Military Retirees and Veterans
I Thank the Troops!!1 January 2003 The Troops start shipping out to the Gulf and other regions to get ready again for battle. I remember how sick I got- when I went to Vietnam. I had been married for 2 years and I had a daughter 6 months old. Leaving my family at the age of 24 was the most difficult thing, I have ever- had to do. I remember being so sick to my stomach I did not think -I could stand it. We were in a car headed for the airport and this was as difficult as life gets. I remember thinking I may never see my wife and daughter again. Of course I had to keep this hidden because I was the tough guy—the proud one—the Big guy. Then somehow I was off to war. Little did I realize that February 1967 to February 1968 would not be the best time to be in Nam. We landed at Tuy Hoa and there were about 75 of us. I remember looking off the runway and seeing nothing. One of the guys asked “Where are the dormitories?” We found out quickly as we threw up 4 men tents. Being at war is plain stressful. In a lot of cases its like a nut house. Your sanity is always being tested. Then your fellow troops start falling around you. One guy tried to commit suicide. One guy died of a massive heart attack walking over to work. One guy totally flipped his lid after getting a Dear John. These were tough times. I remember going TDY to Nha Trang to help the Army. I was going to be there for three days. When I arrived I was surprised to see how efficient they were. I agreed to go to dinner with the E-8 in charge at the NCO Club down town. He would pick me up at the dorm I was staying in. He called later saying he could not make it because they were to busy and he needed to work. That night they (Viet Cong) bombed the club and killed many. I was lucky. Halfway through your tour you could get two free weeks R&R and I was supposed to meet my wife Pam in Hawaii. We decided that it would be easier if we did not meet and have to say good bye again. Then in October 1967 things started to heat up. I was scheduled to leave in February. The country was in turmoil and many of us did not think we would get out. I headed down to Tan Son Nhut as soon as I could. I got there three days early. The Enemy was shelling the place with mortars from the hills. I spent 2 Nights in the Bunker and we were very worried about going home. At 6am we got in line to get on the plane. There were about 200 of us. At 6:10 the Viet Cong put a 122 mm Missile right into the middle of the line. Several were killed and although I did not have a scratch, The briefcase I was carrying had a huge hole in it. I made it home, I’ve been married for 38 years. I have three great children who have given me three really super grand kids. I was of course changed by these events. I have a good idea what our troops and their families are going through. There are many who will have to leave their young children. Although this is what we train for, it still is just plain lonely and painful. This is what makes our country so great. The sacrifice of the individual for the benefit of the group. I don’t think you can appreciate the complex reality of war unless you have been there. I say to the Troops—Thanks to all of you for being the current generation of American hero(s). I for one appreciate your sacrifice. You are our Best. | 
