50 years ago today.

[Josef]

50 years ago today, I started my journey to vietnam.
Unlike most, I found my military career so enjoyable
that time just flew by. I just never really kept track.
Below is a picture of a stepping stone I donated to
the local master Gardner club that pretty much says it all.
Got an early out for school if your wondering.

 

[Benhameen]

Thank you for your service.

 

[D2Cat]

Josef, it's guys of your character that allowed the U.S. to become the leader of the free world.

It's sad the leaders of the country don't have to participate in the grief their decisions cause. It would make them revisit some selfish, quick ideas they have.

Thanks for your contribution, and have a good anniversary! (nice plaque, by the way)

 

[procraftmike]

Happy anniversary and thank you for your service and sacrifice. It does not go unnoticed...

 

[skeets]

Ya done good my friend,, if you get to the wall tell the boys I said hello,, I could never make myself go up the walk way

 

[Josef]

Ya done good my friend,, if you get to the wall tell the boys I said hello,, I could never make myself go up the walk way

I did and it is extremely moving. Well worth your time.
I cried like a little kid but I would go back. It's not up
the walkway, it's down until your in a big hole in the
middle of the war and then you begin to climb out of
the madness.

 

[BAP]

Thank You for your service. Very nice looking stone that you donated.

 

[skeets]

It is one hell of a long climb

 

[dandeman]

I like your stepping stone you donated.. in remembrance of your service 50 years ago.. not that you were keeping track of the time

Your post got me to reflecting a bit too...

Had not been up to the wall in a very long time... until last June.

When I saw this little girl with her family walking down hand in hand.. and her hand reaching out toward the wall as if reaching out to a soul on the other side, and the hand reaching back toward her.... well it was a special moment...

My 50 years ago departure to sunny south east Asia will be on 26 October 2018... I was more fortunate than many... my time was spent out at Yankee Station.

 

[Josef]

I guess I'm very maulding, I guess that's the right word.
I believe this picture is 5 to 7 years old, my wife assures
me it's at least 10 or 12.

 

[mickeyd]

My 50 years ago departure to sunny south east Asia will be on the Forth of July 2019. I always thought that that was an odd day to fly out of McCord AFB, WA, but that is what the orders stated.

 

[Josef]

I did and it is extremely moving. Well worth your time.
I cried like a little kid but I would go back. It's not up
the walkway, it's down until your in a big hole in the
middle of the war and then you begin to climb out of
the madness.

I ran into a woman who explained that she had been
to the wall and found it very moving, then she went
on to explain how they were going to update the monument by
getting it out of that hole?????

 

[TD Tractor]

Thank you for your service! Your post got me thinking about my time over there too.

 

[ipz2222]

Those who have never been part of the military can never understand what it does to a person. The understanding that your very life is protected by someone else is humbling. I know each branch derides the other in some way or another. The Army and Marines rag the the Air Force guys because they don't carry guns and fight, except for pilots. But let them get pinned down and who do they call?? !! I need air support!!! By the same token, a fighter pilot goes down and the Marines or Army is in the woods looking for him. We take care of each other!

 

[olsarge]

Thank you and all your buddies for your service!

 

[skeets]

That 'HOLE" can be dark deep and very scary at times. SO many of us are still trying to dig our way out, and if we look around there are many more that are in that same hole. Different war, but the same hole

 

[CaveCreekRay]

The middle third covers an interesting history of Vietnam I have never heard of at this level of detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2loCzL9iW1Y&app=desktop