Thoughts about the VFW or at least an associated endowment fund sending nine willing purple heart Vietnam vets back next year?

SP5 Grover Crail — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:59:46 -0400

I have spoken my peace before about going back but I respect those vets who feel the trip offers part of the healing process. Last week a friend of mine sent me pictures of our friends headstones who didn't get to come back alive. Two of those were my best buddies for 15 years. I just wish they were here to have a vote. God I miss them every day.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Sep 9 at 2019 3:13 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:13:28 -0400

I served during NAM but "not in country". It is the saddest time in my life! It is the most detested, despised, and protested conflict on record. As a clinical psychologist, my retirement is dedicated to the 60,000+ who did not return and to combat vets dating back to Korea. I do this to honor them all!
Rich

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Sep 9 at 2019 3:24 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:24:27 -0400

Very heartbreaking. Sorry for your and their families loss. On the other hand I'm glad to see Vietnam Veterans coming to tell their stories. Their Heroism should not be forgotten

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 3:50 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:50:42 -0400

My best buddy was killed one day after I left country. I have no desire to ever go back, but have no issue with those that want to go back.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 9 at 2019 3:54 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:54:52 -0400

My Dad is a Vietnam Vet and he has told me many, many times that he would love to go back and see some of the places he was again. It is a wholly different place now.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 9 at 2019 5:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 17:31:03 -0400

A wife of a KIA went to Vietnam on an august trip. She went to the exact site he was kill at, and spoke to the soldier who killed him. I hope she found closure and peace.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 9 at 2019 10:34 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 22:34:56 -0400

One of my friends in high school was a combat medic. Dennis French. Combat Medic. Killed on the battlefield. Causes unknown?????? Bull shit

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 9 at 2019 10:44 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 22:44:06 -0400

For those who want to go back for closure, understanding, forgiveness, or whatever; God bless them. I'm too much like my dad who spent much of WW2 deep in China. He wound up hating the Chinese more than the Japanese primarily because he was ordered to kill starving Chinese raiding US supply dumps. He created his own wall of hatred and processed his own demons with no support to the day he died. For me like many, going back means reliving it. I've moved on having to manage more insidious dragons associated with other firefights, or the incidental tossed grenade, or losing the front of my hotel in Jakarta. I have no desire to go back to many places because I moved on. I knew I was healing when I could finally tell my wife after 17 years. We all take different paths when we're seeking understanding or even redemption.

Response by SGT Robert R. made Sep 10 at 2019 9:00 AM

SGT Robert R. — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:00:57 -0400

First, thank you for your service SP5 Grover Crail . I am glad you are home. You are right, the healing process is an individual journey, and I can only imagine what seeing those photos does for your journey. I am sorry you hurt and miss your brothers. I wish they were here with us.

Do you think that this program is not with well intent?

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 4:38 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:38:24 -0400

I can honestly sympathize with those who would not go back. But in my opinion I would for them. Not for me. For me it would be my way of letting them know I haven't forgotten them. Just my 2 cents....