During the war, however, he was drafted into the Army and worked in a helicopter crew stationed at Binh Hoa, a very large base in Dong Nai province that served as tactical and training station for the US Army, Air Force and Marines, as well as the first air base for the Republic of Viet Nam Air Force (VNAF). It was there that the VNAF's 1st Fighter Squadron was formed (later renumbered the 514th SF). Binh Hoa grew to support the greatest number of air combat units of any base in South Viet Nam.
Fred said something to me that I've never heard before, much less from a veteran. He said that after all that, he believes that the US came out ahead after that war because of all the Vietnamese who came to America and have contributed so much. That wa an amazing idea to me, and one that I'd never considered. I'm sure that there are plenty if people who would disagree with him, but that thought strikes me as amazingly generous, forgiving, and kind spirited. Yet again, I am humbled by a complete stranger. Thank you Fred.
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