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Hide for 40+ years

I, like many others was not welcomed home as our troops are today. I believe the one's coming home now get that Welcome because of my generation, we don't want them to go thru what we did. I didn't understand why we were treated that way and became ashamed to let people know I was a Viet Nam Vet, (2 tours). When I was released from the hospital in 69, my Dad, who was a medic in WW2, tried to talk me into getting help as did my wife of 43 years, who just passed away. I had tried many times a different VA centers but couldn't get anyone to listen, give up. Finally last year, as my wife was in the hospital, tried again at the Cheyenne VA, Thank God, they listened. I am now on my way to regaining my life as it should of been all these years.
It will not happen over night and I understand that, it will take time. I only wish I had listened 40 + years ago. If anyone out there knows of a Vet that's is having problems, please encourage them to ask for help, if they are as I was it may take more then one request. We always say " We are Okay" and continue to hide the pain and mental problem. It needs to be opened and faced. I am sorry I didn't do this sooner for my wife and our children, they deserved it.
I now wear a Viet Nam Vet ball cap with Pride and to Honor all those who didn't make it home.

Robert Joy
Cheyenne, WY

Vietnam Vets the forgotten heros

I am not a vet I was denied that rite due to physical problems, nothing I thought would keep me home. But many of my friends went some died there others came home some of them should have died there or never came home. I watched them in pain sometimes because they could never talk about what is tearing them up inside. .I understood this and left it alone...Some were so much disturbed inside they took there own lives .I could never help them and for that I feel bad...Some today still live with the pain and I wish I could make it go away ,but I cant only they can. I support theses troubled men and women who did there best for there country ,its to bad the rest of the world cant do the same...I believe in them and what they did and had to go thru.. Without The Vets we have no freedom maybe some day the world will understand there position in life God Bless all our Vets new and old, and thank you for all you have done for America....

Tom
Plympton, MA

May the most wonderful man rest in peace.

My father Benjamin Aragon, will always be remembered and missed very much. He passed away almost a year ago on march 1st. He served in the airforce as an 82nd airborn paratrooper , and recieved his CIB. He was one of the most amazing persons around. He had a heart of gold and always had consideration of others. He'd actually take his shirt off his back if someone other needed. He was even more handsome than Elvis back in his younger days , and thats no lie. I wish I had a picture of him to show. Those who knew my father know what im talking about. He was one of the best persons around. He is missed and remembered dearly at all times.

Sitina Gonzalez
Albuquerque, NM

My Family is My Hero's

This is just a short story and my everyday hero's. I will start by saying my biggest hero's are the ones who are not here anymore. My father was in the Army and faught overseas. He got drafted and fought in WWII and survived but he remembered so much. My Next hero is my oldest brother Dale, he was drafted for the Vietnam War. I was born 6 month before he left. He spent many years overseas. He spent a couple years in Germany. My Father-in law, Earl was in the Navy and served his country to the fullest.
I have 3 other brothers who also served. I was in the Marine Corps. And 2 was in the Army. I have 2 nephews who also served in the Army.
And of course me I served in the Army from 1987 thru 1993. I served during Desert Storm. My son DJ also joined the Army in 2010 and he enlisted in it for 6 years.
I've had many of my uncles who served in the military, I still keep in contact with some of the guys I served with.
I would not trade it for anything. The experience was great, I learned so much, from respect to protecting yourself and how much you can push yourself.

Doug Peters
Vassar, MI

Daughter and son in law heroes in so many ways

My daughter is a 4th generation soldier in the US Army, married to a 4th Generation soldier in the US Army, her great grandfather was in the Phillipine insurrection, her father was in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam her father was a "Shake and bake" Cold War warrior. She met her future husband on post in Ft. Drum NY. And married him why home on R&R from Her deployment to Kuwait and prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. He is in EOD and has a very dangerous job she is currently serving in the Army Reserves as a field medic.

They are expecting their first son, and our first grandchild in April. They lace up their boots and serve knowing that soon they will both be deployed again and for who knows how many times. They are loyal and dedicated to each other, their mission and place their duty to defend this nation as a top priority. Young still in their early twenties they face each day knowing they are but an alert away from placing their lives on the line. They are triple S heroes, Soldiers, Spouses, and heroes to their parents and Siblings. We could not be more proud and would like you veteran supporters to meet them through this site.

Steve Jones
Liberty, KY

Barricade Arrestment

For service as set forth in the following:

Airman Jason Edward Reitz

For outstanding performance of his duties while serving as Arresting Gear Team Leader, Air Department in USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) on 243 October 1997. Displaying outstanding professionalism and technical expertise, Airman Reitz rapid response to a demanding situation helped to achieve the first ever barricade arrestment of an F/A-18C onboard an aircraft carrier. Faced with severe time constraints prompted by the aircraft's low fuel state, he expeditiously assisted in the rigging of the barricade and the removal of cross deck pendants. His actions contributed directly to the safe recovery of "Black Knight 207" and provided the maximum margin of safety to flight deck personnel and the pilot. Airman Reitz' professionalism and devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Jason Reitz
Lake Arrowhead, CA

my heros

It means so much to me to be part of the military family or friends with military men/woman. I may not know the life of what military men/woman go through but i do know is that they fight for us everyday. I couldnt be more proud to have uncles who where in either the army, air force or navy and my grandfather being a retired veteran of the Vietnam war. Than have two wonderful man for fighting now in the army that ive been friends with them since my freshman year in high school and even closer since they been gone but i can say i am very proud of them all because it shows that they really are fighting for each and every one of them. I just want to say you men are my heros and couldnt be more happier even though holidays suck because you are gone but i can say when you guys come home it makes me happy :) but the day you guys leave from leave hurts to say bye because not knowing what will happen while your gone and it kills me every time even thinking of that makes me sad but its not a for sure good bye but just know i love you guys :)

tina
kenosha, WI

My Hero

Two and a half years ago, I met my fiancé. He served in the Marine Corps for four years, in that time he did two tours over seas and earned a Purple Heart along with many other accomplishments. Although we did not know each other when he was active duty, his time in the service means the world to me. I cannot thank him enough for his courage and sacrifices. He is a combat veteran of almost seven years now. This man is my hero and I also thank everyone who is active duty or a veteran of the military.

Chelsea
Loveland, OH

my big brother

My brother joined the Marines right out of high school and soon after landed in Viet Nam. I was just a little girl and didn't really understand war....I just knew one of my big brothers was gone and everything changed. One of the happiest days of my life was when I got was when i looked up and my brother buba standing there to take me home. He never really came home to stay after that and he was not the same, but he has always had my back.

Life goes on and the years pass, like other Vets I know he doesn't talk about Nam. He has had a serious health issue and has never blamed it on his service, but I do.

I read about so much loss here, I know my story is small compared to those. After all, my hero lived to come home and arrived back here with his body intact. I stand at the Wall and it breaks me with the weight of its sorrow, and my heart cries for every soul who went to Nam. I appreciate the lives lost and forever changed by war.

I hope you can appreciate the love of a little girl who really didn't understand much except that one more home was shadowed by something she didn't understand. And that fell away when my big brother came back, took my hand in his and walked me home. And like the Marine he is, he has always been honorable and he has always had my back.

So many lives forever changed by every war, so much sadness and loss. So much joy shadowed by grief and guilt that our loved ones came home and others did not. I appreciate the service of every Veteran, and I thank you with all I am. my story is so much like others that went threw the same thing

ronda ford
revere, MA

Home for the Holidays

I am the eldest of 11. Nine boys and two girls. I had graduated from high school and really had no desire to further my education at that point. I wanted to do "something" other than go back to school for another 4 years. I lounged around the entire summer of 1964 and even started college that fall. I didn't last long before I knew I was not ready to go any more. I quit college, went to the Post Office and signed up for the NAVY the same afternoon though it was just after the start of the Vietnam war. I theorized it is hard to test your bravery against an irate moo-cow on a farm in Wisconsin. I was going to be the first of the "tribe" to leave home. On November 4, 1964 I was off to Great Lakes NTC for boot, with the promise by the recruiter that since I had signed in advance I was guaranteed a Christmas leave. Sure enough, on December 21st I was on a bus to Northern Wisconsin to be "Home for the Holidays", I had secretly notified my Father when and where I was coming in and he met the bus. He secreted me home and I slouched down when we hit the driveway. I walked in the back door in my full Dress Blues and behind my mother at the kitchen sink. I said "So, what's for dinner..." I will never forget the look on her face. GO NAVY...

Ron Hagen
Viera, FL