For my Brothers and Sisters who fought in Vietnam - Would you go back on VACATION? If so, why.... and why not?

2019-02-21T12:11:36-05:00

@CPT Scott Sharon posted photos to a trip to Vietnam.
I am not being facetious, but with being the Vietnam conflict being such a controversial conflict, and our service members being treated like trash upon their return; would any of the Vietnam Veterans return for a VACATION or a Holiday?
If so, why? -- If not, why not?

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Feb 21 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-02-21T12:12:20-05:00

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 21 at 2019 12:18 PM

2019-02-21T12:18:56-05:00

Thank you for sharing my friend PO2 Robert M. and mentioning the pictures of Vietnam that our friend CPT Scott Sharon posted from his recent trip.
Many Vietnam war veterans have returned to Vietnam to
1. get closure;
2. look up old friends left behind among the Vietnamese;
3.visit areas they fought in and remember those who were lost in combat there;
4. visit areas were they were based out of;
5. play on the beaches; and
6. to offer forgiveness after accepting Christ as Savior.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen PO1 H Gene Lawrence PO2 Kevin Parker CPT Scott Sharon SSG William Jones SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning LTC Jeff Shearer CWO3 Dennis M. PO3 Bob McCord SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 21 at 2019 12:19 PM

2019-02-21T12:19:50-05:00

This should be interesting - my father's part in the war was complex - however one thing is for sure - what ever happened - before during and after greatly affected him - he never talked about it and we never asked - as such don't think he would have ever gone back there other than to get some sort of closure - we did go to the wall and that seemed to suffice - my father was a firm believer that the past was in the past - nothing can undo things - move forward. However I do think if asked if he'd do all over again I feel he would - he was a firm believer in his purpose as well.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Feb 21 at 2019 12:25 PM

2019-02-21T12:25:25-05:00

BBC news story about this. Some veterans have returned to visit or even live in Vietnam. A few Vietnamese classmates in my MBA program told me that there are some tourism companies over there that cater to US or Australian military veterans interesting in going back to old battlefields.

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36363537

The US veterans going back to live in Vietnam

More than 40 years after the end of the Vietnam war dozens of ageing former American soldiers have gone back - and have succeeded in finding peace.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Feb 21 at 2019 12:34 PM

2019-02-21T12:34:58-05:00

PO2 Robert M. Robert,if the same circumstances occurred i would do what i did then,only hoping for a different finish.Of course,(doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result makes one insane). To going back now--I have no inclination to visit Vietnam again,no closure there for me,i do not need to be reminded of companions lost,that is a memory that does not fade.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Feb 21 at 2019 1:57 PM

2019-02-21T13:57:49-05:00

Yes , I. believe when your country calls , you answer, enough said

Response by SFC William Farrell made Feb 21 at 2019 2:15 PM

2019-02-21T14:15:50-05:00

PO2 Robert M. I served there from 1971-1972 and my twin brother was there for a few months until he got medevacced out. I always thought it was a beautiful country but didnt get to know the people like I did my time in Korea. My twin brother plans to go there this year with his wife. I dont plan to as its expensive to get there although I wouldn't mind going back to Korea.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Feb 21 at 2019 3:21 PM

2019-02-21T15:21:56-05:00

Many members of my old unit have indeed returned to Vietnam ,some of them have sponsored orphanages and been involved in other charitable works ,these are good men ,they were then and are now,personally I have no inclination to return to that place that holds far too many bad experiences,memories for this old grunt,besides when I want to visit some place with meaning the Wall in D.C. is all I’ll ever need.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Feb 21 at 2019 3:53 PM

2019-02-21T15:53:52-05:00

In '93 I was offered a free trip from a Veteran's organization. I declined for a couple of reasons. First off, my wife was not included so I would not be allowed to go anyway,, lol.
Second, I left nothing there but some memories, mostly bad.

So, no thank you. I'll take my vacations here in the USA.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Feb 21 at 2019 4:30 PM

2019-02-21T16:30:10-05:00

PO2 Robert M. This is an excellent question Robert. As you can see many people opened up because you posted this. Great share!!!

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Feb 21 at 2019 5:12 PM

2019-02-21T17:12:57-05:00

Hell no! Enough said.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 21 at 2019 5:22 PM

2019-02-21T17:22:29-05:00

Interesting question and think my answer is no. Been back to places I've enjoyed in my youth and the experience wasn't the same, so why go back to places that are questionable on the enjoyment scale.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Feb 21 at 2019 6:52 PM

2019-02-21T18:52:52-05:00

No - too much dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), which contained traces of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Feb 21 at 2019 10:32 PM

2019-02-21T22:32:39-05:00

When I was in Vietnam (68-69, I Corps AOR), I thought the country was beautiful if not for the war. But I've never had any desire to go back - I saw enough of it when I was there. However, I've met USMC Vietnam veterans who felt compelled to go back for closure. The ones I talked to went back to their old op areas and found they couldn't recognize anything because of development and plant growth. The people there had aged/died and the kids had grown up. I know that some former commanders (like LtGen Ernest Cheatham, who commanded 2nd Bn, 5th Marines in the Battle of Hue City) occasionally lead veteran trips back to the 'Nam - I don't know if that counts as vacation. I was told that the local communist community leaders welcomed the vets back ($$$), and if the vets didn't take photos around military installations, they were left alone.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Feb 21 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-02-21T22:50:22-05:00

Vietnam leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Over 58,000 Americans, many being draftees gave their life for a chance to give the Vietnamese people their freedom. The Politicians had to many rules about how we could fight the war. They were afraid The Chinese would enter the war like they did in Korea in 1950. Now the younger Vietnamese want to do business with the Americans so they can have a good economy and a better standard of living. Now they are afraid of the Chinese The Vietnamese want to be our friends. Both countries are communist. They have war museums and war memorials bragging how they beat the Americans. If someone wants to take a vacation in Vietnam it their business. Personally I never want to see that country again. I!m just happy I got back alive. Semper fi.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 22 at 2019 12:54 AM

2019-02-22T00:54:52-05:00

Not my cup of tea. I tend to avoid areas that have "that smell". So I'm not into the 'Nam, Cambodia, Laos tourist mode. Got a nasty reminder of why I don't like the area in the mid '90s when I was over in Cambodia. Let's also include parts of Africa. Although I don't have a gag over Antarctica, I spent so much time there, the amount of been there done that doesn't need a booster shot.

Response by Sgt Michael Bumbalough made Feb 22 at 2019 7:17 AM

2019-02-22T07:17:12-05:00

Yes, just to see if there is any difference there. I think about civilians there that I grew close to.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Feb 22 at 2019 1:58 PM

2019-02-22T13:58:21-05:00

There are some really pretty parts of the country and many more not so pretty. There are too many places I haven't been yet to want to go back to one that I have been to already.
1. Where do you find closure for being called a baby killer and were told you should have died in Vietnam when you came home?
2. The only Vietnamese I met were on the wrong side.
3. I have no desire to see any of the locations at which I fought and I remember those who were lost everyday.
4. What for?
5. The one time I went to a beach it was closed because the sea snakes were spawning.
6. Forgiveness to whom for what?

Response by SPC Doug Kibbey made Feb 25 at 2019 10:30 PM

2019-02-25T22:30:44-05:00

I would and I have, 2005. I went alone, appended to business travel to Japan. Used a recommended agency over there but not a "tour", basically was appointed a driver/interp as I had my own agenda. It was extremely well handled and my visit pleasant. Tourism represents incoming hard currency & I had distinct feeling that this business (generally) is subject to state scrutiny & hospitality is, let us say, in everyone's general interest. Comport yourself appropriately & difficulty is extremely unlikely.

Response by SP5 Ed McCoy made Mar 6 at 2019 12:47 AM

2019-03-06T00:47:40-05:00

Never

Response by SP5 Grover Crail made Mar 11 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-03-11T20:13:11-04:00

HELL NO. Why? Once had a t shirt that said "participate southeast Asia war games. SECOND PLACE. What am I supposed to do look for body parts my own Damn government left behind? Maybe show somebody the way to Hanoi so they could be bombed into oblivion like the entire Ruhr valley was.We were just cannon fodder. My friends are still dying.. can you cure my emphysema?

Response by CPT Bob De Groff made Mar 15 at 2019 6:49 PM

2019-03-15T18:49:59-04:00

Watching a game show today and they gave away a vacation to Vitet Nam. My wife asked if
I would go. No way in hell. I undestand it’s a beautiful country in places. I undestand the people are basically friendly. I know this intellectually. But no way would I go.

Response by LTC John Bush made Apr 6 at 2019 9:07 AM

2019-04-06T09:07:37-04:00

We go to Germany, Japan, Italy, and other former adversaries why not? It is an individual decision.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Apr 14 at 2019 2:54 PM

2019-04-14T14:54:06-04:00

For the some who do go back, it is a healing experience until you see all the babies and kids who are crippled for life by Agent Orange. I can't even watch documentaries of this conflict w/o profound sadness; neither can I visit the Wall again due to this same reaction. The VC was much more gory than glory!
Rich

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 14 at 2019 7:24 PM

2019-04-14T19:24:50-04:00

What I find that is incredible is their capacity for forgiveness to Americans.

Response by CPT J Shepardson made Apr 16 at 2019 9:53 AM

2019-04-16T09:53:47-04:00

that place was the center of all that was evil in 1968. I have told people who were going there that I could stand on Highway 1 between Tam Ky and Hoi An and point in any direction and say "Smith died there" or "Jones got shot there" all around the compass. Why would I do that?

Response by MAJ Charles Ray made Apr 17 at 2019 7:04 AM

2019-04-17T07:04:54-04:00

Not only have I gone back on vacation, and enjoyed myself thoroughly, I served as a diplomat in Vietnam from 1998 to 2001 when I was the first US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to building the new consulate general building, I removed the old embassy (used the flag pole from the embassy for the consulate general), got to personally know the man who commanded VC forces in the Tet Offensive, and had tea with Hanoi Hannah. It was a great way to close a chapter in my life and US history, going from enemies in war to full-fledged diplomatic relations. I also served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for POW/Missing personnel affairs (2006-2009) and went to Vietnam annually in conjunction with this mission, and recently participated in a symposium at the US Institute for Peace in Washington, DC, highlighting how the POW/MIA issue and prosthetics for Vietnamese injured by UXO served as mutually beneficial programs to help us get past the war.

Response by Sgt Michael Presley made Apr 17 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-04-17T20:19:54-04:00

No!

Response by AN Richard Van Abel made Apr 17 at 2019 8:39 PM

2019-04-17T20:39:54-04:00

Better things to do, A lot better, and better memories to share!!!

Response by 1LT Mike Donio made Apr 18 at 2019 12:58 PM

2019-04-18T12:58:13-04:00

When I was able to go back--health being no problem---the USA and Vietnam had not yet established diplomatic relations which ticked me off. As a former Information and Broadcast Officer I had different reasons for wanting to return. Perhaps I'm a little different from other commentators because I did not voluntarily join the Army, received a nice letter from LBJ (may I spit on his grave).
I would want to see my old offices in Long Binh and Saigon because I always wondered how they were being used. As far as my last assignment at AFVN, I know the broadcast facility had some of the best equipment US Taxpayers could buy.
To this day, when someone asks me was it worth it?? I give a resounding: NO. Stupid neo-con war just to fight a philosophical idea which frightened all the "Red hunters" in the USA. Vietnam never posed a threat to us. I also lost friends over there including 6 from my small Catholic high school including a very fine classmate and homeroom buddy.
I would want to see all the progress and improvements including the remaking of Ho Chi Minh City including the new Caravelle Hotel site of the infamous "5 O'clock Follies". Where I watched everyone from the US ambassador to the Vietnamese military rep lie their asses off. The Vietnamese people are very industrious and hard working they only wanted to determine the destiny of their own country. However because of some health issues I'm no longer able to travel. Respect my fellow vets who return for whatever reason and those who help in restoring damage and searching for the remains of KIA's US and Vietnamese alike.
However, as I stated those are my views from someone who did not support the war but I'm glad if someone had to go, it was me. Rather me, than someone who believed we were doing the right thing. Still have no idea how the hell I made it through Infantry OCS before escaping to the Signal Corps.

Response by CW3 Patrick Hendrix made Apr 19 at 2019 9:36 AM

2019-04-19T09:36:50-04:00

No!!! Hell No !!!!. Very Angry.......

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made Apr 19 at 2019 9:56 AM

2019-04-19T09:56:22-04:00

I WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK, BUT THE FARE WOULD KILL MY BUDGET. MOST VN VETS I KNOW ARE BARELY ABLE TO MEET THE MONTHLY BILLS AND I AM ON FIXED INCOMES (SOCIAL SECURITY & 50% VA DISABILITY), BUT A VISIT TO VIET NAM SOUNDS "GREAT" TO ME.

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Apr 19 at 2019 10:31 AM

2019-04-19T10:31:58-04:00

I will share my trip to Viet Nam as an infantryman/interpreter. Before deployment I studied the history of Viet Nam. While there I found the people to be gentle and kind (except for the sniper that nailed me twice). I have no desire to return there. Many non-combatant service members do go back for whatever reason as do some that served and experienced life-changing events. Methinks combat is a very personal and esoteric event.

Response by Sgt William Brackett made Apr 19 at 2019 1:25 PM

2019-04-19T13:25:07-04:00

Yes,would like to see my old base ,Cam Rahn Bay air base.

Response by COL David Wayne made Apr 21 at 2019 6:08 AM

2019-04-21T06:08:06-04:00

To each their own motivation. I have some friends who want closure and felt it was the best way to close the circle for them. If you are going back to locate an old firebase you will most likely be disappointed as even Bien Hoa Army Base had been dismantled and the material used elsewhere. I went back the first time in 1996 and found the trip to bring back a lot of memories. Smells and sounds triggered much. Since retirement from the Army I have gone back to Vietnam for business 2-3 times per year and still do. In fact, I have traveled to Dien Bien Phu for a historical terrain walk twice. Even that area has built up over the years to the point that it is hard to identify the strong-points and sights of key battles. I took my wife to Vietnam over New Years a few years ago and she had no interest in war related sights so we played tourist and I enjoyed some of things we saw in the Delta and outside of Saigon. If someone is planning on a trip to Vietnam for whatever reason plan on a visit to Cambodia or to Luang Prabang Laos as well - it is a long way to Southeast Asia so take advantage of it.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Apr 21 at 2019 6:49 AM

2019-04-21T06:49:52-04:00

I have studied and heard so much about the Vietnam war that visiting Nam would be a dream come true for me; such a visit would place all accounts into perspective.

Response by SGT Al Norton made Apr 21 at 2019 3:27 PM

2019-04-21T15:27:21-04:00

NO! It's been 52 years now and every time I hear "gook" talk(which is not very often in Wyoming) I flip my weapon of of safe.............................

Response by TSgt Dan Decker made Apr 23 at 2019 7:10 PM

2019-04-23T19:10:03-04:00

I would not return to Vietnam or Thailand, well, maybe Thailand. The only thing I lost over there was a few friends, and I visit them on the Wall. No need to go to Vietnam.

Response by LTC David Mott made May 3 at 2019 5:59 PM

2019-05-03T17:59:11-04:00

I would not. I couldn't bear it.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made May 4 at 2019 5:40 PM

2019-05-04T17:40:52-04:00

Having spent more than 900 days in the Mekong Delta, I can't imagine why any Vietnam Veteran would want to go back to that place. There's nothing there I care to see or be nostalgic about.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made May 4 at 2019 5:43 PM

2019-05-04T17:43:32-04:00

Having spent more than 900 days in the Mekong Delta, I can't for the life of me, understand why any Vietnam Veteran in their right mind would want to go back to that place. There's nothing there I care to see or be nostalgic about.

Response by SN James Smith made May 17 at 2019 3:21 PM

2019-05-17T15:21:36-04:00

I plan to return to Vietnam with my spouse for a vacation. The reason being, after watching a CNN segment of Anthony Bourdain interviews in Ho Chi Minh City, many of the interviewees were of a new generation who no nothing about war,. Vietnam now seems to be warm and inviting and I look forward to visiting and trying out the cuisine. Also, I want to visit any museums attributed to the Vietnam war.

Response by SGT George Edward Brown made May 19 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-05-19T20:17:39-04:00

NO, TO MUCH MONEY, HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE TSA, CRAMPED UP FOR HOURS ON END AND MOSTLY BEING FORCE TO GO THROUGH HANOI AND DO THAT TOUR PLUS WE MOVED AROUND II CORP CONTINUALY SO I DID NOT BECOME ATTACHED TO ANY ONEBASE, TOWN OR CITY.......

Response by AN Richard Van Abel made May 20 at 2019 1:13 AM

2019-05-20T01:13:17-04:00

I would love to see Vietnam l, 47 years after I left. The people have changed and the videos I see now, Vietnam is a beautiful country. I served in DaNang, I was with a Helicopter sqaudon, I saw the country from the air, back then, it was beautiful, I would love to see it now.
I harbor no ill wills against Vietnam, it wasn't their fault what happened almost 50 years ago!!

Response by LTC John Bush made May 20 at 2019 7:48 AM

2019-05-20T07:48:14-04:00

why not? We go to Germany, Italy, Japan, and China. I spent two years over there and lived with the Vietnamese for a year, they are fine folks. I never hated them although circumstances required me to kill as many as possible it was just part of the job. I feel sorry for anyone that can not just move on. Same thing in Germany although I did not fight there I had lots of encounters with former members of WWII German soldiers and former civilians under NAZI rule. Really good opportunity to understand circumstances and attitudes at that time.

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made May 20 at 2019 10:27 AM

2019-05-20T10:27:06-04:00

I WOULD WELCOME THE THOUGHT OF VISITING, BUT THE FINANCIAL STRAIN WOULD BE "TOO" MUCH FOR OUR FIIXED INCOME "BUDGET". I WOULD NOT REFER TO IT AS A "VACATION" or "HOLIDAY", BUT MORE OF A "REMINDER" OF HOW DUMB WE WERE or A "WAKE UP" CALL AS TO HOW "INHUMANE" WE ARE TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Jun 14 at 2019 9:02 PM

2019-06-14T21:02:27-04:00

As a young civilian, late 60's and early 70's, I was witness to how terrible many returning soldiers - veteran's of WAR, were treated. Some had lost limbs. The looks on their or perhaps your faces opened my eyes wide, my heart bled wth yours or theirs. To return, just can't put myself in your or their boots.