How Many Viet Nam Vets Here?

[bongobobny]

I was there from July '69 to Jun '70 US Army with the 101st Airborne stationed at Camp Eagle between Hue and Phu Bai. I was lucky, a Radar O'Riley type of sorts. Things were different then, we weren't looked at as heros but rather the scum of the earth when we got home. I'll never forget after I got home to Buffalo NY I flew down to Philadelphia to be with my Fiance and thought she would like to see me in uniform, so I did just that. When she saw me her look spoke volumes! She tried to recover and asked me why I was in uniform when I was discharged, and asked me If I wanted to change. I don't think she even kissed me right away, and it was obvious she was ashamed to be with me.

It has taken me up to just a couple of years ago to come to grips with all of it, and sure don't feel like any kind of hero. Better men than I didn't get to come home.

As of this year I am now a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion as well, but am not active with either. To me it's just a cheap place to get drunk, but hopefully as I do get involved that outlook will change.

I am currently 60% disabled thanks to exposure to agent orange and type 2 diabeties and am trying to be declared 100% as I was sort of forced to retire last fall because of the increased discomfort of periferal neuropathy in both feet and hands.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it! What's yours???

 

[boss hog]

I was in the 1st infantry march 67 to march 68 got some agent orange promle

 

[leo3wheel]

I'm a Vietnam Era vet. Served in US Air Force '68-'72. Was a technical instructor of Avionics Inertial and Radar Navigation Systems Repair at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Once taught a class of Iranian officers, that was interesting. Was offered a year's salary to reenlist, but I was married and said, "No thanks!"

 

[rhino 2]

I was in country 66/67 Still wondering why???

 

[bongobobny]

I'm a Vietnam Era vet. Served in US Air Force '68-'72. Was a technical instructor of Avionics Inertial and Radar Navigation Systems Repair at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Once taught a class of Iranian officers, that was interesting. Was offered a year's salary to reenlist, but I was married and said, "No thanks!"

Leo, we are definately going to have a lot to talk about on the way to the International!!

 

[bongobobny]

I was in country 66/67 Still wondering why???

Pondered that for years along with why am I still alive! I know now God still has a purpose for me...

 

[TeNn]

9th inf div 68-69 . got 100 % disabled 2 years ago.

 

[Woolie]

66 - 67 for me.

 

[Gold Rush]

Phan Rang AB Dec 24, 1969 to Dec 17, 1970.

Didn't go through the "HELL" some of you did but it was plenty exciting for this poor farm boy.

I've been to THE WALL in DC a couple times. Eyes get blurry there...

Stay safe my Brothers......

 

[bikerbillone]

Join the club, Korea veteran here. No welcome home......

 

[donjack]

Served in Nam 1967 through 68, US Marine Corp, Bravo 1/9, Kae Shann, Rockpile, Camp Evans, area.

 

[motoadvrider]

'67-'68, then again in '69. Was Medivac'd after jumping into a bunker and throwing out my right knee. Spent 3 months at good old Ft Sill Army hospital.
Certainly no welcome home from the folks back home.

 

[meredog]

62-66 here---- still wonder why

 

[mtn rider]

My hats off to those front line troops,you deserve better treatment. I spent from 1965 to 1970 riding the bomb ships (6000 tons) up the river from Vung Tau to Saigon as a merchant marine. As a civilian contractor I was never treated as badly as our uniformed troops,so on this memorial day I say" I'm proud of you" and glad I was able to keep you in supplies to protect the freedom of the folks back home who looked down on your service.

 

[eagle1]

"69-70 12 th> SOS daNang. you'll remember us we sprayed the herbicide.

 

[Shriner Jim]

I'm a vet of Fort Campbell, KY...1965-1967.

 

[Tanker06]

Viet Nam era, but never had to leave the states. Hats Off and a hearty Well Done to those of you who had to go.

 

[Speedy]

Vietnam, 69-70, Phu Loi, Lai Khe, Phu Vinh, 20th Engineer Brigade.

Speedy

 

[eagle1]

'69-70 Da Nang. 12 SOS "ranch hands" we sprayed the herbicide.

 

[Blueribbon]

'68 & '69 aboard carrier off shore Nam, though not in country, was still a lot of work.

 

[SEAlaskan]

My term in Viet Nam was in '68/'69 on board aircraft carrier USS Bennington CVS20 (Aviation Boatswain Mate)
V-1 Division.
Butch

 

[jackpoet]

My hat is off to you guys. I am a 20 year retired Air Force. From 61 to 81. Didn't go to Nam, and rarely mention I am Nam era, due to the respect I hold for you guys that did go in country.

I am proud to call you friend.

 

[Akarocko]

I was in country in 71. Medical Corp. A year worth forgetting!

 

[Nana]

I want to give all of you a "Thank you! and Thank God you came home safely! hug. I mean the thanks with all my heart.

 

[keepinon]

Army from '71 to '76, was an MP, worked customs in country most of '74, transferred to Thailand for security for munitions & equipment brought back to Utapao & Vayama Depot.

One of the last places stationed in Thailand, Camp Throt... was given to Pol Pot so he could retire in peace....

Yup, makes ya wonder why.

 

[rmrc51]

My hat is off to you guys. I am a 20 year retired Air Force. From 61 to 81. Didn't go to Nam, and rarely mention I am Nam era, due to the respect I hold for you guys that did go in country.

I am proud to call you friend.

For the same reasons mentioned above by Jackpoet, I'm also a vet from the VietNam era but rarely mention Nam in veteran conversation for the respect I have for those who served in-country. I was with the US Coast Guard in search & rescue and Port Security from 69 through 82 (active and reserve time). I should've stayed for a full career. One of my biggest regrets.

 

[vwmaniac]

Was in Nam from 1965-1969 in the Engineer corp, demolition man, if it need to be blown to bits, I was called in, mainly did perimeter's and other things with demolition.

 

[leo3wheel]

It rubs me that vets who did not serve in country feel lesser for whatever reason. Agree there is nothing more horrible that being in the face of battle and losing mates around you. It's terrible to come home maimed or with lifelong disabilities. On the other hand, many of us were impacted by the Draft and were forced to serve in some manner. All branches of the military needed to be staffed, and all branches were in support of our country's mission. None of us had a final say as to where we served once we enlisted. We are vets of that era, and as such, we have a common brotherhood. Thanks to everyone who served, and we remember all our fallen on this Memorial Day.

 

[oahe]

Army. RVN 69-70.

We did our best and our country spit on us for it.

 

[bobknife]

Served 1970-1971 fire base mace, bottom of G-ray mountain. rock quarry, with the 103rd engineer co. 69 engineer battalion