*This veteran began the funding for the Vietnam Veteran memorial in D.C., amongst many other activities
[–]mrmasonater 40
points 11 months ago
What's your favourite memory from your whole military
career?
My favorite memory was being on jet on a runway in Saigon
and applauding, along with 200 other soldiers, who had just completed their
twelve months in Vietnam. About half of them, like me, were also getting out of
the Army as soon as the plane landed with an honorable discharge.
That definitely sounds like it'd be a relieving experience
for everyone who took part. Were you applauded in the same way upon your
discharge?
Upon discharge and returning home, it became clear that
being a Vietnam veteran was a liability. One girl who I was trying to date found
out that I had served in Vietnam and told her friend to tell me that we would
not be seeing each other.
Why do you think she would react like that?
After Vietnam a lot of people didn't respect troops, because
they disagreed with the war and instead of blaming the administration
responsible, they blamed the people risking their lives for our
country's administration. I remember my dad telling me a story about when he
was returning from Vietnam in uniform, and he couldn't get a ride back home
from any passing motorists. After he changed into normal clothes, he had a ride
within five minutes.
~
What's your very best life advice?
Read a wide variety of books and magazines, always be
engaged with people, listen to your friends and enemies, work hard and begin
investing money for your retirement at a young age.
I've read a few books about the conflict - care to recommend
any? Thank you for your service and continued dedication to the Memorial.
Phil Capputo's Rumor of War and Vietnam; A History by Stan
Karnow.
~
The memorial design is brilliant because the names are
listed chronologically by date of death. This allows veterans to see the names
of their friends who died together listed alongside of each other. The other
nice thing is the quality of the granite which is reflective in nature allowing
you to see your own reflection. It is also nicely placed in the shadow of the
Lincoln Memorial which was built to commemorate the nation reuniting after
America's Civil War.
~
Certain people rise above and beyond their call of duty. It
is an honour to be able to write to you. How would you describe the perception
of PTSD and the militaries acknowledgment of it today, compared to your service
in Vietnam?
PTSD is widely recognized however during the Vietnam War
this psychological condition was not understood. It was viewed as a sign of
weakness.
~
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