On March 29, the nation recognizes National Vietnam War Veterans Day on the 50th anniversary of the date the last combat troops left South Vietnam. We honor Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and remember the men and women who put the lives of others ahead of their own to serve during one of America’s longest foreign wars.
This 50th anniversary, remember to thank your family members, friends and neighbors who served in the Vietnam War. You can also attend events and pinning ceremonies held nationwide to commemorate these courageous individuals. Together, we can ensure current and future generations never forget the service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans.
To support this service and sacrifice, you can encourage the Veteran(s) in your life to take advantage of VA benefits they have earned and deserve, including those now available after the passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act), the most significant expansion of VA benefits in more than 30 years.
The PACT Act empowers VA to provide much-needed benefits and expanded eligibility for health care to generations of Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes and other environmental hazards during their service, including many Vietnam War Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Veterans can benefit from this extensive legislation by enrolling in VA care and, once enrolled, receiving a toxic exposure screening at their local VA medical center.
Veterans and their survivors can learn more about PACT Act-related benefits by visiting www.va.gov/PACT or by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411).
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“There’s just a general lack of trust issue in VA,” he said. “It’s not everybody. … But we have to get through the trust issue.”Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough warned at a recent event at the University of Chicago.
I have been getting my healthcare at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center since 1988. It has been hit and miss but it has kept me alive so far. However, my trust in the VA healthcare system is beginning to corrode.
Recently, my primary care physician, that I have been seeing for nearly a decade, vanished. Apparently, she took another position within the VA system. But the patient (me) never was told or found out why the change. This has happened to me before at the VA and it is not fun to begin over again with another doctor who knows nothing about you. I don’t even know if I have a new primary doctor. No one at the VAMC has informed me of any changes at all.
Everything seems to be a big secret at the VAMC. No one seems to want to communicate with the veteran and when they do communicate it’s hard to tell if it is true or false or in between.
The primary care model seems adequate if you have enough doctors and nurses to pull it off. There are not enough personnel to make things work well. VHA published its FY 2022 Workplace Occupation report. Physicians remain at the top of the list of occupations with significant staffing shortages.
I have trouble understanding the priorities used to determine care. As an aging service connected Vietnam Veteran, I get the feeling the care is becoming more rationed. The VA wants to recruit more veterans but can they really care for them. I find it hard enough to get adequate treatment now days. Of course, I am one of those whining Vietnam Veterans who’s still whining and won’t stop. When I first entered the VA system 40 years ago, it wasn’t that bad once you learned how the system worked.
I feel like an old war relic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. When I first came to the VA the WWII veterans were the age I am now. They were starting to fade away, but still needed a lot of care. As Yogi Berra said “It’s Deja Vu All Over Again.”
The only doctor I know is my diabetic doctor. He used to be my primary doctor but they wouldn’t let him do that job for some stupid reason 20 years ago. The veterans I knew from PTSD groups are all gone as far as I know. You can’t get any information because of privacy rules. Other treatment personal are retired or dead.
I am classified as 100 percent service-connected. At one time, being 100 percent service-connected meant something. Today, not so much.
I see the writing on the wall. As an aging veteran, I will begin to receive less care, as I am expendable. I want more involvement in selecting who treats me, and access to this care and treatment.
I feel I am insignificant and a pawn in the VA medical care system. I feel abandoned at times, and the system seems to be very parental and treat veterans as if we have the IQs of preschool children or advanced apes.
Tim Connelly, Richfield, Minn.
Poet and Veteran of A Lost War
The VA can say whatever they want but facts remain the same as the Vietnam veterans are 1st to be ignored for service and combat related issues
I am one of the few African American Army Nurse Corp Officers who served in Vietnam. Stationed at the 95th Evac Hospital, DaNang, South Vietnam from 1970-1971, I encourage all of my fellow ANC Officers to stand and be recognized for your dedicated service.
Spent 15 months in Vietnam in 1969 & 1970. Should I be getting checked for toxic exposure?
Increased mucus production a concern?. This is new and may not necessarily be allergy related. Will further investigate.
Thanks for marking this anniversary. It certainly didn’t get the coverage that the VE and VJ 50th got.
But the correct date is March 31st, not the 29th. The original 60-day cease fire was to end on the 29th. However, the North violated the terms of the cease fire about the 35th or 40th day, and the US put a pause to the countdown. Two days later the countdown was resumed. That pushed the last day back to the 31st.
On the 31st, there were repotedly about 800 troops still assembled at Tan Son Knut ready to leave. I know, because I was one of them. We were put on four aircraft, two old 707s and two C-141s, and were all off the ground by about noon. That was Saturday, March 31, 1973.
But thanks to the millions who served there and to their families. And let’s never forget the tens of thousands who were wounded or who died there. That was a terrible sacrifice. Thank you to all. Whatever the day, let’s always celebrate them.
I am commenting on behalf of my husband Alton W. Cottrell. Alton served in the Brown Navy, inland rivers of the Vietnam conflict from 1968 – 1969. He was diagnosed with leukemia March 2012. Many medical complications since then. Spring 2021 diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Has had hypertension since honorably discharged, even have the DD214 where his doctor crossed out his TOO HIGH blood pressure because he would never get discharged from the hospital if it was that high?!?. All disability claims & appeals denied. One reason is because he cancelled the “required exams” the VA deemed to be necessary even though he was under care of our local Hospice medical team and could not travel. The VA has 11 years of medical records that could have been used to determine his medical problems were in fact probably incurred due to Agent Orange exposure; the fact he was on board a vessel that was covered in agent orange, foliage hanging down above the vessel that was contaminated with agent orange, breathing air that was infiltrated with agent orange, waters that were polluted with agent orange, ground seeping with agent orange. Really? One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure the damage that was done to every service person exposed to agent orange. Come on VA take responsibility. Ironically the end for my courageous husband, Alton W. Cottrell, was on the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. He died March 29, 2023. I guess the VA doesn’t have to worry about “taking care” of this Veteran anymore do they. My heart breaks for all the Veterans and their families that have been buried in paperwork and denials and medical diagnosis that never make it on the “presumptive list” over the years. May God bless you with peace. His devoted & respectful wife, Diane
There is no words l can say to Honor those who fought and died in this War….????????
Arrived in nam just when it turned from conflict to full blown WAR !
Served in nam from Jan.’68 to
May ’69 First cav. LZ evans
Jan. to may ’68 when our ammo dump and LZ was hit by a rocket. then 6mo. in tuy hoa
with 1st. Log finished in cam ron bay. Extended by 4 mo. to get out 6mo. early (RA)
couldn’t face 6 mo. state side
after those ( worst 2 tet offensives) OTR driver state side to deal with social rejection, till truck driver social rejection AND authority became worce than nam vet rejection. I salute you ALL my brothers WELCOME HOME
YES WE DO DESERVE BETTER im proud of winning our colors back in the FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION!!!!! before i transfred to first log out of cam ron bay.
The country called and men and women stepped up to the plate to fight for the country they had grown up in as they put their fears aside and recognizing their life will be changing in the battle in Vietnam. I send much respect to all of those brave men and women that fought in other wars for America.
THERE IS TRUELY THE BEST WORDS FOR THE VIET NAM WAR AS; ” SOME GAVE THEIR BEST , BUT 60,000 + – THE OTHERS GAVE THEIR ULTMATE ALL !!!!!”
MAY WE ALL NEVER NEVER FORGET
To all Vietnam Veterans, thank you for your service. I am the wife (widow) of a Vietnam Veteran who contracted Parkinson’s due to exposure to Agent Orange. I am so glad to know that the Government is now asking for those vets, who have been exposed, to register with the VA in their area. This would not have assisted my husband once the Parkinson’s set in, however, the time spent preparing the paperwork, scheduling appointments and waiting for the final decision was very stressful. Thank God, now that various health issues are recognized, some of the stress and aggravation has been eliminated. My husband came home with symptoms but was not diagnosed until 2003. He was an Air Force Medic and because of that, I believe he knew what was happening to him. I thank God that he was able to finish his military career in addition to working another 22 yrs. with a physician. He knew exercise was the key. I would encourage any veteran, who suspects his symptoms are related to Agent Orange exposure, to contact the VA. They were a blessing to us. Your service to our country will always be remembered. God bless you.
REPONSE for USMC Vietnam Combat Veteran. I was denied for hypertension with the denial statement stating you need to be over 140/90. VA policy on that day. My contention is high bp is high bp. I lost AGAIN!
God bless brother,
Ron
USMC Vietnam Combat Veteran. Re the PACT Act. I found the application for HTN (Hypertension) secondary to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam to be a waste of time and probably a waste of resources having independent contractors doing a cursory physical exam, taking BP (Blood Pressure) (one manual and two by electric measure) and then later, in my case, the same agency reviewing my medical records at the VA.
Why do I say all this, because I seem to have been granted the disability of HTN, but no increase in my Disability Rating or in my Disability Compensation because my Diastolic Blood Pressure was not ≥ 100 mmHg, on or off the meds I take two times a day to control it. I did see a video by the CCK law group who said that 160/90 was kind of the BP to exceed to recieve benefits. I don’t know if this is accurate, but if some kind of guidelines were included in the pre-filing literature it would save a lot of people a lot of wasted time, knowing they did not qualify for the stringent measures I stated above.
Incidentally the current, “Normal” BP is 120/80. When I go to see my Primary, my BP is usually something around 150 – 160 / 85 or so. They always act concerned and my BP actually gets taken again by the Nurse, and then again by my Primary, I guess trying to determine if it is just, “White coat syndrome”.
My husband did 2 ten month tours of Vietnam. His benefit he receives monthly is not at 100%. He applied a few months ago for the increased benefit. It was a long & drawn out process which he could not complete because of continuing illnesses. He received a letter of decline. Also, I have been his wife for 58 years & have not been included. We received a letter & it was noted that I was not included. He was going to inquire about that but he got sick again & has not been able too. Many Vets that know him & receive the 100% benefit cannot believe he has been denied that. So sad to be treated like that for serving his country in VietNam for 20 months & has PTSD.
Lady’s and Gentlemen, do not forget THEY are being successful in dividing all the Vets and playing us against each other. The ones coming back now also have problems and the ones before us had problems. The ones in between continue to have problems. Aloha! “Ke Koa”
Thanks; USAF, Saigon, 08/24/1966 – 08/24/1967.
Letha Rice
My brother Thomas Stone served in the Vietnam War he was so proud of his service to our country. You never saw him without his cap on that said Vietnam Veteran…
In June of 2020 he was taken from this family by Cancer,,,,, The VA doctors said it was caused by Agent Orange,,,,,,,,,He suffered something awful,,pain was so bad,,,,,,,,,,,
I have all his medals and letter from President Trump whom he voted for and letter from the Amarillo nursing home where he spent his last days… I have it all hanging on the wall in my home,,his flag from his funeral. He had a beautiful graveside service with Military Honors….He died during the covid outbreak my only regret was i couldnt bring him back home to spend his last days and couldnt be with him…….
With all said and done he truly was proud of his service to his country and his service in Vietnam,,,,,,,,
Letha Rice
April 23, 1967 will be 56 years ago I was wounded in Vietnam after only 8 1/2 months in country. We just buried the fourth member of The First Cav. first LRRP Ranger 6 man team in the AN LAO VALLEY . I think the list of comments below explains how most of the Vietnam Veterans feel about the Veterans Administration Health Care and Benefits. A thanks to all the Service Organizations that have served and have been there for the Veteran. It has been only since 1977 that an appeal process has been in place thanks to Senator Gary Harts introduction of Bill #364. Here in Denver The hospital may be fairly new but still has the same bad habits of running the VA as a business and not as Hospital. Example numbers and statistics, most Vietnam Veterans have never complained about the service but the process!!! If you want to do a service to the Vietnam Veteran send these comments to CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT, AS THE OLD SAYING GOES THOSE WHO SEND US TO WAR NEVER HAVE TO GO TO WAR !!!! AND THOSE WHO SEND US TO THE VA NEVER HAVE TO USE THE VA!!!!
Thank you America left us behind the south Vietnamese people not only got killed during the war but we also got killed after the war when the communist north took over south Vietnam
If more of your southern VIETNAMESE had fought without running away the result could have been different
Had I not served in Vietnam I would have always wondered how I might have performed under extreme…would I shark or perform. I’m totally proud of my service and of those I served with. Combat medic 1969
Thank to all who served from one who served. South Vietnam brown water sailor 1966-1967.
J.m. Gonzales
GMM3
Lots of negative comments here from veterans who have not received the recognition of respect they feel they deserve for serving our country. I enlisted in the Navy mid-year in 1960 when I was 17 and celebrated my 18th. birthday off the cost of Vietnam. I was in the Brown Water Navy and handled Agent Orange shipments numerous times. My MOS was Engineman and I worked on the pumping systems and pumps that were used to move the product. I was drenched by Agent Orange and other chemicals every time I worked on a pump. I was diagnosed by the VA as an Vietnam Agent Orange exposed Veteran with Parkinson’s. This was after a series of medical exams of my brain and they found evidence that I had Parkinson’s. The VA wanted me to put me on a drug that was developed for Parkinson. I ask them what effect the drug would have on me and it was not encouraging. I refused and the doctor was very upset with me. A few years later, I went to a Kaiser health plan neurologist and she determined that I needed the same drug. I did go on it at that time and I have been fighting with the VA since then. I am now in my second evaluation from the VA and they want to “adjust” my allotment because I have shown “improvement” even though I have not been seen by a VA doctor at the VA hospital for over two years. I am ready to contact my Senator for help. Enough is enough>>> Parkinson is not a disease that can be cured. You will always have it and eventually, If something else does not kill you. Parkinsons will. Fact of life>>>
Vietnam Eulogy:
To all the Marines who died in defense of the Khe Sahn Combat Base, Vietnam 1967 – 1968, on June 7, 1967, and February 25,1968. My brothers in arms, members of the 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion 26th Marines, “The Ghost Patrol” Semper Fidelis! – “Rest In peace my brothers”
~ James Schulze – Sergeant USMC
Well, I thought I was the only one who didn’t like “thank you for your service”
Viet Nam was a waste of many of our best, can’t help wondering how much better our country would be if those men hadn’t died…. Many people got rich off that war… we grunts did the dirty work
God bless our Veterans, and a special thanks to the medics and chopper pilots!
I salute all: those who serve and served to GOD COUNTRY DUTY ! TO all those on the home front who kept the home fires burning while worrying about loved ones in harms way ! God bless them all!
Vietnam was a major mistake but if you served then your country owes you, no matter what your MOS.I spent 4 years of my life somewhere I didn’t want to be. It took awhile to accept it when people say “Thank you for your service,” I’m proud I served, but not of that war.
To my Brothers who never came home I think about you everyday, and have lived my life with you all in my heart and soul everyday.
I am a air force Vietnam veteran, January 1969 to January 1970. I was exposed to agent orange when the flight line flooded and water went over the the ramp leading to Operation Ranch Hand. I waded through knee deep water that had a film of what looked like oil to park two F100’s on the taxiway. The rest is history and I and my family have had two many problems to list here. I thank the Lord for us to be here today.
I have a heart for all Vietnam veterans and their family’s. I want to reach out to all of them. I want to ask them to consider forgiving our government for putting us in harms way and the public for the way we were treated when we returned home, in order to put an end to the Vietnam curse. I also want reach out to each of them with the gospel. When I die, I want to know that I left no Vietnam Veteran or their family behind from hearing of the love of the Lord. I question if I could send you a letter that you could consider posting in the VA news.
Larry Phelps
As a Vietnam Vet, I think this is nice and all but the real injustice is to the Vietnamese. Vietnamese veterans civilians and especially children suffered horribly from the effects of Agent orange and the war generally. Treating us is the right thing to do but America should be compensating Vietnam. Many of us have suffered “moral injury” for what we did.
Please don’t misunderstand me but I’m conflicted about Vietnam Veterans Day. I enlisted in ’69 and put “Vietnam” on my “dream sheet”. That wasn’t to be and I wound up being “on loan” to NATO for the remainder of the Vietnamese conflict. A former brother-in-law (who never served and stayed in college to insure that) told me that I had no right to call myself a veteran because I didn’t go to ‘Nam. When I got back stateside in ’72, I was stationed in St. Louis, Missouri for a year and a half and each day got to “enjoy” to taunts and jeers of civilians as well as their actions toward myself and my uniform. I recently visited an American Legion in Pennsylvania during a trip there and the first thing the Commander said was, “I’m a real Vietnam veteran, not one of those Vietnam Era vets. So, I suppose my question is, “What is a Vietnam Veteran?” Only one who served in country or one who served during that period?
Nothing about it in the media. Not one thank you from anyone.
A message from the VA at 2215, after the day is over.
Par for the course.
My Vietnam service that I volunteered for was not on my resume for over 50 years.
Don’t worry, there aren’t that many of us left.
[Editor: Welcome Home, Grunt. The Secretary’s video and these stories published yesterday morning here and on social media. The Wednesday email goes out at 1700 ET.]
Should it not be Vietnam ERA Veterans?
Here we who did not go to Vietnam proper have been disrespected once again! Society treated us the same.
What’s the point? I left Vietnam in December of 1969. I was an RTO with an infantry of the 101st Airborne Division in the A Shau valley. I did my job and 54 years later people are finally thanking us? If I remember correctly, no one, neither Democrat of Republican ever thanked us Vietnam vets at the time. Forget it and go on with life. BTW the WW2 generation was not the greatest generation, we were!
Morning,
Thank you for remembering us. My Healthcare at UMass Worcester has been compassionate, caring & competent so much appreciated. My only concern is why the VA for years upon years denied our claims for exposure issues like we made this all up. ( Guess the experts who were not even there knew better )
USMC
Don
Remember when the 50th anniversary of D-day was all over the news. At least the VA is on this.
What what is your MOS Irene? Mine was 1193, Forward Observer.
Mine was 14E2H. Chief of a 155 artillery battery fire direction unit. Had daily “conversations” with you forward observer guys. Great work on your part.
A long time coming but a hollow gesture. 58,000 members of my generation were KIA in that war and 153,000 wounded. We were treated like pariahs. No veteran preferences. When I started college, my total VA benefit was $60 a month for 36 months. My father was a WWII vet. The VA put him through undergraduate and medical school all expenses paid plus generous stipends. We are gradually dying off now. Including civilians, over 2 million Vietnamese were killed. Vietnam is a stain on American history that can never be removed.
‘65-‘66 – Danang RVN.
Three separate cancers later and still the VA won’t recognize Renal Cell Cancer.
I come from an age group and served in Southeast Asia. A time I would rather forget. but memories are still there. they are the ones I truly wished to forget. I was a Corpsman,
When I was discharged after serving in Viet Nam, I was basically advised to let my hair grow out and to keep my mouth shut about the war. I remember the Veterans Organizations, the VFW and American Legion did not even consider our service. The only organization that appreciated my service was the Disabled American Veterans and the only one I support today. I have few complaints about the service I receive from the VAMC (parking was a major issue until the parking garage was built)
Way to late: a lot of those great human beings are gone: VA and the nation: way to darn late: but those veterans make and women I salute you for your service to our country: I did my part: all of my DI was from that war: I served the next 2 decades: god loves a warrior: Amen
WELCOME HOME, BROTHERS!
Phan Rang AB RVN ’70-’71
I have never felt comfortable when someone says to me “thank you for your service” Does this fall into the phrase “Have a good day”?
I would rather not be reminded of the effects I may have from agent orange over fifty years ago ; death of my new born daughter, peripheral neuropathy and not to forget PTS?
Some things should be left unsaid.
Nothing to celebrate! :( :( :(
I’ve learned to keep things simple. I learned a little something when I finished my MS in Psychology. So, you’re welcome. I worked with the best. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to be alive.
Proud to serve my country.
Thank you all Vietnam veterans from a Vietnam veteran
No one knows about it
After over 55 years of secretly bearing the burden of weeks of sexual harrassment after basic training and awaiting my next duty assignment by a superior, the Veterans Affairs is sincerely helping me confront the difficulties it has created in my life. I am feeling better about my self and cannot say enough good about the medical attention the VA has provided me. I only have myself to fault for wasting so many years before admitting i needed help.
If you want to thank Vietnam era vets allow ALL honorably discharged veterans to get VA Medical care wihout having a service connected disability or are homeless.
I remember being told by a Basic Training Sergeant “you new recruits will always have free VA medical care”.
It was a lie
I am a Vietnam veteran. I was with the 101 airborne in 1969 and 1970 station at lz Sally close to hue thank you
I volunteered on the 120 delayed program for four years with the U.S. Marine Corps Feb.1,1967. December 1,1967 I arrived in South VietNam. My outfit and I went through he’ll during the “Tet Offensive. I rotated back to “Conus” Dec.23,1968. I did what I did because that’s what I was expected to do and I wanted my “Country” to respect and appreciate my dedicated service, but I didn’t even get a “Thank You”! With all due respect, “Never Again”!(Sgt. E-5)USMC
Thank you to all Viet Nam vets for your sacrifice and your service to America the home of the BRAVE!
Seems my first “Comment” disappeared? I’ll try again. I know now that the Vietnam War (NOT “Conflict!!) started earlier than I thought and “What Are We Fightin’ For” (Woodstock /Country Joe McDonald) depicted the “Truth” of that whole situation. My Heart and Prayers go out to ALL of you who were drafted into that Chaos; didn’t make it back home; made it back home only to be disrespected; and to ALL of your Family/Friends who didn’t quite know “how” to help you acclimate back into society/relationships/yourself before being in combat…for what? At age 22, I volunteered because I wanted to do something in Honor of a Marine friend of mine who was KIA. May God Bless You All And Keep You Safe Now And Forever.
I am a Vietnam disabled Vet, whom it took almost 50 yrs to get at 100% due to the bureaucracy of the VA. However through the dedicated website ‘em of my local DAV I was able to attain my maximum disability. It’s a shame we were treated the way we were both in Vietnam and here in the U.S. upon returning home.
I am a 75 yr. old Vietnam Veteran, 100% disabled, it took 50 yrs for them to figure it out. I filed my claim in 1970 which they said was denied. They claimed they sent me a denial which I never received. I file for my back pay and their answer was you only had a year to file, We were never told of these conditions back then and they wonder why Vietnam Veterans are upset with the way we were treated, we deserve better than this.
I am a 73 yo Vietnam Era Veteran (WAC) who was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia from January 1973-August 1974 after six months Basic Training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. I volunteered because a friend of mine (draftee) was a Marine who was killed in Vietnam. I wanted to do something to better understand some of what he went through (training, discipline, following commands) in order to put his life on the line for a cause nobody seemed to really understand…then and now. I have Great Respect for ALL who fought under those conditions and my Heart Breaks for them also because all aspects of their lives were changed forever. Ken Burns documentary on “Vietnam” Really portrayed the Realities of that War. I cried as I watched it and sobbed in deep grief and anger when I went to the Vietnam Memorial….the losses. God Bless You All For Your Courage In The Midst Of Incredible Chaos. I Salute You!! 29 March 2023
The VA System is chaos. I served in Vietnam ((1969-1971) and have been trying to apply for benefits for 2 years and they do not help one bit. They do not have the staff or they don’t have the intelligence to run the system, or both. SAD for the VETS who fought for our freedom.
When I arrive stateside, there was no mention of -Johnny Welcome home.
(and I feel insulted every time I hear somebody tell me, “thanks for your service…”
Irene,
We stand with you – not just this day.
You are not alone.
Best,
Joe
(One of you)
Joe,
God bless for your time.
I served in Vietnam in 71-72, Man we’re getting old. I’ve had serious issues with the VA. I would like to know how to use social media to tell the story so it goes public to a huge degree. I sent my same complaints to the secretary of the VA and my post was deleted right afterward. Not surprised. There went my freedom of speech.
If you respond please give specific instructions.
Take care.
Flashback: Valdez was one of the last 11 U.S. Marines out of Vietnam before the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, and he was featured in the 2015 PBS American Experience documentary, Last Days in Vietnam.
I was sprayed with 80 norms in the central Highlands and DMZ, I’ve been checked years ago for age alarm and of course I said no you don’t have anything. Well my nervous system says different, I’m very different than my siblings, I was drafted, with thr current person in charge in d.c, don’t be surprised if the d___t comes back.
To Note:
Over 33,000 Active Duty, and U.S. Military Veterans COMMIT SUICIDE EACH YEAR.
Billions for free condoms, birth control, NarCam, ads everywhere Covid.
Makes you wonder where the money goes, it sure makes you wonder when you read “This Command has lost all Medical Records” oops. The Corps was using microfiche, never did see a computer. Lmao
Not sure if the wording is correct, seems it was 1975 that Camp Pendleton was flooded with extra Marines that came from Vietnam. Many brothers came on base and had many issues.
It was 1975. I was there for the last evacuation out of Saigon as it fell. They can’t even get the year right. That’s 48 years ago, not 50. Glad you got out.
Thanks for keeping the memory of our service alive. Our sacrifice was too great to be forgotten. Hard to believe that over 50 years has gone by. Thankfully I have been able to enjoy those years, unlike some of our fellow soldiers who never made it home.
We shall never forget them or their sacrifice.
Still fighting,fought back then,fighting now with the VA to prove something when it comes to claims and benefits,I don’t understand why we’re treated this way,my twin brother and I joined the navy right out of high school,1962,we both served on c-130 flight crew,flying into viet nam ,we’re 79 years old and time is running out for us.help us not hurt us.
Thanks
Guys, girls, what we’ll celebrate wisdom and a voice never to let unjust wars happen again. It’s our duty.
Funny how all these years later, the country seems to feel the need give recognition to us after shunning us for all those years. I did my time in country as an 11B in Northern I Corps, having been inducted the day after Tricky Dick managed get elected.
FTA~
Exposed to Agent Orange in a place we should never have been in by politicians who don’t give a damn about people period. I served 68-69 met a lot of nice people who experienced the same thing. We did our duty and were treated like garbage. For all the veterans of Viet Nam sorry we had to go through this. For all the Vietnamese people just sorry. I left my medals over there, lost some friends, nothing to celebrate. Thanks Gary
This all real great. But If you really want to help war veterans, we should get a huge federal tax break. That every veteran could use. All these monuments. Parades, other nonsense most of us never use, or get any benefit from. So far the best thing my service got me is 10 % off at lowes. I have VA benefits, never use them. Never got anything from the VA except my VA card, and all these emails in my in box. Lol
To all who served thank you from one who served.
Brown sailer south viet nam.
J.m. Gonzales
1966-1967
I must agree with the other commenters, in many ways this is too little, and too late. I am one of those vets who went to Vietnam reluctantly, I had bone spurs and asthma, but went anyway, then stayed an extra month to leave the army early. I then spent a full career at VA, tolerated but not exactly liked. I know the policy process well. There were burn pits in Vietnam. VA, and probably Congress know that but ignore it. They also resist testing Vietnam vets for prostate cancer because they are “too old.”
Bottom line is if government can force people to serve, then they won’t value that service.
I was in VN in 1966 how do I know if i was exposed to Agent Orange?
Still recall WW 2 guys at a Legion post telling me ‘you guys lost!’ Still haven’t joined any organization.
Although I’m disabled with physical injury, hearing loss, and herbicide exposure from agent orange from the war, I’ve survived. And thank my lord for being here, also all who now acknowledge us all after 50 years.
I’m female. I’m a disabled/retired Vietnam ERA veteran. I was disowned by my family and reviled for my mos while on active duty, and still am, 50 years later!! A Vietnam Veterans’ Day? Seriously?
YOU are not responsible for the thoughts and feelings of others. Your service like my service was probably honorable yet I and maybe you did the horrible things the MOS required. There are times that take us back to those days, I do not think we can undue them, but we can certainly honor those days and the friends we found, hope for a better future and move on.
I’ve taken some respit in service to others, many are much more lost than we can imagine. Take heart soldier, we battle on new fronts these days.
Thank you for your service. If your family is that way- you have my condolences. You have to live YOUR life and they have to live theirs. By being discourteous and accepting of you–THEY are and will ALWAYS be the losers.
50 years to late.
Ken you are absolutely right, why waste the time and money now, I don’t think we all really care anyway anymore, it IS way too late
What are you thanking me for?