Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'vietnam'.
Found 17 results
-
I received an email and a picture from Dick Lewis yesterday. Dick is a Vietnam vet who is visually handicapped and he loves to turn. A month or so ago, we received a phone call, from an unknown number- which we usually don't answer- but thankfully we did this time. On the other end of the line was Patti Lewis, wife of Dick Lewis. She asked for me and explained about here husband and put him on the phone. He told me he wanted to turn a pepper grinder similar to the ones I make and wondered if I could help. You can't turn down a a fellow vet. I sent him all my images of how I made mine, including drawings and measurements. I told him that if he had any questions he was to call me and we could work them out. We did communicate over the next month when he got stuck and yesterday I received this image. I was completely blown away. Dick is blind and his wife is his eyes. He did a fantastic job. He created his own shape which looks very comfortable to use. As a side note, Dick's grandfather's brother was Sinclair Lewis, the famous author. Dick's wife, Patti, is a board member of the Sinclair Lewis Foundation Board. Thanks for allowing be to brag a little.
-
Vietnam Veterans represented 9.7% of their generation. They have a lower unemployment rate than the same non-vet age groups. Their personal income exceeds that of our non-veteran age group by more than 18 percent. 87% of Americans hold Vietnam Veterans in high esteem. There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group (Source: Veterans Administration Study). Vietnam Veterans are less likely to be in prison – only one-half of one percent of Vietnam Veterans have been jailed for crimes. 85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life. 97% of Vietnam Veterans were honorably discharged. 91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served. 74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.
- 10 replies
-
- 11
-
-
-
-
-
- statistics
- veteran
- (and 1 more)
-
.thumb.jpg.573d1497d0675219908c85aabefd797a.jpg)
Roger Donlon, Vietnam War’s First Medal of Honor Recipient, Dies at 89
John Morris posted a topic in The Veterans Corner and Causes Forum
I just heard about this today, in the news, the news is a tad late. Thank you for your service Mr. Donlon, may you rest in peace with all your brothers in battle, I bet it's quite the family reunion! President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Roger Donlon with the Medal of Honor in the East Room of the White House on Dec. 5, 1964, for his actions in Vietnam on July 6, 1964. (Army) Medal of Honor Dedicated Page Roger H.C. Donlon | Vietnam War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient WWW.CMOHS.ORG U.S. Army Captain Roger H.C. Donlon was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during the Vietnam War. Medal of Honor Press Release of Passing Congressional Medal of Honor Society Announces Passing of Medal of Honor Recipient Roger H. C. Donlon - Congressional Medal of Honor Society WWW.CMOHS.ORG MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Jan. 25, 2024 — The Congressional Medal of Honor Society regretfully announces that Roger H. C. Donlon, the first...
- 2 replies
-
- 5
-
-
- medal of honor
- medal
- (and 1 more)
-
Today is Vietnam Veterans Day and the 50th Anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War. For those of us who never received it- "Welcome Home".
- 1 reply
-
- 4
-
-
-
-
- anniversary
- vietnam
- (and 1 more)
-
I am not sure if this is true or not, I have not had the time to research, but if the Bunker Boys did in fact write this, or not, the message is valid IMHO. Dear Mrs. Griner, We hope this letter finds you in good health and we understand you are having some rough times in your life. We are a group of old Vietnam Combat Veterans from North Carolina. Our average age is around seventy years old. We call ourselves, The Bunker Boys. We spent a lot of time living in rat and snake infested holes in the ground known as Bunkers. When we were not in the bunkers, we were crawling through the jungle being shot at and shooting back at little people wearing black pajamas. We must be honest and tell you that the only thing we may have in common with you, is that we too, were drafted. We noticed you were drafted number one in the WNBA draft a few years ago. Since we all were drafted, we thought we might let you know what it was like when we were drafted. Unlike you, most of us had no college. The people of the United States drafted us. We consisted of all colors, religions and personal beliefs. We had no choice of which team we played for, Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. We were sent halfway around the world to fight and kill people we didn’t know in a place we had never heard of. We were paid, we know you can relate to this, $3.00 a day and required to work 24 hours a day if needed. When we returned home many or most of us were treated very badly by our fellow Americans. We were spit on, hit by bottles and rocks as the police stood by and watched. We did not complain, we just continued on in life and made the best of it. We fought for God, family, country and of course, the Flag and the National Anthem; a poem that was written by, of all people, a lawyer. He wrote the poem as he watched bombs fall on and kill fellow Americans. Ever since that night, our nation has played that little poem before millions of social functions. For some people it’s just a little song. For a Veteran it is a reminder of how many men and women of all colors, have given their life so the rest can have the right to be free. We found in our research that you requested the National Anthem not be played at sporting events. We find it odd that now you are requesting the citizens of the United States to pay for your release from a jail in Russia. Yes, we the taxpayers are paying for all of those diplomats working on your release. Our government told you, and all fellow Americans in Russia, to leave Russia after the invasion of the Ukraine. You play basketball in a country that is known to treat Americans badly. You fly a great deal and must know by now, all the rules of what one can bring into a country. All of us that travel know the rules for entering a foreign country. You are a guest and must go by the rules of the land. By your own admission, you were attempting to bring an illegal substance into a country that is known for its long prison sentences. You had to know this because you are making a million dollars a year to play a game and hold a college degree. At six feet nine inches tall, you know that security officers are going to focus on you from the moment you stand in the boarding pass line. We also noticed that you are now saying you placed the drugs in your luggage by accident. Please, that is something an 18-year-old would say. We also found out that your net worth is somewhere around $ 5 million bucks for playing a game. For old guys like us, living on a fixed income, that’s a lot of money for just playing a game. Don’t get us wrong; we are not against you. We all went and fought so all Americans can have the freedom to make their own choices. We just hope the next time you have to endure the playing of that little poem, you will pay close attention to the “Land of the free,” part. Wishing you the very best, The Bunker Boys
-
Yesterday, our across the street neighbor, a Marine veteran of the Vietnam war, succumbed to a combination of conditions that were diagnosed as resulting from exposure to Agent Orange. He had diabetes, leukemia, and cancer of the prostrate that had spread. Officially, he ultimately died of renal failure. He was a good husband and, father. I was proud to call him a friend. We'll miss you Charlie. Please join me in a salute to a fellow soldier and, in a prayer for his family.
-
Magnificent Storyteller Reveals What He Saw in Vietnam
John Morris posted a topic in The Veterans Corner and Causes Forum
A soldier perspective. -
Hugh L. Ray (Vietnam Veteran and Loving Family Man)
John Morris posted an article in Honoring the Fallen
Introduction A short while ago we were contacted by a good friend of the Ray family. She asked if a donation could be made to our community in the name of Mr. Ray, and I told her we'd be honored, and we would also like to accept the donation in memoriam and we would love to share to our members just who Mr. Ray was, with the family permission. The Family Man I cannot write better words than Mr. Ray's own grown child could, so here are the beautiful words. "There is no way I can put together the words to pay proper tribute to my Dad. I truly believe he was one of a kind. A Godly Soul, loving Husband, amazing Dad, proud Papa, faithful Deacon, giving Uncle, a genuinely good Friend to anyone who needed. He gave me more than I could ever repay. If I can be a small fraction of the man he was, I'll take it and consider myself lucky. I am so thankful for the time my son got to spend with his Papa. He was a great example for him to follow. | know he would not want us to be sad but it’s hard. I'll always think of him and all the good life we had with and because of him. He had so little yet gave so much to us. I remember him working himself ragged to provide for his family. Many nights when his shop was behind our house, he would stop working long enough to eat and be with us until he had to go finish a car, or several, he was repairing. We would get ready for bed, go out and tell him good night and we loved him, get our hugs and off to bed while he continued to provide for us. I've said it many times, growing up we had many of the things we wanted but ALL of things we needed thanks to my parents. I can take solace in knowing without a doubt, he is in Heaven and I'll get to see him again one day. I'll be forever thankful that the last words we said to each other were “I love you”. I know he did and hope he knows how much I did. Until we meet again, I truly love you Dad." The Warrior Hugh L. Ray Commended for Heroic Action On October 2, 1968 Specialist four, Hugh L. Ray was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device. His orders read as follows. "For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Spec. Ray was serving as a mortar squad leader with his company at his night defensive position. During the night, the camp was suddenly subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Ray maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds to his weapon's position and directed his crew in their rapid and accurate counter mortar fire. He continually supervised the operations of his squad until the attack was suppressed. The following day, a reconnaissance of the area encompassing, the perimeter disclosed three dead Viet Cong and one complete mortar. His courageous initiative and bold determination significantly contributed toward the successful outcome of the encounter. Specialist Four Ray's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. "BY direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provisions of AR 672-5-1." SP/4 Ray's tour of duty will be completed Feb. 20, 1969. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Ray of Woodstock. Our Thanks On behalf of all our Patriot Woodworker's we want to give thanks for Mr. Ray's service to our nation, and the sacrifice's he made during his tour and time in the United States Army. We have many Vietnam Veterans in this community who I am sure are recalling their own time in service as they read this memoriam, and are feeling the brotherhood with Mr. Ray. The Vietnam Veteran community are close knit, they are all brothers, and we are proud to have this memoriam in our pages within our own community, where Mr. Ray's memory will be honored and live on indefinitely. Thank you to the entire Ray Family for sharing this wonderful man with us. The funds that were donated to our community on behalf of Mr. Ray, will be set aside and used to assist a veteran in need. United States Army, Specialist Four, Hugh L. Ray. 1st Infantry Division Links of interest Hugh Ray Obituary History of the US Army 1st Infantry Division 'Big Red One' honors Vietnam veterans with welcome-home ceremony The Big Red One leads the way again, this time in Vietnam -
For those that served during this time, Thank You. War is Hell as many of us know first hand. The insult of coming home to a unappreciative and hostile public was further insult to the hell already endured. Never mind the politics of this war, or any war. What is important to me is that those who served and did as they were told, when they were told and survived get recognition for their service. For those that made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us, I salute you this day by lowering my flagpole to half mast and saying a prayer of thanks for your sacrifice.
- 3 replies
-
- 9
-
-
-
- vietnam
- vietnam war
- (and 1 more)
-
I just realized that today, March 29, is Vietnam Veterans Day. Welcome home to all vets everywhere, and many thanks to all vets, alive and dead, and their families, for all that you have done! hat
-
-
Hooch? Yep, what we used to call those "houses". Missionary buildings were still smoldering after "Sandy" dropped a couple "tanks" on it. Rest of the village wasn't too badly burnt. Mid afternoon, cleared the place, and set up for the night. One hooch in the mid was mine as a CP. Around 2am, we had some visitors. Rather violent fellows. Started to shoot the place up. We had all the radid-dios stacked along one wall, to the right of the single doorway. Nathan Victor type sprays the wall on the other side of the doorway, kicks in the shabby door, looking around a bit wide eyed. Seems he thought he got us, BUT.....No more bullets in the gun( hate when that happens) so, catching sight of an American Adviser standing there, charges anyway. Seems that long pointy thing was aimed at ME? Block the dang thing to the side, and add a right cross to the jaw for good measure. Stalling for a bit of time...ah, .45 finally gets out, and.... He had two friends just outside the broken door, they got the same welcome as their buddy. One just doesn't intrude into MY Hooch, you know? Next morning, load up, and head on to the next "burg" along the canal/roadway , heading West.
-
Lt. Gen. Hal Moore dies; depicted in film 'We Were Soldiers'
John Morris posted a topic in The Veterans Corner and Causes Forum
I am very saddened personally, one of my all time heroes, Lt. General Hal Moore dies today. Many of you may of known of him before the popular Mel Gibson Movie "We Were Soldiers" but for me, I did not know about him until that gritty and realistic movie came to the big screen. LTC (rank at the time) Hal Moore, historians and the men who were there said Mel Gibson nailed it, that was Hal Moore. After seeing the movie I immediately researched this man and found out he also was in the Korean War as well. Knowing this legend is no longer among the living leaves a void in our living history that is passing away each and every day at an alarming rate. I have this to say, we owe our lives as Americans and our way of life to the men like LTG Hal Moore and all those who served under these giant leaders. We'll always and forever be in your debt Sir. Rest in Peace, I know you have a lot of brothers in heaven waiting on your arrival, my gosh, can you imagine the reception up there? The men he lead, the men who fought and died while in his command, they were proud to be with him in battle, and I am sure they are proud to have him once again in their midst. Links of Interest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Moore http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/hal-moore-portrayed-by-actor-mel-gibson-in-we-were-soldiers-dies-at-age-94 http://www.stripes.com/news/us/lt-gen-hal-moore-dies-depicted-in-film-we-were-soldiers-1.453672 http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0010423/bio -
My wife bought a kitchen table and chairs, made in Viet Nam. One of the chair seats had a crack. They sent a replacement. I swapped them out tore the old one apart to see what wood was in it and to see if I could salvage any for small projects. What I got was a light wood like Pine, but had Oak like grain. Anyone have an idea
-
Central Indiana based Honor Flight; to date all flights have departed from Purdue University Regional Airport. Veterans (WWII, Korean & Vietnam from all regions but especially the Midwest) are encouraged to take advantage of this rewarding experience regardless if they have a Guardian host. One will be assigned if needed. There is no cost to the veteran for the flight. Honor Flight Chapters and flights available in almost every state. You can Google Honor Flight Chapter (insert State name) for the contact information nearest you.
-
If you have never been there, here's a link that will help you understand the scope of this monument- http://www.virtualwall.org/
-
Another one from my Brother - Young folks won't even know who this is...... -+ It was well recognized that Martha Raye endured less comfort and more than any other Vietnam entertainer. I did not know this, I bet you didn't either. Don't let the sun go down without reading this about Martha Raye. The most unforgivable oversight of TV is that her shows were not taped. I was unaware of her credentials or where she is buried. Somehow I just can't see Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, or Jessica Simpson doing what this woman and the other USO women, including Ann Margaret & Joey Heatherton did for our troops in past wars. Most of the old time entertainers were made of a lot sterner stuff than today's crop of activist bland whiners. The following is from an Army Aviator who takes a trip down memory lane: "It was just before Thanksgiving '67 and we were ferrying dead and wounded from a large GRF west of Pleiku. We had run out of body bags bynoon, so the Hook (CH-47 CHINOOK) was pretty rough in the back. All of a sudden, we heard a 'take-charge' woman's voice in the rear. There was the singer and actress, Martha Raye, with a Special Forces beret and jungle fatigues, with subdued markings, helping the wounded into the Chinook, and carrying the dead aboar d. Maggie' had been visiting her Special Forces (SF) 'heroes' out 'west'. We took off, short of fuel, and headed to the USAF hospital pad at Pleiku. As we all started unloading our sad pax's, a USAF Captain said to Martha.... "Ms Raye, with all these dead and wounded to process, there would not be time for your show!" To all of our surprise, she pulled on her right collar and said "Captain, see this eagle? I am a full 'Bird' in the US Army Reserve, and on this is a 'Caduceus' which means I am a Nurse, with a surgical specialty.... now, take me to your wounded!" He said, "Yes ma'am.... follow me." Several times at the Army Field Hospital in Pleiku, she would 'cover' a surgical shift, giving a nurse a well-deserved break. Martha is the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at Ft Bragg. Hand Salute! A great lady. I did not know this about Martha Raye.... thought you might like to read it
