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......The recent Blog about VietNam wannabies was of particular interest to me. I have often heard of them but have never personally met any. VietNam remains somewhat a touchy subject after all these years. Here in Blogs I have posted 3 specific experiences. 2 were not combat related and one was, as it described my experience as a door gunner on a night medevac mission. Being in a helicopter at night is as scary as it gets. Being in one during the day is bad enough but in one at night really compounds everything. This was not my regular duty and I volunteered for it. When asked if I wanted to extend for another month I couldn't say no thanks fast enough. The hours were quite demanding. 4-5 am to 7-8 pm makes for a long day especially when its 7 days a week. 1-2 months of those hours is all most can put up with it.......Anyway it was not about who did what or who went where or even why it all happened. I think all who served were touched by that conflict. The sailors aboard the hospital ship USS Sanctuary anchored 12 miles off the coast were just as involved as the grunt on patrol or the f4 phantom pilot delivering his payload above the skies over North Vietnam. Admittedly some things were more dangerous than others but that did not mean one was not more involved than anyone else.....I have yet to meet anyone who "Brags" about their experiences and I agree anyone that does becomes suspect as most that served in any capacity saw little to brag about. My personal relationship with a MOH recipient SgtMaj Alan Kellogg, was related by me in a blog as a tribute to him reflects his attitude. He felt that the actions he did that day were stupid and more reflex's than bravery. Of course I disagree and consider myself privileged to have known him....This fall I will be visiting the "Wall" for the first time. In previous years that I have had the opportunity I declined as I was by myself. This time CJC will be with me and she has encouraged me to go. Last year on our trip north we visited the new Marine Corps national museum in Quantico Va. It was stunning and they are continually adding exhibits and we will stop again after leaving Washington DC......I better wrap this up for Ive ranted on long enough lest anyone might think I was "bragging"..........Semper fidelis to all who served are serving and yet to serve.... what a great thing it was to be a U S Marine... I'll be one till I die." ....Ted Williams |
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 8/14/2008 5:31 am |
60minman,I don't think you are bragging.You have just described something very real & scary to you.My brother in law was also a gunner on a medevac.He has said the same thing.He didn't talk about it much either. Good job and thank you. Shay2006.... Embarrassing my children......Just one more service I offer.
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8/14/2008 9:20 am |
Semper Fi Rich I think it is good that you take Carol with you. I visited our Veteran's Memorial here in town one lunch break about 2 months ago, and all the bricks have names and service on them, I was overwhelmed with emotion as I saw my dad, my stepdad's names, names of friends who have served and are alive, and men whose funerals I have conducted, and helped fold the flag and presented to the widow. My thoughts go to Gunny Jack King...a more gentle, bear of a man you will ever meet, had coffee with him not long ago...now he's gone to his final post in the sky. All gave some..some gave all D 'Kindness, is something that the blind can see and the deaf can hear' Mark Twain
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8/14/2008 3:39 pm |
...sounds like you are still bragging to me...even your heading--"peachbush one over"...most vets that I knew do not explain such to the public or brag...but--you mention it...a lot..seems like you have not gotten over it and want a lot of attention about it....
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8/14/2008 5:51 pm |
There is a place in New Mexico,Angel Fire. You might put it on your list of things to do
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