Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fred & Ellie

I met Fred and his daughter's dog Ellie outside of the Whole Foods in Berkeley on Halloween. He's been in Berkeley for years, after studying architecture there.

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.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Edgartown Martha's Vineyard

 Martha's Vineyard is a small island community on the Massachusetts coast.  Largely known as a preppy summer gettaway for well-healed New Englanders, its year-round (permanent) residents currently number approximately 15,000.  Despite its small size, the community of Edgartow, one of just six towns on the island, sent 78 servicemen and women to Viet Nam. 
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