Recognizing & Honoring Viet Nam Veterans: June 2011

Friday, June 3, 2011

Larry flew 114 combat missions in Viet Nam with the US Air Force. After Viet Nam, he flew passenger jets for United Airlines. He has a daughter and two grandkids, and retired to Sonoma, CA. He has a very strong handshake.

Al is a career Marine who did three tours in Viet Nam. Saw heavy combat in all three, and suffered a serious injury to his left leg. Doesn't stop him from playing golf though. After Viet Nam, he trained as a civil engineer with the Marines In San Diego and recently retired. He has a son in the Army who is currently deployed in Afghanistan.

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.