The Eagle Cried
Working on a new post at the prompting of a fellow ‘Nam vet, but that process has stirred memories captured by a tune. Brings me back to Gathering of Eagles because that tune reflects why most of us were there in one form or another.
May well be a repeat, if so… sorry Jonn.
Where my head is just now. Revisiting the past is apt to do the same to all of us. Jonn as well. I well remember the look on his face when I asked about 73 Easting.
So… a tune for all of us who just might know:
Category: Geezer Alert!
Great song! It’s good to see that Vietnam Veterans are respected and honored, and held in high esteem by our current veterans and their families.
Makes the eyes water.
We know where we can come to speak openly about our experiences *there* and at home without being shushed or demeaned. There is no other blog that I feel as comfortable as I do here, NONE….and I am more open here than anywhere.
As long as my five kids love, respect and honor me – – – that’s all I need.
The reason I am so jealous of you Nam vets is because you guys went and did what you had to do, didn’t dodge the draft like so many decided to, and you did all these things without the support of most of the nation. You guys came back, got treated like shit, and still did what you did and some even stayed in regardless of everyone’s views. I watched a documentary recently about Vietnam and one of the guys was talking about how he got to the airport so proud of his medals he earned and what he had done only to meet protesters, get glared at from people, even to the point of noone wanting to sit next to him as he waited to catch a connecting flight. I personally think that all of those protesters who dodged the draft to protest should’ve been dropped into Cambodia with a canteen and pocket knife, but regardless you guys did what you did without any recognition. You guys even went through more shit coming home and still did it, still weren’t pussies about it and just dodged the draft like so many did. It is much different now, when you join the military now you’re not going to be called a baby killer and all the bullshit they did to you guys (I mean you might but it is not even on the same level as what happened then.) That’s a brotherhood right there, that is true dedication to the people to your left and right. When it comes down to it, it isn’t about college money or What the President decides or what the nation wants or any of that shit, it is about the guys who you serve with. That was truly demonstrated in Vietnam in my opinion. And now that people don’t treat you like shit when your a Vietnam Vet all the peace of shit Valor Theifs want to act like they were there when they themselves were dodging the draft because they know Vietnam Vets are hardcore badasses. I am jealous of that brotherhood, and… Read more »
Jordan, I served during ‘Nam, but did my tour in S. Korea. What I and some of my brothers remember of the “times” was that we were witnessing two parallel universes.
Ours – the country needs you, go serve. And the other one – the screw this shit I’m heading to Canada, this war is all effed up.
I still struggle to wrap my head around it.
OC
I came home to two different “Welcome Home” experiences. They truly were different. I’m not ashamed to say I cried the second time.
Vietnam, 11th ACR, 1969
Iraq, 124th Cav, 36th ID, TXARNG, 2004
Allons!
@Zero….still can’t watch these videos. Sorry.
@Mario and @nbcguy54 – Allons! I Trp, 3/11 ’67-68.
Jordan…….in reference to your “Vietnam vets “hardcore bad asses” what we were was a bunch of young men that were asked to serve our country. We went, we did. In some cases not real happy about it. We were not bad asses then and we are not bad asses now.
The brotherhood you speak of revolves around a group of young men at the time, who traveled a common road, during a difficult time in our nations history.
I’m not saying these things to lecture you. I’m doing it to help you understand the mood of the mood so to speak.
Take care youngman!
@3/17 Air Cav
I can’t watch the damn video and I’m finding your comment as emotional.
Well written, with my personal thanks for saying what I am not capable of writing.
LIRight……..you are most welcome. I feel your pain! Up until about eight years ago, Vietnam was something that was very hard for me to talk about without getting choked up. I too, share more here than I share with others outside of TAH
Please take good care of yourself!
Steve
LiRight, look for a Veteran outreach group . Supported by the VA not staffed or located on VA property. I found I am able and share more than with the VA Doctors. These are people that walked the same walk as me.The only time you will judged by the Veteran’s Outreach group is if they(the group) thinks that you are faker or embellishing. These people do not last long in the group. They were a big help for me. You might want to give a try. PS do you post at Bullshido? My user name there is MarJoe. Any time you need to talk Jonn has my PII. Joe
@Joe
lol, I did answer you twice in past blog posts with regards to the Bullshido site – and no, I’ve never commented there or visited until you mentioned it the first time a week or two ago.
Go to this link:
http://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=58078 and scroll down about 3/4 of the page to see my answer to your question.
I’ve been going to a Vet Group for about 2.5 years – all Viet Nam era Vets – I appreciate your suggestion….thank you.
Thanks for posting this.
Thank you for the pics & song even though it does trigger some unpleasant memories.
I Corps forever!
Shit Zero, I wasn’t there but watching the video I had tears streaming – for all the brothers and sisters who were there.
OC