Posted on 10/18/2005 2:56:51 PM PDT by RetiredArmy
On October 19, 1970, at approximately 1800 hours, near An Khe, Republic of South Vietnam, which is located in the Central Highlands, I donated to the cause. I was wounded and spent the next six months in Army hospitals in An Khe, in Japan and at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, GA. Another year to rehab my leg back to some usability. I recovered sufficiently enough to complete a 20-plus year military career.
I was a young and dumb kid of 19 in those days. Today, I am much older, and I hope a hell of a lot wiser. I support every man, woman, and child that is serving in the military, supporting their family members in the military. It is a life of total sacrifice and dedication to the safety and protection of the Republic. I made and lost many good friends in the Army. I miss them all to this day. Time and distance have separated us. But, that does not take away from the great times, the hard times, the bad times. But, I sure as hell would not swap it for anything on this earth.
Folks, not because I am a military man, but because I KNOW what military people and their families go through each and every day, please, the next time you see a military person in uniform, PLEASE take the time to stop them and tell them you appreciate what they are doing. I can guarantee it makes you feel like a million bucks to know that people actually give a damn.
As I recall I was humping F-111's that day at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas having just returned the previous April from Suwon AB, South Korea. We were getting a lot of guys rotating back from Nam and even though the F-111's were grounded (again) we had to stay busy anyway so there I was with my M-16 and SW . Got out in 1972 to go to school but wish I'd stayed in like you did. It was a good life, knowing you were doing something worthwhile. Good on ya, Army!!
:-)
"I support every man, woman, and child that is serving in the military, supporting their family members in the military.
I do too. Bless our Military
Thank You and Welcome Home, RetiredArmy.
RetiredArmy,
Speaking as a Canadian I can honestly say that I have always held the military in highest esteem. Speaking as a US Resident I can also honestly say that I have an even more profound respect for the military now than I ever have. God Bless you and may you live to celebrate another 35 years.
Thank you Retired Army, we appreciate and recognize your service!
Thank you, we appreciate it and are happy to hear your story.
I hate to date myself, LOL, I was out for close to two years. A hearty wecome home Brother none the less.
Man, you guys ARE old!!!
:)
I remember it all just like it was yesterday. I wonder how many times our paths crossed during that time.
My anniversary today also. On 19Oct67 I was drafted into the US Army. Didn't get to Nam until 1Oct68.
You and me both! Thanks.
Oct 68 I was a senior in high school. Still a ways away.
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