I deliberately did not read anything about the Vietnam War because I felt the politics of the war eclipsed what happened to the veterans. The politics were irrelevant to what this memorial was. ∼ Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Guest writer Dave Wagenblatt and I served together in Vietnam and became friends during our time there. In addition to his regular duties, Dave became a dedicated Augmentee, or perimeter guard.
Dave has shared another writing with us.
War Never Ends of Those Who Served
Dave Wagenblatt
As I continue these thoughts today. All that is going on in our country I think about some decisions I made over 50 years ago.
Dave in Vietnam
I joined the USAF in 1968 when I left college by choice and was torn. At that time a male, would get drafted and serve 2 years and certainly go to Vietnam or enlist, then serve 4 years (in my case more) with the possibility of not going to Vietnam. I could have gone to Canada as others did, but honestly felt I had an obligation to our Country, so I enlisted in the USAF.
In my case, I was assigned twice to a Mobile Communication Group who collaborated with the Army. I was sent to Vietnam in between and felt fortunate at having had combat survival training at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK while with the 4th Mob (AFCS) in Altus. I also volunteered to help out monthly there while in SW Oklahoma.
I have always thought those who went to Canada had a choice, which was fine by me but I expected them to live with that choice until President Ford pulled the rug out from under integrity, honor and patriotism. Yes, I was angry.
Fast forward to today and looking at all that has transpired since that time, I still believe this is the greatest country in world history but am not as naive. I am trying to figure a way to verbalize my thoughts and feelings. Problem is there are no words. That Vietnam experience in 1970 lives with me everyday. Things from what happened then have affected my entire life since. I had no idea about a condition until a few years ago called PTSD. While watching the news, all of a sudden, tears would come to my eyes. I was very emotional. Apparently, I had suppressed a lot over the years. I was not aware of this issue until it was in the news about Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. A light came on and this explained many things about my actions, things that occurred in my life and how it affected it me over the years including having suicidal thoughts.
The perimeter at Phu Cat was no man’s land
These feelings and memories from those incidents from my time in Vietnam continue daily. I have flashbacks and feelings for those who serve and served daily. I have dreams every night. There is no escape from the triggers. I have always been an optimist. Is that stupid and unreasonable? Maybe! I don’t know what the answers are, but at this time our future America, however is in turmoil. I fervently believe America will continue to be the best in the world and for all humanity. God Bless Us All
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