Read on Twitter
Long dear diary thread alert.
Veteran's Day.
I'm sure he's up there yelling "DONT PUT THAT ON THE INTERNET"...but this (abbreviated) story deserves to be told.
My Dad was drafted to Vietnam at the age of 19. He'd spend his 20th AND 21st birthdays there. He didn't speak of
Veteran's Day.
I'm sure he's up there yelling "DONT PUT THAT ON THE INTERNET"...but this (abbreviated) story deserves to be told.
My Dad was drafted to Vietnam at the age of 19. He'd spend his 20th AND 21st birthdays there. He didn't speak of
the war until I was in my late 20's. And even then, it would take a lot of beer.
A helicopter gunner, he was subjected to some of the worst sights, and also a significant amount of Agent Orange (causing multiple health problems towards the end of his life).
A helicopter gunner, he was subjected to some of the worst sights, and also a significant amount of Agent Orange (causing multiple health problems towards the end of his life).
His platoon was bombed the first night he was there, the blast threw him against a wall and peppered him with shrapnel...he turned down the Purple Heart award for this, because he didn't want his mother to recieve a letter before he could tell her he was okay.
He was dear-johned by the girl he planned to marry, because her mother (who watched the news) convinced her that my dad wasnt coming home. So she wrote him a letter, and married one of his friends while he was gone.
At the end of his required 12 month tour, my father and the rest of his helicopter crew VOLUNTARILY signed on for an additional 90 days and stayed in Vietnam, because the pilot still had 3 months left to go, they knew that leaving him with a green new crew was a death wish.
My dad was awarded Expert Marksman, he has 17 medals, and a letter of recognition by the government. He should have been proud, but instead, he always seemed ashamed when he spoke of anything Vietnam related.
When he arrived home to the United States, he was greeted by
When he arrived home to the United States, he was greeted by
protestors throwing water balloons of urine at him, and calling him a baby killer, as he descended the plane.
So I guess that is the reason that I'm writing this.... (besides it being weirdly cathartic).
So I guess that is the reason that I'm writing this.... (besides it being weirdly cathartic).
My Dad was a HERO. He fought for his life, his fellow soldiers lives, his mental health, and our freedom, while facing things that no human should ever have to see, especially a nineteen year old child. Yet for almost 50 years, he felt he had to hide that from a public that
shamed him as he came home from something he never wanted to do, but was forced.
And that's the part that breaks me...there are so many veterans like him. No matter what war, what branch, if you are currently active or reserve....you all are HEROES.
And that's the part that breaks me...there are so many veterans like him. No matter what war, what branch, if you are currently active or reserve....you all are HEROES.
We shouldn't just celebrate and appreciate you one day of the year, it needs to be everyday. We wouldn't be the country we are, without your sacrifice. Thank you. THANK YOU. Thank you.
..and a special shout to those still hanging in the shadows. If you happen to read this, and are ever having a tough time, my inbox is always open. Please reach out. We want to party with you this year, next year, and many more years to come.
Home of the free because of the brave. I'll be the proudest daughter down here, until the day that I meet you upstairs, Dad. RIP.
RJK 1949-2019
RJK 1949-2019
