There is no better way to begin a Friday than a Kevin video

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.

A good day: When Kevin says things

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!

Love the soldier stories. Could listen for days.

You must be the best storyteller i've ever seen, Kevin! A 10 minute of your stories goes like 1 minute!

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😆

If Kevin had been one of my teachers I wouldn't have dropped out in the 3rd grade. "The More You Know" 👍😂

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.

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 can just imagine the soul leaving that man's body as you announce your "orders"

No matter the country a good Army story is a good Army story

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.

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 ❤

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!

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 😅

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.

Thank you for your service, Kevin. My uncle was in the West-German army, the Bundeswehr in the 1970s. He lived in Kronach a stone's throw from the Iron Curtain.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Great stories. Glad you found the toddler.

I love your videos i showed your channel to my history teacher now we watch you almost every lesson

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.

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.

This is the best history channel on KZfaq! Thanks Kevin for all your efforts in making these very informative videos!!

Kevins short stories are the salt and pepper of his awesome channel❤

Kevin you have given me a right old chuckle.😂

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!

I could listen to these stories all day! Great stuff from an amazing storyteller!

Enormously entertaining as ever Kevin! Thank you for brightening our days.

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

"But then it escalated..." Always a good sign in one of your stories - Cheers Mr Hicks 😊

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

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"....

The sign of a good story teller is taking the mundane and making it just as interesting as history

Loving the jumper! ✌🏽

Great stories! Reminds me of the times of end-ex when we would pull up a sandbag, have a beer and chinwag.

What a treat to have another one of your stories, Kevin! Love these glimpses into your military career during the cold war!

I am led to believe that Sigint officers on US ships are assigned a Marine with that grim duty, should the ship be captured. But that was definitely a heckuva prank, Kevin. :D

Love from “Royal Corps of Signals” carry on sir.

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

The way he says HI! starting every video 😂 love this channel, good stuff 👍🏻

Kevin, you’re brilliant! Thank you for your videos.

Ohh YES!! A new Film from the BEST CREATOR ON KZfaq!!!!

That's a great sweater, sir. HAHA!!!

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 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿❤

Fridays and the History Squad.. no better combo! Cheers, Kevin!

Greetings from a German follower from Niedersachsen who enyoed this video 🇩🇪

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!

Much appreciated from Australia.

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....

Thank you Kevin, love you!

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.

Excellent stuff loved my time in BFG in the cold war era and beyond 👍🏻

Excellent one, Kevin I been down that autobahn several times what a night mare cheers again

Some people just have a great way of creating videos and telling a story. You are one of those people.

Brilliant Kevin.

Wow, I laughed so much during this one. I loved the stories!! Especially the helicopter one. Thank you so much for the memories.

Thanks a million, Kevin! Gotta get me one of those fresh hoodies

The shovel story had me rolling

"Alan forever remained in fear for his life... Well I hope you had fun-"

I love the stories of your life Kevin!

Your story telling is always so descriptive and entertaining. I can always paint the scene in my mind crystal clear

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, Kev. Was almost like I was there

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

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'. 😅

Absolutely love this show, love the way Kevin narrates. Sitting here painting models and listening to Kevin on a dark and stormy night.

you explain everything so well no need for fancy editing

Corporal Hicks batting a grenade back into a helicopter? Legend.

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

❤

Thank you Kevin another brilliant video. Huge hugs to you and your family 🌹🌹🌹

Thank you for sharing your many stories Kevin, it is truly a great thing to get to listen to your life stories and listen to your life experience. Thank you so much!

That was such a wonderful story forum you life, thank-you so much for sheering it with us it was wonderful to linen too 😀

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.

That was fabulous, so interesting and so very enjoyable. Thank you Kevin, much respect sir 🙏

Really enjoyed listening to those tales. Thank you

You are a treasure box full of beautiful, interesting, or funny stories

A rupert with a sense of humour hmmm very rare thing

Use the force, Kevin. Use the force!!

My guy is a former Bootneck, and I love his 'funny and odd' stories of when he was on tour or exercise. A huge soft spot for guys in uniform. (-_*)

I was on the East West german border from 77 to 79. I was in 3 squadron 11 Armored cavalry.

That was a good listen. Thank you for your service 😊

LOL these are wonderfully great stories, Kevin! Thank you for sharing these. They gave me a giggle!

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 KZfaq. It always makes my day when you release a video. I always find them so engaging. Thank you for everything you do 😃

Fascinating. You have the Best Stories. Love the sweatshirt.

Brilliant Kevin

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!!!

Helicopter Cricket, how's that!

Brilliant Kevin, so glad i've found your channel

What a terrific episode! A few things were vaguely similar to my time in the army. Thanks!

Ex Royal Sigs soldier here wetting himself at the grenade and the shovel. Absolute classic.

Love this stuff mr. Kevin.

Fantastic video as always Kevin. I love your stories,it would be a pleasure to listen to more of them.

Love all your stories Keith😊