Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Barry Ward - Western Singer

In August I attended the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion. This was the second one I attended and did so alone as I did the first one. (This is a story for another time.) That first night was opening ceremonies and a BBQ. I met a nice husband and wife from North Platte and sat with them and others for dinner and the ceremony. The opening ceremony included a Western Singer - Barry Ward. If I remember correctly, he stated he received his draft notice in 1972 and the powers that be told him to just stay in school and that the war was ending, etc. Mr Ward sang two songs, "The Brave and Free" and "Welcome Home". I was pretty much in a tail spin just from just being there and hearing the National Anthem. Hearing the "Brave and the Free" brought back so many memories and I fought to hold back the emotions I was feeling. Then he sang "Welcome Home". Right off, just from the the guitar cords he started to play I knew it was a Huey coming in for a landing. In my mind I could see it swooping down landing on the helipad and running to get the wounded off. Then came the song "Welcome Home". That song intensified the memories I had and those memories of coming home. At the end of the song the guitar cords were that of a Huey and again, in my mind, I could see it taking off and flying away as the sounds of the blades faded into the distance. I was overwhelmed. I got up and tried to keep my distance from others. Tried to hide my emotions. Five minutes or so passed by and I saw people going up to shake his hand and speak with him. I went up and kept a distance until no one was near him. I went up to him grabbed his hand to shake it while at the same time pulling him close and whispering in his ear. Barely able to speak, I whispered "Thank you for the songs, I was drafted and I was the on who took them off the choppers". I then let go of his hand unable to speak or say anything else. Trying to hold back the tears I again moved away from everyone. Before I left I did order a copy of his CD which came with the video of "Welcome Home" which was just being released. When I saw the video of "Welcome Home" I saw that the beginning had incoming Huey's and the end had outgoing Huey's. I guess I felt relieved that those guitar cords were of a Huey and Huey sounds are part of my, my memory and a sound I'll never forget. I so appreciate those songs from Mr. Ward. In listening to him talk of soldiers and listening to those songs, it is clear he has respect for those of us who has served and especially those who served in Vietnam.