A number of weeks ago I did a post regarding the Westboro Chruch that protests military funerals and prays for the death of our soldiers and so much more. There were also protesters protesting them. And then along came a 62 year old Vietnam veteran who tried to mace the Westboro Church members but instead got about 18 of their protesters. Later it came out that not only was he a Vietnam Veteran who was a Marine but that he also received the Purple Heart. I believe there were 18 of those who were maced and it is pretty evenly split among those saying he either should not be charged or charged.
Around two weeks ago I jumped a little bit into a converation regarding this incident. The the main thought was that this church is just looking for publicity and the veteteran should not have done what he had done. I tried to state during this ongoing conversation that many factors come into play and that I felt at this point in the veterans life he must have felt overwhelmed with soldier deaths and the ongoing protests and lack of respect coming from this church and their members.
I didn't get too far with this as a person stated that the Patriot Guard was there and that they have Combat Vietnan Veterans and don't do this. First I was hurt as I am not a Combat Vietnam Veteran and took this as a negative comment and and secondly, angry at what I thought was the dismissal of my thoughts or at least this was my perception. At that time I excused myself and left.
Before saying anything else, I cannot state how wonderful the Patriot Guard and the services they provide at these funerals and to the families. And I imagine these families are overjoyed at what the Patriot Guard does. I am so thankful for what they do.
Being a Vietnam Veteran and knowing other Vietnam Veterans I can say that there are many, many Vietnam Veterans suffer quietly on a daily basis. Many of us have held everything in. We really didn't have or know of any resources that were available to us on return. And, honestly, there were few. I suspect if I ever spoke to a Vietnam Veteran Patriot Guard Rider we would both be in agreement on this. Also, to this day I hold everthing in except for these posts. I'm not sure why I started this but I guess I need to talk.
Vietnam was an unpopular war and as Vietnam Veterans I believe we got the brunt of that in many ways. And even though their is so much support for Iraq and Afganistan Soldiers and those returning, they will need a continuing "great" deal of support and understanding. The impact of war is not just limited to those in a Combat situation but to those in support organizations as well and I think that is really important for people to understand. I hope to address this in my next post.
And for the general population it is very important to never forget that the freedoms you have are because of the Armed Forces and those brave men and women who serve for your freedom, both in peacetime and a time of war. Please remember that and keep them in your thoughts and pray for them and their safety.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Gas Chamber in Basic Training
"Knocked Up" has been on TV a number of times recently. Isn't that why we have and pay for cable? To see the same shows over and over again? Anyway, in this show the lead character is shown smoking dope using a gas mask. It brought back memories of the Gas Chamber in Basic Training. For some idiotic reason I couldn't wait to do that. The more they talked about it the more excited I got. Stupid huh? Anyway, that day came. We had a great meal brought out to the field that day and right after eating that meal we were lining up to go in.
You know, growing up I had heard and saw on TV of how one takes many breaths filling up their lungs with oxygen and that allows one to hold their breath for a long time. Well as a kid I tried it and it worked. I was always the winner at the pool for those contests when you see who can stay underwater the longest. So, my plan was to do this at the Gas Chamber. I didn't know what to expect and just thought I'd be choking from the gas or whatever. As I walked in I realized my mask wasn't sealed, no problem, I was trained to get that sealed and got that done. Soon we had to take off our masks and this damn gas burned my eyes and they were tearing up and it penetrated the skin on my face from the morning shave. This was not expected, but I held my breath. I was watching as everyone else was choking and gaging. We had to walk around the room and then head for the door. I was almost there, shit this is going to work. Then I hear "Drill Sergeant, Mahoney isn't breathing." from a guy in my platoon. That's all it took - as the Drill Sergeants made the target and made sure I had plenty of time in there and really got some good lung fulls of the tear gas or whatever that was. Once that was done I exited gagging, trying to catch my breath and soon throwing up. I looked down at that puke and thought, shit - that was a good lunch too. (I think it was good on purpose just with them knowing it would be thrown up.)
We had one more training session that day while under barbed wire with smoke pouring over us so you would not know when they popped open the gas and we had our masks off. When you started to experience the effects of the gas, you could then put your mask on.
Well, at the end of the day the guy who yelled out I wasn't breathing got some grief/ribbing from others in my platoon. But mostly it was just a group of young men laughing at what had happened that day and what we had experienced. But, beyond the laughing there was also the quiet conversations that was serious on whether or not we will experience a gas attack while on duty and just how serious an attack could be. It really made us think.
And shit, that was a good lunch too.
You know, growing up I had heard and saw on TV of how one takes many breaths filling up their lungs with oxygen and that allows one to hold their breath for a long time. Well as a kid I tried it and it worked. I was always the winner at the pool for those contests when you see who can stay underwater the longest. So, my plan was to do this at the Gas Chamber. I didn't know what to expect and just thought I'd be choking from the gas or whatever. As I walked in I realized my mask wasn't sealed, no problem, I was trained to get that sealed and got that done. Soon we had to take off our masks and this damn gas burned my eyes and they were tearing up and it penetrated the skin on my face from the morning shave. This was not expected, but I held my breath. I was watching as everyone else was choking and gaging. We had to walk around the room and then head for the door. I was almost there, shit this is going to work. Then I hear "Drill Sergeant, Mahoney isn't breathing." from a guy in my platoon. That's all it took - as the Drill Sergeants made the target and made sure I had plenty of time in there and really got some good lung fulls of the tear gas or whatever that was. Once that was done I exited gagging, trying to catch my breath and soon throwing up. I looked down at that puke and thought, shit - that was a good lunch too. (I think it was good on purpose just with them knowing it would be thrown up.)
We had one more training session that day while under barbed wire with smoke pouring over us so you would not know when they popped open the gas and we had our masks off. When you started to experience the effects of the gas, you could then put your mask on.
Well, at the end of the day the guy who yelled out I wasn't breathing got some grief/ribbing from others in my platoon. But mostly it was just a group of young men laughing at what had happened that day and what we had experienced. But, beyond the laughing there was also the quiet conversations that was serious on whether or not we will experience a gas attack while on duty and just how serious an attack could be. It really made us think.
And shit, that was a good lunch too.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Silent Visitor
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.
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.
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.
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