How Many Viet Nam Vets Here?

[SEAlaskan]

My term in Viet Nam was in '68/'69 on board aircraft carrier USS Bennington CVS20 (Aviation Boatswain Mate)
V-1 Division.
Butch

[jackpoet]

My hat is off to you guys. I am a 20 year retired Air Force. From 61 to 81. Didn't go to Nam, and rarely mention I am Nam era, due to the respect I hold for you guys that did go in country.

I am proud to call you friend.

[Akarocko]

I was in country in 71. Medical Corp. A year worth forgetting!

[Nana]

I want to give all of you a "Thank you! and Thank God you came home safely! hug. I mean the thanks with all my heart.

[keepinon]

Army from '71 to '76, was an MP, worked customs in country most of '74, transferred to Thailand for security for munitions & equipment brought back to Utapao & Vayama Depot.

One of the last places stationed in Thailand, Camp Throt... was given to Pol Pot so he could retire in peace....

Yup, makes ya wonder why.

[rmrc51]

My hat is off to you guys. I am a 20 year retired Air Force. From 61 to 81. Didn't go to Nam, and rarely mention I am Nam era, due to the respect I hold for you guys that did go in country.

I am proud to call you friend.

For the same reasons mentioned above by Jackpoet, I'm also a vet from the VietNam era but rarely mention Nam in veteran conversation for the respect I have for those who served in-country. I was with the US Coast Guard in search & rescue and Port Security from 69 through 82 (active and reserve time). I should've stayed for a full career. One of my biggest regrets.

[vwmaniac]

Was in Nam from 1965-1969 in the Engineer corp, demolition man, if it need to be blown to bits, I was called in, mainly did perimeter's and other things with demolition.

[leo3wheel]

It rubs me that vets who did not serve in country feel lesser for whatever reason. Agree there is nothing more horrible that being in the face of battle and losing mates around you. It's terrible to come home maimed or with lifelong disabilities. On the other hand, many of us were impacted by the Draft and were forced to serve in some manner. All branches of the military needed to be staffed, and all branches were in support of our country's mission. None of us had a final say as to where we served once we enlisted. We are vets of that era, and as such, we have a common brotherhood. Thanks to everyone who served, and we remember all our fallen on this Memorial Day.

[bobknife]

Served 1970-1971 fire base mace, bottom of G-ray mountain. rock quarry, with the 103rd engineer co. 69 engineer battalion

[bustedwing]

Air Force Jan 75 to 79, got in on the last of nam.went to Thailand, which is two doors down from nam, and was working in transportation, driving 40 ft flatbed trailers all over but on the left side of the road, real neat. The Thai students protested us being there even tho we were pulling out. But stupid Bud was always in the front of the convoy and I got 5 windshields blown out but all on the passenger side. My CO asked me if I wanted a shotgun rider and I said no, then I would have to deal with a wounded or worse. But came home and got same treatment as others, had to hide my uniform between bases, just last year a lady gave me a coin from the Washington Wall, and I actually cried. It was the FIRST time someone said thank you.

[jcolson]

USAF 68-72. In country 70-71. Stationed at Binh Thuy AB 80mi south of Siagon just south of Canto right on the Mekong River. In the rice paddies. Heavy Equipment Mechanic so was in the sh--t.Had to go out in the boonies a lot,not fun so I feel for the grunts. Also got spit on when I came home. We didn't
' ask to go there. We did what we were told. At least we weren't draft dodgers and i'd fight again if asked. How many would run if we had to defend our own country?

[Retcsm07]

US Army, in Vietnam 71-72. 526th Maintenance Company in the Delta, keeping the guys in the region supplied with repair parts and depot type maintenance so they could do their jobs.

@ jcolson, This is getting to be a small world. Our unit was also at Binh Thuy on the Mekong River. I well remember the airstrip on base. I have never ever come across someone who also served in that area, let alone on the same base.

[bongobobny]

It rubs me that vets who did not serve in country feel lesser for whatever reason. Agree there is nothing more horrible that being in the face of battle and losing mates around you. It's terrible to come home maimed or with lifelong disabilities. On the other hand, many of us were impacted by the Draft and were forced to serve in some manner. All branches of the military needed to be staffed, and all branches were in support of our country's mission. None of us had a final say as to where we served once we enlisted. We are vets of that era, and as such, we have a common brotherhood. Thanks to everyone who served, and we remember all our fallen on this Memorial Day.

Well said, Leo! To me it doesn't matter where or how you served, but rather that you served period!! Yes, I was one of those drafted, and living 15 minutes from the Canadian border it took a lot of soul searching to not do what some others did! No I do not have any bad feelings towards those that did, and it took a lot of courage on their part at a young age to make the decision they did. The only person I have no use for from that era is Jane Fonda but that is a different topic...

To all who served in any capacity at that time, a warm "Thank You" for your willingness to serve even if you never set foot on their soil. Of course just as big a "Thank you" to all who are serving or have served!!! Yes, with the welcome us VN vets received I try to thank anyone I see for their service and welcome home!!!

[Beachbum45]

65-66 Chu Lai to DMZ
FO for 12th Marines
I wasn't drafted
Semper Fi

[jcolson]

Retcsm07, yes it's a small world. I've only met one other guy from the base and he was there before me in 68. I belong to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and he was in the group. Hell,now its an International Airport. When did you get there on base? I worked in the mainatince shop if you knew where that was at.

[jcolson]

Bongobobny, I agree with what you say, but how many would run instead of protecting this country. Yes we shouldn't have been there. The French couldn't win so what made us think we could. We stick our nose in to many places where we don't belong. We need to take care of our own people first. Another thing that bugs me is people looking down on Air Force guys. If it wasn't for us a lot of the grunts wouldn't be here today. We did a lot more than people think. We even had Air Force combat troops in Nam. Everyone that was there or not did their part no matter where they were. Not all Army & Marines were on the front lines. We all supported each other in one way or another. Sorry, I was just venting! Thanks to all who served and still serving!!!

[YgWiz]

1966 - 1970 Jet engine mechanic on B52 and KC135. SAC Mather AFB, Sacramento, Ca.

[Shocker]

71, 72,73 usn

[DocGrizzly]

72 Chinook crew, 180th ASHC

[rhino 2]

Another thing that bugs me is people looking down on Air Force guys. If it wasn't for us a lot of the grunts wouldn't be here today. We did a lot more than people think.

I for one loved the Air Force Boys, Especially the F105's..
66/67 Nothing like a little close air support to cook Charley's bacon...