Recognizing & Honoring Viet Nam Veterans: Greg Tobias

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Greg Tobias

I met Greg at the United Sportsmen Shooting Range in Concord, CA where he assisted me in assembling my Dad's AR-15 rifle. It was rather serendipitous as he happened to have years of experience on the subject. Greg had served 2 tours in Viet Nam totalling 22 months primarily servicing and repairing rifles for US Troops. He was hardly on base as weapons malfunctions were on the regular given the terrain and climate, so he spent most of the time out near where all of the action was.

Greg is originally from Chicago, Illinois and had moved to California when he was 4 years old. He is married with 1 son and retired, only working part-time at the shooting range. He enjoys to hunt and has a laid back, happy-go-lucky personality.

I had the honor of shaking his hand and thanking him for his service in VN and also for helping me sight and shoot my Father's rifle for the first time.

I'm sure I will be seeing him at the range soon.

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Welcome and Thank You

It was 1965 when the first US combat troops set foot in Viet Nam- the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade in DaNang. Over the next ten years, a staggering 2.7 million American troops followed them.

For most of my life, however, the only Viet Nam vet I knew was my dad. He was was a true patriot who had a deep love for his countries- first Viet Nam then the U.S. He had a hard, incredible, and happy life, though he unfairly lost his final battle with cancer in 2007. Of course we miss him dearly.

What I hope to do in this space is build a bridge between my dad, my family, and some of you 2.7 million American soldiers who helped make our lives possible. Meeting you and shaking your hands has been my pleasure and honor. Please accept this small, simple gesture and know that we appreciate what you've given us, what I hope you have been able to enjoy as well- a life after Viet Nam.