Welcome Home Vietnam Vets Day

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User-submitted story by M.Riney

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Thank You, Vietnam Veterans

By LTC. Carolyn Abell, US Army, Retired

"No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now. Rarely have so many people been so wrong about so much. Never have the consequences of their misunderstanding been so tragic." -- Richard Nixon from his book, "No More Vietnams"

Earlier this month the United States Senate declared March 30, 2011 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." This particular date was chosen because on March 30, 1973, remaining U. S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.

In a resolution introduced by Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina and co-sponsored by five other senators, including Georgia's Johnny Isakson, the Senate is encouraging Americans across the country to recognize Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice and to make them feel the gratitude of a country that sent them to fight. "It's time they receive the recognition they have earned and deserve," declared Senator Burr.

While Richard Nixon might have had his faults as President, the above statement about the Vietnam War is spot on. Largely due to intentional misreporting by anti-war press members, a number of myths and falsehoods were generated and have continued to be perpetuated about this war and the men who fought it.

Statistical evidence contradicts most of these lies. For one, the majority of Vietnam veterans declare they are glad they served (91percent), with74 percent saying they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.

In contrast to the popular notion that a great number of Vietnam veterans were drug users, a myth promoted by such movies as "Apocalypse Now," information from the Veterans' Administration indicates that there is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam veterans and non-veterans from the same age group.

The few isolated atrocities committed by American servicemen were blown out of proportion, causing the general public to wonder if they had evolved into savage and inhumane beasts reminiscent of the degenerate boys in "Lord of the Flies." The truth is that while we had a few incidents, the North Vietnamese routinely committed such atrocities against our side--a fact that seldom got reported. Former service members such as Charles Henderson have documented some of the most heinous acts of torture imaginable inflicted on United States soldiers and Marines by a female North Vietnamese Captain, whose cruel and deviant brutality earned her the nickname, "Apache Woman." Thanks to Carlos Hathcock, one of the most talented and self-disciplined Marine snipers of all time, "Apache Woman" did not live to make Major.

A 97 percent rate of honorable discharges among Vietnam veterans should quell any myths that they were largely lawless heathens.

According to a speech by Lt. Gen. Barry McCaffrey in 1993, 85 percent of Vietnam veterans made a successful transition to civilian life. General McCaffrey further stated that these veterans' personal income levels exceeded their non-veteran counterparts of the same age group by more than 18 percent. He added that Vietnam veterans had a lower unemployment rate than the non-vet age group.

Another prevailing myth is that a disproportionate number of blacks were killed in the Vietnam War. Statistical evidence shows that 86 percent of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasians. Only 12.5 percent were black, while the remainder were "other races." These percentages were in direct proportion to general population statistics at that time.

A lot of people think, too, that the Vietnam War was fought by the poor and uneducated. In actuality, these veterans were the best educated forces our country had ever sent into combat, with 79 percent having at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many had taken some college courses or even earned a degree.

The survival rate of Vietnam veterans was also much higher than in previous wars, thanks largely to MEDEVAC helicopters. Pilots of these birds flew nearly 500,000 missions, airlifting over 900,000 patients. The average time lapse between wounding to hospitalization was less than one hour. As a result less than one percent of all American wounded who survived the first 24 hours, became fatalities.

Perhaps the highest testimonial to the quality of our Vietnam veterans, is that so many former draft-dodgers and cowards now want to claim credit for military service they never gave. And there is no greater insult to the ones who actually served.

I think the average American appreciates the sacrifices of all veterans. There is nothing more noble and honorable than serving one's country in the armed forces. Vietnam veterans answered the call to duty, and they continue to serve today with acts of national patriotism, community involvement and serving in elected offices.

Make it a point this Wednesday to thank a Vietnam veteran. Tell him "Welcome home."

My goal for the book is to preserve the memories of men who died too young--who gave all they could give for a cause they believed in. It is because of them that I sit here in a land of freedom and plenty. May they never be forgotten!

If you wish to send a comment or ask a question of Carolyn Abell please use: CA@gulf1.com

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As the proud veteran of two tours in Vietnam I think this is great, but for me personally it's not necessary. We knew it was a very unpopular war. I have no resentment towards the way our young men and women are welcomed home now, they are extremely well trained, motivated, and respectful to Vietnam Vets. At a recent reunion of the 82nd Airborne. Div.I was fortunate enough to meet quite a few Iraq/Afghanistan vets as well as vets from WW11 that parachuted in Normandie. The one thing we have in common, we'd do it all again.

-- Posted by Bill C on Mon, Mar 28, 2011, at 10:26 AM
Dear LTC Abell--words cannot describe how your tribute and actual facts make me feel. I have totally missed all news concerning this wonderful tribute. One thing I would like to comment on is that during the late 1960's, when the Draft was extremely heavy, a quota was used to draft young men. I graduated from Delta High School in 1967 at age 17, started college at SEMO that summer and made all C's and worked full time. During that summer, I received a letter from SEMO telling me that I was not college material and should pursue a career elsewhere. I kept that letter for years in hopes of doing something about it later on in my life. One day, I through it away, I was so ashamed of it, and not until last week, did I finally tell my Dad about the letter. I am now 61 and Dad is 81. I did not have an advisor and didn't know I was supposed

to. The following fall of 67 and spring of 68, I flunked out in Biology and Biology Lab and American History. Soon I was on academic proboation . The next semester, fall of 68 in an effort to improve my GPA, I took American History I and II at the same time and repeated Biology. I was suspended for a Semester and appealed to Board because I had to work full time and I knew I could bring my grades up. My appeal was denied.

I went to work at Bell Telephone in St. Louis in 1969. But before I could go to work for them, they told me to lose 20 lbs and come back to see them. I lost 20 in two weeks with the help of my sister Linda and my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Crain from Overland, Mo, I lived with them while working for Bell Telephone. All summer I worried about being drafted and one day, my notice came that I was to report to the Selective Service System on Broadway Street and was to see (And as long as I live, I will never forgot the name of Lola B. Gilbert.) She was fair but tough. I was scared to death and was soon drafted by Sept of 1969. Went from Basic at Fort LeonardWood to AIT at Fort LeonardWord and by Feb of 1970, I was on my way to the sunny orient of South Vietnam where I served with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Long Binh, South Vietnam. My tour lasted 15 months with no leave because I did not think I could go on RandR and come back to Nam.I married my high school girl friend in May of 1971 after being home and out of the U. S. Army for one month. Needless to say, it did not work out and we went through a real bitter divorce but not until after our son was born. I went back to College under the GI Bill, started making good grades and graduated from SEMO University. I do think I grew up after the War which made college easier. I had some wonderful college professors after my military experience, Dr. Mike Riednour, Dr. Jeannie Frye, Dr. Bill Meyers, Dr. Charles Korns--they were top of the line professors. Prior to my being drafted, I look back now and see that there were college instuctorw who intentionally tried to flunk you out of college. I was one of those students. Yes, I still do have some resentment to SEMO University especially when they send requests for money which they have done for years. I gave a few times and then said why and stopped. One of my best friends in high school became the person responsible for improving marketing and getting more money for the school, he never knew I received one of his letters a few years ago solicitating money or my feelings about SEMO. I found out yesterday he now works for SEMO Hospital and said to myself, that is great, I am glad he isn't at SEMO

Your tribute just brought out so many good and bad memories I could not help but respond. Three weeks ago I was diagonsed with Lung Cancer, I am undergoing chemo and radiation at the same time in order to shrink the tumor. I have been told by my Doctors that they can treat 96 to 97% of the cancer cells but that they cannot get it all because it grows very fast and moves around. Yesterday after more scans, I finally asked HOW LONG? I was told anywhere from 8 months to 5 years. I have never been sick in my life until now. It is now 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, I sleep maybe 4 hours a night now. My wonderful wife of 34 years finally broke down today after treatment and cried and cried, she said she was only going to say this once and that she knew where I was going and that she didn't want me to go without her, she cried and cried, well we both did. We have one beautiful daughter, one beautiful 2 year old granddaughter and a fine son-in-law. Margaret broke down again tonight at 10:30. She complained of a headache and I took her BP which was elevated considerable, called our neighbor and friend, a Nurse Practicioner and she told me what to do. Margaret, my wife, said she just got emotional and didn't want me to leave her. She then asked that I not tell our daughter that she broke down. Margaret then went on to beg me not to give up and to take the 4-6 weeks of more chemo and radiation. She felt she had to be strong for me and couldn't let me see her cry. Well we both have cried a lot tonight, in all sorts of various locations. Vanity is vanity and when you lose almost all of your hair in the shower, (last night and tonight) and look at yourself in the mirror and see how ugly you look, then you cry.

Way, way too much information given and I am sure that none of this will be printed and that is ok but I did want the SE Missourian Newspaper to hear my story about the WAR and how I was treated.

I have many blessings, I have time to prepare and one thing I also know is that GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY. God Bless each and every one of you. Although I have lived in TN for the past 35 years, I still consider Advance, Delta and Cape as my home.

-- Posted by cronridings on Tue, Mar 29, 2011, at 2:47 AM
Dear LTC Abell--words cannot describe how your tribute and actual facts make me feel. I have totally missed all news concerning this wonderful tribute. One thing I would like to comment on is that during the late 1960's, when the Draft was extremely heavy, a quota was used to draft young men. I graduated from Delta High School in 1967 at age 17, started college at SEMO that summer and made all C's and worked full time. During that summer, I received a letter from SEMO telling me that I was not college material and should pursue a career elsewhere. I kept that letter for years in hopes of doing something about it later on in my life. One day, I through it away, I was so ashamed of it, and not until last week, did I finally tell my Dad about the letter. I am now 61 and Dad is 81. I did not have an advisor and didn't know I was supposed

to. The following fall of 67 and spring of 68, I flunked out in Biology and Biology Lab and American History. Soon I was on academic proboation . The next semester, fall of 68 in an effort to improve my GPA, I took American History I and II at the same time and repeated Biology. I was suspended for a Semester and appealed to Board because I had to work full time and I knew I could bring my grades up. My appeal was denied.

I went to work at Bell Telephone in St. Louis in 1969. But before I could go to work for them, they told me to lose 20 lbs and come back to see them. I lost 20 in two weeks with the help of my sister Linda and my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Crain from Overland, Mo, I lived with them while working for Bell Telephone. All summer I worried about being drafted and one day, my notice came that I was to report to the Selective Service System on Broadway Street and was to see (And as long as I live, I will never forgot the name of Lola B. Gilbert.) She was fair but tough. I was scared to death and was soon drafted by Sept of 1969. Went from Basic at Fort LeonardWood to AIT at Fort LeonardWord and by Feb of 1970, I was on my way to the sunny orient of South Vietnam where I served with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Long Binh, South Vietnam. My tour lasted 15 months with no leave because I did not think I could go on RandR and come back to Nam.I married my high school girl friend in May of 1971 after being home and out of the U. S. Army for one month. Needless to say, it did not work out and we went through a real bitter divorce but not until after our son was born. I went back to College under the GI Bill, started making good grades and graduated from SEMO University. I do think I grew up after the War which made college easier. I had some wonderful college professors after my military experience, Dr. Mike Riednour, Dr. Jeannie Frye, Dr. Bill Meyers, Dr. Charles Korns--they were top of the line professors. Prior to my being drafted, I look back now and see that there were college instuctorw who intentionally tried to flunk you out of college. I was one of those students. Yes, I still do have some resentment to SEMO University especially when they send requests for money which they have done for years. I gave a few times and then said why and stopped. One of my best friends in high school became the person responsible for improving marketing and getting more money for the school, he never knew I received one of his letters a few years ago solicitating money or my feelings about SEMO. I found out yesterday he now works for SEMO Hospital and said to myself, that is great, I am glad he isn't at SEMO

Your tribute just brought out so many good and bad memories I could not help but respond. Three weeks ago I was diagonsed with Lung Cancer, I am undergoing chemo and radiation at the same time in order to shrink the tumor. I have been told by my Doctors that they can treat 96 to 97% of the cancer cells but that they cannot get it all because it grows very fast and moves around. Yesterday after more scans, I finally asked HOW LONG? I was told anywhere from 8 months to 5 years. I have never been sick in my life until now. It is now 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, I sleep maybe 4 hours a night now. My wonderful wife of 34 years finally broke down today after treatment and cried and cried, she said she was only going to say this once and that she knew where I was going and that she didn't want me to go without her, she cried and cried, well we both did. We have one beautiful daughter, one beautiful 2 year old granddaughter and a fine son-in-law. Margaret broke down again tonight at 10:30. She complained of a headache and I took her BP which was elevated considerable, called our neighbor and friend, a Nurse Practicioner and she told me what to do. Margaret, my wife, said she just got emotional and didn't want me to leave her. She then asked that I not tell our daughter that she broke down. Margaret then went on to beg me not to give up and to take the 4-6 weeks of more chemo and radiation. She felt she had to be strong for me and couldn't let me see her cry. Well we both have cried a lot tonight, in all sorts of various locations. Vanity is vanity and when you lose almost all of your hair in the shower, (last night and tonight) and look at yourself in the mirror and see how ugly you look, then you cry.

Way, way too much information given and I am sure that none of this will be printed and that is ok but I did want the SE Missourian Newspaper to hear my story about the WAR and how I was treated.

I have many blessings, I have time to prepare and one thing I also know is that GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY. God Bless each and every one of you. Although I have lived in TN for the past 35 years, I still consider Advance, Delta and Cape as my home.

-- Posted by cronridings on Tue, Mar 29, 2011, at 2:52 AM
Dear LTC Abell--words cannot describe how your tribute and actual facts make me feel. I have totally missed all news concerning this wonderful tribute. One thing I would like to comment on is that during the late 1960's, when the Draft was extremely heavy, a quota was used to draft young men. I graduated from Delta High School in 1967 at age 17, started college at SEMO that summer and made all C's and worked full time. During that summer, I received a letter from SEMO telling me that I was not college material and should pursue a career elsewhere. I kept that letter for years in hopes of doing something about it later on in my life. One day, I through it away, I was so ashamed of it, and not until last week, did I finally tell my Dad about the letter. I am now 61 and Dad is 81. I did not have an advisor and didn't know I was supposed

to. The following fall of 67 and spring of 68, I flunked out in Biology and Biology Lab and American History. Soon I was on academic proboation . The next semester, fall of 68 in an effort to improve my GPA, I took American History I and II at the same time and repeated Biology. I was suspended for a Semester and appealed to Board because I had to work full time and I knew I could bring my grades up. My appeal was denied.

I went to work at Bell Telephone in St. Louis in 1969. But before I could go to work for them, they told me to lose 20 lbs and come back to see them. I lost 20 in two weeks with the help of my sister Linda and my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Crain from Overland, Mo, I lived with them while working for Bell Telephone. All summer I worried about being drafted and one day, my notice came that I was to report to the Selective Service System on Broadway Street and was to see (And as long as I live, I will never forgot the name of Lola B. Gilbert.) She was fair but tough. I was scared to death and was soon drafted by Sept of 1969. Went from Basic at Fort LeonardWood to AIT at Fort LeonardWord and by Feb of 1970, I was on my way to the sunny orient of South Vietnam where I served with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Long Binh, South Vietnam. My tour lasted 15 months with no leave because I did not think I could go on RandR and come back to Nam.I married my high school girl friend in May of 1971 after being home and out of the U. S. Army for one month. Needless to say, it did not work out and we went through a real bitter divorce but not until after our son was born. I went back to College under the GI Bill, started making good grades and graduated from SEMO University. I do think I grew up after the War which made college easier. I had some wonderful college professors after my military experience, Dr. Mike Riednour, Dr. Jeannie Frye, Dr. Bill Meyers, Dr. Charles Korns--they were top of the line professors. Prior to my being drafted, I look back now and see that there were college instuctorw who intentionally tried to flunk you out of college. I was one of those students. Yes, I still do have some resentment to SEMO University especially when they send requests for money which they have done for years. I gave a few times and then said why and stopped. One of my best friends in high school became the person responsible for improving marketing and getting more money for the school, he never knew I received one of his letters a few years ago solicitating money or my feelings about SEMO. I found out yesterday he now works for SEMO Hospital and said to myself, that is great, I am glad he isn't at SEMO

Your tribute just brought out so many good and bad memories I could not help but respond. Three weeks ago I was diagonsed with Lung Cancer, I am undergoing chemo and radiation at the same time in order to shrink the tumor. I have been told by my Doctors that they can treat 96 to 97% of the cancer cells but that they cannot get it all because it grows very fast and moves around. Yesterday after more scans, I finally asked HOW LONG? I was told anywhere from 8 months to 5 years. I have never been sick in my life until now. It is now 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, I sleep maybe 4 hours a night now. My wonderful wife of 34 years finally broke down today after treatment and cried and cried, she said she was only going to say this once and that she knew where I was going and that she didn't want me to go without her, she cried and cried, well we both did. We have one beautiful daughter, one beautiful 2 year old granddaughter and a fine son-in-law. Margaret broke down again tonight at 10:30. She complained of a headache and I took her BP which was elevated considerable, called our neighbor and friend, a Nurse Practicioner and she told me what to do. Margaret, my wife, said she just got emotional and didn't want me to leave her. She then asked that I not tell our daughter that she broke down. Margaret then went on to beg me not to give up and to take the 4-6 weeks of more chemo and radiation. She felt she had to be strong for me and couldn't let me see her cry. Well we both have cried a lot tonight, in all sorts of various locations. Vanity is vanity and when you lose almost all of your hair in the shower, (last night and tonight) and look at yourself in the mirror and see how ugly you look, then you cry.

Way, way too much information given and I am sure that none of this will be printed and that is ok but I did want the SE Missourian Newspaper to hear my story about the WAR and how I was treated.

I have many blessings, I have time to prepare and one thing I also know is that GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY. God Bless each and every one of you. Although I have lived in TN for the past 35 years, I still consider Advance, Delta and Cape as my home.

-- Posted by cronridings on Tue, Mar 29, 2011, at 2:55 AM

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