Vietnam Veterans Day - March 29.2016

Well, tomorrow is Vietnam Veterans day - 50 years or so. For me it's 46 years since I was there and assigned to the 24th Evacuation Hospital. To some it may seem like a long time ago but to me it is like yesterday. It is something I have never forgotten from getting my orders for Vietnam, the flight there (R2B3), the smells, sounds, people, etc. I remember those I served with and their dedication and skill that saved so many lives. I especially remember the radio crackling to life with the call coming in "Queen Tonic", this is "Wide Minnow". The call would then go into the casualties on board be it urgent urology, frag wounds, traumatic amputations to limbs, head wounds, a "Stewardess" injured in turbulence on an incoming flight or DOA's. Regardless of the call one could not be sure of what was truly on that chopper, the condition of GI's or just how many may be on board. No matter what, the 24th and their staff were there waiting to treat those incoming causalities. I have kept so much inside for all these years and have always carried such guilt tor not being wounded or killed. I guess I am in some ways coming to terms with that and that I did my very best and hopefully saved lives because of my actions. It may sound odd but I have felt such loss since being in the service, especially from my time in Vietnam. I miss those I served with, my friends and those incoming GI's whose path crossed with mine. I so want to know how their life ended up and for those who died how their families are and to let them know I always have them in my heart and prayers. So, on the 50th year I just want to say I was honored to have served, to have met and served with some of the best people one could want to serve with and to just say I remember and will never forget.