Vanguard 7 - Conservative Infidel for Freedom

  Command Sergeant Major Gary J. Coker

United States Army - Retired 

1974-2007 - Call Sign VANGUARD 7 - Nickname "Smaj"

Former Command Sergeant Major, 4th Brigade (Vanguard) 

3rd Infantry Division "Rock of the Marne"
Dragon Slayer - Defender of the Faith - Warrior for Liberty  
I have served under 7 Commanders in Chief, missed more Holidays  and Birthdays than I can count. Survived Temps from 140*F to -60*F.
I have been to more countries than I can recall, some no longer exist. I have stopped lots of Bad Guys who deserved it and I have  helped lots of Good Guys when no other country would.
I have jumped out of perfectly good Airplanes, and Scuba Dived  past 150 feet in the Pacific. Blown many things up, and built many things up. I have made LOTS of friends, and I have made EVEN MORE of enemies.
I have worn really cool looking clothes with lots of shiny medals and patches.  I miss wearing them and I am proud of those shiny things. I have been Wounded several times in my Career ,  and each time it was worth it I have seen the worst War brings out in people just as  I have seen the Best and more often.
Disabled I continue my fight from a wheelchair for my Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen.I work with Organizations like "Gathering of Eagles" - "Veterans for Freedom"  "Patriot Guard Riders"  and the "Wounded Warrior Project" to name just a few.To all my Viet Nam Brothers who raised me to be a man "Welcome Home Guys"
So what does this all mean ? I'll let you decide,  I will be a Soldier till the day that I die.
I don't define myself by shiny medals.  I earned them, but I would rather my Family , Actions and Heart be my legacy