Camp Lejeune, all in 2nd ANGLICO. Paratrooper. Married, lived in Verona, NC, then Midway Park, then Tarawa Terrace.
Had a hard-assed SSgt in the company who looked just like this guy. He held the HALO altitude record for Vietnam, he had over 800 parachute jumps, most as a parachute test-jumper. Imagine that for a job.
Thanks for the nostalgia, took me back to when I was young and foolish.
Love your stories! Love the mug👍👍
You are so informative and down to earth. What you say is easy to relate to. Stay well and Blessings from UK.x
I can somewhat relate to your story...when I came back from overseas I felt like a foreigner in my "own" country...very weird!
That fear creeps up on you when you have something to lose. Fear finds that tiny crack in your courage and tries to sneak in. That moment of fear does not define your 17 years of service. You may have felt like it did at the time but you did not let your men down only yourself. Life is cruel mon ami but I know you will not let that instance forever cast a cloud over the rest of your life, your much too good a man to let that happen. Bonne chance.
You have my utmost respect, and I find everything you say to be incredibly enlightening sir.
You are one of my favourite guys on youbtube. You have spirit, good heart, and you do suffer inside. Imagine this, you had time in your life where you belonged somwehere, some of us never had that, me for example, I don't fit in, but thats just how it is. We die alone.
Mr. Gast, I salute you! I do love your heartfelt stories of Légion étrangère life experience, lessons learned, and foremost you "share the knowledge" with us. Thank you very much indeed. Did you know any Venezuelans? Good Health and blessings for the day to you.
No coffee, No workee. ✌🏼😎
You are a good Man. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Good morning Thomas, very good video. Sincerily.
Love the coffee mug...I must have one!
I understand perfectly how you must have been feeling... it will never leave you
Ausgezeichnet, Herr Adjutant Gast!
Deine Videos sind ein Traum Thomas, vielen Dank und liebe Grüße aus den US!
heureux de vous revoir en tenu de combat f2 en CCE mon ADJ, cest vrais le dernier jours est dur on sort comme on rentre.
Thomas great to listen to your stories,I can hear the dedication and Honor of the French foreign legionnaires.MEN Of HONOR.Thank you.
Another GREAT video.... 👍
Thank you for sharing so honestly your story!
tackar så !
Correct Thomas, once in the brotherhood you never leave, irrelevant of age "The Fish"
Adorei ouvir tudo que você disse!sinceridade e honestidade...é de Homem!!!
once a soldier always a soldier ......i miss the army still
Totally understand Thomas, I've been out Thirty Years from British Airborne, All my friends are former Airborne, We meet up all the time, we tell the same old stories and get the same old laughs as of we never heard the story before...lol
My highest respect to you
I went the same route. US Army Infantry 10 years. Got out went to work for a PMC. It's hard you want to talk about stuff but you just can't talk to anyone.
Le retraite n'est pas pour un légionnaire, une fois légionnaire toujours légionnaire. Bon week-end a/c ☕☕
Thomas: The dreams/screams in the middle of the night got to my significant others for several years. Some could not understand/cope. It is a universal thing.....
I like yours story's you are best
huge respect from Nepal.
I love listening to you.
I served my Country…it was thought
For twenty years. And when I came
To end it all, they said I ought
To settle back and so reclaim
My Country and my former place
But though I looked I could not find
My Country or a friendly face
My Country changed and so had I
And all was lost and nothing won
Another land another sky
My Country and myself were gone
No music, no breakfast!
"Strange world outside...yeah" Ain't that the truth. Cheers.
Hi Tomas. There is a saying You can take the man out of the legion But you can`t` take the legion out of the man . Love your video's... .
From a civilian perspective I am in awe of you sir. I feel like you lived a Hemingway novel. That is so cool
I’m a former United States Sailor. Everything you said is true. I’ve been out 2 years and when I wake up every morning, I feel as if I’m in my barracks room. I feel as if I’m about to put on my uniform and go to work. But then I remember my job doesn’t start till nine, I have a beard, and I’m 1,000 miles from my ship. I have to remember that I’m a civilian. Your not alone brother
It took me about two to three years to adjust to civilian life after I got out. That period was what I call the "boomerang" time, where I was tempted to go back in the service. Here I am over a decade and a half later at 44 years old and I'm still (every now and then) drawn towards the life.
Kind of a norma thing for most of us, I guess. Once "green", you are never the same.
That's won't last
Bonjour from the Philippines.
I salute you sir.
Fantastic very interesting
Yes Tomas military good memories listening to you I think about my parachute malfunction at 20yrs age at the time total cigarette roll 1250 ft haha rerserve finealy pops 50 yds parachute god gave me the softest landing ever had
Salutations de stras a bayreuth! Bn aprem mon adjudant
Je me rappelle du sergent Bastien et du caporal chef Paturo, du Géneral Rouet... du bon temps !
Soooo eine schöne Tasse...😋😋😋😋, merci, für das Video ..💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
awesome
I know exactly what you're talking about. I've been where you are mentally and I am still where you are mentally for similar reasons you talk about. But not as a Legionnaire.
Thomas, Thank you for your service. You've served Germany and France. Long personal comment. Advice, please?
I'm enjoying old 'Skittles' I saved from a well past American meal ready to eat (MRE).
So, I'm torn. I'm American state reserve component. My story:
I was going to work before Covid-19. I feel bad; I was torn between helping or going past the emergency; would I make it to work on time? I had to help.
I saved a woman off duty, with a brave civilian (who deserves accolades and I don't know his name), from her disabled car on the rail tracks (after a traffic collision), as a high speed train was coming.
Between my police and military careers, bullets, knives and suspected bombs are nothing compared to a train. I was, I'll admit, absolutely scared...it was a TRAIN!
No time for gloves. The railroad alarm was ringing, the gates went down...and the high speed train was coming about 55 MPH (about 90 KPH).
I got her blood on my right hand as we were pulling her out if the driver's seat. I ensured there were no passengers. He carried her to a safe place.
The train wasn't blowing it's horn in rapid succession as if it had seen an obstruction (car).
I ran towards the train and signalled it to stop. I was afraid the train would hit me or crash into the disabled car where it would be thrown into the bystanders at the adjacent railroad crossing. The train stopped about 200 feet (about 90 meters) before me and the crew got out.
The police came (I am past civilian police for 22 years and current military 18 years) and I was concerned about being late for my now civilian job. The rules are the rules.
I took pictures of the situation and immediately left. No briefing to the arriving law enforcement officer; I regret that; maybe it would've helped her to understand the mess she was arriving at.
I called my work site and advised the supervisor of the circumstances and said I might be late (huge problem if late). She was so understanding.
I arrived with about 3 minutes to spare. I showed her the dried blood. I washed it off. And, she saw the pictures.
She said she would never look at me the same.
I'm now, thanks to my son's urging, being considered for a military decoration. I didn't save her for a medal. We never serve and act for medals.
I put my life on the line many times as a civilian law enforcement officer and military police member over the years to save and protect others.
For some reason, I'm uncomfortable about a decoration.
Maybe some people have helpful, positive comments to help? Thanks, KA
Inspirational account!
Légionnaire un jour, légionnaire toujours!
LPN Mon Adjudant!
Thomas when you have memories of your life and have trouble adjusting just look at you beautiful daughter and think of your new life and think of her growing into a beautiful woman . My friend this will be your next mission .Good luck my friend all the best from Canada
Real talk.
Adjutant Gast Sir you take one of those boots and I take the other, we will polish them and then have a panel of drunks in a bar decide who has the shiniest boot, the loser will pay for the beers.
We will toast the good and the bad but mostly the things in man that lives forever.
oh yes , the day we left was a very different day from the one when we arrived in Aubagne for the first time . The bags were heavy with experiences and memories and the great unknown awaited .... I left on the friday afternoon as Caporal Chef and woke up next day with my girlfriend as an everyday civilian . Monday I was on a flight to Sao Paulo starting my new job with a Paris based security consultant ( BD ) and I travelled the world for the next 9 years ... that girlfriend became my wife and mother of sons but I still recall the very first day I knocked on the door of Chateau Vieux in Bayonne to engage .....
One small knock on a huge door that like the beat of a butterfly’s wings , causes huge changes far away ..............
Hey Thomas don't worry about your experiences. You will have noticed in your conversations that what is important for the none legionnaires is just a the limit ridiculous to mention or to pay attention too, but they call lament on for hours about nothing, real meaningless things for us, we got the idea to abnormal not to be interested by the subject. About the way we are thrown out of the legion ( not retiring but thrown out) , this has a lot to do with the fact you cleaning up the shit the French are to cowered to do themselves, this disturbs those "grrrrrraaaaa Frrrrancaa...) , the ones who usually are rolling the " r 's" as rollercoasters and inflate themselves with importance considering to have made a noticeable contribution to the nation, preparations
Boss!
22 years out of the US Army and I still line up my belt buckle, pants, and shirts along the 'gig line', still afraid to put my hands in my pockets, and stay on the sidewalk with a mortal fear of stepping on the grass.
Don't forget barber pole socks, 2 fingers above the eyebrows for your pisscutter location, carried objects in the left hand only, and white painted rocks straddling the front walkway!
Loved your video
Bon!
brilliant...
Bros in arms: special sort of men👍
hello tom i also remember when i left the army after 20 years but i think it was easier for me than you because i had my retired id card showing my retirement and authporizing me to most services from the military.. but for myself i understand the feeling of a death for that is what it is the death of that part of your liufe.. i also understand the not feeling comfortable with talking to people for many yuears i would not talk to anyone unless they had been or were currently in the military didnt matter what branch.. but for myself evenwith military i could not talk freely because most have no understanding of my experiences to work totally alone driving in viet nam and seeing many days dead viet cong alongside the road hearing rifle shots not knowing if it is friendly or enemy and nobody with me ALONE most soldiers can not understand that feeling for when you are alone in a war zone it is a feeling that not many people can understand. i think many would refuse such an assignment of course you try to occupy your ,mind wioth other things not to focus on the fact that you are aloine. as i told you before i became a long haul trucl driver here when i retired and i found many many of us truck drivers at that time were viet nam veterans who felt uncomfortable with civilians.. so being alone in the truck for days weeks and ,months was comfortable to me i drove truck 32 years and 1 year this week i retired for the 2nd time first retired from army then retired from truck driving and again strange to me i know right now where the freight is running out of yuma arizona produce this time of year i did it so long i knew everything a bout what freight moves where and i can tell you tom i loved that life it gave ma a life quite wonderful i had a place to sleep better than sleeping in a sleeping bag i had heat when it was cold and air conditioning wheen it ws hot to me this was wonderful as a liufe to me luxury most people say how can yoiu .ive like that i said to me its heaven.. the biggest problempeople have is EXPECTATIONS people expect too much for me i was and still am very happy to have a place to live and food to eat i can shower everyday oh that is a big deal to a former soldier used to having to wait days for a shower.. i live in a motel room it has a tiny kitchenette but not so tiny it is bigger than the room in the trucks i drived so its wonderfuo i have a tv i have a radio i have a laptop and internet i have my military retirement and my social security whch is good because i waited till the year of my 70th birthday to rettire so i got maximum benefits i can use the veterans administration for medical im healthyu as an ox and like you i ahve some great coffee to drink each day life is good for me and i hope that you can find your life as satisfying as i do havve a great day
Wow salute General more blessings and better improvement of your life and former Mr Thomas because this is really motivational and self acceptance at its best state....salute to you two legends
Brother i understand, civilians cannot. It sometimes fades a bit, then well. The veterans hospital here in Georgia they try, friend i thought I had turn their back, only those who had done, been there understand. Take care of yourself brother take care
you too
Not only corporel fitness great! Memory too!!!! No detail forgotten!!! Young4ever: ADJ TG😯💯👍👍👍
you know thomas i really think that these videos you produce is really a good form of self help for you. stop you going crazy but i love them keep them coming. dm
Personne ne quitte jamais la Légion Étrangère!
Hello Mr. Thomas Gast. Where it is possible to buy this coffee pot ???? Best regards from Nürnberg out of my homeoffice !
Finally tell us how to get the hot cups 😁 !
Respect a la Legion et aux Legionnaires, d'un ancien caporal eclaireur de l'armee americain. J'ai fini ma service de 11 ans en 2001; bien sur l'intensite est different entre l'armee americain et la Legion, mais je me sens toujours une difference similaire vers mes collegues civiles. You can take the man out of the Army, but you can't take the Army out of the Man!
Hallo Herr Gast,
In einem Ihrer Bücher erwähnten Sie eine Probezeit von 6 Monaten beim Anheuern. Wie darf man sich das vorstellen? Können beide Seiten wie im zivilen Arbeitsleben "kündigen" oder muss schon was "gravierendes" vorfallen? Danke mal im Voraus
He should do a reaction video to French Foreign Legion Movies especially one with Jean Claud Van Damm
DEEP BRO.
Love your stories
Ex scotsguards
No coffee no work!
My mate ...mike purcell. Was n d parachute regmbt ....hes an irish lad did u serve with him?
"I love your coffee cup/mug AWSOME much respect Mr Gast"