Is it too late in making amends with our Vietnam veterans?

2015-11-15T09:58:42-05:00

While eating at a dinner I saw something occur that I thought I would share. There was an older gentleman waiting to be seated. It was obvious that he was prior service as he was wearing a Vietnam ribbon ball cap. While he was waiting another much younger man walked in. In less than a minute he recognized the hat and struck up a conversation. I silently watched from my seat as these two strangers shared their military tales and experiences. They hugged and embraced each other as there were kindred spirits.

As we were leaving I quickly introduced myself and told him about my observation of the "brotherhood". He was a combat medic and informed me that much of his training was based on what we had learned in Vietnam and that he just had to thank the older gentleman for that knowledge. We as service members get this. We understand our lineage as well as our history and respect it. I know this is all in retrospect but is there a way for the civilian population to make such amends with our Vietnam veterans or has this ship long sailed?

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2015/06/06/news/19local_06-06-15.txt#.Vkic3XarTIU

Vietnam War reunion changing lives of Wyoming's veterans

CASPER - Talking about the Vietnam War always has been a struggle for Mike Bochmann.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 15 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-11-15T10:03:35-05:00

It's never too late... but we must start now!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-11-15T10:03:57-05:00

We could bring attention to movies such as "Full Metal Jacket," and more accurate depictions of that time frame, use it to relate to what's going on now, and look to influence others to learn from the event.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 15 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-11-15T10:11:03-05:00

I think that if one good thing has come out of these crappy places like Iraq and Afghanistan, it has been that our Vietnam Veteran brothers and sisters are finally starting to get the recognition that they deserved when they came home. Hopefully we can get the ones on the street the treatment that they earned and provide a better future for them.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 15 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-11-15T10:22:43-05:00

It is never too late to exhibit kindness and respect for others. Making amends is not so important for those of us that were disrespected for doing our duty to our country as it is for those that did the disrespecting to redeem their own self-respect.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 15 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-11-15T11:54:05-05:00

For many the damage is done. The rub is that it's the general populace that ruled the reception, and you can't undo what a population does...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 15 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-11-15T11:57:21-05:00

I was lucky in several ways, ways that saved me from suffering the "outrageous misfortune" visited upon Vietnam era vets (keep in mind that all vets of that period suffered abuse even if they didn't serve in Vietnam - the peaceniks were sufficiently caring to distinguish). First of all I was much older and better educated than most GIs of that period. Thus more aware of the world and geopolitics. (I well remember one youngster at Infantry OCS who thought that Vietnam was part of Europe) and more confident of myself and my purpose in serving in Vietnam. (Later research and study would only serve to reinforce my convictions) I was stationed in Hawaii following my tour of duty in Vietnam, where the relationship between the military and civilian community was much better than in CONUS and anyone in military uniform didn't suffer abuse unless they wandered onto the campus of the University of Hawaii. My only real pain was the anger I felt at seeing in news reports other soldiers being abused and not being able to defend them.

That being said, it's not a personal issue for me. My only concern remains for those who were abused and I honestly don't believe that bell can be unrung. The best we can hope for is an end to the abuse.

Sadly, there are some old peaceniks out there who are only too willing to reap abuse on Vietnam Vets is they feel they can get away with it. I know. I've shut down a few over the years. It's quite easy inasmuch as they are essentially cowards. Remember how they only act in mobs? That's a fair bet you're dealing with cowards.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Nov 15 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-11-15T12:06:37-05:00

Too little too late.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-11-15T12:08:58-05:00

I once had a lady apologize to me for the way Vietnam era vets were treated. I said thanks but you were probably not part of the ones that did. Yes frowned and said yes, I was.

I served from 1960 to 1975. I did not go to Vietnam. But, I was called baby killer. I was spit upon, and people tried to keep me from going to my destination.

And I was told that if I retaliated I would be discharged under other than honorable conditions.

Bad memories, but, not defining ones.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 15 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-11-15T14:08:35-05:00

Maybe for some, however, we cant undue the hate from a country they fought for. We can't undue the virtues and innocence we took from them. We can't undue the pain they felt mentally and physically, and we cant give them back their youth that they lost.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Nov 15 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-11-15T17:13:25-05:00

I think its been too long and old memories are quickly dismissed! I was called every name in the book when I returned home in 1969. Dummy me, my pride had wear my uniform, so I asked for it. I occasionally wear my USMC Vietnam hat and get, "thank you for your service", but, to be very-honest, I find it hard to accept polite remarks because I don't know if they truly mean it or not! I'm sorry, I come from a time an culture (as all Vietnam vets do) were all we heard on the news was "how wrong we were being there, doing the nasty's to the locals and especially "babies"! "Say what"? We grew up with it, never accepted it and had it thrown up in our faces for years! Now some 40+ years later all vets get, "thank you for your service"! I'm still bitter, an it's time for me to "grow up" and just "let it go" and be a better child of God!
So David, sorry for my venting, but I think amends are," not going to happen", and like the WWII/Korea vets, the Vietnam vets are becoming a small group and were all disappearing daily! And some day down the road, we all forget. That's what "time does best"!
God Bless

Response by SSG Paul Forel made Nov 15 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-11-15T17:26:12-05:00

I think the 'amends' needs to start with our government.

What triggered our being in the Army back then was predicated on whether or not we would be drafted. So suddenly we had to make a choice we would not otherwise have had to make- wait and see if they call our number or join and endeavor to manage our own fate by choosing our own MOS as opposed to having one assigned you via the draft.

So now, there we are, in Vietnam. What did we see? Guidance from those above who were largely clueless about how we needed to run that war. Body count lies to satisfy the press. Dumb commands from commanders who had just finished OCS and thought they knew what they were doing and ended up needlessly endangering the grunts they were managing. Second and first lieutenants being shot in the back by whoever was carrying the Tokarev. Fratricide that became a close-hold secret. ("We regret to advise you that your son......"). Parents were never told the truth when their son (or daughter) was killed because of a screw-up.

I finally get my dream job- being in a dustoff unit. What do I see? Wounded, wounded and more wounded. Amputations were common but what was even more common was still having an arm or leg but in name only- the skin had been blasted or torn away, leaving bones with flopping pieces of meat attached.

Bandaging the guys and then having to carefully watch them as they laid there with blank looks on their faces. Blank looks because they saw that their lives as they knew them were over- no more football, baseball, going out on a Saturday night, probably no more girlfriends, either.

How many times I had to jam a cigarette in their faces to keep them from dwelling on this and then simply giving up and letting go. I saw this a few times- after 'stabilizing' the guys and turning my attention back to watching out the door for traffic and then looking over my shoulder to be sure my IV's were running and the bandages were holding and seeing one of the guys apparently sleeping. Only my sixth sense told me there was more to it than that and sure enough, it took more than a tap on the shoulder to rouse the kid because he had decided he was going to check out, having no future to look forward to. Thank you General Westmoreland, thank you President Johnson.

I had a moment of clarity a couple of times- I took a more objective look at what was surrounding me: about six or seven guys all splayed out on the helicopter's cabin floor, pools of blood building up where their legs crossed and me wrapping their bodies, legs and arms with Kerlix and Carlisle bandages.

Hmmmm, I thought, an average of five or so guys, twice a day, nearly every day. Times six days a week, times four point three weeks per month times twelve months a year. Times the number of dustoff medics on first up in each division. TIMES TEN YEARS!

Ten fucking years this had been going on and no one had taken the time to look at what was happening and realize the situation had gotten out of control. How could the lifers back in Washington, D.C. allow for this, I wondered. Why wasn't anyone telling those guys back in Washington what was going on? I had blood half-way up my arms six days a week and no one cared.

Well, we know why. Because they were not part of what we were doing. They had their meetings, their fine white linen tablecloths while we had our hot hoists, hot LZ's, firefights and short rounds.

I'm knee deep in daily examples of man's inhumanity to man and the officials back in Washington were discussing policy. There was obviously a serious disconnect between them and us, I was thinking.

Surely, I thought, if only a few of them would sit in my dustoff helicopter and see all the carnage, up close and personal, they would realize they needed to pull the plug on this war, regroup and re-think their strategy.

But that never happened. Instead we got, after the fact, a book by one of them, 'apologizing' for not having seen more clearly how poorly and ineffectively they were running that war.

An 'apology'?? In book form? For which the guy gets royalties?

Where's the apology in that? Do my dead friends get a share in those royalties?

So here we sit, all these years later, Vietnam mostly forgotten, the lifers who so severely botched that war retired or deceased and I still can't get all the blood off my hands and arms.

The years have passed. Now we have a new war and because it is tied to something more close to home -9/11-, the civilians are more tuned into our military.

"Thank you for your service!" they say. Lady, I am thinking, you have no idea.

There has been no accounting for the damage done to our generation (and don't let us forget Agent Orange, a chemical deliberately sprayed on our own troops which later had them dying from the cancers created by that chemical spray) nor do I see one coming.

Yes, I was asked if I had killed any children. I was asked if I had burned down any villages.

But where the focus was on us, the guys on the spear's point, no one has pressed for an accounting for all the carnage that came from poorly thought-out policies created and pushed down by our Leaders in Washington.

And now, from that same combat zone, they make our tennis shoes. How am I supposed to explain that to my friends when I get to Heaven? "Sorry, guys. You were killed for reasons that evaporated when the politics changed". What size shoe do you wear, I'll ask them. Maybe I'll bring some Nikes with me....

That 'amends' to which you refer needs to come from the Top. That clueless but well-meaning civilian who 'thanks me for my service' was not the one who got my friends killed needlessly, she is not the one who pushed policies and strategies that evaporated with the turning of the calendar pages.

Keep your thanks. I'm still waiting to get a letter postmarked from Washington, D.C. A letter that explains how shifting values can reasonably explain away why it is okay that our brothers (and sisters) are no longer with us.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Nov 15 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-11-15T18:16:34-05:00

Long sailed? Nope it's rusting and mothballed in some lost backwater.
So many are now long dead and dying.

Response by PVT Christopher Hisgen made Nov 15 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-11-15T18:23:23-05:00

Never too late

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 15 at 2015 7:37 PM

2015-11-15T19:37:02-05:00

No time like the present time - It's never too late!!

Response by SMSgt Clyde Hunter made Nov 16 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-11-16T10:33:53-05:00

Support your local VFW and American Legions...drop in...strike up a chat with the old guy nursing his beer and doing scratchers...You'll walk away educated...

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 16 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-11-16T14:13:27-05:00

I dont think so for i know alot of civilians who do alot for our veit nam brothers and sisters I have seen this at our American legion or veit nam veterans are very honored

Response by 1st Lt Alan Blakeborough "F3 Zorro" made Nov 16 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-11-16T14:42:37-05:00

I don't think so. My father and the guys that raised me were all Vietnam veterans. They have all looked at the turn of the events with veterans as a second chance and the ones that I have had the pleasure to know are happy that the days have finally come for them to be welcomed home properly.

Response by SSgt Ben Adair made Nov 16 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-11-16T16:41:16-05:00

Getting involved with the American Legion and VFW has provided me with the opportunity to meet, get to know, and serve many Vietnam era vets. I am honored to now call many of them my friends. I see many folks wearing the era hats and just say 'hello, veteran, nice hat' - its one of the easiest conversations you may ever start.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Nov 16 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-11-16T17:18:29-05:00

There is no such thing as " Too Late!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-11-16T20:28:58-05:00

No, it is never too late. I've paid for meals, given rides, and just shared stories over a cold beverage. Like any of us, those old warriors just want to be able to tell their story.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 17 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-11-17T15:09:28-05:00

Its never too late to show respect for fellow veterans.
I don't know about making amends though because if its not coming from the heart and with respect then its nothing more than an empty gesture. I have heard and seen in the 1970's about the veterans who came home and were spit on and treated like crap just because they were in a not very popular war that no one seemed to understand why we were fighting there.
I do think there are probably many of those Vietnam haters who now see that they were wrong in their treatment but I doubt very many of them would be willing to offer some heartfelt apology to those that they mistreated.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 17 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-11-17T17:18:40-05:00

No its not. Until recently, Korean War veterans were all but forgotten until there was a push to recognize their service. All veterans belong to a small fraternity and everyone deserves to be recognized for their service.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 17 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-11-17T17:59:48-05:00

I'm proud as hell of those who came before me. They had it a LOT rougher than I ever will or did. What is amazing to me, yet rather disappointing, is that we're the last of those who will ever personally know the vets from WWII, Korea, and Nam. It's almost scary to know that in the very near future, kids will read history books and have no clue that many of their grand and great grandparents were from the Greatest generation, or the baby boomers. It's something taken for granted until you really think about it.
I can't speak for America, but I know me pretty well; I'm glad to know what you all did for us, how many of you don't regret what you did, even when you didn't like it, and that in the end, we're all members of this nations Warrior Class. Glad to be among great people; great Americans.

Response by PO2 Kayla Modschiedler made Nov 17 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-11-17T18:09:20-05:00

I have a LOT of respect for Vietnam veterans, it's because of them my generation has so many wonderful benefits. When I would come back from deployment my family couldn't afford to come see me and the VV would be there in force to show their support. That really meant a lot to me.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 17 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-11-17T19:13:39-05:00

I have seen in several communities various "welcome home" events geared towards trying to heal the wounds for Vietnam Vets. However, inevitably there are those Vietnam Vets who are so angered by how this country treated them, that they choose not to participate. I also have seen where some Vietnam Vets are so annoyed by all the hoopla given today's military that they further retreat into their own world. We read it here sometimes with posts questioning whether a civilian expressing their appreciation for Veterans service is appropriate. For these Vietnam Vets who have not "come home" sort of speak, they need the support of veterans of all eras to help them feel "welcomed home."

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 17 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-11-17T20:27:31-05:00

There is always time to say thank you. For some it may be too late, for others it will be a transformative moment.

I have seen the positive response and transformation that can occur when service, sacrifice and commitment are finally (if belatedly) recognized.
DOD has established an official program to commerate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program is slated to run for ten years and is focused on honoring all Vietnam Vets. The recognition includes hosting a ceremony for the presentation of a commerative pin to each veteran attending
The success of the program is focused on locally based partner programs, to include programs run by military units, veteran organizations, civic groups, etc...
Specific information is available at:

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/commemorative_partners/become_a_commemorative_partner/

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com

http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/VWC_SITREP_2015,_Issue_14.pdf

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Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 17 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-11-17T23:14:04-05:00

My brother is a Viet Nam veteran. He as a great guy. He is suffering from the effects of agent orange and he will probably not see 80 years or even 75. To put it simply, the way I see it, he never asks for anything, but all he wants is the love of his family and friends, and someone to talk to, mostly to talk about his children and grandchildren, but sometimes to talk to a veteran, someone he can share with.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 18 at 2015 12:17 AM

2015-11-18T00:17:45-05:00

I can't really answer, but kindness and respect goes a long way and it is never too late. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact. I have known for many years how Vietnam veterans were treated because my parents were my age or younger when Vietnam was going on told me how service members were treated and they didn't serve but supported the troops. Many years later and a few years ago when I was serving, I had a Vietnam veteran hug me, thank me for my service and he started to cry. I had never forgotten what my parents told me and I got pretty damn upset that night after looking into it some more because I was curious because it was only something I was told but never really saw.

It's too bad that many Vietnam veterans are passing away or have passed away. I always wanted to meet my wife's uncle who went from being a holocaust survivor to career soldier in the US Army that served in Vietnam. I am confident that I will see and meet him on the other side and I look forward to that time.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Nov 18 at 2015 6:54 AM

2015-11-18T06:54:13-05:00

Personally to me it would be a stretch. I learned very quickly how it was to be a returning Vietnam vet the moment I hit stateside, finished my enlistment and entered college. The atmosphere in college was so toxic that I fled a year later and re-entered the Air Force where I spent the next 20 years; the best decision I ever made. Even since retirement I refuse to publicize by Vietnam Vet status and to be honest sometimes shake my head at some of the troops today when I hear them complain about not getting bumped to 1st class on the airline or other stuff. I would have just settled for a "welcome back".

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 8:25 AM

2015-11-19T08:25:49-05:00

Never too late.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 26 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-11-26T08:56:51-05:00

Capt Waddell and Maj Landgren are closest to the bulls eye on this question as far as I am concerned. I've often told my wife that if I ever want to poison the atmosphere of a party, I just need to bring up VN. Wounds heal, but there is always a scar. I never felt I needed to prove anything to fellow warriors, no matter the war, and I glory in their earned recognition; those citizens who weren't participants on either side of the controversy owe me nothing; those who chose to demean us mostly cling to their VN era attitudes and view their actions with pride, but that's their problem. Time has proven them wrong, the millions of innocents killed in VN and the rest of SE Asia after our departure and the continuing cost of Kerry-style diplomacy are generally ignored by those of his ilk, but our society as a whole is starting to recognize the results of our nation adopting policies based upon the anti-VN philosophies. Of course, I wonder if the recent "student activism" represented by attacking the likes of Jefferson and others isn't a throwback. Maybe we'll never learn.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2016 5:21 PM

2016-01-23T17:21:59-05:00

It is never too late!

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Jan 25 at 2016 4:12 PM

2016-01-25T16:12:51-05:00

As CPT Waddell said previously, it is never too late!.....we as veterans of Vietnam as a group are proud of our service and the events we witnessed while defending our country's freedom....yes, I believed then and still do that our freedom was in jeopardy due to the communist push to take over that part of the world.....sadly, the politics that followed our involvement became convulsed on what our true mission was and why we were there....those of us that were in combat knew that we faced a formidable enemy, but soon found out that the populace were not interested in who was in control but rather what they had to do to sustain their livelihoods and take care of their families....our government failed us in this respect by not allowing us to fight as defenders of freedom and diminished our role as warriors....those of us that returned as I said earlier are proud of their service and now look to our Country to support us and return to us our ability to lead successful and as healthy a life as we can, even though we might be suffering poor health due to the events we were subjected to during our tour in Vietnam.....go to a VA Hospital and witness the Vietnam vets who are being treated....they are a proud bunch and truly welcome a thank you for their service when given....you cannot thank a veteran enough for their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice whether he or she is one of the Vietnam era or any war that our Country has been involved in.

Response by PO1 Angela (Gibbs) Reterstorf made Jan 25 at 2016 11:00 PM

2016-01-25T23:00:44-05:00

I belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution. We do a lot for veterans nationally and in our communities: http://www.dar.org/national-society/military-support-service-veterans - check us out. We also starting in 2015 have been reaching out to each Vietnam Vet we meet to say Thank you, this is very special to me. I have had wonderful conversations with the individuals I get the chance to meet. Each individual met receives a pin, choice of bumper sticker and a proclamation on the anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Military Support & Service for Veterans

DAR members are passionate about supporting our active-duty military and veterans and they do so in a variety of ways.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 26 at 2016 1:47 AM

2016-01-26T01:47:09-05:00

"OUR SHIP" is headed for the horizons. We are disappearing faster than any other veterans group. We were shit on, ridiculed, and all but disowned by our country and many of its citizens. So long as that ship of ours is still visible, it's not too late to make things right for my generation. It is MY generation that has stepped up to insure this generation will not be treated as we were.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Jan 26 at 2016 9:11 AM

2016-01-26T09:11:11-05:00

I personally know a few Vietnam vets since they are friends of the family some have transition into a seamless life, some others have even left the country , for those of them that stayed they account for all the wrong doings to them. Most of them will never forget how they were treated, no matter how much we thank them today it won't erase it from their lives.
Being honest its heartbreaking in every shape or form, because personally I would like to do anything to erase those dark times from them.

No matter what I will still thank them for everything they did. They deserve it times 100.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Jan 26 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-01-26T12:29:29-05:00

Nope, I am pleased with the amount of support, understanding and respect that has been shown over the last 15 years or so. Now when I got back and someone spat on me in an airport in California, I was an unhappy camper. After I was released by the PD and got home I had a good rant with my buddies in Mississippi and felt a little better. Years later I got help for my PTSD and found that many, many people had open arms to thank me and 'reward' what we went trough. My only wish is that somehow we had done more for our Korean and WWII guys, or at least understood why so many of them where so angry and distant....it would have been much better for all concerned that we understood more4 way back when....I just thank God daily that we do know better now.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 8:31 AM

2016-01-27T08:31:27-05:00

Without degrading from the service of my own generation who followed these brave men in later years...we'll never truly understand, let alone properly appreciate what the Vietnam Vets experienced. In out time, one has to work very hard and remain very dedicated to find themselves even a glimpse of what many of these veterans were asked to endure.

Despite the fact that many things still are indeed "FUBAR"...every time things went "right", we were benefiting from the lessons they paid for with their blood, sweat and tears. All I can say is thank you and you're most certainly not forgotten.

Response by Sgt Brent Wanstreet made Jan 27 at 2016 10:47 PM

2016-01-27T22:47:32-05:00

It is a very complex issue, especially for those who were in country. I lost a lot of brothers over there and upon return, we know how that went. Unfortunately the only ones who know the way it truly was over there is the ones who were there. I do not believe it is too late to be appreciated, but as some of you have said already, most are gone already. We know a lot more about PTSD today than we did then and dealing with that and the reception caused a lot of brothers to just give up. I do know with all Vets, it is never about the ribbons, thanks or any rewards, it is about the brothers and country. That is what we hung on to and still do.

Response by COL John McClellan made Jan 28 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-01-28T10:32:53-05:00

It is never too late!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-02-11T17:09:08-05:00

If this response seems to be a bit jaded, it probably is. Those who have served in the military are well aware of the natural inclination to discuss or B.S about a certain period of time spent in service. That natural inclination takes a detour once you have been in a position whereby another human being wishes you dead and you have survived. It's not the mark of a boastful fellow serviceman, just one who realizes how fortunate he is to have survived. If you happen to be a member of the Armed Forces, making amends with the Viet Nam veterans is a moot endeavor. The Band of Brothers is ALL INCLUSIVE. The little ol lady who spat upon me in Philly, the ones at SeaTac who yelled "baby killer" and ALL of those who believe that a Marxist, socialist or communist way of life, is better than OUR FREEDOMS. ( You know who you are) then you should take another look at the HUGE POPULATION of those types of government( sarcasm)Personally I like LIFE, LIBERTY and the FREEDOM to pursue happiness and to WORSHIP in the way I see fit.
By virtue of Taking The Oath, the willingness to fight for your rights and putting on the uniform, makes amends unnecessary. Appreciate the thought.

Response by SSG Paul Forel made Feb 18 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-02-18T13:41:52-05:00

The last thing in the world I want is some do-gooding, well-meaning civilian coming up to me and offering 'amends' for something that was not of their doing. Unless s/he was one of those who spat on our uniforms, asked us if we burned down villages and/or killed babies, the only people who 'owe' Vietnam Veterans any kind of 'amends' are those fools who ran our government back in the day. And that includes that jerk who wrote his 'apology' book.

Combat experienced veterans understand veterans. Everyone else? Go about your business. And please, please, please! do not 'thank' me for my service. The service that was posed to me as a gamble: wait to be drafted, enlist or hope they don't call my number. For those choices you want to thank me?

"Lady", I usually say to my self, "...you have no idea......"

Response by SGM Gregory Hoppe made Feb 25 at 2016 1:16 AM

2016-02-25T01:16:24-05:00

Staff Sgt Forel, I don't think I've ever read a more accurate portrayal of what our life was like dealing with the daily operations over there. I too remember sneaking through SeaTac in the middle of the night changing into civilian clothes, to avoid the bull shit and ass holes Who thought they could change the world by surrendering all our values. Your statement is a very heart wrenching and powerful portrayal of what we saw day in and day out. You brought out many emotions and feelings of that time and the effects of them. The only reason I can deal with them today is because of the prolonged exposure program for PTSD that I went through at the Haley VA. I think if I have read your comment prior to completing this program I probably would've become unraveled. I think you and I both know that we are waiting for an apology that will never come. I believe that at this point I really don't want that apology and I prefer to keep that portion of my wasted youth locked away in its little vault. Thanks to the PTSD prolonged exposure program. I know and realize that it can't come back to hurt me anymore. It will always be there. It will never go away, and all I can do is control over rage within.

Response by SPC Richard White made Feb 25 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-02-25T12:16:03-05:00

Make a Vietnam veterans day by shaking their hand and saying welcome home

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 4:49 AM

2016-05-25T04:49:52-04:00

Ladies, Gents, I use to say, We won our war, the politicians lost theirs. I misspoke. The simple fact that I'm writing this and you're reading this is the one thing we carry around as a PLUS. Survivors!!! There is some of us who suffer through the guilt that is only natural when we wonder why so many had to make the ultimate sacrifice and we survived. Here's one reason. When I see our women and men return from Iraq and Afghanistan I am just immensely thankful that they are well received. I would like to think that the American public realized how important acknowledging their contribution will help in any healing our warriors have to undergo. Also, I certainly hope those returning will feel the compassion and understanding we try to exhibit. As for my brothers, never fear " reaching out ". If you have a tendency to hesitate for whatever reason, please talk to a brother. The scars all of us carry, regardless our roles in combat, only serves to remind every one of us , how all are affected by the hell of war. I survived to help those less fortunate. If you can breathe, you can help. Never forget that.
As for "mending fences", I'm honored that the thought is there and I've made it this far. The present day warriors need all the support we can muster.
Met a woman in O'hare on the way back in 1969. She asked, " Are you coming back from Viet Nam?". I said yes , She said I protested that war. I looked her dead in the eye and said. " You didn't protest enough. Crushed her.

Response by SP5 Larry Morris made Dec 1 at 2017 5:32 PM

2017-12-01T17:32:50-05:00

and what do you mean if you were a hippie no

Response by LTC John Griscom made Dec 2 at 2017 10:48 AM

2017-12-02T10:48:21-05:00

There have been some events held for Vietnam Vets as a belated "Welcome Home".
There are still some areas of the country that I will not visit due to the attitude of the population.