I was searching last night for a soldier from Omaha who died in Vietnam about 5 months before I went into the service. He had been on my mind for the last few weeks. I could not remember his name although I worked with his mother at a restaurant. Since my brother worked at the same place and still sees some of those we worked with, I asked him. He was able to give me enough of the name so that I could find him on the Virtual Wall. I was able to read a little about him and his death. I'm not sure why I keep thinking of him recently. I guess it must be that Vietnam is always in my thoughts. In this case I wanted to know more about this young man, when he died and was buried. It may sound strange but I do not want those who died in Vietnam forgotten.
Anyway, during this time I felt that someone was in the den with me. I turned and thought I saw the door closing and it was not fully open as it had been. I called for my wife and asked if she was going to bed thinking she was outside the door in the hall. No response. So I walked out into the hall and she was not even upstairs. I called down to her and she said she had not been up there but heard me ask about going to bed and was a little confused on what I was asking/doing.
I decided it was time to hit the sack and as I do every night I lay in bed and pray and this night said some special prayers for this fallen brother. And I know it may sound very strange to most people but I wonder if it was him (his spirit) in the room with me knowing he had been in my mind and thoughts. This weekend I hope to go to the cemetery to see him, say some prayers and thank him for his service and giving his life for us and to tell him he is not forgotten.
Goodnight my brothers - I will always remember you.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
An Act of Kindness
I often read or hear of "Acts of Kindness" towards our servicemen and their families. There have been a number of times when someone sends an E-mail regarding those "Acts of Kindness" when I'm at work in my cubicle. They bring quick tears to my eyes and I have to do all I can to actually try not to cry as I try to read the article and hope no one comes into my cube. It brings such overwhelming feelings and warmth to my heart to hear these wonderful things. I hope they continue and our citizens keep realizing the sacrifices our service men and women give to our country so we may have our freedoms.
In hearing of these stories, etc. I also think back regarding "Acts of Kindness" that me and my fellow Vietnam Veterans may have received. I would love to be able to say we too were met with those "Acts of Kindness" but know that is not the case. In thinking back, I can only remember one.
I arrived back in the states on Thanksgiving night and finally ended up at San Francisco International Airport around 11:00 p.m. My flight was scheduled to leave for Omaha at around 9:00 a.m. the following morning. I spent the entire time walking the terminal - back and forth. I would see other service men who just returned doing the same. Little conversation took place, just an acknowledging look as we passed. Only once did I speak with a returning GI when he asked if I was old enough to rent a car so we could leave the airport. I do not ever remember speaking with a civilian. And I was scared and lonely for those I left behind. My thoughts were more of them than seeing my family the next day.
The next morning I boarded the plane and as I was walking down the aisle of the plane I saw an older lady who I would be sitting next to. "Shit" I said to myself, she is going to bitch at me as I smoke on this flight I thought as I got closer to my seat. When I got there I sat down and soon the plane took off. I don't' think the wheels were off the ground when she lit up. Relief. I lit up and took that long needed drag of my cigarette. After we reached our flying altitude the "Stewardess" started to serve lunch and we just had ours served. The older lady next to me spoke for the first time and asked me where I was going and I told her home. She asked where I had been and I said Vietnam. She said something to the effect of "Welcome Home" and then cut her meal in half and put it in my plate on the tray. She said that I really needed this meal more than she did.
You know, I don't' think she said much of anything else nor did I. But I will never forget that "Act of Kindness". To most this may seem a small and somewhat insignificant. I thought of it as nice and was actually embarrassed by it at the time. But as time went by I came to realize to me this is a major "Act of Kindness" from a complete stranger and probably the only one I ever received on returning to the World. I will always remember her and that day.
In hearing of these stories, etc. I also think back regarding "Acts of Kindness" that me and my fellow Vietnam Veterans may have received. I would love to be able to say we too were met with those "Acts of Kindness" but know that is not the case. In thinking back, I can only remember one.
I arrived back in the states on Thanksgiving night and finally ended up at San Francisco International Airport around 11:00 p.m. My flight was scheduled to leave for Omaha at around 9:00 a.m. the following morning. I spent the entire time walking the terminal - back and forth. I would see other service men who just returned doing the same. Little conversation took place, just an acknowledging look as we passed. Only once did I speak with a returning GI when he asked if I was old enough to rent a car so we could leave the airport. I do not ever remember speaking with a civilian. And I was scared and lonely for those I left behind. My thoughts were more of them than seeing my family the next day.
The next morning I boarded the plane and as I was walking down the aisle of the plane I saw an older lady who I would be sitting next to. "Shit" I said to myself, she is going to bitch at me as I smoke on this flight I thought as I got closer to my seat. When I got there I sat down and soon the plane took off. I don't' think the wheels were off the ground when she lit up. Relief. I lit up and took that long needed drag of my cigarette. After we reached our flying altitude the "Stewardess" started to serve lunch and we just had ours served. The older lady next to me spoke for the first time and asked me where I was going and I told her home. She asked where I had been and I said Vietnam. She said something to the effect of "Welcome Home" and then cut her meal in half and put it in my plate on the tray. She said that I really needed this meal more than she did.
You know, I don't' think she said much of anything else nor did I. But I will never forget that "Act of Kindness". To most this may seem a small and somewhat insignificant. I thought of it as nice and was actually embarrassed by it at the time. But as time went by I came to realize to me this is a major "Act of Kindness" from a complete stranger and probably the only one I ever received on returning to the World. I will always remember her and that day.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Maced Protesters by Vietnam Veteran
It appears to be common place here in Omaha for members of the Westboro Church to just protest away. They seem to just increase the protests and they are at our Catholic Churches, Catholic Girls school and worst of all at the funerals of our servicemen who have lost their lives defending this Country. We recently lost four veterans in a highway motorcycle accident and they state it was something like God doing that because Sarpy County NE had charges against one of their members. Four servicemen died in Afghanistan and the Westboro Church website states they pray for 10,000 more. And of course there are the plea deals where Sarpy County paid them 17,000 for violating their rights or something like that and dropping charges so they drop charges against Sarpy County and let's not forget the fear the Judges have and not wanting to try them due to lawsuits they will press.
This Saturday this so-called church again protested a service member who died Afghanistan during his funeral. And during the protest a 62 year old Vietnam Veteran drove by spraying industrial Mace. The church members who filmed this stated none of them were sprayed.
Unfortunately there appears to be 18 people who were sprayed and at least one was a police officer. From what the news is saying he is facing 18 misdemeanors.
What is wrong with this Country? We have the Constitution and rights as Citizens, that is unless you are a law-abiding citizen and even worse if you are a veteran or our service men and women. In this case, many of this churches members (most are family) are attorneys. But, the ACLU is on their bandwagon and fights and supports them. God forbid anyone violate their rights.
What about the right of free speech to express ones love for their child that they loved and nurtured. A child who grew up to become a wonderful son, daughter, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, etc.? A child who died fighting for the very freedoms that their families cannot have, especially in the funeral and burial of their child?
On October 6th the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the lawsuit regarding Corporal Snyder. I pray and ask every one to pray that The Supreme Court agree that these loving, caring and wonderful families have rights to mourn their loved ones who fought and died for your freedoms.
I can't say anything else - I just find this so emotional and I have such a hard time thinking and can't get it off my mind. I pray all the time and want to do something to stop this madness. I just can't say anymore right now and feel so helpless.
This Saturday this so-called church again protested a service member who died Afghanistan during his funeral. And during the protest a 62 year old Vietnam Veteran drove by spraying industrial Mace. The church members who filmed this stated none of them were sprayed.
Unfortunately there appears to be 18 people who were sprayed and at least one was a police officer. From what the news is saying he is facing 18 misdemeanors.
What is wrong with this Country? We have the Constitution and rights as Citizens, that is unless you are a law-abiding citizen and even worse if you are a veteran or our service men and women. In this case, many of this churches members (most are family) are attorneys. But, the ACLU is on their bandwagon and fights and supports them. God forbid anyone violate their rights.
What about the right of free speech to express ones love for their child that they loved and nurtured. A child who grew up to become a wonderful son, daughter, uncle, aunt, brother, sister, etc.? A child who died fighting for the very freedoms that their families cannot have, especially in the funeral and burial of their child?
On October 6th the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the lawsuit regarding Corporal Snyder. I pray and ask every one to pray that The Supreme Court agree that these loving, caring and wonderful families have rights to mourn their loved ones who fought and died for your freedoms.
I can't say anything else - I just find this so emotional and I have such a hard time thinking and can't get it off my mind. I pray all the time and want to do something to stop this madness. I just can't say anymore right now and feel so helpless.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Can you help?
I was at the local Wal Mart with my Grandson tonight and I heard "Can you help?". I looked around and here were two men trying to work the blood pressure machine. I was asked "Can you help?" again. I knew immediately they were Vietnamese. Not by the look but the tone of the voice and how the voice sounded. I helped and showed how the machine worked. Although his English was fair I understood him and his asking how to know if the blood pressure was normal or not and I showed him and heard him tell the other man using the machine what I had just said. And then I was positive that they were Vietnamese by the language.
I asked them where they were from and they said Vietnam. I told them I had been there and where. One of the men was from the Saigon Area and was 55. The other one was from Cam Rahn Bay / Da Nang. I told them were I was stationed. The man from Saigon stated he was on the highway each day by where I was stationed. We talked some and I found out that they have been in the states since 1991 and they wanted to know how long I had been in service, what I did after and what I did now. We spoke for about five minutes and I then said goodbye and left.
I came home and told my wife what happened and she said "Why'd you talk to them?". You know whats odd? My wife and I never speak of the war or my service. Early in our relationship she said something about the war and that was it as far as I was concerned and we have never really spoke about it again. She has purchased some military items for me as gifts but we never speak of the service nor would we ever be able to. A two weeks ago I really needed to someone about it and wondered if I could with her. She had had surgery and was sleeping downstairs as she could not walk up them. I have been having a bad time and have been so emotional and flooded with memories. Anyway, I really felt a presense during a few nights and woke up due to a noise, feelings, etc. I believe, and have always believed, that my brothers who passed while I was at the 24th have been present from time to time late at night when it is dark and quiet. I guess it reminds me of being alone in the morgue taking care of them. Once I realize they are present, they are gone but I find it comforting. I wanted to tell her of this and was trying to attempt to say something but knew it would be a mistake.
So, I find it odd that I really have no one here that I feel I can speak to regarding my service or really have any friendships. Yet, here I am with two Vietnamese men who I do not know briefly speaking of Vietnam and it seems to bring some comfort to me tonight. Is it because we both had memories of a war? That there was some type of common ground? Was it a gift from God knowing I needed a type of comfort?
I know this probably sounds crazy but to me it makes sense. And how I miss my brothers from Vietnam, even those that crossed my path that I did not know. Please know that I think of you each day and you are in my prayers.
I asked them where they were from and they said Vietnam. I told them I had been there and where. One of the men was from the Saigon Area and was 55. The other one was from Cam Rahn Bay / Da Nang. I told them were I was stationed. The man from Saigon stated he was on the highway each day by where I was stationed. We talked some and I found out that they have been in the states since 1991 and they wanted to know how long I had been in service, what I did after and what I did now. We spoke for about five minutes and I then said goodbye and left.
I came home and told my wife what happened and she said "Why'd you talk to them?". You know whats odd? My wife and I never speak of the war or my service. Early in our relationship she said something about the war and that was it as far as I was concerned and we have never really spoke about it again. She has purchased some military items for me as gifts but we never speak of the service nor would we ever be able to. A two weeks ago I really needed to someone about it and wondered if I could with her. She had had surgery and was sleeping downstairs as she could not walk up them. I have been having a bad time and have been so emotional and flooded with memories. Anyway, I really felt a presense during a few nights and woke up due to a noise, feelings, etc. I believe, and have always believed, that my brothers who passed while I was at the 24th have been present from time to time late at night when it is dark and quiet. I guess it reminds me of being alone in the morgue taking care of them. Once I realize they are present, they are gone but I find it comforting. I wanted to tell her of this and was trying to attempt to say something but knew it would be a mistake.
So, I find it odd that I really have no one here that I feel I can speak to regarding my service or really have any friendships. Yet, here I am with two Vietnamese men who I do not know briefly speaking of Vietnam and it seems to bring some comfort to me tonight. Is it because we both had memories of a war? That there was some type of common ground? Was it a gift from God knowing I needed a type of comfort?
I know this probably sounds crazy but to me it makes sense. And how I miss my brothers from Vietnam, even those that crossed my path that I did not know. Please know that I think of you each day and you are in my prayers.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Westboro Baptist Church
One of the members of the Wesboro Baptist Church had court here in Omaha today for wearing a flag skirt that was dragging on the ground and allowing her 10 year old son to stand on the flag. This is against the Nebraska flag mutilation law. The individual is Shirley Phelps-Roper. Her attorney, Margie Phelps, is appealing to the 8th U S Circuit of Appeals. She also has to stand trial in August here in NE on charges of violating the flag law, disturbing the peace, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and negligent child abuse stemming from the process or something to that effect.
For those of you who don't know, this church protests at funeral services for our the brave men and women who have lost their lives for this Country. They only know how to spread hatred, lies and harass the dead serviceman or women's family and funeral service calling it freedom of religion. If it were not for our brave service men and women who have lost their lives as well as all us who have served in the service and the sacrifices of our families this so-called church and their members would not even exist.
I believe a private civil lawsuit against this church will soon be before the U S Supreme Court brought on by the family of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. I have attached a link to their website. At the present time I believe the only legal way to stop this madness is for the Supreme Court to rule against this church and confirm the millions of dollars in damages awarded Corporal Snyder's family by a lower court. Once this is done, you will then see an onslaught of lawsuits and hopefully this church and all of its members will be crushed financially.
Yes, we have "Freedom of Speech" in this Country, but think of the interpretation this church uses. They believe this gives them the right to protest, harass, inflict pain and suffering, lies and hatred. Think for a minute if all citizens of this Country took "Freedom of Speech" to this level. This Country would be in chaos - there would be no sexual harassment, freedom of religion and racism would run rampant. Anyone could say, do, harass, lie, terrorize stating it is their freedom of speech. Is this really the "Freedom of Speech" our founding fathers imagined?
I will never ever be able to express the horror, sorrow, pain and suffering I saw while in Vietnam at the 24th Evac. Only now am I barely beginning to realize just what I had been through and experienced and I have felt so overwhelmed this last couple years and there are many days I'm ready to just say, I have had enough and just don't feel I can go on any longer. And now to hear, read and see what this church is doing in incomprehensible.
It is time to take back this country and I pray the Supreme Court makes the correct decision so the healing can begin.
For those of you who don't know, this church protests at funeral services for our the brave men and women who have lost their lives for this Country. They only know how to spread hatred, lies and harass the dead serviceman or women's family and funeral service calling it freedom of religion. If it were not for our brave service men and women who have lost their lives as well as all us who have served in the service and the sacrifices of our families this so-called church and their members would not even exist.
I believe a private civil lawsuit against this church will soon be before the U S Supreme Court brought on by the family of Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. I have attached a link to their website. At the present time I believe the only legal way to stop this madness is for the Supreme Court to rule against this church and confirm the millions of dollars in damages awarded Corporal Snyder's family by a lower court. Once this is done, you will then see an onslaught of lawsuits and hopefully this church and all of its members will be crushed financially.
Yes, we have "Freedom of Speech" in this Country, but think of the interpretation this church uses. They believe this gives them the right to protest, harass, inflict pain and suffering, lies and hatred. Think for a minute if all citizens of this Country took "Freedom of Speech" to this level. This Country would be in chaos - there would be no sexual harassment, freedom of religion and racism would run rampant. Anyone could say, do, harass, lie, terrorize stating it is their freedom of speech. Is this really the "Freedom of Speech" our founding fathers imagined?
I will never ever be able to express the horror, sorrow, pain and suffering I saw while in Vietnam at the 24th Evac. Only now am I barely beginning to realize just what I had been through and experienced and I have felt so overwhelmed this last couple years and there are many days I'm ready to just say, I have had enough and just don't feel I can go on any longer. And now to hear, read and see what this church is doing in incomprehensible.
It is time to take back this country and I pray the Supreme Court makes the correct decision so the healing can begin.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Easter in Vietnam - 1971
Easter in Vietnam was like any other day. The causalities continued to come in and we continued to do our jobs. I guess the only difference was that I received a large Easter package with candies and stuffed Rabbits.
There was a guy, Albert Wahl, who I had met in the early days in either Basic or Advanced Training. We didn’t really know each other very well but we did fly in the same plane from Chicago to Omaha after advanced training and from Omaha to San Francisco after our leave as we began our journey to Vietnam. Anyway, my mom met his family at the airport after we got on the plane to San Francisco. His was a very large family with about 10-12 kids and mine had 8. They lived in a small town, about 40 minutes from Omaha in Greenwood, NE. So, at Easter and Halloween the families got together and did Easter Baskets, Halloween trick or treat bags, etc. and sent them to us. (He was stationed elsewhere in Vietnam.) I also had worked for a restaurant in Omaha and they also sent large food packages especially at the holidays. Packages and mail were taken to our worksite as was the practice and there always seemed to be anticipation of what I was now receiving by my fellow GI’s.
At Easter I received the Easter package that resulted in lot’s of laughs, sharing of candy and Easter stories. Soon the stuffed bunnies were treated for head injuries and had their heads wrapped in gauze or had other injuries that were treated much the same way. They were then left in our small area outside the ER for any patient or staff to see as well as the candy to be shared by staff and patients. About a week later the stuffed bunnies and other stuffed animals had healed, bandages were removed and they headed off with the nurses as they went to a nearby orphanage to treat sick children where they would remain.I have had many, many Easters in my life but none that brings such fond memories.
I cannot put into words what this one Easter meant to me or how much it touched my heart and my being. I guess if there was every truly a Happy Easter for me, this was the one.
There was a guy, Albert Wahl, who I had met in the early days in either Basic or Advanced Training. We didn’t really know each other very well but we did fly in the same plane from Chicago to Omaha after advanced training and from Omaha to San Francisco after our leave as we began our journey to Vietnam. Anyway, my mom met his family at the airport after we got on the plane to San Francisco. His was a very large family with about 10-12 kids and mine had 8. They lived in a small town, about 40 minutes from Omaha in Greenwood, NE. So, at Easter and Halloween the families got together and did Easter Baskets, Halloween trick or treat bags, etc. and sent them to us. (He was stationed elsewhere in Vietnam.) I also had worked for a restaurant in Omaha and they also sent large food packages especially at the holidays. Packages and mail were taken to our worksite as was the practice and there always seemed to be anticipation of what I was now receiving by my fellow GI’s.
At Easter I received the Easter package that resulted in lot’s of laughs, sharing of candy and Easter stories. Soon the stuffed bunnies were treated for head injuries and had their heads wrapped in gauze or had other injuries that were treated much the same way. They were then left in our small area outside the ER for any patient or staff to see as well as the candy to be shared by staff and patients. About a week later the stuffed bunnies and other stuffed animals had healed, bandages were removed and they headed off with the nurses as they went to a nearby orphanage to treat sick children where they would remain.I have had many, many Easters in my life but none that brings such fond memories.
I cannot put into words what this one Easter meant to me or how much it touched my heart and my being. I guess if there was every truly a Happy Easter for me, this was the one.
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