VIETNAM     

  ALL GAVE SOME
  SOME GAVE ALL

This page is a reflection of my own experiences and observations during (and after) the Vietnam era. In 1970, I was sent to Vietnam, where I served as a member of a 9-man hydrographic survey team (HST #1). My job was similar to that of "Radar O'Reilly" of the tv series "Mash" (kinda/sorta). We were based in Long Binh, but spent most of our time in the field, mapping the various waterways that were abundant in South Vietnam. When we were back at the base, I was the "scrounger", responsible for keeping us supplied with rations and ammo. In the field, I was the bow gunner on a 17-ft fiberglass boat. During my year with the HST, I developed a unique relationship with the other members of the team. It was a strong bond....one that only other Vietnam veterans can truly understand. My memories of Vietnam are bittersweet. I made a lot of friends, both Vietnamese and American. Together we worked, played, fought, laughed and cried.

Was our presence in Vietnam justified?  That's a question that should have been answered over 4 decades ago.  But justified or not, the end result is the same. Over 58,000 Americans died in Southeast Asia, and over 1,900 are still unaccounted for.  And according to library of congress records, from the fall of Saigon in 1975 to November 2001,there have been a total of 1,914 firsthand live sightings of Americans in Southeast Asia, 17 of which are still unresolved.

I personally feel that it's important for us as a nation to remember Vietnam and to teach our children and grandchildren about it, because "those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it".

"What can you do to him now?"
Opening song from the movie "Ruckus", about a former POW trying to re-adjust to civilized life,
while being pursued by a bunch of ruthless rednecks.
Click HERE to listen to a short audio clip of the song

Country music singer/songwriter Merle Haggard is, in my opinion, one of the most patriotic men on the face of the earth.
Click HERE to listen to a short clip of this country music legend talking about the flag.

"Fighting for peace is like f**king for chastity"
......From a latrine wall in Vung Tau

On April 30, 1999, "Hanoi" Jane Fonda was honored by Barbara Walters on ABC's "20/20" show.  Many Vietnam vets feel that this is the only recognition Jane deserves......

Help Me Locate All The Former Members Of HST#1

Click here to read a Stars & Stripes article about HST #1

The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas is staging protests at veterans' funerals
Let's Stop Them NOW!

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