Next Stop - Ft. Carson

A couple days ago I posted a video I saw on You Tube honoring those who served in a medical or dustoff capacity in Vietnam. It has really affected me and I feel such sadness and loss right now. It also got me thinking of my new duty station after Vietnam. Once my leave was over I headed for Ft. Carson, CO. Being back in the states for those 30 days seemed to really mess me up and I longed to be back at the 24th in Vietnam with people I knew, my family. I flew to Denver and then to Colorado Springs. My duffle bag didn't make it so I had to wait for the next plane to see if it was on that one, which it was. But I could not make myself grab some transportation and head off to Ft. Carson. I just sat there in the baggage area. I don't know for how long but it seemed like hours. Finally I headed off for Ft. Carson. I checked in and got my temporary barracks and some chow. Later that night on the national news there was a story on Vietnam and right before my eyes was the 24th Evac and they were talking with the guys I was stationed with in the A&D and others I knew. It made me even more messed up than I was. The next day I had to police the area and pick up cigarette butts. I thought "What the Fuck am I doing." 30 days ago I was bagging bodies and taking care of the wounded and now I'm picking up cigarette butts in December at Ft. Carson. I believe later that day was the day I was assigned to a barracks for in-processing which took about a week and I was so scared, numb, lonely, you name it. I guess God was with me and knew I felt I was at the end of my rope.

I met two other GI's also in-processing. I know one and feel sure the other one as well was just back from Vietnam. I remember one had his spleen taken out. I stated in a earlier post how funny I found it in the service at how quickly one established a friendship / bond with other GI's and this was again one of those cases. We were billeted in an old World War II barracks. I don't remember how we connected but it was quick. One of them had a car and asked us if we wanted to check out the surrounding area. So, after duty each day we would go off to explore Cripple Creek, Colorado or Manitou Springs or a local restaurant. It was a very quiet and subdued time together. We didn't speak of the war and our conversations were really quiet, low key and they were also very calming to me. Every night for a week we were off together and each night was much the same. I cannot put into words how much this meant to me and at that time it saved me. Soon the week was over and the one with car got his assignment and was gone. The one without the spleen and I had yet to be assigned and he only had a few months until he got discharged. I was talked to and told what Unit I'd be assigned to. My new friend wanted to be assigned with me and I felt the same. I did go and speak to the Staff Sergeant working on the assignments and tried my best to get him assigned with me but unfortunately that was not to be. Soon we said our goodbyes and I was off to my new Unit. I never saw either of them again but I am so thankful our paths crossed even if only for a short time.

I'd like to say that things went well from then on but things started to go bad over time and within six months I was facing one of the most difficult situations I had ever experienced and one that could change my life forever.