‘You either went to war or you didn’t’ — How deployments divide the veteran community

I had just finished college in 1972 and started my career. I received an invitation to join the military. When I was drafted, I had a wife and 2 year old and 3 month old boys. I had no input in what I did or where I went. As it turned out I was a 71H out of AIT in January 1973. On the side of the orderly room they listed our names and where we were going. I was hoping to be sent to Germany. My name was there and to the right, Vietnam. My orders came through and I wasn't going to Vietnam but Japan. When I got there, they didn't actually have a job for me. The company clerk had gotten in a little bit of trouble and they decided to make me a company clerk and I became a 75B. Sadaharu Oh was playing baseball in his 15th year and a Hawaiian by the name of Jesse Kuhaulua was the first foreign born Sumo wrestler to win the top division championship in Japan in 1972. His wrestling name was Takamiyama. I got a good job in a good place at a good time. I was very lucky. I have no regrets in regard to my military service. I did what I was asked to do where I was asked to do it. Separate me in any way you wish. I did my duty to my country, the Army and my family and I did it well. I take pride in that and I would do it all again.

You go where they send you.

You take an Oath,you wear the uniform,you give the government the right to put you into harm’s way at anytime in any third world hellhole,or dangerous situations routinely,you are the lonely and forgotten 1% the civilian population doesn’t give a rat’s ass about,so whether you went to war or not ,is immaterial to this crabby old fart,mission first.