On behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans we are deeply honored to serve, I want to say thank you to our country’s more than six-and-a-half million living Vietnam Veterans and their families.
Welcome home!
Two years ago, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act into law. That Act designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was March 29, 1973, when the last of our combat troops left Vietnam.
It was on that day that the last American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam came home.
Vietnam War Veterans Day is part of our nation’s ongoing commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
In support, VA and more than 10,000 local, state, and national organizations join the Department of Defense as Commemorative Partners.
We honor the nine million American men and women who served on active duty from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975. We solemnly remember more than 58,000 whose names are etched into the Vietnam Memorial’s polished black granite—constant reminders of the price of freedom.
Take advantage of the opportunities this commemoration encourages and show your gratitude to this noble generation of American service members.
Say, Thank you.
And welcome them home.
May God bless all of you, your families, and this great Nation.
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I served in south Korea in part of 1964 and 1965, 6 miles from the DMZ. Is there any truth that Agent Orange was used there? If so then maybe that would explain my skin cancer.
Agent Orange was used at the DMZ, check with the VA directly or with one of the Veterans organizations service officers.
Go to the following link to be better informed.
Korean Demilitarized Zone and Agent Orange Exposure – Public Health
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/korea.asp
Jun 3, 2015 – Defoliated Korean DMZ, 1968. US Army. Veterans who served in a unit in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) anytime between April 1 …
As per the epilogue in the Vietnam War film, “Platoon”, the message which Vietnam Veterans convey to Americans is to behave civilly, with reason and justice, in order to avoid unnecessary conflict and, if conflict is necessary, to apply the requisite force necessary to successfully and expeditiously win in that conflict. The American socio-political-cultural establishment ignored these precepts with tragic results for the South Vietnamese, the American military, and the returning Vietnam veteran. It remains our duty to continue to advocate for the aforementioned principles as per the lessons we learned in Vietnam and in respectful remembrance to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the same in Vietnam. Let’s us, thus on this National Vietnam Veterans Day demonstrate by our actions and words support for the same, those who served in Vietnam, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the same. I served with the U.S. Army; 4th I.D.; 2/8th Inf.,RVN 1969-1970.
VETERANS, CLAIM WHAT IS YOURS
To our newest veterans: You have the power to help those who served with you or since you served and are in need.
You have earned your state’s veterans bonus, and even if you do not want it for yourself, collect it and help a wounded warrior, a veteran in need or their respective families.
If you were wounded, you have earned the right to be compensated and to be cared for by our nation. Put in a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs and record the event to protect your health care in the future and your family’s financial stability. If you earned the right to be compensated but because you feel someone else suffered more and your conscience is troubling you about putting in a claim, collect what is due to you and then help someone else with your compensation, because you know they will never receive enough for the loss they suffered.
Learn from the Vietnam veterans’ generation: Agent Orange not only affected those who served but also affected their children and grandchildren. We really do not know where it will stop.
Not bearing the pain of war alone will help you heal sooner and will help those with whom you served. Create the opportunity to listen and you will also be heard. The bond that you form while in harm’s way is one meant to last a lifetime. Do not let distance, time or people ever break it.
The story behind establish March 29th Vietnam War Veterans Day can be found at
https://www.slideshare.net/RRaySaikus/march-29th-vietnam-veterans-day-cause-history-and-documents
Facts:: Vietnam War : 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975
Charles McMahon (May 10, 1953 – April 29, 1975) and Darwin Lee Judge (February 16, 1956 – April 29, 1975) were the last two United States servicemen killed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The two men, both U.S. Marines, were killed in a rocket attack one day before the Fall of Saigon.
AND there’s More! still there.
Robert Wilkie, I’m am pleased with the National Vietnam War Veterans Day. I urge those who have a little or a lot of time to visit your local VA Hospital. Just walk in, sit in any waiting area, the talks pick up quickly. Funny shit, serious shit… The guys and gals do enjoy it. Most VAMC have some one in the reception area, ask them where you might be able go and be company for a while. I did, and now I take my guitar in every Thursday. But I don’t have too.
Keep the momentum strong with our Brother and Sister hood. Lcpl-USMC-71-72
I serve Vietnam from 72 to 73, in recent days I read that Mr. Wilkie and Pre. Trump wants to privatized all the Va. Hospital and clinics those any one else hear about it. They will be a traitors for all veterans with service connected conditions.
Support HR 1713 Lonnie Kirkpatrick Act and HR809 Foster Act Guam Agent Orange Victims
Yesterday we lost one of our brothers. His name was Ross Simmions a purple heart recipient. He pass away in Albany Veterans Hospital at 13:30 EST. He will be missed greatly as he was the true description of a gentleman. He was a life long friend and supporter of the Veterans at castle point VA hospital. He is with his band of brothers now and they are all looking down and protecting us. Go with God Ross your friend Dave
Most of you that are simply complaining, look in the mirror and the problem will show itself.
Thanks for the encouragement, I am 40% and I filed in 2016. been a long haul but Im not giving up. The thing that really pisses me off just this week I was contacted by the VA and was told my blood pressure med was not service connected and I would have to pay co pay. I kindly told the lady I am 70 years old I am Viet Nam vet I left viet nam in 1970 and I said Lady read your history book and you might see PLEiKU Viet Nam hardest hit areaof tet 69 and second hardest in 1970 when I left when I reported stateside and went to the doctors I was put on High blood pressure med, you know Charlie, Rockets,mortars,some of the best viets in the world on a mission with 26 others and did a damned good job and I got lucky and come home You tell the Audit divisionif that didnt cause it then it must to have been that group when I came home and landed in Spoken Washington that you were standing and leading the cheers for this pure ole army buck sgt. God bless you woman and your job that we Vets gave you. Oh yea I remained in the Army for another 4 years. I have since became a full blown diebetic taking insulin. bad case of neropathy left and right side, no feeling in toes. and if you must know have also had a son die from diebetic nerves. And last two things aint it nice for a thing called Agent Orange that has affected so many Viet Nam Vets. I still stand proud of all Viets esp Viet Nam. Thanks for your words Raven It really does help. My day will come
I want to tell all my brothers and sisters who served proudly in Viet Nam a big Welcome Home> It took 20 years after returning home before someone welcomed me home.F.Y.I., it took almost 3 years of filing with the VA to get all my benefits. and now I am 100% disabled. so don’t get discouraged when they deny you claim, just keep sending them in. God bless all of you and God Bless our great country.
As a Korean war veteran I can appreciate the sacrifices made by all those who have served in the service to our great country. Most of us gave up a college education, good jobs, family life and a lot of youthful endeavors to carry a rifle ,cook food or to just do paper work.Thank you all!! CW pfc (redacted) USMC
I also don’t see any of my posts here. I served aboard a salvage ship which assisted in keeping the petroleum supply lines in repair so the soldiers could have fuel for their vehicles. As a Storekeeper I lifted and carried heavy cartons and parts to keep the ship afloat. We were anchored in Danang Harbor when we weren’t on a job. The VA suggested that I might have been exposed to Angent Orange. I have severe anxiety and tremors due to my experience in the service. Also arthritis in my right knee due to a fall I experienced while in the service. The VA has only given me a 50% disability saying they found no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange. But I was on the ground in ‘Nam having to go ashore and procure supplies and repair parts for the ship. Perhaps not ashore as much as soldiers who spent months in combat situations, I was on the ground just the same.
I was proud to serve my Country regardless of public opinion. Thanks to my creator for getting me through it.
I wanted to add some info on Agent Orange, but no one wanted to hear anything I wanted to add. I have been working on this for 49 years. I think that I have a little better info than they have. Arnold H Fuller PHD. 101st Airborne, Camp Eagle. I was there the last on 1968 and all of 1969. I left Dec 17, 1969. They have wrong info on some of this.
My father was in Vietnam and was exposed to agent orange I would like more information about it
Thank you for your service
Jennifer Wilson daughter of Vietnam veteran
I was in the Blue Water Navy, USS Meyerkord DE 1058. I am glad we are finally commemorating our Vietnam Veterans–most whose experiences were a lot worse that mine. I injured my left foot while I was over there but my injury was not recognized because it is only recorded in a memo and not in the ship’s log.
Memorandum OPNAV 5216/144
Date: 12 Jan 73
From: Medical Department Representative
To: ST1 Ritenhour
Subj. STG3 Alvarez
1. Subject man was injured last evening during rearming detail. The left foot has been bruised and possibly fractured. He is being returned for light duty involving no lifting or prolonged standing or walking. Should the foot not improve he is to return to sick bay.
J.A. Baldwin, HMC USN MDR
It was quite an experience, nevertheless. Again, I salute our Vietnam Veterans!
I spent my time in Vietnam doing whatever the Army wanted me to do. I came back in a stretcher with other guys who were in worse shape than I was. Didn’t know what I was going to do and had no plans. I felt kind of lost. I didn’t talk to no one and basically kept to myself. It is now 2019 and still keep top myself. Can’t sleep, can’t do anything except keep to myself. I have three friends and a wife and four kids and five grandkids. Still, I find myself lost. Thank God for my family and three very good friends.
God bless you, Kenneth. You are never alone .God is always with you.Try to get out more often if possible.Thank you for your sacrifice.
I served in Vietnam from February to August, 1972:
I am rated 100% by the V.A.
I wrote a song with Bob Regan and Regie Hamm of “Operation Song”, a recovery therapy program at the Nashville, Tennessee V.A. Medical Center.
“Welcome Home”
by G.Thomas, BMI/R.Regan, ASCAP/R.Hamm, SESAC
https://www.reverbnation.com/playlist/view_playlist/3576240
I took poetic license and used the year “69” in the lyrics.
Everything in the lyrics didn’t happen to me personally, but everything has been reported repeatedly by my fellow Vietnam Vets.
Welcome Home, everyone!
Gordy Thomas
MARCH 10, 2019
I POSTED QUITE FEW REMARKS ABOUT VA UNSCRUPULOUS CONDUCT IN HANDLING VIETNAM VETERANS DISABILITIES CLAIMS. PUNITIVE DAMAGES; AWARDED IN EXCESS OF ACTUAL DAMAGES IN TORT CASES IN WHICH THE VA CONDUCT IS DEEMED ESPEICALLY EGREGIOUS. THE VA DISCOURAGE REPETITION OF SUCH CONDUCT, AND SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO ENGAGE IN SIMILAR CONDUCT.
BODY WOUNDS, RASHES, SKIN PEALING, CRACK CAUSES FROM AGENT ORANGES HAS NEVER BEEN RATING, NOR, CONSIDERING AS A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS OR HAZARD TO OUR HEALTH WISE.
I AM A PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT VIETNAM WAR VETERAN. I AM STILL WAITING ON MY APPEALS. ALSO DEEMED TO BE “WILFUL ARTIFICE, WILFUL CONCEALMENT” TYPE OF RULING ON MY VA BENEFITS. WHICH I AM ENTITLED TO:
Hello Tee Jr.,
I am a blue water sailor veteran vet. I also retired from the U.S. Navy after 24 years and then went into the civilian work force and retired from that 2 years ago.
I AM Extremely Angry that the VA has awarded so many NON-Combat Vets disability that is BOGUS!
One example, I met a guy who spent 4 years in the Air Force in Texas and never stepped foot outside of texas and never was in combat and his job in the Air Force was sitting on his ass! At work he carried heavy items, walked up and down stairs and did all that was required of the job without any difficulty whatsoever. He told me that when he got out he immediately went to the VA and claimed he had serious back problems and somehow he convinced the VA he needed disablity! In the 15 years after he has gotten out of the Air Force and continues to draw VA disability pay he HAS NEVER had a Checkup or Re-evaluation at the VA for his BOGUS claims of severe back problems. He told me he Never visited the VA since he got out of the Air Force!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the bottom line is; those that fought in combat deserve the VA’s help financially and medically and deserve that assistance but the VA needs to Clean Up their act handing out disability pay to those that are fraudsters and never are re-evaluated to see if their bogus claims are legit or not.
Welfare recipients get re-evaluated and others getting government assistance are re-evaluated to see if they still quality for said assistance.
Al Yanez, The VA use the same excuse on me. How could we of known if it was not for the veterans filling a lawsuit against the chemical companies.
Many are still hurting. Understand though there are many of us that are still fighting to get the recognition/benefits/funding to address the needs of our brothers in arms.
I still get uneasy when someone walks up behind me. I have difficulty just sitting down and enjoying a meal and not feeling I have to gulp the meal down. “EAT UP AND GET OUT!” I can’t go anywhere near a swimming pool because I went into the service not knowing how to swim and the authorities at boot camp threw me into the pool anyway I nearly drowned. Someone tells me to do something I snap to it even when I’m told there’s no rush. I have severe anxiety so that I can’t just sit and relax. I also have horribly disturbing dreams. I’m often called an accident waiting to happen. I feel I have to constantly hurry up and get things done.
Apply for the form 9 but before apply for form NOD Notice Of Disagreement and you will get with this President in office it will not takes long
I just posted a comment but I don’t see it. Why? Did I do or say something wrong?
So to all those who served during the “Viet nam”era, there are a bunch of diseases and conditions that older adults have now but not all related to service then. But how do we (they) differentiate the time frame?? I need to know if what I suffer from is service related during my 4 years as a destroyer sailor (all on the same tin can during 1963-1967 with 2 deployments in the zone..
You don’t think that piece of garbage OBAMA served in the military do you?
No he didn’t serve but he wasn’t a draft Dodger like the piece of (redacted) we have in there now.
Paul V Fryson…..write Mr. Wilkie a letter….to him……explain your problem to HIM. Not your VSO , Not your local Veteran Organization…..but WRITE TO THE HEAD OF THE VA …personally. Thats what I did, when Dr. Skulkin was in charge. I wrote him a letter and explained my situation to him. I was living in Georgia at the time, and Gov. Carter had sent me a letter welcoming me home, back to GA…..I saved that letter, and included it in my letter to the head of the VA. I used it as a paper trail if you will…..I was in Nam, I have PTSD and Parkinson’s Disease from exposure to AO, I’ve had to get the VA doc’s to finally say that I had Parkinson’s, by the treatments they used. Mainly , Cardipoda, Liepadopa used for Parkinsons. And anyone that servered in Nam is able to be included in the presumptive clause of exposure to AO. Now, granted, you have to have the symptoms of the disease, …heart trouble,….diabetes….parkinson’s. About a week after I wrote my letter, I was called by someone from Washington, and they told me that I had an appointment with a Doctor, about 75 miles from where I lived….C & P exam…..I went….and about , oh….two weeks or so, I had gone from 30% disabled to 90%…..I then later had to go for one more C & P exam, and finally got 100% disability for Parkinsons due to exposure to AO, PTSD, have had my hips replaced, joint problems from the AO, I’ve had a pacemaker put in…bad heart from exposure to AO
Good Luck Brother…
Randall Underwood
former SP\4 VietNam Vet
when is the (redacted) on Viet Nam vets going to end twice in the last months law /rule changes have pushed new younger vet claims to the front of the claims process line many like myself have many ,many /any years of VA ” caused” delays and every day, us Legacy vets look up to see some one else gets put ahead of us More” delay them till they DIE “
In 1973 I placed a claim for a radical mastectomy on June 4th, 1971, noted in my medical records. They denied me because I didn’t make it to the appointment at Dallas VA. I was in Washington state at the time. After so many denials and appeals, the last denial a few years ago, the VA gave me a final reason, the admitted the surgery did take place but they now say it was ELECTIVE SURGERY! Yes Mr. Wilke or who ever is the big wig not making decisions, they say because I wanted the tumor removed from my chest, it was considered elective surgery. That’s sarcastically understandable. Personally, I don’t think they wanted to give me the back pay to original claim. Welcome home Brothers and Sisters. More to the story, but no time.
Welcome home 6.5 million Vietnam Veterans? Only 2.5 million are Vietnam Veterans and many of them are no longer alive. Although all Veterans should be shown respect, the 4 million who never set foot on the ground in Vietnam are no different than Veterans who served in peacetime. Sure many of them were supporting units in Vietnam, but they were not in harms way or subject to Agent Orange and other chemicals being sprayed on them then denied benefits for forty years by the very people who sent us there. I hold no ill feelings for any Era Veteran, in many cases it was the luck of the draw, but please stop including them with the ones who actually are Vietnam Veterans. They should be proud of their service, but they are not Vietnam Veterans. Welcome Home fifty years later is a slap in the face especially when you are welcoming home the ones who never were there in the first place.
Drafted from college, Aug. ’72. 2/59 ADA, 16P MOS, Chaparral/Vulcan. 5+ generations served. I am currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Before I was chosen to serve in the U.S. Army, My Chgo. neighborhood (Wicker Park) Iost Americans in Southeast Asia. The United States federal wariness of widespread Communism in southeast Asia is different now. The “REDS” apparently are content to bide their own problems…not including selling goods to the USA. The families of men and women killed, wounded, MIA in VietNam may not be consoled much by the aforementioned remembrance day. The day of the “End Of Wars” will never come to pass.
I served with the US Marines in Vietnam and damned glad I did. Yes, I have had it rough too – at first it was shell-shock then PTSD then other conditions from the war. However, I went to college, completed two successful careers, and along with my wife, raised three children (both boys served in the Marine Corps). The VA stood by me all the way and without them I could not have achieved what I did. All of this has not stopped me from remembering to honor our Presidents as ‘Commander in Chief;’ to respect our country –one Nation, indivisible, under God with freedom and justice for all; and to forever respect the men and women who served, and are serving, this nation.
How about a “good” story for a change. I am a 72 year old Vietnam Vet (Marine) who never wanted anything from this govt. Finally at age 72, some of my old Marine friends talked me into going to the VA and filing paperwork for compensation for complications from Agent Orange. It took only 3 months for the VA to my request for compensation. I was and still am amazed by their quick response and their fairness in accessing my disability. I wish I had done this many years earlier.
The VA has made lots of headway since President Trump took office and I am very thankful to President Trump and the VA for the progress they have made in recent years. To all of my Vietnam Vet brothers and sisters, “never give up and never give in”. I am a good example, if you deserve it you will get it. There is lots of help at the VA if you are having issues getting compensation for your illnesses. Go to a VA center and talk to them.
I was in the 1st Battalion 16th Infantry 1st Infantry Division from 1967-68. I was directed to go to the State Advocate to apply for benefits as a result of my medical problems from AO. I had no problem. They filled out the necessary application and followed up for me. They acted on my behalf and I did not have to do anything. I suggest you find out who is your State Advocate for the Vietnam Veterans and have them act on your behalf as well. Thank you for your service.
I did two tours 71,72 and a year in Thailand before that.. I moved from Illinois to Tennessee. The great state of Tennessee knows how to take care of their vet’s. I am always treated with the utmost respect and I can’t say enough. Proud to be a vet in Tennessee!
Is there ever going to be additional items added to Agent Orange list, I keep hearing things are being done but have not heard anything about adding to Presumptive List Thanks
All Veterans should be Honored from all wars and we all should be thankful to GOD that a lot of us made it back home safe may GOD bless all
As a member of the most in-recognized group of Veterans, the Vietnam Era Vets, I am happy that this Declaration includes the following “We honor the nine million American men and women who served on active duty from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975. ”.
We took the same Oath as the VN Vets. I served 4 years. As a Blue Water Sailor, which includes an uninterrupted 20 month tour of duty, overseas, meaning I never came home for all that time. Welcome home to all.
Is this a new Declaration, or are you speaking of he Commemoration issued by President Obama in May 2012?
One out of every 10 Americans who served in Vietnam was a casualty. 58,148 were killed and 304,000 wounded out of 2.7 million who served. Although the percent that died is similar to other wars, amputations or crippling wounds were 300 percent higher than in World War II. 75,000 Vietnam veterans are severely disabled.
I had cancer from agent orange. Now I leak all the time. The VA doctors and VA think that is normal. Thanks VA
Thank you for honoring these men and women who gave a few years of their lives for freedom. Pass all the bills to help them with their health. Anyone in or around Vietnam has been effected by agent orange. It’s still in the soil and water of Vietnam to this day. How can you justify not helping them when you sprayed this toxic chemicals on them? Quit dragging your feet. They are all dying a slow death because of the decision to spray.
It was an honor to serve the United States of America, and her people. The most powerful and most giving Nation ever to exist. It was an honor to serve with her most courageous and amazing Sons and daughters. All of you will forever be America’s Heroes. I thank God that most of us came home , and I thank God that our commander and chief , President Trump , is trying to clean up the swamp that we were left to sink in! Always remember, the people love you. Semper Fi
My fellow Americans please do not let anyone deface, destroy, or remove any memorial in what ever form it may take, to remember any soldier from any war American soldiers who have given their lives in the service of their country. If you read the poem ‘Flanders Field’ you will understand the importance of our memory.
PTSD is treatable but never cured. I encourage all Veterans regardless of what type of discharge you received to go to your local VA Hospital. Did you know ‘Sleep Apnea’ is considered a secondary Post Traumatic Stress? Check it out gentleman.
Empty celebration commemoration signed by a President who feared military svc so much that he opted for the bone spur exception on which his fathers money finally found the right allie on the 4th attempt. No proof of diagnosis other than the word of 45 which is useless as seen by the numerous untruths told each day by him. As a VN vet I personally would rather have a decorated Marine with the purple heart award from VN theater such as say…hmmm… oh yes Robert Mueller is the name.
GET THE OFFICIAL END OF THE VIETNAM WAR DATES STRAIGHT!
Seems to me that the US government aka the current White House Administration, Congress, and the United States Dept.of Veterans Affairs need to get their collective heads out of there collective asses and come to an accurate agreement as to just when did the Vietnam war actually end. Here lies the confusion, at least for me.
“Two years ago, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act into law. That Act designates every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. It was March 29, 1973, when the last of our combat troops left Vietnam. It was on that day that the last American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam (supposedly*) came home.” (1)
“While the United States withdrew troops from Vietnam in 1973 after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War did not end until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Two Marines — Cpl. Charles McMahon, 21, and Marine Lance Cpl. Darwin Lee Judge, 19 — were killed in a rocket attack the day prior to the evacuation from Saigon… ” (2)
“Congress considers May 7, 1975, to be the end of the Vietnam War for the U.S. because on that date President Gerald R. Ford announced that the Vietnam Era had ended.” (3)
“The Mayaguez incident took place between Kampuchea and the United States from May 12–15, 1975, less than a month after the Khmer Rouge took control of the capital Phnom Penh ousting the U.S. backed the Khmer Republic. It was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. The names of the Americans killed, as well as those of three U.S. Marines who were left behind on the island of Koh Tang after the battle and were subsequently executed by the Khmer Rouge, are the last names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial…” (4)
With the Mayaguez incident showing officially as the last combat-related deaths of the Vietnam War, seems to me that May 15, 1975, should be the official ending date of the Vietnam War.
I will also add that with all of the documented eye witness accounts and satellite imagery evidence that has come out over the past 4 decades, March 29, 1973, was NOT the day that the last American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam came home. Another shameful ongoing Presidential and Congressional lie that began with Nixon and continues to the present day.
(1) Current Official White House Administration and also Official United States Dept.of Veterans Affairs Position per aforementioned United States Dept.of Veterans Affairs article.
(2) Thursday, April 2, 2015 12:00am KITSAP MILITARY TIMES
(3) Official Congressional and US Dept.of Veterans Affairs Date.
(4) Wikipedia, Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Wall USA
(*) Author
Here’s an idea: How about student loan debt forgiveness for all Vietnam veterans?
Many of us “Boots on Ground” Vietnam Vets were misdiagnosed and mistreated after we returned, and the VA said our medical records were lost in transit. I now have the hospitalization records of a month in S. Vietnam, but did not get them until 2015, 44 years too late. I was 100% disabled in Vietnam and after Vietnam, but manipulated into remaining on duty. I had too many illnesses from Vietnam and the DoD knew there was going to be huge liabilities to pay, so myself and many others were deceived, manipulated, mistreated, and lied to by our superiors, to hide the evidence of Agent Orange Residuals. I never recovered, and never received one cent in C & P until I finally got those records in 2015. The medical records for the 2nd Medical Board as well as the following six months of medical conditions after my return are still missing. I can’t express how deceived and manipulated I was, but maybe the VA will come to see the mistakes it made, and make all this right. Secretary Wilkie, I hope you see this, and thank you President Donald Trump for March 29. You are the Best!
Victor278 U
I left a reply but because it was not nice you deleted it
I have nothing good to say about the VA 66-67 1st Cav PTSD refused, just ask my wife and see the 2 doctors reports or
interviews I have no point in contacting the worthless VA office in Circleville Ohio who will not return or talk to me after many calls and text messages 76 now so if they can just wait a little longer odds are I won t be around.
FINALLY…. A SPOIL RICH, AND RACIST COWARD MAKES IT TO THE LAND OF THE BRAVE AND AFTER KOREA/US NAM SUMMIT… ” FAKE PREZ” COMES HOME STILL A COWARD…!!
First… Thank you all who went Vietnam and came home, and to those whose bodies that are still their, You are in my Prayers, That some day your body will be found and brought home where it belongs. I agree with Raymond Barger who said,
“I think only veterans that were there should be honored for their service there.” I served from 1970 t0-1974, State side only and…. I for one do not partake in any thing that honors my service…. because of people who has thought likes Raymonds.
…Or…We don’t deserve, because we did no go….PLEASE REMBER… Most of us who Served did NOT have a choice to go or not go… and their are a lot of us out their that wish we could of had our chance to help more that staying stateside. Just food for though… Again thank you to ALL who served… and a Bigger Thank you to you who served in Vietnam….. Spec.4 Jones, Signal Corp.
I SERVED WITH THE 589th ENGR. BN. 1968 THROUGH 09 JAN.1969…I WAS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE…I HAD A SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA REMOVED FROM MY HARD PALATE ON 20 JUNE 1986 AS A RESULT OF AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE…IN ADDITION TO THE REMOVAL OF MY HARD PALATE,I HAD TO UNDERGO SEVENTEEN YEARS OF RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY… VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HAVE CONTINUALLY DENIED MY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION…THEY ASKED HOW?AS VETS UP IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLAND – WE HAD NO CHEMICAL PROTECTION… AS WE INHALE AND EXHALE DAILY FROM AERIAL SPRAY…SOME WAS AFFECTED AND SOME WERE NOT…MANY HAVE PASSED ON AND SOME CONTINUE TO ENDURE BY THE GRACE AND MERCY OF A LOVING GOD…NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO HELP IN THIS AREA…THE “VA” CLAIM BECAUSE WE DRINK ALCOHOL AND WAS ADMITTED TO A TREATMENT PROGRAM – WHICH THEY BELIEVE WAS CAUSATIVE FOR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA…TRUTH BE TOLD, AS I MENTIONED TO THE “VA” REPS THAT I HAD ENTERED IN A PROGRAM FOR COCAINE ABUSE FROM MY JOB…HOWEVER,THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TOLD ME -THE ONLY WAY THAT I COULD RECEIVE HELP WOULD BE IF HE WROTE THE ORDER FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE…BECAUSE,IN THE THE 70’s AND EARLY 80’s THEY ONLY ACCEPTED YOU IF YOU ABUSED ALCOHOL.AND,WITH PTSD I HAVE PROBLEMS SLEEPING AT NIGHT.I KNOW THIS IS LENGTHY…HOWEVER,SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO VENT…THE PANELS “VA” HAS IN PLACE DON’T WANT TO LISTEN…NEITHER,DO THEY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT VIETNAM – OTHER THAN WHAT THEY READ…ALMOST THIRTY THREE YEARS CANCER FREE…I CAN EAT AND SPEAK WITH THE AID OF A DENTAL OBURATOR…WHICH COVERS THE ROOF OF MY MOUTH…THANK GOD.
RESPECTIVELY
JONATHAN NICKLES
589th ENGRS A CO.
Certainly, to everyone who enlisted or was drafted during this era and served honorably whether they touched down on Viet Nam soil or not, we all are worthy of this recognition because if we were called upon, we had to go. This was a concerted effort. God bless us all.
Amen…
Agent orange i got week 14 drafted enlisted USAF 100%
The VA can stuff their honors until they give stop denying AO benefits to Blue Water Vietnam vets. Welcome home my ass.
I believe they are doing AO for blue water now. A friend of mine is getting it now, he worked supply ship handle a lot of chemicals. I was Navy incountry in the Delta.
I’m on board with you. 2019 must be the year for righting the wrong against Blue Water Navy Vets. Denied and appealed twice. Retro pay Wilkie is only the beginning of reconciliation. Talk about Social Justice. Take Action for ALL Vets… NOW!!
It is a late recognize to all soldiers fights on this conflicts. I still jumping when my wife call me during I sleeping. The nightmare is still on me on my 71 years.
Actually 2.8 million of us served in country during the war. I served with bravo battery 1st battalion 5th artillary 1st infantry division November 1968-November 1969. Welcome home to all Vietnam Veterans.
Brother Gonzales, you have to be the same Gonzales at fire support base Dion or Cantigny, they use to call me Tann the Man. I’m from Philadelphia. If you are, I remember you well, we use to get on when we came in from the field. I was in Bravo, bunker busters, 1st platoon. I remember when you left. My name is Rashid today in reflecting my religion. Hope to hear from you if you are the same?
Captain Best was the Co
They sprayed Herbicides in Thailand at the 7th RRFS AT UDORN. but they won’t give me AO benefits. I have Vietnam service Medals but no benefits. Yea VA
How about awarding benefits for MGUS, Its been linked and the VA is sitting on their hands once again. In the mean time people are dying. AO the gift that keeps giving.
I am having trouble getting a rating for my insomnia & my back. I have PTSD really bad because of my nightmares I can’t get a good nights sleep. And I was in the ARTILLERY in the beginning and had to load and unload trucks full of artillery shells and carry them to the guns. My job on the gun was to load the shells into the gun. The boxes with the shells in them were very heavy. I think that all that heavy lifting EVERY DAY might be related to some of my back problems today. Life is tough with past thoughts. But All WAR VETERANS should be honored because we were the ones fighting for our freedoms. We had it bad. Glad a day was set aside to honor us because we earned it in many different ways. I am proud that I went to VIETNAM AND A PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.
I too was an ordnanceman and loaded hundreds of MK-82’s, An in peacetime thousands of 50-85 pound bouys into the belly of P-3’s, then tons of cargo in C-130’s. I think any job that involved ordnance should be rated for back, knee’s, and shoulder’s All of which I have and been denied.
I am a Viet Nam Vet. Part of my retirement comes from Switzerland where I live now.
Switzerland gives me a retirement package for the time I worked there. So, when I applied for my U.S.
Social Security benefits, the U.S. cut them in half claiming the “Windfall Exemption” saying that the money from Switzerland added to the U.S. Social Security is too much. Switzerland is extremely expensive. The Swiss and U.S. retirement packages
might be a lot for the average American living in the U.S. But, I live in Switzerland and I don’t have enought to live as well as
the other Swiss. I complained and The U.S. responded, “our calculations are correct”. “Windfall Exemption” stays in effect.
Yeah, sure, the U.S. really takes care of the Viet Nam vets. I can’t even move back to California. I have too many bills to pay
here in Switzerland.
And I served in Viet Nam for almost 13 months starting early Jan 1967. I was held over for the Tet offensive of Jan 1968. I didn’t even get R & R because I was on a contact team traveling from LZ to fire base to LZ when my orders for R & R came in. “Windfall Exemption” – How fair is that?!
Amen my brother….
Is Mr. Wilkie and the VA going to add hypertension as a presumptive disease to Agent Orange before all Vietnam Vets pass away?
I was a door gunner in the Cav in 1966. If most Vietnam vets are like me, they don’t broadcast they were in combat in Vietnam. No civilians cared then and they don’t now, but I do enjoy the free chow on Veterans Day.
Hi Keith,
What unit did you serve with in country? I was a crew chief and door gunner with Bravo Co 227 th Assault Helicopter, 1ST Cav Air Mobile. We were 1ST in, 1965-1966.
I would like to hear from you.
Lewis Cohn
my husband did two tours Vietnam he has PTSD and lewy body dementia and parkinsons I have fought the va for 3 years for compensation I am his wife and caregiver I need help please is there anyone e that can help this situation he served this country as well as others I do believe he as well as other veterans has been forgotten by our own government
Melody, contact CWO Shawn Stevenson. He works for the VA in Washington D.C. He’s helped me twice.
shawn.stevenson@va.gov
Hope this helps.
Hi, I a Nam Vet, served 1968-69 and 1969-70 Please don’t give up!! That’s what the VA/Gov wants you to do. I fought the VA system over AO issues for ten and a half years before I won my case/benefits. I have been dealing with PTSD, Type 2 Diabetic, Arterial Vascular Disease, Cronic Insomnia, plus a couple of other health issues due to AO. PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP!! You can beat these Political Rats, But do not quit!! May God be with you and your husband/family.
There are not six-and-a-half million living Vietnam Veterans. May be Vietnam era veterans but there are less than 800,000 who actually set foot on Vietnam soil. I was there 1967-1968. I think only veterans that were there should be honored for their service there.
I have full respect for all that served in country.
That does not lessen the respect due those that served on US soil. I served on an Intercontinental Ballistic Missle Base. Thise misslez were crucial to our home country’s security at that time when atomic weapons were also aimed at our major cities.
I volunteered for RedHorse Team in Nam and got accepted but my commanding officer denied it because he he felt what I was doing here was as important for our security as what I could do there.
We may not have set foot on Nam soil but we were here supporting those that did. Keeping homeland safe for you to return to. We may have been the only ones that truly welcomed you home.
You felt the wrath of the nay sayers when you returned , we felt it everytime we left base.
As I statedI have nothing but respect and compassion for those that served in country. I never say I am a Viet Nam vet but always state Viet Nam era vet. You are the first one I ever heard say the Era vet doesnt deserve recognition.
God Bless you, Thank you for your service Welcome Home
That seems a rather narrow minded attitude to me, being out on Yankee Station for long periods of time was not a jolly walk in the park. Service men who made your combat experience a little less dangerous and helped supply you with many things you needed to fight the good fight were also putting themselves on the line in their own way.
We came home to people who hated us then. And now thanks to Pres Trump. We are honored at lastly
Raymond Barger……With all due respect, there were many of us who had no choice as to where we served. While I certainly honor those who did serve in-country, we were all involved, regardless of where we served.
A good reflection day for veterans who in the Republic of South Vietnam
Very proud of all veterans from all the wars.
God Bless us all and God Bless America
Thank you President Trump for creation a recognition day for us
But why did u have a N Korean summit in Hanoi Vietnam?
That just confuses me
Remember that it was President Obama who made the proclamation for a National Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29th 2012.
Making it a law, is one of the FEW things draft dodger Trump has done right. Oh, wait, Trump finally did go to Vietnam on a FAILED meeting with Jong-un.
As a ‘Nam veteran myself, in country 1967 1968, Army – 1st Log & !st Cav, I feel even more enraged that Bone Spur Trump made it Vietnam, 50 years later, as president of the USA. He WILL get his due one way or the other eventually
Wow, your comments about President trump are spoken like a true democrat. And about your favorite president Obama, did you know his Law Licence was revoked in 2008 for lying on his Illinois Bar application and his Hawaiian Birth Certificate was forged by the CIA and the guy who was ordered to do it used the wrong Hawaiian record form because he knew that only people actually born in America can be elected to that position. God Bless and yes, God even loves fools.
Other than March 29th, what is the historic reason for the new designation of March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day? Usually, there is an event that gets commemorated as well, such as Pearl Harbor Day or D-Day.
I was in 1st Log Long Binh Sep 67- Sep 68 14th ICC. You?
If Wilkie wants to Honor Vietnam Veterans then approve the five additional Presumptive conditions for Agent Orange NOW. At least we have not gone after the damage and illnesses from “Burn pits” that we were exposed to in Vietnam.
Talk to the people who expanded a local conflict into a huge war, like President Johnson, Westmoreland and the Kennedy left overs after Kennedy was assassinated. Kennedy was in the process of pulling out if things deteriorated more, but he didn’t get a chance to do it. Stop trashing Trump who had nothing to do with VN, he would have done what JFK wanted to do. Stop the hate Trump politics. Obama was no angel, was never qualified for the highest office of the land and he proved it. That’s a fact!
To Another VN Vet, Finally, a person who gets it, way to go. I was in-country from June1965 thru July 1966 stationed in Bien Hoa, and for the people who love bad-mouthing their elected President, all I have to say to them there are thousands of flights leaving this country they hate leaving every day so buy a ticket and leave.
After Vietnam, I finished college, now married to a terrific woman, still working an expect to retire when I am 80. My four brothers did not enlist and do not understand what it means to be a veteran, I would do it again.
I too am one of 9 siblings 4 brothers 4 sisters and indeed served in DaNang 68/69 I now suffer from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis among other things. The VA after 6 years in appeal acknowledged the nexus between my being exposed to Agent Orange while in DaNang. I fought hard and pleased with the ruling but was only granted a 10% disability for this condition. The condition at best is a death sentence. It is rated ad if I had pneumonia or C.O.P.D. ridiculous.
Michael Dreyer, text me and maybe I can help. M. Miller at (redacted). 03/08/2019
Please honor these men by giving them PROPER healthcare and a better claims process. Treatment of these men has been less than honorable.
To all of the Vietnam veterans Michael Dreyer brother I would make a place in the cities and rural areas if I had the money I would build big apartment complexes for all the brothers and sisters that have a place to go to that don’t all my brothers and sisters Vietnam veterans and all veterans of all wars welcome home and hope the rest of them come home soon God bless hello vet Air Force congratulations to the ones that have come home thank you for your service.
They refuse to post what I wrote..
Mike,
I don’t see anything from you in the trash or spam filter. Send it again and I will make sure it gets posted.
I am still waiting on an appeal to my PTSD disability…go figure! My liver was damaged, but they said I didn’t follow through back in 1970 so it doesn’t count.
FORT Dix
I’ll be having surgery on March 29th to replace my right knee joint–partly from the damage I did to it in Vietnam.
Thanks… But yet I’m still Homeless.. & Cold..
Didn’t care then and Don’t Care NOW!
stay warm!