I just want to say Kevin, you truly are a treasure. Your stories, experiences, insights, and wisdom are worth more to us than gold, more than clean water, especially now. I wish you good health and blessings.
The smoke grenades remind me of a story from Armor Officer Basic course. The instructors loved to throw tear gas grenades at us during lunch whenever we were in the field to catch us off guard. Most of my class however was OCS (officer candidate school) grads and therefore prior enlisted soldiers and we were well trained with our masks and chemical procedures, the poor ROTC guys were not so much and would often panic and take in a decent amount of gas. At any rate, one of our guys would always keep one of his nomex gloves on during lunch and we all teased him about it, until the day the cadre threw a CS grenade and he casually walked over to it, picked it up and threw it back at them. It proceeded to roll under their vehicle and fill it with gas. The only thing we felt bad about was the poor duty driver, just some PVT on detail because they were not issued masks for this job. There were a lot less lunches ruined by gas attack after that incident.
Kev I hope you painted a small tank and a helicopter on the side of your Land Rover ;) Laughed out loud several times thanks for brightening a wet Friday!
Cheers from the States! I love personal military stories. The antics, humor, and sarcasm go hand in hand with service members. No matter the country or time period. I served in the US Marines fifteen years ago, and it's the same. Thanks for the stories!
My dear late dad served in the RAF in the 50's in West Germany, working on radar, the tales he told us (who knows if they were genuine!😂) about getting into drunken scraps with American soldiers made us laugh, especially if you knew him. But he was a young man at the time, too much beer, so it brings a smile to my face.
I served in Berlin from 1975 to 1980, so I traveled down the "corridor" many times. Sometimes there were occurrences along the way, which we had to report when we reached the allied checkpoint. The Soviet sentries used to make a bit of extra cash selling badges and caps. The old checkpoint hut was demolished in about 1976 when the Autobahn was widened and a new modern building was erected on the side of the road, (now the German customs post). I still remember catching the MPs sleeping when I turned up in the middle of the night. In 1982 I was posted to a unit not far from Helmstedt and used to visit the ACD when showing visitors the border. The MPs used to often drop in our guardroom for a cup of tea when in the vicinity, or on their way to Wolfenbüttel to pick up the mail.
Hi Kevin, i always watch your videos with my dad, he doesn't speak English so I always translate what you say to him (we live in Brazil), i introduced him to the study of history, and now he's a big fan of you. Our house was flooded yesterday due to a massive flood that practically took over the entire city and submerged houses completely, I am at a relative's house and he's with my grandparents, watching you comforts me like i was home, i hope that as soon as the water is gone and we get our house back we can watch your videos together again. Great video as always ❤
Great comment. Sending greetings to you and your dad from England. Kevin is great right ? Although I'm from the UK I studied in italy and made friends with a Brazilian guy from resende. One day I will visit your beautiful country... really sorry to hear about the flood. I sincerely hope you and your dad get things sorted out... keep us updated . Best wishes friend ...
@augustorrosa Yes, I saw the flood on the news yesterday and am so sorry you got caught up in it. I wish you well and hope you can get back to normal soon. Please send your Dad my best wishes too.
@@TheRuralpoet You are so kind my friend, thank you so much. When you come here we will welcome you with open arms, a wide smile and hospitality. My country is not in the best conditions in the last year's, as you may know, a coup attempt, a lot of political instability, recovering from an economic crisis, etc. So please forgive me if any Brazilian be rude to you someday, a lot of people are desperate and end up taking it out on innocent people, but don't need to be scared, people who will be rude will always be a minority. Greetings from Brazil
Here we go!!! Cold War One!!! I was with The Royal Canadian Regiment. Baden Soellingen. Loved the German Posting. I was never to Berlin. My German friends said. “If you haven’t been to Berlin. Then you haven’t been to Germany!” Those scissor bridges are amazing. It seems to break the laws of gravity when they are stretched out in the air attached to the delivery vehicle. !! I should mention that they lay out flat when deployed a over obstacles like trenches or creeks. I was surprised and confused when you said they were laying over barricades!!! Back to the show 😅
I have nothing to do with the military, I'm not even British or American, but your stories and experiences are such a joy to listen to. What an absolute treasure.
You are a great storyteller. I'm a 20-year veteran of the US Army. It was fun hearing about your training exercise with the military humor from a British perspective. Love Army humor | The Only Way to Survive 🙂
I love hearing your tales from your service. It's great seeing an in-depth and human perspective from such a pivotal moment in our history. We're likely to overlook this topic until all the vets from that era are gone. Please make more videos of your everyday life while serving. They're quite the spectacle and above all else, very entertaining! Thank you for being one of the few.
Here's a link to my personal stories playlist if you're interested in hearing some more 👍🏻 th-cam.com/play/PLZ5bkawra-DgKjZJtINlR5Ugc0udjVfrV.html&si=WokCXIZVCdNZYKyp
We (or at least I) loved these stories. Hope you make another video about Checkpoint Alpha. The stories made me think about my days in the Norwegian Navy. Best years of my life 🙂.
Your account takes me back to the mid 1970's when I was with 113 Pro Coy in Munster... I actually went over to Berlin on one occasion in 1976 and remember Alpha at Helmstedt and going along the corridor. Thank you for reminding me of happier times, Kev.
Sincere congratulations Kevin for your devotion to History, please keep on helping us to understand the follies and heroism of warriors of all times. May God blessed you for your compasionate service.
Enjoyed hearing more of your time in the Royal Army Military Police Corps. I used to enjoy my Dad's Army stories from WW2. My Coast Guard Maritime Security & Investigation stories are too boring for the general public... and probably for some Coasties too😆
Thanks for the stories Kevin. I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB from 1978 to 1981, of course not near the Berlin Wall, but we did have to be ready to defend the base. Soldiers and airmen to have lots of tomfoolery stories to be told, and I am remembering my own. I did really like Germany, thank you for your service. Cheers from Texas.
My son is returning home to the U.S. from Spangdahlem in the morning after 3 years away. He’s had a good bit of fun, it’s easier times for the Airmen now except maybe that they are wanted less by the locals than before, but he’s ready to be back in the states for a while and I’m ready for him to be back. Thank you for your service.
Kevin, thanks yet again, i do have a chuckle with your stories, love the one of the baby and the sledge, and every Parent has had that "feeling" when they have miss placed their favorite child, well i have!
Been racing since the ‘90s and I, along w/fellow racers in the SoCal area, used to run driving courses for the CHP. They had their own training track off the I-5. It was hilarious to train cops in these huge Detroit boats loaded with thousands of pounds of gear. They felt more like powerboats than care. They were always most excited about learning the J-Turns, which was fairly easy in those cars. But teaching them how to maintain pace in cars of that size, which were generally underpowered for their weight, was a lot harder and many vehicles got smashed in the process, a number completely totaled. US Cops, are generally overly macho and a bit arrogant. “I’m already fast. No little racing driver has anything to teach me” was a common, but unspoken attitude. So, in order to get them to actually listen and respect the process, you had to show them how much faster you were than them. We usually did this by either scaring the sh*t out of them in a ride along or if that didn’t work, we’d put them alone in a car behind us and tell them to keep up. Often we could end up lapping them within 5 laps (the circuit was fairly short). Humbled, the learning could begin. Not always smoothly, dozens of cars were totaled.
This should be a "Carry on " script it is so witty and funny, Kevin I thank you for REAL entertainment and the fact that it is probably true (my brother was a soldier and equally silly) is all the funnier, please keep up the great work,. Dummy Salute!
I really love hearing your stories of Berlin. I lived there with my father and our family in the early 70's. One of the jobs my father had was driving around the Berlin wall checking that things and would tell us the things he saw. I loved our posting to Berlin.
I love these stories you give us from time to time! I watched the one when you were a police officer and that was a good watch, that shovel baseball hitting that smoke grenade story is insane!!! wow!
That reminds me seeing the tank bridge being launched on an exercise. As the bridge is at the apex I'm realising that the launching must be visible from at least five kilometres away. On the next occasion we could see it with entire base being in between. If there was a war I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the bridge launch, it's bound to be a an artillery magnet.
I love history from an individual's perspective. I took care of a nurse who was 102 who married an Englishman. He could vote in the US but she could not. She was a nurse during, "The Spanish Flu." She was slightly perturbed and amused that her husband could vote but she could not..Your stories are so interesting!
@@thehistorysquad She was very stoic when it came to that part of her life but she did mention that she was working non -stop and she ended up with pneumonia and was very sick.
Loved it, as usual. I'm sure everybody who have served, whatever nation, have their stories. I severd in RNoN in 1988/89. According to our regulation, you never salute anyone on bikes, you just nod(The old term was "Wheel Dragoons"). As a recruit, I was in my own thoughts, and did not see one of the instructors, so I didn't salute. So the inevitable "That man there!", came.So I said the first thing that came to mind: "Sorry, PO, I didn't see you. I shall salute twice the next time I see you"....
Some fantastic stories there. I moved to West Berlin in 1981 to study and got to know a few British and US servicemen posted there. They were full of stories like that. One once told me when the wind was blowing in a certain direction, aircraft landing at the British forces airfield in Gatow in Berlin had to fly partly over East German territory in their landing approach. The East Germans would then shoot at the wings and fill them with holes. West Berlin at the time was probably the most interesting city in world. I knew people there who had smuggled themselves over the wall hidden in cars. Or one who had helped dig a tunnel under the wall. And then another from East Germany who had pretended to be insane so that he was kicked out of the country.
@@thehistorysquad I lived at the time on the Kaiserdamm, right in the middle of West Berlin far from the Wall and thought it safest there should the Soviets try something. And then someone connected to the city's military administration told me that, should the Soviets attack, their first goal would be to take the Kaiserdamm and Bismarkstasse all the way down to the Brandenburg Gate. Yikes! I was often in East Berlin and had a few hilarious experiences with Soviet officers there. Another story for another day. Keep up the good work.
I was fortunate (and honored) to serve under President Reagan as a Senior NCO in the US Army, stationed in the occupied city of West Berlin from 1981 to 1984. The Cold War was at its peak then, mostly as a clear confrontation between NATO (commercial west) and the Warsaw Pact (communist east). President Reagan made his first official visit to West Berlin in June of 1982 and spoke initially to those of us in the Allied military forces stationed there. This was long before his famous ‘Wall’ speech. Membership in NATO was formed from western allies voluntarily; France was excluded because they chose not to join at that time. Membership in Warsaw Pact was formed, and enforced by Soviet forces, in countries they invaded during World War II. Any country that tried to leave the Warsaw Pact because of freedom movements (East Germany (DDR) / Hungary / Czechoslovakia) faced violent suppression by the Soviet forces. The members of the Warsaw Pact were not the comrades as the PR often claim. It appeared similar events would happen in Poland during the 1980’s. We were able to see the evils of communism everyday in the DDR. Oftentimes in areas just across the street or closer. Escape attempts and bloody retribution were pretty common occurrences with blatant and often loud results. Everyone on that side suffered in some form or other from food shortages to constant brutality. I was attached to the Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment as an interrogator tasked with interviewing defectors (Border Guard / Military) and refugees (civilians) from all of the various Pact countries. They were fleeing similar oppression with many vivid stories of their own. We had an almost constant flow during my time there. We were especially concerned about events in Poland as the Solidarity Union disturbances were watched closely by the Soviet seniors. During one of my 1983 interviews with a Polish officer who had defected; I asked him what would happen if the Pact forces invaded Poland to suppress the activities… … would the Polish military fight or not. His answer was both humorous and cynical. He said: “Your question presents a very serious issue for Polish soldiers to answer; do we do our duty to the people and country by shooting Russians? Or do we enjoy ourselves by shooting Germans? No more invasions.” We were pretty certain something was coming soon by that time; just not sure if we would become radioactive dust or the Soviet Union would collapse. I am surprised it took until 1989 for the Wall to actually come down and it looks like modern day rioters are trying to put it back up. Regards
Mr.hicks I have to tell you these are my favorite videos for me and my son to watch . He’s turning 6 and just now into history ( specifically war weapons things like that ) and the story of your time with seeing the new tank of the soviets and these are my personal favorite ways to learn …. Listen to personal story’s of men who were there
These personal experience videos are my favorite. I would have loved to been beside you during the Berlin exercise. That sounds like an awesome experience. Reminds me of the exercise we had on Okinawa while I was stationed there. Seabees against the Marines. HAHAHAHA We made short work of those puffed-up jar heads.
History Grandpa coming in with army stories like my grandfather told me. ...Only there were half as many and tinged with a bit more of the 'spicy nostalgia'. 😅
Great video. The only stuff my grandfather ever shared with me about his time serving in the war, was the tricks he and squaddies would get up to, yoir video reminded me of the best ever man in my life, thanks mate 👍🏴❤
You are one helluva raconteur, Cpl. Hicks! I think my favorite videos are the ones where you tell stories about your time in Berlin and Cyprus. I also couldn't help but notice that on your hoodie (sweatshirt), the end knot of one of the drawstrings was right over the photo of you making it look like you had a red clown nose while giving the 2 finger salute. An all around great video!!!
You could upload nothing but your own personal stories from now on and I’d still watch every single video! They’re all so captivating, especially with such a gifted storyteller.
Thanks Kevin, I always Watch your videos with great interest.. this video was not a disappointment.. thank you can't wait to watch your next one. Your a star..👍🏻😄
Yippee another good Friday as you have uploaded and made a miserable day happier. Thanks Kevin and Co for the happiness and life stories. Be safe mate and keep them coming 👍
Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for another very entertaining video. I love your stories, and the gleam of mischief in your eyes, as you tell them, I am sure that if he was still with us, my old dad would get on great with you, with over 50 years cooking on ships, he had a story for any occasion. Thanks once again, for another top shelf video, be safe, and as always best regards Arthur
My Grandfather was a Royal Navy cook... Special breed no doubt, as a grandkid it was heaven, endless stories and huge roast dinners with big bowls of custard to follow. Best wishes from the UK
Outstanding stories once again. I was just retelling the story you had told about being the first allied soldier to see the AK74. Gained you a few more viewers right there. Cheers Kevin
These stories and insights are truly fascinating. Thank you Kevin for being a great story teller. These videos and your normal history ones are up there with the best on TH-cam. It always makes my day when you release a video. I always find them so engaging. Thank you for everything you do 😃
My Uncle who was stationed in Germany in the early to mid 60s, was terrified of German spiders, he did not care for American spiders, but German ones really terrified him.
On our morning runs the were always HUGE spiderwebs glistening with dew and always a huge wolf spider in the centre. Hanging in the way Every one put their faces though one sooner or later 😮
20 years Navy Aircrewman and Rescue Swimmer, wife sat in our Aircrew Shack listening to the way we spoke to and about each other. Whenever she and I left the Squadron she said she could not BELIEVE how we talked to each other! When I said what are you talking about she told me how we spoke about each other, our families, about people in general which normally would be considered VERY insulting. I told her that it was common for "guys" to say those things because if someone wasn't "pinging" on you that meant they didn't Like you! If you were being picked on you were expected to give it back as good as you got it! Im sure Kevin will say this as well, those were some of the BEST days of my life and I made life long friends. Not to mention we considered each other Family and would go out of our way for each other. I'm 61 now and if one of my Brothers/Sisters from the service needed me, I would be there as quick as possible.... Love your stuff Kevin, keep it going Brother.... E. H. McKinsey AW1 (AW/SAR) USN Ret....
Please Kev we need more of this and maybe some interviews with the guys you served with too. It's always great to see some old battle buddies talking about old times
I don't think I'd be brave enough to even try the bridge, especially with everyone watching. There's a plot for a movie in your memories. Really enjoyed hearing about them.
This is such an amazing video. If I had Kevin as a history teacher/professor when I was I school, I would have done so much better. I would have actually paid attention to the lesson.
Priceless, I don't recall any fun times in West Germany during the Cold War. But my father had a few stories when he was in the Naval Reserved. On one occasion he was on watch in the wheelhouse, Officer in Charge holler down at him from the bridge," Mind the rudder sailor". That morning the Navigator to my father into the map room and show him that the ship had went off course then came back on course. Another time my father was on watch in the engine room. There is the ships emergency helm if something should every happen to the bridge and wheelhouse. After a while my father started to get sleepy, so he got comfortable and took a snooze nap. Off when the alarm, "You got it" shouting from the bridge, my father half asleep struggle to catch the wheel. During my father retirement he took up painting as a hobby. He did a couple paintings of himself and his brother. Uncle Loyd is seen smiling while my father has a serious look on his face and wonder why. Until remember that as a sailor he had let up a cigarette and put the wrong end in his mouth. Someone had taken that photo right after that. And that is the photo my father chose to do his self portrait.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
I just want to say Kevin, you truly are a treasure. Your stories, experiences, insights, and wisdom are worth more to us than gold, more than clean water, especially now.
I wish you good health and blessings.
How lovely, thank you!
A good day: When Kevin says things
Moin from germany my british Freund,allways enjoing your Channel ❤
😂
There is no better way to begin a Friday than a Kevin video
Proven and agreed
And of course, somebody made a model
He makes history fun.
Agreed!
Absolutely agreed! ❤
The smoke grenades remind me of a story from Armor Officer Basic course. The instructors loved to throw tear gas grenades at us during lunch whenever we were in the field to catch us off guard. Most of my class however was OCS (officer candidate school) grads and therefore prior enlisted soldiers and we were well trained with our masks and chemical procedures, the poor ROTC guys were not so much and would often panic and take in a decent amount of gas. At any rate, one of our guys would always keep one of his nomex gloves on during lunch and we all teased him about it, until the day the cadre threw a CS grenade and he casually walked over to it, picked it up and threw it back at them. It proceeded to roll under their vehicle and fill it with gas. The only thing we felt bad about was the poor duty driver, just some PVT on detail because they were not issued masks for this job. There were a lot less lunches ruined by gas attack after that incident.
Well done. I went through the Armor Officer Basic Course in 1968. (ROTC Grad)
I watched the rest of the video. I had to subscribe.
@@neiljohnson6815 I was 1998 You on M60s?
😂 good one
Kev I hope you painted a small tank and a helicopter on the side of your Land Rover ;)
Laughed out loud several times thanks for brightening a wet Friday!
😂 my pleasure
Cheers from the States! I love personal military stories. The antics, humor, and sarcasm go hand in hand with service members. No matter the country or time period. I served in the US Marines fifteen years ago, and it's the same. Thanks for the stories!
You must be the best storyteller i've ever seen, Kevin!
A 10 minute of your stories goes like 1 minute!
😜 thanks for listening
Love the soldier stories. Could listen for days.
Same here, they're excellent 👍
My dear late dad served in the RAF in the 50's in West Germany, working on radar, the tales he told us (who knows if they were genuine!😂) about getting into drunken scraps with American soldiers made us laugh, especially if you knew him. But he was a young man at the time, too much beer, so it brings a smile to my face.
I served in Berlin from 1975 to 1980, so I traveled down the "corridor" many times. Sometimes there were occurrences along the way, which we had to report when we reached the allied checkpoint. The Soviet sentries used to make a bit of extra cash selling badges and caps. The old checkpoint hut was demolished in about 1976 when the Autobahn was widened and a new modern building was erected on the side of the road, (now the German customs post). I still remember catching the MPs sleeping when I turned up in the middle of the night. In 1982 I was posted to a unit not far from Helmstedt and used to visit the ACD when showing visitors the border. The MPs used to often drop in our guardroom for a cup of tea when in the vicinity, or on their way to Wolfenbüttel to pick up the mail.
I can just imagine the soul leaving that man's body as you announce your "orders"
Hi Kevin, i always watch your videos with my dad, he doesn't speak English so I always translate what you say to him (we live in Brazil), i introduced him to the study of history, and now he's a big fan of you. Our house was flooded yesterday due to a massive flood that practically took over the entire city and submerged houses completely, I am at a relative's house and he's with my grandparents, watching you comforts me like i was home, i hope that as soon as the water is gone and we get our house back we can watch your videos together again. Great video as always ❤
Great comment. Sending greetings to you and your dad from England. Kevin is great right ? Although I'm from the UK I studied in italy and made friends with a Brazilian guy from resende. One day I will visit your beautiful country... really sorry to hear about the flood. I sincerely hope you and your dad get things sorted out... keep us updated . Best wishes friend ...
@TheRuralpoet that's very kind of you.
@augustorrosa Yes, I saw the flood on the news yesterday and am so sorry you got caught up in it. I wish you well and hope you can get back to normal soon. Please send your Dad my best wishes too.
@@TheRuralpoet You are so kind my friend, thank you so much. When you come here we will welcome you with open arms, a wide smile and hospitality. My country is not in the best conditions in the last year's, as you may know, a coup attempt, a lot of political instability, recovering from an economic crisis, etc. So please forgive me if any Brazilian be rude to you someday, a lot of people are desperate and end up taking it out on innocent people, but don't need to be scared, people who will be rude will always be a minority. Greetings from Brazil
@@thehistorysquad Thank you very very much Kevin, and yes, I will send it to him, he will be as happy as I am to know that you sent us this answer.
If Kevin had been one of my teachers I wouldn't have dropped out in the 3rd grade. "The More You Know" 👍😂
No matter the country a good Army story is a good Army story
Here we go!!!
Cold War One!!!
I was with The Royal Canadian Regiment. Baden Soellingen.
Loved the German Posting.
I was never to Berlin.
My German friends said.
“If you haven’t been to Berlin.
Then you haven’t been to Germany!”
Those scissor bridges are amazing. It seems to break the laws of gravity when they are stretched out in the air attached to the delivery vehicle. !!
I should mention that they lay out flat when deployed a over obstacles like trenches or creeks. I was surprised and confused when you said they were laying over barricades!!!
Back to the show 😅
Yes I was confused too
Thank you Sir for your Cold War Service. God Bless you. 😊
Thani you for keeping the FREE world FREE..Love ya Mate..A yank from the states!!!!
I have nothing to do with the military, I'm not even British or American, but your stories and experiences are such a joy to listen to. What an absolute treasure.
16:23 so correct Corporal, it was always great to have CO or SNCO with a sense of humor. Hand salute from one USMC Corporal to another!
😂 cheers!
You are a great storyteller. I'm a 20-year veteran of the US Army. It was fun hearing about your training exercise with the military humor from a British perspective. Love Army humor | The Only Way to Survive 🙂
The way he says HI! starting every video 😂 love this channel, good stuff 👍🏻
Glad you enjoy it!
LOVE STUFF LIKE THIS! I could listen all day. We'll take as many videos like this as you've got stories for!
Deal!
I love hearing your tales from your service. It's great seeing an in-depth and human perspective from such a pivotal moment in our history. We're likely to overlook this topic until all the vets from that era are gone. Please make more videos of your everyday life while serving. They're quite the spectacle and above all else, very entertaining! Thank you for being one of the few.
Here's a link to my personal stories playlist if you're interested in hearing some more 👍🏻
th-cam.com/play/PLZ5bkawra-DgKjZJtINlR5Ugc0udjVfrV.html&si=WokCXIZVCdNZYKyp
We (or at least I) loved these stories. Hope you make another video about Checkpoint Alpha. The stories made me think about my days in the Norwegian Navy. Best years of my life 🙂.
Thanks very much! Here's one you might like th-cam.com/video/sgHBDusw0DA/w-d-xo.html
Kevin you have given me a right old chuckle.😂
Your account takes me back to the mid 1970's when I was with 113 Pro Coy in Munster... I actually went over to Berlin on one occasion in 1976 and remember Alpha at Helmstedt and going along the corridor. Thank you for reminding me of happier times, Kev.
A pleasure 👍🏻
Great stories. Glad you found the toddler.
Sincere congratulations Kevin for your devotion to History, please keep on helping us to understand the follies and heroism of warriors of all times. May God blessed you for your compasionate service.
Enjoyed hearing more of your time in the Royal Army Military Police Corps. I used to enjoy my Dad's Army stories from WW2. My Coast Guard Maritime Security & Investigation stories are too boring for the general public... and probably for some Coasties too😆
😂 glad you enjoyed them.
I love your videos i showed your channel to my history teacher now we watch you almost every lesson
Kevin is the best teacher.
@P.ower600 wow, that's lovely, thanks for sharing & say hello to your class & teacher from me 👍🏻
Thanks for the stories Kevin. I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB from 1978 to 1981, of course not near the Berlin Wall, but we did have to be ready to defend the base. Soldiers and airmen to have lots of tomfoolery stories to be told, and I am remembering my own. I did really like Germany, thank you for your service. Cheers from Texas.
That's for sure 👍🏻
My son is returning home to the U.S. from Spangdahlem in the morning after 3 years away. He’s had a good bit of fun, it’s easier times for the Airmen now except maybe that they are wanted less by the locals than before, but he’s ready to be back in the states for a while and I’m ready for him to be back.
Thank you for your service.
@@Boudicca527 Thanks to your son for his service as well. God Bless.
"But then it escalated..." Always a good sign in one of your stories - Cheers Mr Hicks 😊
Hysterical...!
Kevin, thanks yet again, i do have a chuckle with your stories, love the one of the baby and the sledge, and every Parent has had that "feeling" when they have miss placed their favorite child, well i have!
😂
Ohh YES!!
A new Film from the BEST CREATOR ON TH-cam!!!!
Been racing since the ‘90s and I, along w/fellow racers in the SoCal area, used to run driving courses for the CHP. They had their own training track off the I-5. It was hilarious to train cops in these huge Detroit boats loaded with thousands of pounds of gear. They felt more like powerboats than care. They were always most excited about learning the J-Turns, which was fairly easy in those cars. But teaching them how to maintain pace in cars of that size, which were generally underpowered for their weight, was a lot harder and many vehicles got smashed in the process, a number completely totaled. US Cops, are generally overly macho and a bit arrogant. “I’m already fast. No little racing driver has anything to teach me” was a common, but unspoken attitude. So, in order to get them to actually listen and respect the process, you had to show them how much faster you were than them. We usually did this by either scaring the sh*t out of them in a ride along or if that didn’t work, we’d put them alone in a car behind us and tell them to keep up. Often we could end up lapping them within 5 laps (the circuit was fairly short). Humbled, the learning could begin. Not always smoothly, dozens of cars were totaled.
😜 thanks for sharing
Great video!!
This should be a "Carry on " script it is so witty and funny, Kevin I thank you for REAL entertainment and the fact that it is probably true (my brother was a soldier and equally silly) is all the funnier, please keep up the great work,. Dummy Salute!
Haha, cheers!
I know it seems far fetched, but it really is all true.
Wow, I laughed so much during this one. I loved the stories!! Especially the helicopter one. Thank you so much for the memories.
This is the best history channel on TH-cam! Thanks Kevin for all your efforts in making these very informative videos!!
You're very welcome, thanks for watching 👍🏻
Enormously entertaining as ever Kevin! Thank you for brightening our days.
Brilliant Kevin.
I really love hearing your stories of Berlin. I lived there with my father and our family in the early 70's. One of the jobs my father had was driving around the Berlin wall checking that things and would tell us the things he saw. I loved our posting to Berlin.
Hi Debbie, I loved my posting there too, it was certainly an eye opener 👍
I could listen to these stories all day! Great stuff from an amazing storyteller!
Cheers 👍🏻
Kevin, you’re brilliant! Thank you for your videos.
Thanks a million, Kevin! Gotta get me one of those fresh hoodies
😃 www.youtube.com/@thehistorysquad/store
The sign of a good story teller is taking the mundane and making it just as interesting as history
Some people just have a great way of creating videos and telling a story. You are one of those people.
I love these stories you give us from time to time! I watched the one when you were a police officer and that was a good watch, that shovel baseball hitting that smoke grenade story is insane!!! wow!
That reminds me seeing the tank bridge being launched on an exercise. As the bridge is at the apex I'm realising that the launching must be visible from at least five kilometres away. On the next occasion we could see it with entire base being in between. If there was a war I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the bridge launch, it's bound to be a an artillery magnet.
I love history from an individual's perspective. I took care of a nurse who was 102 who married an Englishman. He could vote in the US but she could not. She was a nurse during, "The Spanish Flu." She was slightly perturbed and amused that her husband could vote but she could not..Your stories are so interesting!
Gosh she must have seen some sadness during that epidemic. 👍
@@thehistorysquad She was very stoic when it came to that part of her life but she did mention that she was working non -stop and she ended up with pneumonia and was very sick.
Loved it, as usual. I'm sure everybody who have served, whatever nation, have their stories. I severd in RNoN in 1988/89. According to our regulation, you never salute anyone on bikes, you just nod(The old term was "Wheel Dragoons"). As a recruit, I was in my own thoughts, and did not see one of the instructors, so I didn't salute. So the inevitable "That man there!", came.So I said the first thing that came to mind: "Sorry, PO, I didn't see you. I shall salute twice the next time I see you"....
😜 nice one
Kevins short stories are the salt and pepper of his awesome channel❤
I’d read your biography in a day! I love your stories
Wow, thank you!
Some fantastic stories there. I moved to West Berlin in 1981 to study and got to know a few British and US servicemen posted there. They were full of stories like that. One once told me when the wind was blowing in a certain direction, aircraft landing at the British forces airfield in Gatow in Berlin had to fly partly over East German territory in their landing approach. The East Germans would then shoot at the wings and fill them with holes.
West Berlin at the time was probably the most interesting city in world. I knew people there who had smuggled themselves over the wall hidden in cars. Or one who had helped dig a tunnel under the wall. And then another from East Germany who had pretended to be insane so that he was kicked out of the country.
A lot of people don't realise how tense and serious it was. Here's another video I did on the subject.....
th-cam.com/video/sgHBDusw0DA/w-d-xo.html
@@thehistorysquad I lived at the time on the Kaiserdamm, right in the middle of West Berlin far from the Wall and thought it safest there should the Soviets try something. And then someone connected to the city's military administration told me that, should the Soviets attack, their first goal would be to take the Kaiserdamm and Bismarkstasse all the way down to the Brandenburg Gate. Yikes!
I was often in East Berlin and had a few hilarious experiences with Soviet officers there. Another story for another day.
Keep up the good work.
I was fortunate (and honored) to serve under President Reagan as a Senior NCO in the US Army, stationed in the occupied city of West Berlin from 1981 to 1984. The Cold War was at its peak then, mostly as a clear confrontation between NATO (commercial west) and the Warsaw Pact (communist east). President Reagan made his first official visit to West Berlin in June of 1982 and spoke initially to those of us in the Allied military forces stationed there. This was long before his famous ‘Wall’ speech.
Membership in NATO was formed from western allies voluntarily; France was excluded because they chose not to join at that time. Membership in Warsaw Pact was formed, and enforced by Soviet forces, in countries they invaded during World War II. Any country that tried to leave the Warsaw Pact because of freedom movements (East Germany (DDR) / Hungary / Czechoslovakia) faced violent suppression by the Soviet forces. The members of the Warsaw Pact were not the comrades as the PR often claim. It appeared similar events would happen in Poland during the 1980’s.
We were able to see the evils of communism everyday in the DDR. Oftentimes in areas just across the street or closer. Escape attempts and bloody retribution were pretty common occurrences with blatant and often loud results. Everyone on that side suffered in some form or other from food shortages to constant brutality.
I was attached to the Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment as an interrogator tasked with interviewing defectors (Border Guard / Military) and refugees (civilians) from all of the various Pact countries. They were fleeing similar oppression with many vivid stories of their own. We had an almost constant flow during my time there.
We were especially concerned about events in Poland as the Solidarity Union disturbances were watched closely by the Soviet seniors. During one of my 1983 interviews with a Polish officer who had defected; I asked him what would happen if the Pact forces invaded Poland to suppress the activities… … would the Polish military fight or not. His answer was both humorous and cynical. He said:
“Your question presents a very serious issue for Polish soldiers to answer; do we do our duty to the people and country by shooting Russians? Or do we enjoy ourselves by shooting Germans? No more invasions.”
We were pretty certain something was coming soon by that time; just not sure if we would become radioactive dust or the Soviet Union would collapse.
I am surprised it took until 1989 for the Wall to actually come down and it looks like modern day rioters are trying to put it back up.
Regards
Thanks for sharing
What a treat to have another one of your stories, Kevin! Love these glimpses into your military career during the cold war!
Glad to hear that, thanks for watching.
Mr.hicks I have to tell you these are my favorite videos for me and my son to watch . He’s turning 6 and just now into history ( specifically war weapons things like that ) and the story of your time with seeing the new tank of the soviets and these are my personal favorite ways to learn …. Listen to personal story’s of men who were there
Thank you so much, I'm glad to be helping your young man to enjoy history 👍🏻
Great stories! Reminds me of the times of end-ex when we would pull up a sandbag, have a beer and chinwag.
Love from “Royal Corps of Signals” carry on sir.
😜
Absolutely love this show, love the way Kevin narrates. Sitting here painting models and listening to Kevin on a dark and stormy night.
Thanks for listening 😃
These personal experience videos are my favorite.
I would have loved to been beside you during the Berlin exercise. That sounds like an awesome experience.
Reminds me of the exercise we had on Okinawa while I was stationed there. Seabees against the Marines.
HAHAHAHA We made short work of those puffed-up jar heads.
Nice one!
The shovel story had me rolling
History Grandpa coming in with army stories like my grandfather told me.
...Only there were half as many and tinged with a bit more of the 'spicy nostalgia'. 😅
Great video. The only stuff my grandfather ever shared with me about his time serving in the war, was the tricks he and squaddies would get up to, yoir video reminded me of the best ever man in my life, thanks mate 👍🏴❤
You are one helluva raconteur, Cpl. Hicks! I think my favorite videos are the ones where you tell stories about your time in Berlin and Cyprus. I also couldn't help but notice that on your hoodie (sweatshirt), the end knot of one of the drawstrings was right over the photo of you making it look like you had a red clown nose while giving the 2 finger salute. An all around great video!!!
Cheers Stephanie, glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent stuff loved my time in BFG in the cold war era and beyond 👍🏻
You are a treasure box full of beautiful, interesting, or funny stories
Glad you like them!
I Love you for helping out one of my country men,God bless you British!
Thank you Kevin, love you!
Loving the jumper! ✌🏽
I wish you was my history teacher in school. I never cared for history in school but now I can’t get enough of it
I was on the East West german border from 77 to 79. I was in 3 squadron 11 Armored cavalry.
You could upload nothing but your own personal stories from now on and I’d still watch every single video! They’re all so captivating, especially with such a gifted storyteller.
😜 thanks
these videos are so entertaining. Id love to see more greetings from Germany
There's a playlist with more stories here 👍🏻
th-cam.com/play/PLZ5bkawra-DgKjZJtINlR5Ugc0udjVfrV.html
Thanks Kevin, I always Watch your videos with great interest.. this video was not a disappointment.. thank you can't wait to watch your next one. Your a star..👍🏻😄
Cheers Dave, glad you like them 👍🏻
Fridays and the History Squad.. no better combo! Cheers, Kevin!
My pleasure 😜
Yippee another good Friday as you have uploaded and made a miserable day happier. Thanks Kevin and Co for the happiness and life stories. Be safe mate and keep them coming 👍
Cheers Ian 👍🏻
Much appreciated from Australia.
Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for another very entertaining video. I love your stories, and the gleam of mischief in your eyes, as you tell them, I am sure that if he was still with us, my old dad would get on great with you, with over 50 years cooking on ships, he had a story for any occasion. Thanks once again, for another top shelf video, be safe, and as always best regards Arthur
My Grandfather was a Royal Navy cook... Special breed no doubt, as a grandkid it was heaven, endless stories and huge roast dinners with big bowls of custard to follow.
Best wishes from the UK
How lovely!
@arthurdoucette1786. Thanks as ever Arthur
Like the hoodie Kevin!
Cheers 👍🏻
Outstanding stories once again. I was just retelling the story you had told about being the first allied soldier to see the AK74. Gained you a few more viewers right there. Cheers Kevin
Cheers Bobby, appreciated!
Your story telling is always so descriptive and entertaining. I can always paint the scene in my mind crystal clear
I'm so glad, thank you.
Fascinating. You have the Best Stories. Love the sweatshirt.
Thanks so much!
Cheers, Kev. Was almost like I was there
I love the stories of your life Kevin!
Use the force, Kevin. Use the force!!
😂
These stories and insights are truly fascinating. Thank you Kevin for being a great story teller. These videos and your normal history ones are up there with the best on TH-cam. It always makes my day when you release a video. I always find them so engaging. Thank you for everything you do 😃
Cheers Andrew, I really appreciate that
My Uncle who was stationed in Germany in the early to mid 60s, was terrified of German spiders, he did not care for American spiders, but German ones really terrified him.
On our morning runs the were always HUGE spiderwebs glistening with dew and always a huge wolf spider in the centre. Hanging in the way
Every one put their faces though one sooner or later 😮
😂 it must have been the helmets they wore @kirkmorrison6131
@@thehistorysquadMaybe, but the way he described them was hilarious.
I heartily enjoyed this video. It reminded me of some of the stories my Grandpa told me about his service
I freakin' well love this channel. Hello from Australia
Hello!!
That was such a wonderful story forum you life, thank-you so much for sheering it with us it was wonderful to linen too 😀
LOL these are wonderfully great stories, Kevin! Thank you for sharing these. They gave me a giggle!
20 years Navy Aircrewman and Rescue Swimmer, wife sat in our Aircrew Shack listening to the way we spoke to and about each other. Whenever she and I left the Squadron she said she could not BELIEVE how we talked to each other! When I said what are you talking about she told me how we spoke about each other, our families, about people in general which normally would be considered VERY insulting. I told her that it was common for "guys" to say those things because if someone wasn't "pinging" on you that meant they didn't Like you! If you were being picked on you were expected to give it back as good as you got it! Im sure Kevin will say this as well, those were some of the BEST days of my life and I made life long friends. Not to mention we considered each other Family and would go out of our way for each other. I'm 61 now and if one of my Brothers/Sisters from the service needed me, I would be there as quick as possible.... Love your stuff Kevin, keep it going Brother.... E. H. McKinsey AW1 (AW/SAR) USN Ret....
Cheers, thanks for watching 👍🏻
Please Kev we need more of this and maybe some interviews with the guys you served with too. It's always great to see some old battle buddies talking about old times
I don't think I'd be brave enough to even try the bridge, especially with everyone watching. There's a plot for a movie in your memories. Really enjoyed hearing about them.
Love this stuff mr. Kevin.
This is such an amazing video. If I had Kevin as a history teacher/professor when I was I school, I would have done so much better. I would have actually paid attention to the lesson.
you explain everything so well no need for fancy editing
Priceless, I don't recall any fun times in West Germany during the Cold War. But my father had a few stories when he was in the Naval Reserved. On one occasion he was on watch in the wheelhouse, Officer in Charge holler down at him from the bridge," Mind the rudder sailor". That morning the Navigator to my father into the map room and show him that the ship had went off course then came back on course. Another time my father was on watch in the engine room. There is the ships emergency helm if something should every happen to the bridge and wheelhouse. After a while my father started to get sleepy, so he got comfortable and took a snooze nap. Off when the alarm, "You got it" shouting from the bridge, my father half asleep struggle to catch the wheel. During my father retirement he took up painting as a hobby. He did a couple paintings of himself and his brother. Uncle Loyd is seen smiling while my father has a serious look on his face and wonder why. Until remember that as a sailor he had let up a cigarette and put the wrong end in his mouth. Someone had taken that photo right after that. And that is the photo my father chose to do his self portrait.
😜 👍