The Rat Bite

 In 1971 we got in a soldier and he had a very large, blackened ear. He had been bitten by a rat. According to my tape home at he time I was in the ER with him. They were applying ice bags to his stomach getting ready to give him a Rabies Vaccine Shot. In this tape I talk about how painful they are and that he will need several shots over 14 days.

My New Buddy

I recently had some old tapes repaired that I sent home from Vietnam  and converted to CD. I was listened to one and this was an event I spoke of that happened around July, 1971:

"Two MP's brought in a barefooted guy. His friends stated he had amnesia but decided he was on drugs. The MP's were having a hard time handling him. I stated that I was able to speak with him and calm him down a little. He then got agitated again and the MP's we trying to deal with him and the ER staff was trying to give him a shot to sedate/calm him down. He started to state he wanted his buddy (me) to give him the shot which I could not do. He kept saying he wanted his buddy to give him the shot. In the end I held his arm as they gave him the shot. In this tape I stated that I was getting really good working with GI's, GI's crying, etc. and calming them down and helping them."

I have always remembered helping GI's like this and now, after listening to this recording, realize that my memories are correct which means a lot to me in many ways.

A Dog Named Christmas

Not too long ago I turned on the TV and there was a Christmas Movie. I started to watch it. I believe it was called "A Dog Named Christmas.".It was about a stray dog and a family that took him in temporarily. I was watching it and all of the sudden the father in the movie had a flashback to his time in Vietnam. He had found a dog that was hiding and thought it was the NVA. He fed it and it become their companion. Along with this flashback was incoming and he was badly wounded in the leg and was being airlifted out. He was yelling about the dog and where was his dog.  

When I began watching this show on TV it appeared to be just a show about a lost dog. I never imagined that it would include a significant part about a wounded Vietnam Veteran and his not wanting to get close to another dog, his injuries sustained in the attack, etc. There is no way I can explain the emotions and memories I had at that moment.

I don't think there is ever a day that goes by that there isn't a smell, word, event, news item, etc. that brings those memories flooding back to me. There are times I wish I would forget about it all but, forgetting, means I forget about all those I served with and those who crossed my path. Something I do not want to ever forget.

Quilts of Valor

A few months ago I was asked about putting my name in for a "Quilt of Valor". I had seen these quilts and must say I really would like to have one. But I thought of those who I felt more deserving. However, I did say OK as I felt it was not going to happen and I would not be approved. A month ago I was called and asked to information on my service history and given two dates to pick from for quilt presentation. I was shocked I was approved and worried how other veterans would feel with me standing by them. I gave minimal service information with quite a bit on my Vietnam Service. As usual I felt less worthy than those out in the jungle, those wounded and those who died. 

I told a family member and my wife knew about the quilt but there didn't seem to be any interest in it or my getting it. Feeling alone is something I have felt has a Nam vet and lack of support was nothing new. I went to the event and was shocked by the number of veterans and a few active military who were getting a quilt. After the Colors were presented, we were called up individually and stood as the speaker told of our military history that had been provided. Some had much detail and some very little. When my time came I went to the front, nervous and somewhat scared. The event speaker told those attending of my service in Vietnam and what I did during my tour. She referred to my letters and how horrifying they were and then she seemed to be holding back tears.. She finished by stating the few facts on military citations and then finished. I was then presented with my quilt that was wrapped around me.

After the presentations, we all stood for pictures as a group with our quilts wrapped around us. Then, the "Daughters of the American Revolution" had all the Vietnam Veterans come up. They spoke of how we were never welcomed home and that it had been officially 50 years since the war. They then pinned the 50 year Vietnam pin of us that states thank you for your service on the back and gave us each a certificate.

Families came up and hugged their relative, friend, etc. and some grand kids held signs that stated "We love you grandpa.". At that time I had a lady come up really crying and hardly able to speak. She hugged me and said thank you. Her husband had been wounded in Vietnam and she said he returned because of people like me and that perhaps he was even at our hospital. The spokesperson came over and hugged me and was crying and stated her thanks and we chatted a little. A nurse came over and actually kissed me on the cheek. She said I am a nurse and have worked in an ER. I know what you went through and "We stand with you.". There were some other conversations that went on and then it was over.

I had actually seen the Nut Dr. a few days before at the VA. I told him of this event and the lack of support of my family which he is aware of. He stated that the day was for me and not anyone else and that I deserved to be recognized, especially with what I encountered in Vietnam. I felt that way as well but was putting my concern for family first as how would they feel if not invited, left out, etc. But he was right, that was my time.

I was overwhelmed by the event and those who came over to speak to me and grateful. It is something that I will never forget.

President Trump - Vietnam

I remember watching TV and seeing Donald Trump at one of his events and a Vietnam Veteran coming up and giving him his Purple Heart. His response was "I have always wanted one of these.". Well he has one, but it really isn't his. He could have had the opportunity to earn one of his own but instead had a number of deferments, including some medical deferments.  It is a sad time in our Country and History that a candidate / basic draft dodger (now President) would make a comment like that and take the Purple Heart. What should he have done? He should have opened up the Medal and pinned it on the Veteran and said "Thank you, but I'm giving this back to you. You earned it and deserve it. I want to thank you for your bravery and service to our Country.".

I know others will disagree but it could have been such a powerful moment, especially for the Veteran and those who served in Vietnam. A wonderful way to show his respect.

School Guest Speaker - Vietnam

I have had the opportunity to speak to a local high school classe approximately 5 times in the last two years. It really is just a conversation regarding my time and experience in Vietnam. I usually start out with growing up and what life was like. I then cover getting drafted and time in the U S Army including my service in Vietnam. I them cover my life after my Service and Vietnam and how I got to where I am today. I have found the High School Students to be a great group to speak to. I have always thought it was their time to ask questions and get an answer to that question. I have always wanted to be as honest as possible and for them to ask whatever they want knowing it would be taken seriously. They even have the option to speak to me after class, call me or E-mail questions to me.

One of the things I decided early on is that I wanted to be as hones as possible on whatever it is they want to know or ask. That is really opening myself up to any type of question. What I have done is to tell them honestly of my life growing up, a sexual abuse incident, an alcoholic father, a poor family, growing up where supporting the family was important, more important than education. That enables me to hit items that perhaps may be happening to them or part of their lives as well as the possibility that they have no resources to assist them. It also gives them a picture into who many drafter men were during Vietnam which was uneducated, from poor families, minorities, etc.

I was afraid hat being so honest is a risk, a possible embarrassment, and extremely emotional to open oneself up to young people who are also strangers. etc. What I have found is that it has been rewarding to me and has helped me a great deal. I have also found that the students seem to appreciate the openness and honesty and feel empowered to be a part of the dialog, questions, etc. and that they are important.

These students give me hope for our future.

Veterans Day 2016

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It is hard for me to believe it has been 46 years since I entered and served in the U S Army for three years. It will also be 46 years since I was sent to Vietnam. To me, Veterans day is not just one day a year when we think of our Veterans, those who served and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I don't believe a day has went by in the last 46 years that I have not thought of those I served with and those who crossed my path while in the service. I especially remember the GI's in Vietnam that I took off the choppers and wheeled into the ER, getting their information, helping in the ER as best I could by cutting off fatigues and helping the Doc's, nurses and Corpsmen. I especially remember those who died and taking final care of them.. Those were the hardest and I can still see them. I wonder about what type of person they were or would be if there had been no war or if they had lived. I wonder about their families, their loss and how they fared. I wish they knew that there were those that I and others were with when they died and they did not die alone. There are so many things that just keep coming into my head and many times just overwhelm me.

As Veterans Day comes again I am so thankful that I had so many GI's who crossed my path and how they supported me and each other. I remember those who were wounded or died with great sorrow and prayers. And I think of their families and the sorrow and loss they experienced. So on this day and every one during the year my thoughts and prayers are with those who served and are serving their Country.

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.

Captain Khan

By now most people have probably heard of Captain Kahn, the American Soldier who died in Iraq saving other Americans. Captain Kahn was was also Muslim. His mother and father spoke at the Democratic Convention. What I find terribly sad is that the Republican nominee came out and talked about how he made sacrifices and worked very hard. What? How would that compare to losing one's son or daughter in war? And are his sons in the service? No, but they can use rifles and were anxious to post pictures of them by a dead elephant while holding their rifle, having their big ammo belts on and holding the cutoff tail of the elephant they killed. Wow, what a sacrifice they have made to this Country. My thoughts and prayers oes our to the Khan family who lost their son fighting for this great Country of ours.

Student Notes

I said I'd share some notes from the high school students wrote to me from my high school presentation and here are a few:

1. I really enjoyed reading the letters you sent home to our mom and family. my grandpa fought in Vietnam, but doesn't talk about it much. So, I am very thankful for you sharing your story with us.
2. Your presentation truly touched my heart and changed the way I look at war and soldiers. I have so much respect for you and am so grateful you are willing to share you stories with young people. Thank you so much.
3. Thank you for coming, of course. I imagine it's hard to talk about war and your experiences in it. Hopefully, I can be as brave as you were at 19 and serve my Country by helping others every day. If it comes to armed service then so be it. Then again, I figured that the whole point of fighting a war is ensuring it never happens again. Either way, I admire the courage. Once I heard you talk it dawned on me that everyone, even Vietnam Vets (who I considered grizzled and bitter) were people. Just people! I imagine that. To wrap this up, I'd like to offered a quote. You don't have courage. you borrow it and give it to the next guy. That's the bottom line, thanks again.
4. Thank you for taking the time to visit our class and share your experiences with us. It was fascinating to hear about the Evac Hospital. With such a focus on combat when talking about war, people often forget the fact that other roles are present that need to be filled. I know that sharing some of the more graphic experiences can be difficult but, I am glad you shared these with us. Hopefully, my fellow classmates got as much out of your visit as I did. Thank you.
5. I first want to thank you for your service in the U S Military. Also, I'd like to thank you for coming and talking to our class. It was cool being able to have someone who experienced what we've been learning first hand. I really enjoyed you coming to our class and found it very interesting. Thank you for coming to our class and teaching us about your experiences in the Armed Forces. It was incredibly interesting, captivating and moving. I will always remember the stories you told and your bravery. Thank you for your service.
6. Thank you for coming in and telling our class about your experience in Vietnam. You did a great job and I was really into it! Keeping doing what you what you do! One more time, thank you.
7. Thanks Mic for coming to our classroom and sharing some experiences from getting drafted or telling us about some crazy stories helping in the hospital. Thanks for coming and speaking to my class. you had some rally funny stories. You also had some very real stories to open up my eyes to what the Vietnam War was actually like.
8. Thank you for taking time out of your day to come share your experiences from Vietnam. It was Dope.
9. I really enjoyed listening to your stories and looking at your pictures, documents, and letters. It was an honor to meet you and to hear your story/experience in Vietnam. Thank you for your service and time!
10. Thanks Mic. Your stories were great. I really enjoyed hearing you talk about your experiences. Thank you for coming and speaking to my class about your experiences in Vietnam. I really appreciated the things you brought in to show us and especially all of the stories you shared with my class and I. I also wanted to thank you for your service in Vietnam to help protect our country. Lastly I just wanted to say thank you one last time for taking time our of your day to meet with us and to teach us more about Vietnam.
11. Thank you so much for coming to RHS talking about experience in Vietnam. I really liked how you answered questions we had as a class. Also, you went into deep detail about almost efery aspect of the war from being drafted to coming back home. You're a very brave man and I thank you so much for our service in Vietnam and sharing it with our class.
12. Thank you for coming to my class and sharing your story. I've never rally met or heard a story from someone who actually experienced it. It was really cool to hear it from your point of view. God bless you for serving and being able to share it with us.

Just a few random notes of the many I received and I may post others later. They were a great group of students and truly respectful and I was honored that they asked me to speak to their class.

Fathers Day

Today is Fathers Day and many, many fathers will be honored by their children and families. And there will be those fathers who will have an extremely sad day remembering their sons who were murdered in Orlando last week, killed by violence, died due to illness or in war whose Fathers Day will never been the same again. And then we have children who have lost their fathers. We must cherish our families all the time we can with those we love as no one knows how long they will be with us. I never really thought about being or wanting to be a father. Its not that I didnt' like kids, I just didn't have that desire to be a father. In Vietnam we had many kids come in who needed some type of treatment, were wounded, I sorta helped babysit them when their parent(s) were in ER or OR. Before I got out of the service I worked in a program with children with learning and physical disabilities and did the same in a job for about a year after Vietnam. I just jumped in with both feet wanting to make a difference. Now I have had my own family for over 35 Years and seem to have failed greatly. None of these children are mine as I was too afraid of being in contact with Agent Orange. When I met my wife she had a young daughter making me a stepfather and we, actually too soon after marriage, became foster parents. We ended up a three month girl who was considered non-adoptable and when it looked like she whould be going home at three years old we adopted a 3 month old boy from Korea. The young girl ended being adopted by us at around three years old due to her parents rights being terminated so we actually ended up with three children. Things ended up being difficult and I wish we had done things differently or in a different order but I guess a lot of parents feel that way. My adopted daughter had a dad and she did see him even though he lived in a different state as well as her grandparents. Being a stepfather can work out good or bad. In my case it ultimately ended up bad. As a stepfather you really are an outsider with no legal rights, well except for me I paid for all her medical, braces, school trips as well as partial costs to fly to see her father or grandparents, and just about everything else. Sad, but never a thank you from anyone. Also, there was a lot of conflict between my wife and I on this. And we have not seen her or the granddaughter for over 13 years nor never saw the second granddaughter due to a conflicts, especially one started by her mother-in-law and her failure to address a stupid issue with her son telling my wife to address it with her daughter instead. Lot's of apologies on our side but that didn't seem to matter. About the last message I had from her was to never talk to her father again. Funny how a child can blame their child for all the ills of their life and never look back and see that it was a two way street and take some responsibility especially as they became older, married, etc. where needed. My adopted daughter has disabilities and took a great of our time and enery from the very start along with some of the other children. I'm sure my step daughter was hurt and harmed by some of this for which I am sorry. Again, being just married and taking on so much was not the best decisions we made and it remains quite a struggle even today. My son is handsome and athletic who loved baseball and sports. He never seem to mind it that I didn't know much about sports, and always told me what was going on, the rules, etc. He played sports in school and was great at it. I also called him a typical Asian, very quiet and touchy/caring. I thought I was always there for him, stood up for him and loved him like no other but I know question that and would love to have him sit down with me and just talk and share his feelings. He has a girlfirend and I know a son usually gravitates to the girlfriends/wife family. However, that girlfriend/spouse also needs to acknowledge that there are two families involved, not just one. My dad and I didnt' really get along. I was the oldest of five and the second oldest. I remember him calling me names like the big queer and I never felt I stood up to his expectations. I was different and I think that really bothered him as I may not have filled the mold. I wouild tell people I was the son no one would ever want and really felt I was adopted. As I got older I realized it just wasn't him and that I did contribute to issues. I also realized how my mom played me against in and I was many times stuck in the middle between them and when he left many times put into the dad roll. I was so glad to be with him in hospice at this home and help take care of him. The first time I had to change him I told him not to worry. He took care of me when I was young and did his very best and now it was my turn to take care of him. I'd chat about anything and just do what I needed to do from then on. He pretty much lost his ability to speak but I when I was with him I told him I loved him and at night I'd tuck him in and say "I love you." and he said "I love you too Mickey." And then at night he call out for me "Mickey, Mickey" even when my borthers were there and I felt so close to him and thankful for the wonderful closure we had. Now, I am raising a 9 year old grandson with learning and physical disabilities in our home and am his legal guardian. He is a wonderful little boy and I love him to death. You know, I made the mistake of giving my kids everything I didnt' have, i.e., trips, cars, paid their car insurance, doing whatever I could for them no matter what. Now I realize I didnt' give them the chance to learn for them selves, pay for their own cars, insurance, etc. etc. I've been told by them I didn't show them how to do things, etc. Gosh, I had to work to help support a family, bought rusted out and beatup cars for transportation, worked all the time, etc. No one told me what to do, I knew what I had to do. But I do see their point and I also realize my mistakes but cannot take full responsibility for all their failures. Gosh, my retirement would be so much better if my daughters father stepped up to the plate for his daughter and if I had not bought cars, insurance, etc. for them and pushed them some when growning up, etc. So, to my children I offer my apologies for my failures this day as a father but ask you to look to your failures as my children. Afterall, it does go both ways. No matter what I will always love you. Dad

The Pulse Attack Orlando

As most people have heard by now there was a Terrorist attack at a Gay Club, The Pulse, in Orlando early this morning. There are approximately 50 People killed and over 53 injured. The person who did the killing was apparently from Afghanistan and born and raised in the United States. He pled his allegiance to ISIS and then committed this horrific crime against Gay, Lesbian, etc. people out for a night of celebration. Over the few days and weeks we'll hear from politicians, people who hate Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, etc. and from just about anyone else. So, I wanted to express my views. I'm going to be 66 in August and should be one of those offended by the LGBT community just because of my age. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. I always say that there isn't anything I haven't seen, heard or done in my life. So although this is not a surprise to me something like this would happen I am sickened by it or any act where innocent lives are taken for no reason. I hear about how horribly killed and wounded they were and it brings back memories of the wounded I saw and helped at the 24th Evac. I know the look, smell, feel of death all to well. In this case we had a large group of LGBT people enjoying Latin night a the Pulse. They were someone's son, daughter, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, husband, wife and father or mother. They were there for nothing but enjoying the night dancing, drinking, and enjoying themselves. They were good people not hurting anyone. Now, there is nothing but a bloodied and destroyed night club filled with the stench of death and families coping with the news of death or injured loved ones or those still hoping that their loved one was not there at the time. I cannot comprehend just how horrific their loved ones must feel. I've already read of horrific anti-gay comments coming out. I have been blessed to have people of all races and religions cross my path and touch me in some way. I have also been honored to know and have as friends people from the LGBT community. I found them nothing less than funny, loving, caring, helpful, wonderful people. And after all, aren't we all people? Shouldn't we all be treated with the respect and dignity as everyone else regardless of who we love? So in closing I just want to say that hatred will not win, refusing to serve an LGBT member will not win, those who use religion or politics to spew hatred will not win and those who do will surely lose. In closing I want to say that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers and that you are loved and will be missed.

High School Social Studies Class - Back Again

I was asked back again to the High School Social Studies Class who started studying Vietnam. I was asked to speak to three classes, each one hour and forty-five minutes. The teacher and I spoke and decided I'd follow the same format that we did late last year. I would speak of things in my life prior to being drafted and the being drafted, my time in the service - especially Vietnam and finish off with what happened to me after the service. I gave them some books, my helmet, dog tags, web belt, etc. along with some letters that I wrote home. They would have these for a week or two to look over before I came to school. My rules were that I do not consider myself a Mr. and to call me Mic and that any question is good. Based on the question I may answer it, not answer it or answer it privately. It's odd just how much I had to say and talk about and that each class was so different. I didn't have to really write anything down as it is always in my thoughts. Luckily, the teacher was there and would jump in with a question on something I had talked about in a different class she thought was important or just switch it up. The classes were very respectful and, except for one, the questions were few. One that I talked about that was of great interest was drugs in Vietnam, did I use drugs, etc. Those were not asked but some of my letters I gave to them addressed drug abuse since I worked at a hospital and we had that coming into the ER. The second was whether or not I used drugs which was a no. On that, I told them of growing up in a family with an alcoholic father and what I saw as far a GI's on drugs and the impacts to them and that because of that I had no desire to use drugs. However I did tell them that there were several times I did drink and it somewhat disatrous. My biggest concern was that I was telling them stories of my time in Vietnam is that I would not do it honorably. I tried to cover all the bases, the strange, the funny, the painful, death and the terrible sadness. A week or two after the classes I again received a large envelope with notes from some of the students. I was so touched by them and answered a number of them who had questions or said something that touched me and I want to respond to them. What I'm thinking is that over the next week or so I'm going to put the words of a few of them on this blog. I was touched and pleased with what they had to say and want to share them should anyone read this blog.

Memorial Day - 2016

Today is Memorial Day and we went to the different cemeteries to put flowers on parents, grandsons, sister, and loved ones graves. I also stopped at the gravesite of a young man, whose mother I worked with when I was 14. He was a year older than I and went to Vietnam a year or so before I did. He was killed in Vietnam in a helicopter crash after serving approximately 43 days. As usual I looked for graves of Veterans with military headstones especially those from Vietnam, and paid my respects. I have to go to another cemetery tomorrow to pay my respects to a guy I knew when I was 14. He was also a Vietnam Veteran. His family is gone and there is really no one left. I don't want him to be forgotten. It is hard to explain this but I find myself so saddened seeing graves of Vietnam Veterans. More so than my families. I try to figure this out and come up with some reason for this and try not to feel so uncaring for my own family and ashamed my feelings aren't as strong. I guess that I feel a closer connection to those who served. They were a real family to me. We knew no one, were young, and put in the same situation. Friendships seemed to grow fast and we laughed, borrowed and lent money, got drunk together, shared our lives and were showed our many emotions. I have always felt a loss especially for those I was with prior to, or at the time of, their death while at the 24th. I'm just feel so confused right not at this time. I also feel a loss for my friend Norm who I was stationed with at Ft. Carson after Vietnam. I found out he had died at 29 and never got the chance to meet up with him after I left Ft. Carson. He helped me a great deal after my return to the states. I'm rambling so much in this so I have just sign off. To all who served, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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.

At times he is coherent.

When the 24hr Report was added to my duties at the 24th I was required to gather a sheet from all the wards that listed discharges, deaths, patient moves, reason for admission, type of injury, type of amputation, DOA, etc. Once I gathered that information I had to compile it into a report and call it in right around midnight. That in itself was a huge challenge as I barely made it through high school and my math skills were non-existent. I struggled trying to put that report together and during the first few weeks held up the personal putting together the report for all hospitals. I felt so stupid and dumb. Luckily I was finally able to master this report. Some time ago I was attending at church and was hit with the vivid memory of the worst wound I remember from Ward 5. It was the last ward to gather this information was Ward 5 for GI's with Head and Maxofacial injuries. It was when I first started gathering the reports. As I picked up the report and walked through that Ward I saw and stopped by a young GI's bed. He had bandages wrapped around his upper head. At the area of where his forehead was, or would appear to be, were two metal posts coming out of that area. Attached to them were wires that then went down to where his cheeks would have been and attached to that area. He had no face and just slits as to where his eyes and nose would have been and I believe one for his mouth area as well. Above him was a sign which said "Do not say anything about how he looks. At times he is coherent". From what I remember, this young GI was hit in the face with a rocket propelled grenade. Years later in the 90's People magazine ran an issue regarding the war, Vietnam and people who served. My mom sent me this issue as I lived in Denver and has not seen it. In this issue was pictures and a story of a young GI at the 24th who had been hit in the face with a Rocket Propelled grenade and had his story as well as one of the nurses who took care of him. I have wondered if this was the young man I saw or it was different GI. I think of that young man I saw and wonder what happened to him. Sometimes I want to know so much about those that crossed my path but know I never will. Perhaps it is better that way, I don't know but I do remember them and my thoughts have always been with them.

Promises for Veterans by Presidential Candidates

Well, it is getting close to the time that we will be choosing a new President. I believe all of them who have thrown their hat into the ring is bringing up their support for Veterans. I find that rather odd as many of them who are currently in office or have been office have not been supportive of veterans. One only needs to take a look at their voting record. Have they voted for or against bills favoring veterans? Have their actions in office actually hurt veterans, veteran care, veteran families, etc. I find it a shame that one expects, or tries, to get their support by their promises to veterans yet they have proven failure in supporting veterans. I guess this issues is like other issues / promises they will be making. Regardless, they will be the Head of this Country when elected and hopefully they will truly support current service men, veterans and their families. Without them we would not be the free and great Country we are.

R & R in Hong Kong

Tom (my best friend in Nam and Hootch mate) decided to go on R&R together. After some discussion we chose Hong Kong. He told me he heard that hotels picks were given by highest rank first. He got me the name of a hotel and asked me to write to them and get reservations. Really sounds strange doing that now but I did and got reservations. The night before we left Nam we traveled by bus from Long Binh to Ton Son Nhut airbase where we spend the night. The following day we flew from Vietnam to Hong Kong on Pan Am. Once we were at cruising altitude the Captain made an announcement stating the cockpit door would be open and for us to come and say hi to them. They also served a really nice meal. I also remember gum hanging in the lavatory which looked much like individual Chiclet gum. There was lots of looking out the windows as we flew over Vietnam and was just a relaxed and enjoyable flight. Why not? Once we landed and went through customs we had to get in line to get a hotel. Since we could show we had reserved rooms we were released and on our way to the hotel. I was literally shocked when we arrived. it was simply beautiful and right on the Harbor. I walked in and told Tom I can't stay here. I think he had stayed at places like this but I was from a very poor family and basically just in shock. Before checking in he suggested that we change our rooms and share on as we could get a nicer Harbor view and after all, we shared a Hootch. So we changed our rooms. And yes, we were just a few floors from the top and had this wonderful view of the Harbor, the Star Ferry going back and forth and in the distance you could see the Queen Elizabeth anchored. This hotel had a beautiful dining room with a huge dance floor and orchestra, or at least what I thought was an Orchestra. They cooked flaming meals at your table and was just so unbelievable to me. At the bar the in the hotel I seem to remember they served hamburgers on freshly made buns and home made chips. We had a waitress named Lily at the bar and she was great and funny. We kept buying drinks for the English piano player and he'd keep raising his glass to us with each new drink. We thought it would be funny to try to get him drunk. Even though they had a push button elevator, they had a man dressed in black pants and white jacket who would push the button for you. It was almost immediate that they knew us and called us Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Hamilton. Well, it's late and I'll get some Zzzzz's and then enter more over the next few days on Hong Kong, the people and my wonderful stay.

Chicken Unlimited and Fortune Cookies

I was eating a Fortune Cookie after some Chinese tonight and it brought back a very nice memory I had from Ft. Carson. There was a young GI stationed with me. He was from Hong Kong and Chinese. I believe most of his family was here in the States. He would fly down the hall of the barracks like Bruce Lee. He was such a funny guy. He went to Chicago to see his brother a couple times and always returned with some coupons for Chicken Unlimited and a huge bag of Fortune Cookies. We'd have a nice chicken dinner off base thanks to him. And of course we chowed down on those damn Chinese Cookies. It was so strange. It's not something one would think of eating except for having one after your Chinese meal. But there we were almost getting sick on these Cookies and reading all those fortunes. He made a couple trips while I was stationed there and it was always the same. He was one funny guy.

Martin Luther King Day 2016

Today I was thinking about different Black GI's I served with and have certain fond memories of our paths crossing. In Basic Training I drank all my water from my canteen way too quickly and really needed a drink. A GI in my platoon was drinking from his canteen and handed it over to me for a drink and gave me some good advice on not guzzling my water. Sure glad he was there and willing to share. A Sargent I worked under at the 24th talked to me about busing as they started busing either close to his town or in his town. He asked if it started where I lived. I told him I went to school with all different races including Blacks. He was surprised by that. At one time he needed around $200 (possibly more)and asked me to loan it and he would pay me in the following next months pay. (I'm always broke and never ever seem to have money except when I was in Nam. I guess there was no way I could really spend it.) I really didn't think anything about it and lent him the money. Next pay he just came and paid me back. He was a good guy and even though I don't have many pictures from Nam, I have a few with him in them and it brings a smile to my face knowing things we went through together and just what a good guy he was. I also used to play cards at night with an older Sargent if we found the time. He too was a good guy and I gave him my deck of cards when I left. (They were actually kind of expensive back then and I realized why when I got them back to the hootch as they were some type of plastic and really held their shape, didn't bend, etc.) I was fortunate in many ways to have crossed paths with these and others so I think of you even more so on this day.