Home Forums Miscellaneous Topics Military Vietnam ? No, Vietnam Era....."Oh"

i wanted to go.
I was too young.
in 74...I signed up.
while I was in training, frequent wind kicked off. I met my ship as it was returning out of the combat zone.
didn't get any medals. cant say I didn't try.
its just the way it goes for some.
some didn't want to go and did.
some wanted and couldn't.
fact is I was one who stepped to the plate.
call me era. fine. never shot at.
but don't ask me to respect all nam vets.
I know plenty who checked out a revolver from the ship armory...flew into Saigon. spent 24+hrs in country drinking...just to get the medals.
then flew out.
its the intent of the heart that matters.
and apparently my hometown feels that since I was signed up prior to june 75....I was rated a nam vet. the marble stone with all the town vets names in the town square that SERVED by not retreating to college or a factory job, reflects it.
I didn't ask for it, it just happened.

for the record, because I couldn't be in country I felt like I let down my country.
so....to make up for it, I stayed in 22 years. it may not have had bullets flying, but it was proud service.
im sorry for those that were injured or maimed in nam. it wasn't my calling....but for the 22 years I did serve, hopefully it saved many from that fate.
in my retirement speech I said to the crowd...that I served one for myself and 4 more for those that wanted but couldn't.
it drew applause.