What would Joe W. think of Hanoi Kerry?

self | 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Odd how sometimes thing jog ones memory.
I thought of Joe W. yesterday.
I hadn't thought of him in a long, long time.
He is a Swift Boat Veteran.
He used to be my shipmate on the USS Corry DD-817

In Jan of '68 we just finished a shakedown cruise in Gitmo,
followed by 6 weeks at the 3 mile limit to Havana.
After constant General Quarters conditions with Cuban gunboats Joe W. said something like
"I'd give anything to get off this tin can."
(We already knew we were going to Viet Nam in Aug of '68)
"Why don't we put in for PBR's (Swift Boats) in Viet Nam."
Well being young and adventurous we all thought Hell Yes!
So 5 of us put in requests for PBR's.
We were all Gunners Mates.

One thing about Joe W.
He even got seasick when we were tied up to the dock if it was rough out.

Well as fate would have it Joe W.'s request was approved.
Dean S. got transfered to the USS New Jersey which had just been recommissioned.
Myself, Bill B. and Rick S. were turned down.
We were to remain, right where we were.

Our ship left for Viet Nam in Aug of '68 and returned in early May of '69
Sometimes we would resupply PBR's when we weren't up North or down South providing gunfire support.
We heard from Joe W. and Dean S. a few times.
But as time went on we heard no more.
They both came back, as we all did.
Bill B. died about 10 years ago.
Last I heard Joe. W. was a postal clerk some where in FL.
The others I have lost touch with.
I am still in touch with Robert "Bobby" M. and Bruce R.
All Gunners Mates.

The recent events of yesterday makes me wonder
"What would Joe W. think of Hanoi Kerry?"

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PING

[tiamat]

That's strong, Tonk.

[DLfromthedesert]

Maybe you can find out. It can't be that hard to find Joe, the Postal Clerk, in Florida. :)

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

I just tried before I posted this.
That info is OLD.
Think I check with the Swift Boat Vet groups.

[DLfromthedesert]

I hope and pray you can find him. Not just to find out what he thinks about P-face, but because I know it's important to you to touch base with this person.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PING

[Darksheare]

Hmm.
Interesting thought.
If you can find him, let us know what he says.
That is an intriguing question, as there are those who were in swift boats that absolutely hate Kerry.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Joe W. was a stand up guy.
Unlike Hanoi Kerry

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

You were there when Hanoi Kerry was!
In the Army and an Operation Bold Mariner participant in Feb '69

[Soaring Feather]

bump

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

PING

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks, Tonk. I'm sure we all know what his feelings are.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

FOX now has Hanoi Kerry on TV complaining about treatment of Iraq prisoners!!!
Wants US to apologize.
Just like in 1971!

[DLfromthedesert]

I can't bear to watch. And I can't bear the thought of 4 or more years of that voice and that face.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Let him keep digging his hole Tonk....

[onedoug]

Oh, God. Though I think he was south.

[Spotsy]

Tonk -

Kerry's comments just now were outrageous.
He has nothing but contempt for US Armed Forces.
He has nothing but contempt for the USA.
This man cannot be our president.

Praying for President Bush,

Spotsy

[faithincowboys]

I think this is a real tone deaf reaction on his part--he needs to not be seen as soldier bashing right now. I think he has to be careful. I think he isn't the guy to do this. if I were advising him, I'd tell kerry to slow the Hell down.

[joesnuffy]

PBR

Swift Boat