[leadpenny]

I've always talked about my experiences in Nam (67 and 69/70). Especially about the people I knew and how the war effected me, warts and all. I refused to put it away, mainly because I wanted to keep alive the memory of those who were lost. The good to come out of Nam is that our generation has not let the politicians get us into another one - yet. As long as I have a breath, I'm going to help keep 'em honest.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

I've always talked about my experiences in Nam (67 and 69/70).

Strange that many times that I've wanted to communicate the "truth" about Nam I've been shut down and labeled as a goof-ball. When you tell a story very different then what people hear in the media they just don't believe you.

Case in point we were both in Army Avaiation and drug use was extremely rare and we were all volunteers had a higher sense of duty then the average GI. When I tell people that morale was high and we were good and dedicated soldiers -- I just lose a lot of people.

Perhaps people don't know what a crew chief was you as a pilot may get more respect. In the last 33 years I've only known 2-3 people who have the slightest idea of what I did and they think I'm bull**iting. But, I was a soldier once and I'm sorry no one listens -- so I don't say much.

[ImpBill]

I have had the same goal as you, but I never, I mean NEVER speak of my experiences in country.

I have tried upon occasion to speak with my dear bride of 34 years about my bitterness since returning "home", but she thinks I am a bit "off balance" ... LOL ... so I don't discuss them much with her either. As in most other things in our relationship, she is more than likely correct about my being "off balanced".

Anyway, nice to exchange with you and thanks for the further example of Joe Galloway's magnificent ability to put raw emotion into words.

I am looking forward to seeing the flick when it gets on the tube. I really do live about 45 miles from the nearest town with "one" theater. /;-)