National Vietnam Veterens Day 3.29.23, Remembering and Honoring Options

[KELTY360]

I just recently found out there was a day of rememberence for those who served in Vietnam. The date signifies the anniversary of the last serviceman leaving the country. This year is particularly significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the end of US armed involvement in that war.

I served in Nam for 10 months during 1971-72. It was not by choice for me as I was drafted, like many others. This was a time when the war was winding down for the US as we tried to hand over control to the South Vietnamese Army (RVN). I was in a helicopter unit that was still fighting the war. During that time we lost 11 souls that will always be part of my psyche. Today is a time to reflect on all who served at a time when participation, voluntary or not, upheld the values or our country.

I salute all who went and solemnly honor those who didn't come home.

Marc Ogren, Sgt.
Bravo Troop, 1/9 Cavalry, US Army

[Dion]

Never knew this. I have 2 uncles that served. I’ll have to see if they are aware. Thanks for the information and thanks for serving.

[sportlicherFahrer]

Thank you to all who served in Vietnam. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[Geezer914]

Thanks to all who served and honor those who gave their all. I was in the Navy from 68-72.

[Cairo94507]

Thanks to all who served. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[914Sixer]

My brother served in Vietnam running ammo barges. Had two boats blown up but he made it home in one piece.

[Drex]

My draft number was 119 in 1970
But I elected to defer and go to college.
Have felt a little guilty as a couple of my close friends
either died or were severely injured over there.
I feel a little easier as the highest number they took
in Jasper Co. Iowa was 96, so I wouldn't have gone anyway.

Saying this, I honor all VN vets
and have the deepest respect for them.
It's really sad and disgusting that
they did not receive a hero's welcome back.

Drex

[KELTY360]

My draft number was 119 in 1970
But I elected to defer and go to college.
Have felt a little guilty as a couple of my close friends
either died or were severely injured over there.
I feel a little easier as the highest number they took
in Jasper Co. Iowa was 96, so I wouldn't have gone anyway.

Saying this, I honor all VN vets
and have the deepest respect for them.
It's really sad and disgusting that
they did not receive a hero's welcome back.

Drex

That's funny. My lottery number in the LA region was 194...the cutoff number was 195. When I went for the physical the next thing I knew I was on the bus to Ft. Ord for basic training and a really radical haircut. You're in the Army now! Talk about culture shock....

Thanks for your reference to the 'welcome home'. It's taken a lot of years to heal from that.

[Type 47]

My brother served in Vietnam running ammo barges. Had two boats blown up but he made it home in one piece.

My brother served in Nam also. He worked on Nike missile sites.

I had to register for the draft, but by the time I was out of high school it was over.

Thanks to all that served! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[mlindner]

Thank you that serverd. I was differed and then had to enlist. Joined the Army Reserve, six years taking care of the injured/VA hospital. Bless them all. Mark

[914_teener]

Then there were those that came home in one peice and then got cancer years later.

Like Captn Krusty.


Lest we not forget....all.... including the civillian defense folks that stayed there until 75 to watch the disasterous end.

They went and they served. Volar Army started in 76 and the year I registered for the draft.

I ended up working for the government instead.

Seems like yesterday.

[Van B]

For the record, what you boys learned the hard way about survival, hostage escape, and interrogation/torture resistance is still the core of our training today.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[bkrantz]

Thank you, Marc, and all your brothers and sisters in arms.

[KELTY360]

Thank you, Marc, and all your brothers and sisters in arms.

Thank you. I appreciate that. Please understand, it’s not about me. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to share on an old car forum 50 years later.

[BeatNavy]

God bless all those who served, particularly those who didn't make it home.

I was reading a couple of days ago about Operation Homecoming, the effort to repatriate the nearly 600 POWs after the Paris Peace talks. Many had been imprisoned 6+ years.
Inspiring and in some cases heartbreaking stuff.

I think I'd like to visit Vietnam someday. The people seem extraordinarily friendly and polite, with no trace of bitterness after so many years of war (us, the French, etc.).

Anyway, thank you again @KELTY360 , and to all that served (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[gonzo54]

I avoided the draft by joining the USAF. KC-135 Crew Chief 1967-1970-Saw the world and stationed in Utapao Thailand my last year.

[Lucky9146]

Thank you for your service out here to those that served!

The USS Midway in San Diego, the biggest attraction in San Diego BTW, held a remarkable event yesterday to honor The 50th Anniversary of the End Of the Viet Nam War and Viet Nam Veterans.

Being a annual pass member and Viet Nam Vet, my wife and I attended. A large turn out of dedicated souls braved the windy cold wet weather to sit on the flight deck of this mighty ship that played a key role in the last evacuation. I would guess there were more than 1000 Viet Nam Vets there PLUS families.

4 amazing speakers were there:

Col Jim Collins, US Marine Corps (Ret) Purple Heart recipient on a reconnaissance mission went on to become a distinguished pilot and squadron commander.

Roy A Knight, described what it was like to as an eleven year old to have his father shot down and be missing in action finally having his fathers remains returned in 2019.

Courtney Herrmann described what it was like to evacuate at the end of the war in 1975 as an 8 year old Saigon refugee aboard the USS Midway, eventually coming to Camp Pendleton.

CMDR Everett Alvarez US Navy (Ret) from Salinas CA, was shot down in 1964 and spent 8 years 7 months in brutal captivity at the well known Hanoi Hilton. He was the first American military aviator taken captive. Look him up he's an amazing person.

I saw several local news stations there shooting all kinds of footage; the color guard, the National Anthem, interviews of Veterans, the speakers, wreath laying, and much more. I was more than disappointed to see on the news last night, cover just less than 60 seconds of an event marking the 50th anniversary of the end of a very controversial war, and of more than a thousand veterans in partial rain, on the biggest attraction in San Diego. What a missed opportunity of recognition, not for myself, but for those still dealing with their experiences over there.

The USS Midway program and volunteers did a fantastic job. They really put in the effort and it showed. When I went to park they said "put your money away" Aboard it was just so welcoming. Glad to have been a part of it.

As for myself I served as part of Air Squadron VF211 out of NAS Miramar, aboard the USS Hancock CVA 19, as a jet engine mechanic for 10.5 months off the coast of Viet Nam during operation Linebacker in 1972 I had no ideal what Linebacker was until many years later after researching it!

[KELTY360]

Brought me to tears with your account of such a powerful, respectful and honorable event. Thank you so much for your report and your service. Sometimes the contributions of the offshore contingent gets overlooked.

Your service on a flattop reminded me of my Lakota sister, Rose, who served as a Navy operating room nurse on an offshore hospital ship. Back on the rez she became known as Doc. She introduced me to the deep respect Indian people have for those who serve the country.

My one souvenir from Nam is my Stetson cavalry hat from one of two units authorized in-country to wear.

[JmuRiz]

My draft number was 119 in 1970
...
in Jasper Co. Iowa was 96, so I wouldn't have gone anyway.
...
Drex

Jasper Co, no f'ing way. I wonder if you knew my dad...nevermind, did the math and he was probably 4 years older.

[friethmiller]

Salute to all those Vietnam Vets! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif) When I was on active duty, we used to love getting extracted from our missions by the old National Guard Hueys. "Thump-Thump-Thump'. They were all old combat vets who flew missions in Vietnam. Flying 'Nap of the Earth' with these guys was beyond exhilarating!! It beat any roller-coaster ride you've ever been on!