This is my dad. He is a bad ass. I honestly didn't know my dad was in vietnam until i was in high-school. We never talked about the war, and i get it now. The hate he recieved coming home astonished me. He remembers watching the news with his parents and seeing his name appear on the draft screen. I cannot even imagine how that felt. Knowing you were doing something you weren't prepared for physically or emotionally. He did what his country asked of him and that makes him a GOD DAMN HERO in my eyes. Im thankful to call you my dad and so happy you made it home to meet mom and bring Kristie and I into this world.
Great words your dad is proud of you that’s for sure. Bless him as an American I thank him my family thanks him as a Marine Veteran myself I have deep respect for him.
My brother was KIA at Phuoc Long in May of 69’. He was supposed to go on leave, but one of the other guys in his unit had a sudden hardship at home, and my brother volunteered to stand in for him so he could leave asap. Two days after his buddy arrived home, my brother’s unit was ambushed, and he was killed. 54 years later, I still miss him! He was just that kind of guy: always a team leader, and player.
I was drafted in 1968 and started my tour in Vietnam in July of '69. I had the same feeling on the way over, whatever is going to happen, is going to happen. I got wounded that December by mortar attack, but was lucky enough to cheat death and here I am now at 75 years of age as of 2024.
John Kerry he spent 4 months in Vietnam on a swift boat and all his wounds were self-inflicted only needing a Band-Aid or two he went home with three purple hearts a bronze star and a silver star..He's just as bad as Hanoi Jane another traitor to the American people.. John McCain another idiot that fired off a missile by accident on the USS Forrester killing I believe 124 of his own men and wounding hundreds more his father and his grandfather got him out of that..He crashed a total of seven planes when he got captured and put into the Hanoi Hilton most of his wounds were self-inflicted also they called him King Rat-🐀💨 he would Rat on everybody so he would guess extra Privileges and extra food..🤮..F-um all..🤮
I'm an 84 yo Vietnam Veteran. I started my tour at NhaTrang in January 1963. Our base was close to a beautiful beach on the South China Sea . Our Unit was the 339 Transportation Co. We serviced Aircraft like the DeHavilland Otter, L-19s and Hueys. Seems like a lifetime ago. I usually wear a US Army hat and am constantly "Thanked" for my Service, which I didn't get when I returned in 1964. All is good, though. Glad to serve our Country, which I dearly love ❤️. God Bless America. 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service have you been back to Vietnam it is a very beautiful and unique place to visit my wife and I have been living here off and on for 12 years we live in NHA Trang and up in the mountains in DaLat were we have a large expat group from all over the world and a few Vietnam veats I recommend to all to visit it will change your views of the war 🙏🇺🇲
When I got out of the Marine Corps in 75 I lied about being in the service for a good 10 years. I couldn't get a job, place to live, so I denied ever being in the service. We need to take better care of our service members and veterans. I salute each and every one of you, Thank you.
Man, I didn't want to go and the draft stopped literally weeks before I turned 18. Never had disrespect for our soldiers. I knew even back then they were better men than me.
I started getting bad vibes about being a Vietnam Vet when I started looking for a job in 1971, after serving in 'Nam in 1969. It seemed as though word got around that ALL Vietnam Vets were crazy, and not many people trusted us.
SGT FUNK...YOUR STORY IS MY STORY...I WAS WITH HHC 3rd BDE SCOUT PLATOON 101st AIRBORNE...CAMP EVANS FROM JUNE 70- JULY 71...WE WORKED THE SAME AREAS AT THE SAME TIME...HOME COMING WAS EXACTLY AS YOU DESCRIBED IT AND NOW 50 +YEARS LATER I TO STARTED SHOWING MY SERVICE...WELCOME HOME BROTHER...👍🇺🇸❤️😎
Whenever things are getting shitty and I start feeling sorry for myself, I watch these videos and listen to these fellow's stories. And I realize my life ain't so bad.
The best line in the movie Platoon. King said “ All you need is to get out of here. Then every day for the rest of your life is gravely “ love it. “ Don’t be a fool “
My father, a LRP in Vietnam, served with a remarkable man named Patrick Tadinia. Patrick is perhaps one of the most badass individuals to have ever lived, and regrettably, his story may go untold. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, 74th Infantry Detachment. Spending five consecutive years in Vietnam, he led hundreds of missions as a team leader without ever losing a single man. A native Hawaiian, he confidently walked point in black pajamas, armed with an AK-47. Upon contact with the enemy, the resulting confusion lasted just a few seconds, and that was all it took. Motivated by the early loss of his brother in the war, Tadinia spent five consecutive years seeking revenge, earning him legendary status among LRRP units. These missions, deep behind enemy lines with 4-7 man teams, were exceptionally perilous, involving reconnaissance, prisoner snatches, enemy harassment, direct assault, POW rescue, and more. Patrick's extraordinary accomplishment of running missions for five years in the jungles of Vietnam without losing a single man is a tale that deserves telling. He garnered two Silver Stars, 10 Bronze Stars, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Army Commendation Medals (including two for valor), and three Purple Hearts. Patrick Tadinia's untold story is one of remarkable resilience and bravery- I hope this comment makes it to the right person because his story should be told. EDIT: DarkDocs UA-cam channel did a piece on Patrick titled "The real life Rambo". Should be able to find it with a quick search.
@@bobwalters9492 A book, movie or something. My brief description doesn't even begin to touch on the legend of this man. There are so many crazy stories about him and his time in Vietnam. I'm not exaggerating when I say he is probably one of the most impressive soldiers to ever live If not the most impressive. I wish I had the aptitude to put together some content on him or write a book, it would be such an amazing story.
@@michaelscott466..A friend of mine he was a photographer and took 8 mm movies that was so graphic during the war he told me before he died if you get caught bringing these back into the United States it's possible you would go to jail for War crimes..Even though none of it was mine he died in Vietnam from gunshot wounds..I still have them a total of 6 metal canisters..Before my son was going to Afghanistan he wanted to see these movies to see what we went through.. I couldn't even watch 30 minutes of it without breaking down..Most of them became so brittle when you try to spin it through the old Bell & Howell projector they started snapping off in little pieces..Take God..When you're young it was all about survival as you get older and watch some of these movies it's horrifying..It started all over again with night tremors and cold sweats something I put behind me a long time ago..Was like PTSD all over again..Somebody told me they might be able to turn the real to reals into CDs..Maybe I will donate them to the military they would probably destroy them anyway..So they sit un- watched..Getting a stress headache just writing this down..Great interviews with a very brave man=🙏👉🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My brother was in Vietnam, did 2 tours, he lost his mind and was given an honorable discharge and a pension for life. He can't tell us what he went through. I wish I knew. Poor guy. He came home and they gave him experimental drugs and that didn't help. He's had a hard life. He was never the same. But he has always been there to help us when we need him. You could always count on him to be the pinch hitter when the chips were low. How I love my brother.
My brother is a true life Rambo, with many confirmed kills. He saved his whole platoon one night from an ambush, but never talked about it. He came home and threw his chest full of medals into the trashcan, where I found them and stored them in my lockbox until I joined the Navy, and I lost track of them. My father and brother were both Purple Heart recipients. My brother also got a Silver Star, and nearly died of malaria. I wore his combat jacket with pride, and served 20 years as a Yeoman.
My dad is the same way, I think men with huge hearts are destroyed in war. They did what they had to.... at a great internal cost. We all owe them a great debt.
I hope he is ok. My friend is kinda ok. I know some of the story about his time and it's hard to hear that. Take care of your dad please and thank him for his service. I can't ever believe that I know what he has been through.
Vietnam was a glorious defeat of the Americancer Society. The first of many to come. At least you can say you were beat by a professional force. The United Flakes in Afghanistan got beat by untrained, unsupported goat-herders. LOL
It’s long overdue but thank you for your service. My late partner served in DaNang…loading Agent Orange into airplanes. It finally caught up with him. Six heart attacks, nine stents, prostate cancer, chronic uti’s, a brain bleed and metastatic prostate cancer that finally took him out. He was an amazing human being. He shouldn’t have been exposed to all the horrors he endured, he should have been honored when he came home, and he shouldn’t have had to fight the VA for care. My heart is with all the surviving soldiers of the Vietnam war. You have my utmost respect.
I have a high school buddy who's in the same boat. He told me his job was opening the 50 gallon drums of Agent Orange and couldn't help from spilling the stuff on themselves while loading the planes.
Sorry for your Loss!, My Uncle Served at Da Nang as well, and also passed away yrs. Later of Cancer!, ....GOD BLESS OUR VIETNAM VETERANS!!, GOD BLESS ALL OUR VETERANS!, PAST , AND PRESENT!!, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Thank-you Sir for your service and telling your story. My husband experienced the same homecoming from Vietnam. He told me once, and never again would he speak of Vietnam. He had surgery twice from home accidents, and both times he woke up in Vietnam and it was awful. It took many surgery personnel to hold him down and talk him back to reality. Again, he would not speak of it. But our next family trip out to the ball game and fireworks, he made his way to the van with one of the kids in tow to go home fast. I drove while he shook and trying to hold back the tears running down his face. I could never get him to go for help and he still would not speak of it with a friend that had military service. To this day, I don't know anything about his time there. He was a kind man and always had a clean funny joke to brighten anyone's day. When he saw a person in need, he took care of it or organized friends to come together to help. He died October of 2000.
You might not see this, but I want to say THANK YOU for serving in Vietnam. I am sorry that you did not receive a hero’s welcome because YOU ARE A HERO!!! God bless you!🙏❤️🇺🇸
My brother in law passed 2 yrs.ago .He never talked about Vietnam but died with malaria, agent orange and who knows the mental paranoia he had. I thank every soldier I see and thank you sir for your story!
My bro was in Viet Nam, he made it out, but it never left him. He passed recently from complications of agent orange. The silent ied that has killed so many. I am thankful you made it through, and were able to finally share your story. A true measure of a man, is to do his duty to his fellows even when policy goes wrong. Thank you for your service to your troops.
I was in Da Nang and I took a trip to Rock Pile , last week. I couldn’t believe how the Soldiers did that, the Heat, the Hills, and carrying all their gear . So much RESPECT FOR THEM. Thanks for Serving !!!!!
...Keep in mind all the servicemen who died in unjust wars like Vietnam and Iraq, and when I say unjustified I'm talking about the treason that politicians and 3 letter agencies committed when they started said wars. The US Military has become a tool for the corrupt and evil, which was the OPPOSITE of what was intended when this country was conceived. Anybody else find that odd?..
Did Hastings, July '66 near and at the Rockpile, why on Earth would you take a trip out to the boonies to see the jungle? Anyways, I would never go back to Nam, if it was an all paid trip.
Okay, you have a legit reason to go there, Penang, ( That's Malaysia, right?) enjoy.@@d.chiasson3307But, I was actually replying to superdavem2104 on his trip out to the Rockpile in RVN.
My father was in vietnam in 1968-1969. He was was in Danang, Hue city , and Con tien. He never talked about his Vietnam experience. He had severe PTSD and drowned it with alcohol. He died with his stories.
Following a spinal cord injury when I was 21, I had the opportunity as part of my rehab to get into wheelchair sports via the local VA Hospital in 1977. I spent three years with those men and they were the product of war, conflict or self abuse. Their service to our nation was from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Their disabilities ranged from amputees to spinal cord injuries. Your fathers PTSD and alcohol abuse was more the norm from my perspective and personal experience. Every time since 1977 to date that I see a war movie they never get the VA and the men and women who are housed their right. I can never thank all those men for giving me a Hall of Fame life. Not one Memorial Day goes by when I do not think about how those men, who allowed me into their personal hell, and how they gave me a life worth living. I think often about how fortunate I was to be born in this country. Thanks to some men who came back from war maimed and nearly broken in spirit so I could experience, as a non-service citizen, "a life worth living."
I can't speak for your father but as an alcoholic pot head and crazy ass Vietnam Veteran all I can say is " It's the guilt that burns my mind " The Guilt.........
My father was a surgeon's assistant in a MASH unit in Vietnam. He got a purple heart because a mortar came through the tent roof and he got fragged pretty bad. He might be willing to let this channel interview him. He doesn't have combat stories but he's got some other interesting stuff to talk about. He saved a bunch of guy's lives there.
@@pechoja try again. The Vietnam vets couldn’t come home in uniform because people would disrespect them So yes I will generalize. They were spit on and things thrown at them. This country in general didn’t respect them. They didn’t receive recognition or respect till the memorial was erected. I’ll generalize if I want. Do your research before you speak.
Unfortunately they made sacrifices for rich disgusting men! It's never been about our freedom. I believe it was a mother of Rothschilds brothers who said, "if it were not for my sons wanting war there would be none!" Absolutely disgusting! Wake up America 🇺🇸
Where i was from rural america none of that anti war stuff went. All men coming back home were treated good and looked up to. We didn't know one thing about Vietnam and had never heard of the place until the war. One year in Vietnam become a long year in Vietnam. Johnson wanted results and the stars and stripes had a lot of half truths most of the time.
I went over there in late 1965 when I was just 17 years old, and came home from Nam in late 1968 and got the same unwelcome reception, I also hide my military service until I was 75 and started being proud of my service and wearing Vietnam shirts & caps.
I too thank you brother for your service. Welcome home from this US Navy Viet Nam Vet and my wife. 1st Division on board the USS Mullinnix DD944. (1971- 1972)
Welcome home, bro. 1969, Nam, central highlands, For 20 years I walked quietly, letting no one know I was a combat vet. We did what we believed to be the right thing.
His laughter fading back into a momentary distant stare each time he takes joy in remembering a fellow man, haunts me. You deserve the laughter Brother. Thank you for your service.
I am an ex-Navy Corpsman, and I am very sorry for you or anyone who had to go to Vietnam. I was stationed in the states, in Philly, taking care of you or your buddies, when you came back. I heard many stories and saw more than I ever wanted to, I am glad you made home in one piece. Thank you and ALL who served in Vietnam. I am so sorry that our govt., and so many others never understand what happens in war. Thank you again for your service!
Welcome home Steve…thanks for your service I was drafted out of California 1968.. was a rifleman in the 25th infantry division had many close calls like you did especially with booby traps..glad your back home safe…
my bro and i in vietnam,my sons in iraq,afghan war---all four of us say a 100 percent total waste,a crime to kill people for no reason other than to kill people--never brag on it,would never wear a tee shirt or ball cap showing me as vet,no way--the neocons war mongers used us to make money on war equipment,sickening
I had a friend who was a tunnel rat over there. Talk about dangerous work. When he got back, he was a changed man. OK sober, but when he drank, watch out. He'd take anybody on. Vietnam really got to him. Ditto with another friend who served with Patton during WW2. Quiet as a mouse when he was sober, but hell on wheels when he drank. The town cops never arrested him. They just drove him home, parked his car in the driveway, and told him to pick up his pistol in the morning, down at the station. R.I.P., Tom. You were a good friend.
Thank you to all our vets..you are respected and loved and we can't thank you enough . God bless America land of the free and home of the baddest bravest military in the world
My uncle was a LRRP in the 101st. He volunteered for two (at least) tours in Vietnam. He had been field promoted to E-9 before he finished in Vietnam. Afterward, PTSD led him to attempt to raise his family in, less than ideal conditions. (In his mind, he was feeding and sheltering them, they weren't starving) It turned him into the family pariah. I always felt bad for him because I knew he was misunderstood. Nobody had a clue the things he saw and had to do. Only the end of his life when the VA finally granted him combat disability was he ever given any respect by my family. Terrible. He was a hero.
"come what may" "I just want to read one name because that should have been me" "I was pro troop against the war" "My goal was to get everybody home" A real MAN in my book. I was just a little too young but I remember the disrespect when MY troops came home. Thank you Steve Funk for your service!
I am a veteran of OUF and OEF. 3/1 USMC and Fallujah 11/08/04 Operation Phantom Fury. It was the closest thing we got to the norm of what Vietnam vets saw on a regular basis. GOD BLESS THIS MAN... You my friend are a true hero and those before and after you.. Semper Fidelis.
@@charlieparker2773 Ya, what service did Vietnam Vets perform for America and it's people? Obviously they didn't protect them in any way (a small country on the other side of the Pacific is no threat). They lost the war and didn't prevent socialism from taking over. So what was the service that you are thanking him/them for?
@@bipslone8880hes done more for other people than you are going to do in your entire life. Grow up man. Stop looking for a fight in a comment section and come find me so I can put you out of your misery
@@willtoler6917 Yeah, it's "interesting" because America got its fucking ass kicked in Vietnam. America still won the actual WAR, though--your young guys shot and killed some assholes in another country, those assholes shot and killed young Americans, and money was made for the Military-Industrial Complex. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
I turned 18 a couple of weeks after they stopped the draft. I always wondered if I would have been a coward or not. I have two sons that served. One of them was in combat in Afghanistan. He suffered PTSD from what he witnessed. He has gotten better but still has some bad days. He went through something and learned things about himself that I will never know. I am proud of both of my boys.
I always ran from fights in school and wondered if I was a coward. Combat in Vietnam confirmed that I am stronger than I thought I was. I'm sure you are much the same. I am always happy to hear about someone who didn't have to go through the trauma many of us endured. Be happy, be kind and rock on Dude.
This man is so honest and humble. He went through the worst and came out with his mind intact. I so admire him. He's the kind of person who should be running for office but never will.
Amazing brave American who never shied away from his duty as a soldier...I can only say that I owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. Thank you sir and every other of my peers that served in this thankless war.
As a 72 year old, American male is very sobering to listen to Mr. Funk’s story. Saying thanks for your service seems like not nearly enough. I remember the stories of people disrespecting our soldiers at airports and elsewhere. All I can say is shame on them. I never went to Vietnam and I was against the war, but never against our soldiers; against our politicians who got us there, of course, but not ever against the people who served on the ground. The way Vietnam veterans have been treated since the end of the war is extremely shameful. There’s nothing else I can say…
I'm Australian and I've always found it terrible that Vietnam veterans got abused by the public so much when they came home. They would hide and not even go to the RSL Return Service League. They wouldn't march on ANZAC day because of the public feeling. They had to cope with war and combat plus the public shame. So sad. We had a "welcome home " ceremony some years ago that they never got at the time. Blame the politicians not the people on the ground.
My mission is to make sure Vietnam Vets feel welcomed home. I spent this evening with a tunnel rat from 2/28 INF (Black Lions). I spent 23 years active duty, and feel obligated to celebrate the service of our Vietnam Veterans. (Drafted or otherwise). Americans should never protest against those sent in harms way to defend our freedom...or our nation's misguided goals.
Kfish, "misguided goals" are NOT worth offering up your Sons and Daughters to die for and or be mutilated for!! Vietnam never had to happen, Iraq 1 and 2 never had to happen, Afghanistan the same, and as far as Russia and Ukraine,,the DC Ghouls brought on that deadly situation that had nothing to do with our freedom or safety or economy.
@@allenfowler1794 In what way? Trying to force your ideology onto another country? Damaging America's image. How did a genocidal attack on Cambodia help America? *A real American patriot would have burned their draft card and refused to go. A real patriot like Muhammad Ali sacrificing his career to do the right thing*
@@bipslone8880 You seem to have no respect for yourself much less than anyone else. I'm not a draft dodger like yourself. Hence I can respect myself and those who served our country so you....can live the American Dream.
@@allenfowler1794 It's called having a moral compass and standing for whats right. You never seemed to answer what service Vietnam war criminals provided. *America lost the war for what?* North Vietnam, officially the Democratic Republic is still a socialist country. *How was America served?*
@@bipslone8880,you would not know,flower child! Lots of people want to serve their country! There are many people that appreciate the effort they made!
@@thomastolbert6184 Why is it that no one can explain how being involved in Vietnam "Served" America or Americans? America lost the war and North Vietnam is still a socialist country. All the death and NOTHING gained. Whats you answer?
As an OIF/OEF veteran, I am so thankful for Vietnam veterans (my dad and uncle served there). Any accolades we received were built on their backs, as the public recognized how badly those returning veterans were treated. I'm glad that this gentleman reached a place in life where he can be proud of his service.
Great interview, my uncle was in Vietnam unfortunately he came but he stayed there even successful in life and education he drank himself to death liver failure. Drank till his last minute on earth. My neighbor growing up also marine Vietnam vet, never said a word about to me. I am a marine veteran too. Few Christmas ago I went over to see Mr Bruce Brown to see how he was holding up now with terminal cancer. I gave him a Marine coin he shook my hand cried and so did I. He then for the first time talked about his time in service to me. He died months later. These Vietnam Veterans deserve more from this country. If I see one in town I shake their hand tell them Hi and tell my kids they are all regardless of what they did over there stand up guys and gals.
i was a seabee there in 67/68, served with the 3rd marines danang and hill 65 (the arizona). i have ptsd and heart disease (orange) i am 75. i can not forget . i also remember my treatment when i came home and how bad the va was in the beginning. Love my brothers and sisters (i was hospitalized and nurses have my upmost respect
Welcome home seabee, I was in Mcb. 71,chu lie.1967 1968. I am almost 77 now and relive some part of my tour every day!! Many injuries 100% ptsd, and they say to not let it define you... I became a doctor of chiropractic and it probably saved my life.retired after 40years.still smelling and seeing it. when I came back, I really thought I was a hero....obviously I was in a different world in my mind. Anyway I'm rambling. Most people have no idea, glad you made it out.
I was a highschool senior in '67 living on the Naval base in Yokosuka Japan...still remember clearly the choppers day and night ferrying Vietnam wounded to the base hospital...my gf was the daughter of the hospital's chief plastic surgeon, Capt Vasquez.
Thank you sir for your service and glad you are still alive, my husband was there in 67/68, but I didn't knew about his whole storied of Vietnam war, just told me that was nightmare in his memories, he stay in U.S Army 23ys, he got all kind healthy issues from Viet too(orange), before five years his life such suffered and awful, he turned to 76ys died in early this year, after he went to heaven I cleaned his cloths,found one oldies jacket(67/68),behind the jacket had some sewing words: when I die I'll go to heaven because I spend my time in hell! look at those words my tears drop like rain, but I'm so proudly of him because he served for ours country! God bless you and your family!
I went to the county to check out the VA. The woman behind the counter called me a coward (combat medic) I said " I don't remember seeing your ass over there"
Welcome home! I was drafted but I showed up. I arrived in Vietnam at the end of April, 1968 after the Tet Offensive. But...I was just in time for the May Offensive. By the end of May, 1968 my platoon in the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta (which should have had 25 or 30 heavily armed teenagers) was down to 12. I was a combat veteran and platoon RTO as we received replacements during June and July. Guess what? In August there was a Phase III Offensive. Those guys who say they won the war by taking all those towns back during the Tet Offensive are mistaken. On 8/18/1968 I was in an ATC (like the D-Day landing craft) with the rest of Company D when we were hit hard. The boat I was on was in the kill zone and only 4 of us walked away from that (we had around 25 in my platoon earlier in that day). My platoon leader was air lifted to a hospital and when he came back to our unit he was given a desk job and pulled me out of combat. He saved my life because guys carrying a radio on their backs were prime targets. So I spent 6 or 7 months in combat and 6 months or so as a typist. When I came home in early June, 1969 I wore my dress green uniform and flew for free on "standby" status. It took me 2 days to fly home from Oakland, CA (available seating) but no one said or did anything ugly to me. I guess that came later. Lots more to this but I don't want to bore anyone.
I remember the lists of soldiers coming home in the newspapers after the war was finally ended. I deployed in 2003. Came home different. As an OEF/OIF era veteran, I can say that the Viet Nam veterans fought for so many of the benefits that were available to us. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for these men and women.
@@Alobster1we should have never gone to Vietnam. It was all started based on a lie .. Gulf of Tonkin. McNamara stated/confessed as much. These vets are heros as they served believing the lie.
@@morelife6508 I can't imagine getting drafted and being told to shoot anything that moves. No wonder a lot of these men won't say a word about their service. Torn between doing the right thing and serving their country
Incredible man. Incredible story. Incredible humility. I have my dad’s empty footlocker. He threw away his uniforms and never spoke of the Vietnam war when he got back from serving as XO in the 108th Artillery Group, Dong Ha 1967-68. He retired in 1969 after 20 years of broken service that began in 1944. He was a tri vet. He moved the family to Nebraska as far away from war protesters he could get. On one rare occasion he tossed the television out the door when a movie called Friendly Fire aired in 1979. He got so mad and the only thing he said was ‘they would do that on purpose.’ Followed by a short story about army officers sent into U.S. fire zones intentionally killed by U.S. artillery. I was a boy and didn’t know what he meant and had trouble believing it until I became familiar with the term fragging. Although I can find no information of artillery being used, typically it was done with grenades. He was a LTC at the time. I requested his full service record and was able to piece together his career. I never knew he was awarded a Bronze Star for his Vietnam service until I read it… 37 years after he died.
Sgt. Funk, as an Air Force Nurse during your war I was "anti Vietnam war", just like you stated, but I also supported our troops while heartedly, & do to this day, 2023,. My respect to all those who served in-country is big, with the Medics, Corpsmen, Dust off crews, Docs, & Nurses at the top of our overall pyramid in of medical team. I was lucky & never had to set foot in Nam but had people at Tachikawa AFB hospital 24 to 48 hours after being hit in field in my care. Your statement about the big Medic stepping into your footprints to get to wounded guys stole my heart. I salute you & thank you.
As the daughter of a vietnam vet I wish reporters would talk to kids of war vets. My fathers mother died at 42 of a stroke because she was convinced he would die.I always resented that vietnam made my father insane from a brain injury as a child I always visited him in the nursing home. He died really young
I am also a daughter of a Vietnam vet 70-71, 101st airborne……my dad passed at 48 in a car accident.He was too young, but suffered so much since returning from nam in 1971. He always fought addiction and once he returned home, he was never the same man. I miss him sooooo much!
I'm glad the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are treated better than I was being a Vietnam vet. It has gotten much better with people actually thanking for my service and businesses offering military discounts. I went in in 1969 came out in 1999.
I'm glad you made it! I'm an army brat. Dad served 30 year's and I had no clue of what he endured until his fellow soldiers showed up on UA-cam. 1st Iraq, I asked if there was going to be a draft. My dad and I were watching all the vehicles changed color. He told me his nightmare. Hand to hand, Korea. He was in the artillery. I didn't know my dad went through that. He was the most regular caring father one could ever hope for. Again, I thank you for talking about your experience. Your kid's want to know. Most of my friends were army brats. I must've been 6th ograde before I knew what my dad did for a living. My little brother was a Riveraine in Iraq. He's not talking because dad n passed in 2009. Not good. 🤘🏻❤️🖖
I give my apologies to you sir on behalf of all who made you ashamed of being a vet! And I stand at attention when I declare( THANK YOU) FOR YOUR SERVICE! Thank you! May God Bless you and give you peace!
When i came home from Vietnam, we landed in California, took a bus to the airport in San Francisco. Never saw any protesters and was not harassed by anyone. I never thought about it. I was told for years i was a very scary individual after coming back. Maybe i was but i always thought i was a nice guy.
Have you been back to Vietnam since the war it is a very beautiful and unique place to visit my wife and I have been living here off and on for 12 years if you have not been back to Vietnam I encourage you to visit it will change your views of the war thank you for your service
@@rondodson5736hello Ron if you ever decide to come back this way again we have a large expat group with Vietnam vets that are a part of here in DaLat the weathers beautiful year-round average 68 and 73 no humidity and a 3-hour motorcycle ride down to NHA traing which we drive down to all the time on the China Sea, just look up expat and DaLat Vietnam, thank you for your service good luck
Vietnam is one of those wars where, if I see a man wearing that hat, I can’t help but shake his hand and tell him welcome home. It’s absolutely disgusting that most of those men were drafted only to be tormented for the rest of their days by the war as well as not have support after
I am a Vietnam veteran, and I wear nothing on my head but a cap saying I am a ‘Nam veteran. Most people in America don’t give a rat's butt, more than likely under 1% care. Vietnam 1970-1971, Mekong Delta - Dong Tam Tan An Can Tho RVN. My grandson joined up at the age of 31, home for Christmas; he said to me, “Americans people don’t care.” 12y8m18d of army duty.
I am torn about wearing my hat. Almost seems like I’m bragging. But I earned the pins I put on there. I was not combat, so I feel less than most of the others, which I am. The combat troops were the real heroes.
"I'm not stupid enough to care!" 🤣. He's had many days at the beach, I hope, since leaving that hell hole for good. This man is awesome. Bless you sir, thanks for your service.
I can totally relate to Sgt Funk. I was told not to wear my uniform on return to US. This is after flying 125 combat missions some over North Vietnam, and Cambodia. I was very disillusioned. I went back to college and while there was called to speak about Vietnam. Then the group who wanted me to speak said they wanted to hear about how bad the U.S. treated the Vietnamese people. I cancelled this and would not say that. Thank you Sgt Funk for you service.
Thanks for your service to our country. My uncle served in Vietnam. He drove a tank . He speaks very little about his time there. He has had issues from the war. God Bless you for your Sacrifices to our Country.
My grandfather was in Vietnam he was a Radio Operator... Their life expectancy was 5 seconds on a good day... He's still here though. He is a very reserved and kind of reclusive man. Spends almost every day fishing and relaxing like he should. I hope one day he will be able to open up and share his traumatic experiences that he has refused to this day.
I was also in Vietnam and as a veteran have been largely silent for many years. Now our federal govt has become so corrupt I have becomiming very angry towards what is happening today to our once great country. And the direction our military has going making it less accountable for its existence today.
I don’t even know this country anymore. I was thinking, I wonder what people my dad who was in Vietnam and Korea would think if he seen this country today
Sir I can appreciate your response. And I am also disillusioned by what this country today. I am sorry for your loss of your father who served both in Vietnam and Korea. We do not know what his response would be in how describing events today would influence his thinking and would hope they would be different than your opinon or my own. But in saying that I do not like the "NEW" thoughts in comparison to those who been taught a deeper history of events of creating the country we had prior to say 1975 when the war in Vietnam concluded. We who have knowledge prior to 1975 are certainly more informatived and appreciate the freedoms up to that point outside of devastating changes happening to education after 1975.
You are mistaken my friend. Stop listening to folks who are making a fortune feeding the public lies and nonsense. I'm serious. Things are not as bad as you think and no one is treading on you.
Thank you, Sir, for your sacrifice and Welcome Home. It breaks my heart that you, like my family members & friends, had to suffer the insensitive naivety of the general public. May you always be blessed with grace and love.
Thank you for your service. I am ashamed that you and other vets were treated so horribly and your service was dishonored. I served Kansas NG 74-78.... I know how fortunate I am for never going to war. We had a lot of vets in our company. Some of them were the last NG troops to fiught in Vietnam... One was a guy named Madsen.. the 1/2 assed marine..
I remember picking up my Father with my Mom (early 70’s) in Cleveland. He was coming back from Thailand and my Mom went up to an Army Soldier and gave him a hug. I was crazy young but she said she heard crap from others in the terminal. This was before Kent State, according to her. Adolescent minds-still to this day.
Thanks for your service Steve! I was in high school when the draft ended. Grew up watching the names of young men who were killed in Vietnam scroll on the tv. I never understood the hate that you and all the veterans received after coming home. I did not agree with the war itself, but my dad was a veteran of Korea, and I understood what you and others did was for our country, regardless of the war. I'm glad you can feel proud now, and should have been given a hero's welcome when you came home.
Welcome home! It warms my heart to hear you mention Ross Perot. When I was a young man I campaigned for Ross (twice) and came to know him personally after my folks died shortly between each other. We kept in touch through the years, he always made sure I had his number. Last saw him in 2012 at a reunion dinner in Dallas. I’ve never met a man with as much principle and character. What a national treasure he was. Ross had a tremendous impact on my life. It was an honor to know him. I’m glad he had an impact on yours too and that someone was willing to give you a hero’s welcome. You’ll have to give us the story of the Iran rescue!
I still cannot talk about it. I am soon to be 73… not all guys wee honorable like this guy. Thankfully it was very few this way! I admire our Viet Nam Vets who honorably served! ❤️
@@FallNorth So you don't know what service was provided either? They killed countless innocent people in order to prevent communism from taking over North Vietnam but America lost the war and North Vietnam is a socialist country....... What service did these evil idiots die and kill for?
Thank you for your service my brother. I am sorry for the things you had to witness in Vietnam at the orders of our government. I was also assigned to the 2-506 in the 101st as a Combat Medic with 11B's. Afghanistan 2016-2017. These wars cause scars that we carry for a lifetime, with no positive outcomes...
(OIF/OEF Veteran); you can tell that he was in some serious "stuff" when he says he never saw his Captain. Haha. I can relate. I was in those missions where the brass knew we were, simply put, bullet magnets. So why would they wanna join us. Only on the highly-secured runs. With that said; there are a bunch that fight in the front. The real fighters. I had a Major that I became close to. He was awesome. ....anyways, this guy is a hero. A great story teller and you can tell how extremely genuine he is. I'm glad you're recording it. I can't speak for everyone, but I think there are thousands of veterans with incredible stories who would love to share but just don't have an outlet. We need to do it for our children. Most importantly, for our Nation.
My Dad was in Vietnam. 67-68-71-72. I was born at Blanchfield Military Hospital Fort Campbell, KY, and I grew up in Clarksville, Tn. My Dad retired in 1991, but I remember going up North to visit family & listen to their war time experiences in Country. Both of my uncles also served. Luckily, they all made it back. I miss my Dad, dearly. He was not only my Father, but my friend. Lucinan Hamilton. Franklin, Tn.
Sadly, Vietnam Nam is still killing guys who served over there all those years ago. I personally know of two who passed in 2023...one from the effects of Agent Orange & the other from his struggle with PTSD that there was no name or treatment for back then. I'm thankfull to know you have survived your experience as well as you have. Thank you for your service, sir!
Listen to our podcast 🎤: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vietnam-experience/id1732962685
Correction, PFC Norris was in A company, 2nd platoon, 2nd squad. I was the squad leader.
amen❤
Wow! Ross Perot. I worked for EDS too but not a programmer nor in the service.
@@Thevietnamexperience thanks
This is my dad. He is a bad ass. I honestly didn't know my dad was in vietnam until i was in high-school. We never talked about the war, and i get it now. The hate he recieved coming home astonished me. He remembers watching the news with his parents and seeing his name appear on the draft screen. I cannot even imagine how that felt. Knowing you were doing something you weren't prepared for physically or emotionally. He did what his country asked of him and that makes him a GOD DAMN HERO in my eyes. Im thankful to call you my dad and so happy you made it home to meet mom and bring Kristie and I into this world.
Beautifully said, Kara.
Yes sir he is very much a hero...thank you for your service sir and my FREEDOM...
Salute to your pops 💯
Great words your dad is proud of you that’s for sure. Bless him as an American I thank him my family thanks him as a Marine Veteran myself I have deep respect for him.
❤❤❤❤
My brother was KIA at Phuoc Long in May of 69’. He was supposed to go on leave, but one of the other guys in his unit had a sudden hardship at home, and my brother volunteered to stand in for him so he could leave asap. Two days after his buddy arrived home, my brother’s unit was ambushed, and he was killed. 54 years later, I still miss him! He was just that kind of guy: always a team leader, and player.
Sorry for your loss. Your brother is a real-life hero.
Thank you for your brother’s supreme sacrifice in his duty.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. By volunteering he actually saved that other guys life.
I'm sorry for that god bless you both and thank you to your brother ❤
I am sorry for your loss and your brother's sacrifice.
I was drafted in 1968 and started my tour in Vietnam in July of '69. I had the same feeling on the way over, whatever is going to happen, is going to happen. I got wounded that December by mortar attack, but was lucky enough to cheat death and here I am now at 75 years of age as of 2024.
you should really tell your stories in this series too someday you guys will be not with us anymore like the last war generation here in germany
John Kerry he spent 4 months in Vietnam on a swift boat and all his wounds were self-inflicted only needing a Band-Aid or two he went home with three purple hearts a bronze star and a silver star..He's just as bad as Hanoi Jane another traitor to the American people.. John McCain another idiot that fired off a missile by accident on the USS Forrester killing I believe 124 of his own men and wounding hundreds more his father and his grandfather got him out of that..He crashed a total of seven planes when he got captured and put into the Hanoi Hilton most of his wounds were self-inflicted also they called him King Rat-🐀💨 he would Rat on everybody so he would guess extra Privileges and extra food..🤮..F-um all..🤮
Welcome home
@@Tom-bm7mm Thank you.
Thank you sir and welcome home
I'm an 84 yo Vietnam Veteran. I started my tour at NhaTrang in January 1963. Our base was close to a beautiful beach on the South China Sea . Our Unit was the 339 Transportation Co. We serviced Aircraft like the DeHavilland Otter, L-19s and Hueys. Seems like a lifetime ago. I usually wear a US Army hat and am constantly "Thanked" for my Service, which I didn't get when I returned in 1964. All is good, though. Glad to serve our Country, which I dearly love ❤️.
God Bless America. 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service have you been back to Vietnam it is a very beautiful and unique place to visit my wife and I have been living here off and on for 12 years we live in NHA Trang and up in the mountains in DaLat were we have a large expat group from all over the world and a few Vietnam veats I recommend to all to visit it will change your views of the war 🙏🇺🇲
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Welcome home
I too was there and scared to death but still doing my job trying to save downed pilots.
74 69/70 Dong Ha firebase fuller 1/3 then the 1/4.
When I got out of the Marine Corps in 75 I lied about being in the service for a good 10 years. I couldn't get a job, place to live, so I denied ever being in the service. We need to take better care of our service members and veterans. I salute each and every one of you, Thank you.
Man, I didn't want to go and the draft stopped literally weeks before I turned 18. Never had disrespect for our soldiers. I knew even back then they were better men than me.
I started getting bad vibes about being a Vietnam Vet when I started looking for a job in 1971, after serving in 'Nam in 1969. It seemed as though word got around that ALL Vietnam Vets were crazy, and not many people trusted us.
@@roberthaas1095I think there were many more of us that didn't want to go than did.
I know the feeling. Thank you for your service. Those who recently served and are serving now are experiencing the same now. @@felixmadison5736
That's awful that you had to do that. My uncle served two tours and died at 43 from lung cancer having never smoked. I'm sure you know the story.
SGT FUNK...YOUR STORY IS MY STORY...I WAS WITH HHC 3rd BDE SCOUT PLATOON 101st AIRBORNE...CAMP EVANS FROM JUNE 70- JULY 71...WE WORKED THE SAME AREAS AT THE SAME TIME...HOME COMING WAS EXACTLY AS YOU DESCRIBED IT AND NOW 50 +YEARS LATER I TO STARTED SHOWING MY SERVICE...WELCOME HOME BROTHER...👍🇺🇸❤️😎
I was with the 101st ,HHC 1st Brigade Raider force recon. 70/71
@@garyfeltman4482 WELCOME HOME BROTHER...
Thank you sir
Glad you made it home safe soldier, That son of a bitch Johnson sent our boys there for nothing...all war games and nonsense for a crooked government
3/506 Inf E Co. LRRP.
Whenever things are getting shitty and I start feeling sorry for myself, I watch these videos and listen to these fellow's stories. And I realize my life ain't so bad.
Same here!!
The best line in the movie Platoon. King said “ All you need is to get out of here. Then every day for the rest of your life is gravely “ love it. “ Don’t be a fool “
Same buddy
Greatly said. How can I self authenticate depression when so many have been through much worse..
I hope your doing great Joe, really great!!! I hope tomorrow is great too! Have a good day every day Joe! I mean it damn it! 💯%
My father, a LRP in Vietnam, served with a remarkable man named Patrick Tadinia. Patrick is perhaps one of the most badass individuals to have ever lived, and regrettably, his story may go untold. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, 74th Infantry Detachment. Spending five consecutive years in Vietnam, he led hundreds of missions as a team leader without ever losing a single man. A native Hawaiian, he confidently walked point in black pajamas, armed with an AK-47. Upon contact with the enemy, the resulting confusion lasted just a few seconds, and that was all it took. Motivated by the early loss of his brother in the war, Tadinia spent five consecutive years seeking revenge, earning him legendary status among LRRP units. These missions, deep behind enemy lines with 4-7 man teams, were exceptionally perilous, involving reconnaissance, prisoner snatches, enemy harassment, direct assault, POW rescue, and more. Patrick's extraordinary accomplishment of running missions for five years in the jungles of Vietnam without losing a single man is a tale that deserves telling. He garnered two Silver Stars, 10 Bronze Stars, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Army Commendation Medals (including two for valor), and three Purple Hearts. Patrick Tadinia's untold story is one of remarkable resilience and bravery- I hope this comment makes it to the right person because his story should be told. EDIT: DarkDocs UA-cam channel did a piece on Patrick titled "The real life Rambo". Should be able to find it with a quick search.
Someone should definitely make some content about this man. That's a pretty amazing story- 5 years and hundreds of missions...... Damn.
God bless him he is definitely a hero in my book and thank him for all that he's done God bless 🙏
He deserves a Book about him
@@bobwalters9492 A book, movie or something. My brief description doesn't even begin to touch on the legend of this man. There are so many crazy stories about him and his time in Vietnam. I'm not exaggerating when I say he is probably one of the most impressive soldiers to ever live If not the most impressive. I wish I had the aptitude to put together some content on him or write a book, it would be such an amazing story.
@@michaelscott466..A friend of mine he was a photographer and took 8 mm movies that was so graphic during the war he told me before he died if you get caught bringing these back into the United States it's possible you would go to jail for War crimes..Even though none of it was mine he died in Vietnam from gunshot wounds..I still have them a total of 6 metal canisters..Before my son was going to Afghanistan he wanted to see these movies to see what we went through.. I couldn't even watch 30 minutes of it without breaking down..Most of them became so brittle when you try to spin it through the old Bell & Howell projector they started snapping off in little pieces..Take God..When you're young it was all about survival as you get older and watch some of these movies it's horrifying..It started all over again with night tremors and cold sweats something I put behind me a long time ago..Was like PTSD all over again..Somebody told me they might be able to turn the real to reals into CDs..Maybe I will donate them to the military they would probably destroy them anyway..So they sit un- watched..Getting a stress headache just writing this down..Great interviews with a very brave man=🙏👉🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My brother was in Vietnam, did 2 tours, he lost his mind and was given an honorable discharge and a pension for life. He can't tell us what he went through. I wish I knew. Poor guy. He came home and they gave him experimental drugs and that didn't help. He's had a hard life. He was never the same. But he has always been there to help us when we need him. You could always count on him to be the pinch hitter when the chips were low. How I love my brother.
My brother is a true life Rambo, with many confirmed kills. He saved his whole platoon one night from an ambush, but never talked about it. He came home and threw his chest full of medals into the trashcan, where I found them and stored them in my lockbox until I joined the Navy, and I lost track of them. My father and brother were both Purple Heart recipients. My brother also got a Silver Star, and nearly died of malaria. I wore his combat jacket with pride, and served 20 years as a Yeoman.
This is unfortunately the real cost of war. I'm glad that he is honored by you, your family and others
I'm sorry to hear that. My buddy just got out and is whatever. Anyone that did that shit are men. Not pronouns
My dad is the same way, I think men with huge hearts are destroyed in war. They did what they had to.... at a great internal cost. We all owe them a great debt.
I hope he is ok. My friend is kinda ok. I know some of the story about his time and it's hard to hear that. Take care of your dad please and thank him for his service. I can't ever believe that I know what he has been through.
I'm 71 and served with 1st Signal Aviation, Long Thong! Although its been 53 years, some images still remain. Welcome home my brother!
Sir thank you for your service to this country
Vietnam was a glorious defeat of the Americancer Society. The first of many to come. At least you can say you were beat by a professional force. The United Flakes in Afghanistan got beat by untrained, unsupported goat-herders. LOL
It’s long overdue but thank you for your service. My late partner served in DaNang…loading Agent Orange into airplanes. It finally caught up with him. Six heart attacks, nine stents, prostate cancer, chronic uti’s, a brain bleed and metastatic prostate cancer that finally took him out. He was an amazing human being. He shouldn’t have been exposed to all the horrors he endured, he should have been honored when he came home, and he shouldn’t have had to fight the VA for care. My heart is with all the surviving soldiers of the Vietnam war. You have my utmost respect.
I have a high school buddy who's in the same boat. He told me his job was opening the 50 gallon drums of Agent Orange and couldn't help from spilling the stuff on themselves while loading the planes.
That’s a sad story…stay strong and may you have peace.
Sorry for your Loss!, My Uncle Served at Da Nang as well, and also passed away yrs. Later of Cancer!, ....GOD BLESS OUR VIETNAM VETERANS!!, GOD BLESS ALL OUR VETERANS!, PAST , AND PRESENT!!, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
canyon, so sorry for your partner and his suffering,,makes you think and wonder, like maybe, why and WTF?
For the love of money.
Thank-you Sir for your service and telling your story. My husband experienced the same homecoming from Vietnam. He told me once, and never again would he speak of Vietnam. He had surgery twice from home accidents, and both times he woke up in Vietnam and it was awful. It took many surgery personnel to hold him down and talk him back to reality. Again, he would not speak of it. But our next family trip out to the ball game and fireworks, he made his way to the van with one of the kids in tow to go home fast. I drove while he shook and trying to hold back the tears running down his face. I could never get him to go for help and he still would not speak of it with a friend that had military service. To this day, I don't know anything about his time there. He was a kind man and always had a clean funny joke to brighten anyone's day. When he saw a person in need, he took care of it or organized friends to come together to help. He died October of 2000.
Thank u for sharing this. Very touching. I can only imagine. My dad is a vet too and suffered many after effects of his experience.
Sorry for your loss.
Let it be known, his brothers share your lost, let our brother RIP, 🙏 HOOAH 71ARMY78
😇⚔️
Friend you are my hero from now to eternity. I appreciate you and your service more than words can express. Semper Fi.
You might not see this, but I want to say THANK YOU for serving in Vietnam. I am sorry that you did not receive a hero’s welcome because YOU ARE A HERO!!! God bless you!🙏❤️🇺🇸
I second third and forth this
Thanks for serving
Hello cliff 👋🏼
Hello Francisco
@@pipeninja1578 how are you doing ?
My brother in law passed 2 yrs.ago .He never talked about Vietnam but died with malaria, agent orange and who knows the mental paranoia he had. I thank every soldier I see and thank you sir for your story!
I passed a kidney stone once. Nobody heard me whining aboutit, or begging for a medal.
My bro was in Viet Nam, he made it out, but it never left him. He passed recently from complications of agent orange. The silent ied that has killed so many. I am thankful you made it through, and were able to finally share your story. A true measure of a man, is to do his duty to his fellows even when policy goes wrong. Thank you for your service to your troops.
I was in Da Nang and I took a trip to Rock Pile , last week. I couldn’t believe how the Soldiers did that, the Heat, the Hills, and carrying all their gear . So much RESPECT FOR THEM. Thanks for Serving !!!!!
...Keep in mind all the servicemen who died in unjust wars like Vietnam and Iraq, and when I say unjustified I'm talking about the treason that politicians and 3 letter agencies committed when they started said wars.
The US Military has become a tool for the corrupt and evil, which was the OPPOSITE of what was intended when this country was conceived.
Anybody else find that odd?..
Did Hastings, July '66 near and at the Rockpile, why on Earth would you take a trip out to the boonies to see the jungle? Anyways, I would never go back to Nam, if it was an all paid trip.
Okay, you have a legit reason to go there, Penang, ( That's Malaysia, right?) enjoy.@@d.chiasson3307But, I was actually replying to superdavem2104 on his trip out to the Rockpile in RVN.
Kula Lumpor? Dec. '66, I did 5 days of R+R there. @@d.chiasson3307
My father was in vietnam in 1968-1969. He was was in Danang, Hue city , and Con tien. He never talked about his Vietnam experience. He had severe PTSD and drowned it with alcohol. He died with his stories.
I'm so sorry about your father. He suffered. He's in better place now....
Following a spinal cord injury when I was 21, I had the opportunity as part of my rehab to get into wheelchair sports via the local VA Hospital in 1977. I spent three years with those men and they were the product of war, conflict or self abuse. Their service to our nation was from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Their disabilities ranged from amputees to spinal cord injuries. Your fathers PTSD and alcohol abuse was more the norm from my perspective and personal experience. Every time since 1977 to date that I see a war movie they never get the VA and the men and women who are housed their right. I can never thank all those men for giving me a Hall of Fame life. Not one Memorial Day goes by when I do not think about how those men, who allowed me into their personal hell, and how they gave me a life worth living. I think often about how fortunate I was to be born in this country. Thanks to some men who came back from war maimed and nearly broken in spirit so I could experience, as a non-service citizen, "a life worth living."
I can't speak for your father but as an alcoholic pot head and crazy ass Vietnam Veteran all I can say is " It's the guilt that burns my mind " The Guilt.........
My Dad was the same, he didn’t talk about Vietnam much. I only learned he saw combat in his last few months of life.
@antientdude1100 I'm sorry my brother. We (those who allowed them to send you to war) are the one's with the guilt. Your soul is pure.
My father was a surgeon's assistant in a MASH unit in Vietnam. He got a purple heart because a mortar came through the tent roof and he got fragged pretty bad. He might be willing to let this channel interview him. He doesn't have combat stories but he's got some other interesting stuff to talk about. He saved a bunch of guy's lives there.
could i ask why@@Thevietnamexperience
If he served in 1969, I very well could be one of the lives he saved.
Was he in An Khe ?
@@richardgreen7811 I don't know. All I know is Vietnam.
@@felixmadison5736 I think 68-69 but I'm not sure. I'll ask.
I’m ashamed of how Americans treated our Vietnam veterans. To them I say thank you for your sacrifice and service.
Some not all. I never encountered a vet but would not disrespect any of them
Stop generalizing
@@pechoja try again. The Vietnam vets couldn’t come home in uniform because people would disrespect them So yes I will generalize. They were spit on and things thrown at them. This country in general didn’t respect them. They didn’t receive recognition or respect till the memorial was erected. I’ll generalize if I want. Do your research before you speak.
Unfortunately they made sacrifices for rich disgusting men! It's never been about our freedom. I believe it was a mother of Rothschilds brothers who said, "if it were not for my sons wanting war there would be none!" Absolutely disgusting! Wake up America 🇺🇸
@@pechojai believe the comment was referring to how many were treated when they returned from the war!
Where i was from rural america none of that anti war stuff went. All men coming back home were treated good and looked up to. We didn't know one thing about Vietnam and had never heard of the place until the war. One year in Vietnam become a long year in Vietnam. Johnson wanted results and the stars and stripes had a lot of half truths most of the time.
I went over there in late 1965 when I was just 17 years old, and came home from Nam in late 1968 and got the same unwelcome reception, I also hide my military service until I was 75 and started being proud of my service and wearing Vietnam shirts & caps.
Glad you made it home, and I hope the rest of your days are good ones.
Wear your stuff with pride. The people who made you feel even an ounce of shame are an absoloute disgrace to this country and to humanity.
Thank you for your service!! Love you!! From a Vietnam veteran, Us Navy, USS mullinix, DD 944, Gunner,1971-72, and his wife!🇺🇲
HOOYAH!
I too thank you brother for your service. Welcome home from this US Navy Viet Nam Vet and my wife. 1st Division on board the USS Mullinnix DD944. (1971- 1972)
Its the folks that bellyache and complain about this country that need to live this for a few days, then complain. Thank you sir, you are a hero.
yea
TRUTH 😢 OUR GOVERNMENT TOO 👏 👍 👌
Those people aren't smart enough
Welcome home, bro. 1969, Nam, central highlands, For 20 years I walked quietly, letting no one know I was a combat vet. We did what we believed to be the right thing.
Same here. Served in 1969 with the army. Years later, no one knew I was a Vietnam Vet.
@felixmadison5736 welcome home, brother
@@101519e Thanks, and same to you.
Amen brother
DON'T WORRY YOU DID THE RIGHT THING!!!!! I WOULD DO THE SAME, THOUGH I WAS ONLY 11 IN 1968, I SUPPORTED YOU AND PLAYED VIETNAM SOLDIER!!!!
His laughter fading back into a momentary distant stare each time he takes joy in remembering a fellow man, haunts me. You deserve the laughter Brother. Thank you for your service.
I am an ex-Navy Corpsman, and I am very sorry for you or anyone who had to go to Vietnam. I was stationed in the states, in Philly, taking care of you or your buddies, when you came back. I heard many stories and saw more than I ever wanted to, I am glad you made home in one piece. Thank you and ALL who served in Vietnam. I am so sorry that our govt., and so many others never understand what happens in war. Thank you again for your service!
I went to Hospital Corps School San Diego. At Balboa hospital.
Corpsmen and medics are the only true heroes of war alongside men like Hugh Thompson.
Welcome home Steve…thanks for your service I was drafted out of California 1968.. was a rifleman in the 25th infantry division had many close calls like you did especially with booby traps..glad your back home safe…
The shame is not yours Sgt. Funk. I am grateful that you have shared your experience and showed your humanity.
my bro and i in vietnam,my sons in iraq,afghan war---all four of us say a 100 percent total waste,a crime to kill people for no reason other than to kill people--never brag on it,would never wear a tee shirt or ball cap showing me as vet,no way--the neocons war mongers used us to make money on war equipment,sickening
I had a friend who was a tunnel rat over there. Talk about dangerous work. When he got back, he was a changed man. OK sober, but when he drank, watch out. He'd take anybody on. Vietnam really got to him. Ditto with another friend who served with Patton during WW2.
Quiet as a mouse when he was sober, but hell on wheels when he drank. The town cops never arrested him. They just drove him home, parked his car in the driveway, and told him
to pick up his pistol in the morning, down at the station. R.I.P., Tom. You were a good
friend.
Let’s not let this generation go without showing them how much we love them and thankful for their courage and bravery.
Thank you to all our vets..you are respected and loved and we can't thank you enough . God bless America land of the free and home of the baddest bravest military in the world
Excellent interview. A man who did his duty with honor. It’s not a perfect world but this veteran exemplifies the best of us.
My uncle was a LRRP in the 101st. He volunteered for two (at least) tours in Vietnam. He had been field promoted to E-9 before he finished in Vietnam. Afterward, PTSD led him to attempt to raise his family in, less than ideal conditions. (In his mind, he was feeding and sheltering them, they weren't starving) It turned him into the family pariah. I always felt bad for him because I knew he was misunderstood. Nobody had a clue the things he saw and had to do. Only the end of his life when the VA finally granted him combat disability was he ever given any respect by my family. Terrible. He was a hero.
"come what may"
"I just want to read one name because that should have been me"
"I was pro troop against the war"
"My goal was to get everybody home"
A real MAN in my book. I was just a little too young but I remember the disrespect when MY troops came home.
Thank you Steve Funk for your service!
Thank you Steve for coming home and making it possible for others. Welcome home soldier. ❤
I am a veteran of OUF and OEF. 3/1 USMC and Fallujah 11/08/04 Operation Phantom Fury. It was the closest thing we got to the norm of what Vietnam vets saw on a regular basis. GOD BLESS THIS MAN... You my friend are a true hero and those before and after you.. Semper Fidelis.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR SIR , I'M GLAD YOU MADE HOME 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
What service????
@@bipslone8880 ❓
@@charlieparker2773 Ya, what service did Vietnam Vets perform for America and it's people? Obviously they didn't protect them in any way (a small country on the other side of the Pacific is no threat). They lost the war and didn't prevent socialism from taking over. So what was the service that you are thanking him/them for?
@@bipslone8880hes done more for other people than you are going to do in your entire life. Grow up man. Stop looking for a fight in a comment section and come find me so I can put you out of your misery
During high school....i was in awe of vietnam...read anything i could get my hands on ...these guys were hero's to me.
Vietnam was always so interesting to me, more than any other war
you have low standards.
@@willtoler6917 Yeah, it's "interesting" because America got its fucking ass kicked in Vietnam.
America still won the actual WAR, though--your young guys shot and killed some assholes in another country, those assholes shot and killed young Americans, and money was made for the Military-Industrial Complex.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
I turned 18 a couple of weeks after they stopped the draft. I always wondered if I would have been a coward or not. I have two sons that served. One of them was in combat in Afghanistan. He suffered PTSD from what he witnessed. He has gotten better but still has some bad days. He went through something and learned things about himself that I will never know. I am proud of both of my boys.
I got 100% disability compensation from VA for PTSD. Glad you are proud of you your boys. Have a great life. Wolfie
You would of done your job if called, and if lucky you would make it home. I was lucky and I did what I was told.
I always ran from fights in school and wondered if I was a coward. Combat in Vietnam confirmed that I am stronger than I thought I was. I'm sure you are much the same. I am always happy to hear about someone who didn't have to go through the trauma many of us endured. Be happy, be kind and rock on Dude.
This man is so honest and humble. He went through the worst and came out with his mind intact. I so admire him. He's the kind of person who should be running for office but never will.
another war the US walked away from.
Amazing brave American who never shied away from his duty as a soldier...I can only say that I owe you a debt of gratitude for your service. Thank you sir and every other of my peers that served in this thankless war.
As a 72 year old, American male is very sobering to listen to Mr. Funk’s story. Saying thanks for your service seems like not nearly enough. I remember the stories of people disrespecting our soldiers at airports and elsewhere. All I can say is shame on them.
I never went to Vietnam and I was against the war, but never against our soldiers; against our politicians who got us there, of course, but not ever against the people who served on the ground.
The way Vietnam veterans have been treated since the end of the war is extremely shameful. There’s nothing else I can say…
I'm Australian and I've always found it terrible that Vietnam veterans got abused by the public so much when they came home. They would hide and not even go to the RSL Return Service League. They wouldn't march on ANZAC day because of the public feeling. They had to cope with war and combat plus the public shame. So sad.
We had a "welcome home " ceremony some years ago that they never got at the time.
Blame the politicians not the people on the ground.
My mission is to make sure Vietnam Vets feel welcomed home. I spent this evening with a tunnel rat from 2/28 INF (Black Lions). I spent 23 years active duty, and feel obligated to celebrate the service of our Vietnam Veterans. (Drafted or otherwise). Americans should never protest against those sent in harms way to defend our freedom...or our nation's misguided goals.
Kfish, "misguided goals" are NOT worth offering up your Sons and Daughters to die for and or be mutilated for!! Vietnam never had to happen, Iraq 1 and 2 never had to happen, Afghanistan the same, and as far as Russia and Ukraine,,the DC Ghouls brought on that deadly situation that had nothing to do with our freedom or safety or economy.
Nothing but 100% pure respect here. Thank you Sir for your service. God bless.
What service????
Service to our country.
@@allenfowler1794 In what way? Trying to force your ideology onto another country? Damaging America's image. How did a genocidal attack on Cambodia help America? *A real American patriot would have burned their draft card and refused to go. A real patriot like Muhammad Ali sacrificing his career to do the right thing*
@@bipslone8880 You seem to have no respect for yourself much less than anyone else. I'm not a draft dodger like yourself. Hence I can respect myself and those who served our country so you....can live the American Dream.
@@allenfowler1794 It's called having a moral compass and standing for whats right. You never seemed to answer what service Vietnam war criminals provided. *America lost the war for what?* North Vietnam, officially the Democratic Republic is still a socialist country. *How was America served?*
Welcome home solider. I know there's a lot of people nowadays including myself who appreciate your sacrifices.
Why?
@@bipslone8880,you would not know,flower child! Lots of people want to serve their country! There are many people that appreciate the effort they made!
@@thomastolbert6184 Why is it that no one can explain how being involved in Vietnam "Served" America or Americans? America lost the war and North Vietnam is still a socialist country. All the death and NOTHING gained. Whats you answer?
what sacrifice?
@@thomastolbert6184 chose your words wisely little one, I did 2 years . Was the US under attack? again, chose your words wisely.
Sir. You are a man of honor. Thank you 1000 times for your service and sacrifice.
As an OIF/OEF veteran, I am so thankful for Vietnam veterans (my dad and uncle served there). Any accolades we received were built on their backs, as the public recognized how badly those returning veterans were treated. I'm glad that this gentleman reached a place in life where he can be proud of his service.
Great interview, my uncle was in Vietnam unfortunately he came but he stayed there even successful in life and education he drank himself to death liver failure. Drank till his last minute on earth. My neighbor growing up also marine Vietnam vet, never said a word about to me. I am a marine veteran too. Few Christmas ago I went over to see Mr Bruce Brown to see how he was holding up now with terminal cancer. I gave him a Marine coin he shook my hand cried and so did I. He then for the first time talked about his time in service to me. He died months later. These Vietnam Veterans deserve more from this country. If I see one in town I shake their hand tell them Hi and tell my kids they are all regardless of what they did over there stand up guys and gals.
i was a seabee there in 67/68, served with the 3rd marines danang and hill 65 (the arizona). i have ptsd and heart disease (orange) i am 75. i can not forget . i also remember my treatment when i came home and how bad the va was in the beginning. Love my brothers and sisters (i was hospitalized and nurses have my upmost respect
Welcome home seabee, I was in Mcb. 71,chu lie.1967 1968. I am almost 77 now and relive some part of my tour every day!! Many injuries 100% ptsd, and they say to not let it define you... I became a doctor of chiropractic and it probably saved my life.retired after 40years.still smelling and seeing it. when I came back, I really thought I was a hero....obviously I was in a different world in my mind. Anyway I'm rambling. Most people have no idea, glad you made it out.
@@ronaldgoat1165 thank you brother, 70percent ptsd 10percent heart disease. To me you are a hero a brother
I was a highschool senior in '67 living on the Naval base in Yokosuka Japan...still remember clearly the choppers day and night ferrying Vietnam wounded to the base hospital...my gf was the daughter of the hospital's chief plastic surgeon, Capt Vasquez.
Thank you sir for your service and glad you are still alive, my husband was there in 67/68, but I didn't knew about his whole storied of Vietnam war, just told me that was nightmare in his memories, he stay in U.S Army 23ys, he got all kind healthy issues from Viet too(orange), before five years his life such suffered and awful, he turned to 76ys died in early this year, after he went to heaven I cleaned his cloths,found one oldies jacket(67/68),behind the jacket had some sewing words: when I die I'll go to heaven because I spend my time in hell! look at those words my tears drop like rain, but I'm so proudly of him because he served for ours country! God bless you and your family!
I went to the county to check out the VA. The woman behind the counter called me a coward (combat medic) I said " I don't remember seeing your ass over there"
Welcome home! I was drafted but I showed up. I arrived in Vietnam at the end of April, 1968 after the Tet Offensive. But...I was just in time for the May Offensive. By the end of May, 1968 my platoon in the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta (which should have had 25 or 30 heavily armed teenagers) was down to 12. I was a combat veteran and platoon RTO as we received replacements during June and July. Guess what? In August there was a Phase III Offensive. Those guys who say they won the war by taking all those towns back during the Tet Offensive are mistaken. On 8/18/1968 I was in an ATC (like the D-Day landing craft) with the rest of Company D when we were hit hard. The boat I was on was in the kill zone and only 4 of us walked away from that (we had around 25 in my platoon earlier in that day). My platoon leader was air lifted to a hospital and when he came back to our unit he was given a desk job and pulled me out of combat. He saved my life because guys carrying a radio on their backs were prime targets. So I spent 6 or 7 months in combat and 6 months or so as a typist. When I came home in early June, 1969 I wore my dress green uniform and flew for free on "standby" status. It took me 2 days to fly home from Oakland, CA (available seating) but no one said or did anything ugly to me. I guess that came later. Lots more to this but I don't want to bore anyone.
I don’t think you would bore anyone with your stories. Amazing experience, good or bad. I salute you, sir.
Tragic....the whole dam thing was incredibly TRAGIC. Glad you made it back. WELCOME HOME!
Thank you for your service. You wouldn't be boring me. God bless.
You could never bore anyone
Welcome home brother
I remember the lists of soldiers coming home in the newspapers after the war was finally ended. I deployed in 2003. Came home different. As an OEF/OIF era veteran, I can say that the Viet Nam veterans fought for so many of the benefits that were available to us. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for these men and women.
I am ashamed of how you were treated as an American. Thank you so much for your service and doing what you had to do.❤
The way these men were treated upon coming home was inexcusable.
Yes! Shame on them!!Most of those losers are democrats today!
We should have treated the bureaucrats and politicians that were responsible for the war that way instead of the soldiers.
@@Alobster1we should have never gone to Vietnam. It was all started based on a lie .. Gulf of Tonkin. McNamara stated/confessed as much.
These vets are heros as they served believing the lie.
@@morelife6508 I can't imagine getting drafted and being told to shoot anything that moves. No wonder a lot of these men won't say a word about their service. Torn between doing the right thing and serving their country
@@Alobster1 you totally missed the point. these vets were NOT serving the country. what were they fighting for ?
Incredible man. Incredible story. Incredible humility.
I have my dad’s empty footlocker. He threw away his uniforms and never spoke of the Vietnam war when he got back from serving as XO in the 108th Artillery Group, Dong Ha 1967-68. He retired in 1969 after 20 years of broken service that began in 1944. He was a tri vet.
He moved the family to Nebraska as far away from war protesters he could get. On one rare occasion he tossed the television out the door when a movie called Friendly Fire aired in 1979. He got so mad and the only thing he said was ‘they would do that on purpose.’ Followed by a short story about army officers sent into U.S. fire zones intentionally killed by U.S. artillery. I was a boy and didn’t know what he meant and had trouble believing it until I became familiar with the term fragging. Although I can find no information of artillery being used, typically it was done with grenades. He was a LTC at the time.
I requested his full service record and was able to piece together his career. I never knew he was awarded a Bronze Star for his Vietnam service until I read it… 37 years after he died.
Sgt. Funk, as an Air Force Nurse during your war I was "anti Vietnam war", just like you stated, but I also supported our troops while heartedly, & do to this day, 2023,. My respect to all those who served in-country is big, with the Medics, Corpsmen, Dust off crews, Docs, & Nurses at the top of our overall pyramid in of medical team. I was lucky & never had to set foot in Nam but had people at Tachikawa AFB hospital 24 to 48 hours after being hit in field in my care. Your statement about the big Medic stepping into your footprints to get to wounded guys stole my heart. I salute you & thank you.
LOVE EVERY ONE OF U. WATCHED THIS WAR IN HIGH SCHOOL AND MY EX HUSBAND JUST BARELY MISSED THE DRAFT. WE LOVE U AND THANK U SO VERY VERY MUCH!
You guys are loved and respected.
I have two veteran sons.
And we're proud of this country.
As long as we learn from mistakes we will survive
As the daughter of a vietnam vet I wish reporters would talk to kids of war vets. My fathers mother died at 42 of a stroke because she was convinced he would die.I always resented that vietnam made my father insane from a brain injury as a child I always visited him in the nursing home. He died really young
I am also a daughter of a Vietnam vet 70-71, 101st airborne……my dad passed at 48 in a car accident.He was too young, but suffered so much since returning from nam in 1971. He always fought addiction and once he returned home, he was never the same man. I miss him sooooo much!
You are a great man Steve. I'm glad you don't feel ashamed of your service anymore. Like you said, you were there for a reason.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to our nation.
What service????
What's your question with some of your goofy responses
@@jad4748 It's a simple question. What service was provided by this veteran?
Thanks for your service Sgt Funk! Welcome Home.
That is a beautiful story ending, helps make everything y'all went through so valuable.
❤️🇺🇲❤️
Thank You for your Service.
I'm glad the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are treated better than I was being a Vietnam vet. It has gotten much better with people actually thanking for my service and businesses offering military discounts. I went in in 1969 came out in 1999.
Thanks for your Service to our Country.
I'm glad you made it! I'm an army brat. Dad served 30 year's and I had no clue of what he endured until his fellow soldiers showed up on UA-cam. 1st Iraq, I asked if there was going to be a draft. My dad and I were watching all the vehicles changed color. He told me his nightmare. Hand to hand, Korea. He was in the artillery. I didn't know my dad went through that. He was the most regular caring father one could ever hope for. Again, I thank you for talking about your experience. Your kid's want to know. Most of my friends were army brats. I must've been 6th ograde before I knew what my dad did for a living. My little brother was a Riveraine in Iraq. He's not talking because dad n passed in 2009. Not good. 🤘🏻❤️🖖
You’re one good dude. Appreciate you doing this interview. Worth a listen for anybody interested in Vietnam and how it effects/effected people.
Amen
It makes me angry and sad how badly you were treated.You are a true patriot and a reluctant hero.Thank you for your service and God bless you.
You’re right, we shouldn’t have been there. But your personal sacrifice should be appreciated and commended by all. Thank you for your service.
I give my apologies to you sir on behalf of all who made you ashamed of being a vet! And I stand at attention when I declare( THANK YOU) FOR YOUR SERVICE! Thank you! May God Bless you and give you peace!
When i came home from Vietnam, we landed in California, took a bus to the airport in San Francisco. Never saw any protesters and was not harassed by anyone. I never thought about it. I was told for years i was a very scary individual after coming back. Maybe i was but i always thought i was a nice guy.
I came back in March 1970, didn't see any protests either.
Have you been back to Vietnam since the war it is a very beautiful and unique place to visit my wife and I have been living here off and on for 12 years if you have not been back to Vietnam I encourage you to visit it will change your views of the war thank you for your service
I have been back twice since the war and hope to go back again. Beautiful country and wonderful people.
@@rondodson5736hello Ron if you ever decide to come back this way again we have a large expat group with Vietnam vets that are a part of here in DaLat the weathers beautiful year-round average 68 and 73 no humidity and a 3-hour motorcycle ride down to NHA traing which we drive down to all the time on the China Sea, just look up expat and DaLat Vietnam, thank you for your service good luck
Vietnam is one of those wars where, if I see a man wearing that hat, I can’t help but shake his hand and tell him welcome home. It’s absolutely disgusting that most of those men were drafted only to be tormented for the rest of their days by the war as well as not have support after
I am a Vietnam veteran, and I wear nothing on my head but a cap saying I am a ‘Nam veteran. Most people in America don’t give a rat's butt, more than likely under 1% care. Vietnam 1970-1971, Mekong Delta - Dong Tam Tan An Can Tho RVN. My grandson joined up at the age of 31, home for Christmas; he said to me, “Americans people don’t care.” 12y8m18d of army duty.
Thank you Rudy! Welcome home!! Some of us care!!!! @@rudolphferdinand3634 💌💌💌💌
I am torn about wearing my hat. Almost seems like I’m bragging. But I earned the pins I put on there. I was not combat, so I feel less than most of the others, which I am. The combat troops were the real heroes.
God bless ALL who have served. You are All heroes! Thank you ALL for your service! 🇺🇸❤️🙏🏻
"I'm not stupid enough to care!" 🤣. He's had many days at the beach, I hope, since leaving that hell hole for good. This man is awesome. Bless you sir, thanks for your service.
Thank you Brother. It's nice to hear someone else tell how it was when we returned home. After a while I questioned my self--"Why did I come home?"
Shame on people that treated you guys that way, you were all heroes and still are!
@@scottsimmons1066 those who fought against who fought for them should be deeply ashamed
I can totally relate to Sgt Funk. I was told not to wear my uniform on return to US. This is after flying 125 combat missions some over North Vietnam, and Cambodia. I was very disillusioned. I went back to college and while there was called to speak about Vietnam. Then the group who wanted me to speak said they wanted to hear about how bad the U.S. treated the Vietnamese people. I cancelled this and would not say that. Thank you Sgt Funk for you service.
You must have been ashamed to tell the truth, but it came out anyway. Hope you are proud of yourself.
No point to that.
The truth, that group wanted the truth and the truth is not pretty.
Those Marxist wouldn't make a pimple on your ass, thank you for your service and I too was against the war, yet all for our troops.
@@S3xOnWheelsshame on you for simplifying one of the most complex human issues of all time, shame on you!
I sure am glad we had men like yourself who put it on the line ! Love ya brother !
Thanks for your service to our country.
My uncle served in Vietnam. He drove a tank .
He speaks very little about his time there.
He has had issues from the war.
God Bless you for your Sacrifices to our Country.
My grandfather was in Vietnam he was a Radio Operator... Their life expectancy was 5 seconds on a good day... He's still here though. He is a very reserved and kind of reclusive man. Spends almost every day fishing and relaxing like he should. I hope one day he will be able to open up and share his traumatic experiences that he has refused to this day.
I was also in Vietnam and as a veteran have been largely silent for many years. Now our federal govt has become so corrupt I have becomiming very angry towards what is happening today to our once great country. And the direction our military has going making it less accountable for its existence today.
💯
I don’t even know this country anymore. I was thinking, I wonder what people my dad who was in Vietnam and Korea would think if he seen this country today
Sir I can appreciate your response. And I am also disillusioned by what this country today. I am sorry for your loss of your father who served both in Vietnam and Korea. We do not know what his response would be in how describing events today would influence his thinking and would hope they would be different than your opinon or my own. But in saying that I do not like the "NEW" thoughts in comparison to those who been taught a deeper history of events of creating the country we had prior to say 1975 when the war in Vietnam concluded. We who have knowledge prior to 1975 are certainly more informatived and appreciate the freedoms up to that point outside of devastating changes happening to education after 1975.
You are mistaken my friend. Stop listening to folks who are making a fortune feeding the public lies and nonsense. I'm serious. Things are not as bad as you think and no one is treading on you.
Thank you for your service and welcome home!
Thank you, Sir, for your sacrifice and Welcome Home. It breaks my heart that you, like my family members & friends, had to suffer the insensitive naivety of the general public. May you always be blessed with grace and love.
These guys are truly men among men! God bless them all.
Thank you for your service. I am ashamed that you and other vets were treated so horribly and your service was dishonored. I served Kansas NG 74-78.... I know how fortunate I am for never going to war. We had a lot of vets in our company. Some of them were the last NG troops to fiught in Vietnam... One was a guy named Madsen.. the 1/2 assed marine..
I remember picking up my Father with my Mom (early 70’s) in Cleveland. He was coming back from Thailand and my Mom went up to an Army Soldier and gave him a hug.
I was crazy young but she said she heard crap from others in the terminal. This was before Kent State, according to her.
Adolescent minds-still to this day.
Thanks for your service Steve! I was in high school when the draft ended. Grew up watching the names of young men who were killed in Vietnam scroll on the tv. I never understood the hate that you and all the veterans received after coming home. I did not agree with the war itself, but my dad was a veteran of Korea, and I understood what you and others did was for our country, regardless of the war. I'm glad you can feel proud now, and should have been given a hero's welcome when you came home.
You know nothing but you have pity for this man. Your pathetic trust me.
Welcome Home Steve and Thank You for your Service to your men. 🇺🇲
Thank you for your service Sir! My dad was in WW2 and my brother Jimmy was 82nd Airborne Special Forces
Welcome home! It warms my heart to hear you mention Ross Perot. When I was a young man I campaigned for Ross (twice) and came to know him personally after my folks died shortly between each other. We kept in touch through the years, he always made sure I had his number. Last saw him in 2012 at a reunion dinner in Dallas. I’ve never met a man with as much principle and character. What a national treasure he was. Ross had a tremendous impact on my life. It was an honor to know him. I’m glad he had an impact on yours too and that someone was willing to give you a hero’s welcome. You’ll have to give us the story of the Iran rescue!
I still cannot talk about it. I am soon to be 73… not all guys wee honorable like this guy. Thankfully it was very few this way! I admire our Viet Nam Vets who honorably served! ❤️
Thank you for sharing brother!! You should be proud, I and we are very proud of you and all Vietnam vets male/female, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for sharing your experience.
What service????
@@FallNorth So you don't know what service was provided either? They killed countless innocent people in order to prevent communism from taking over North Vietnam but America lost the war and North Vietnam is a socialist country....... What service did these evil idiots die and kill for?
Thank you for your service! Glad you’re home!
God bless him. My uncle Marty was in Vietnam. I still have a postcard from him from Saigon. Thank you for your dad.
Thank you sir for your service. Total Respect for Vietnam Vets
Thank you for your service my brother. I am sorry for the things you had to witness in Vietnam at the orders of our government. I was also assigned to the 2-506 in the 101st as a Combat Medic with 11B's. Afghanistan 2016-2017. These wars cause scars that we carry for a lifetime, with no positive outcomes...
(OIF/OEF Veteran); you can tell that he was in some serious "stuff" when he says he never saw his Captain. Haha. I can relate. I was in those missions where the brass knew we were, simply put, bullet magnets. So why would they wanna join us. Only on the highly-secured runs. With that said; there are a bunch that fight in the front. The real fighters. I had a Major that I became close to. He was awesome. ....anyways, this guy is a hero. A great story teller and you can tell how extremely genuine he is. I'm glad you're recording it. I can't speak for everyone, but I think there are thousands of veterans with incredible stories who would love to share but just don't have an outlet. We need to do it for our children. Most importantly, for our Nation.
Total respect for an American that went above and beyond!!
Thank you for your service. Sir!
My Dad was in Vietnam. 67-68-71-72. I was born at Blanchfield Military Hospital Fort Campbell, KY, and I grew up in Clarksville, Tn. My Dad retired in 1991, but I remember going up North to visit family & listen to their war time experiences in Country. Both of my uncles also served. Luckily, they all made it back. I miss my Dad, dearly. He was not only my Father, but my friend. Lucinan Hamilton. Franklin, Tn.
Sadly, Vietnam Nam is still killing guys who served over there all those years ago. I personally know of two who passed in 2023...one from the effects of Agent Orange & the other from his struggle with PTSD that there was no name or treatment for back then.
I'm thankfull to know you have survived your experience as well as you have. Thank you for your service, sir!
Welcome home,thank you so much for your service.👊🏻🇺🇸
Welcome home Veteran, I was at Cu Chi Vietnam 1968 , God Bless you.
I was across the river in Tra Cu in 1970 with the Rvn Navy…
God Bless you Sir. I’m 71. I almost was beside you, I tried to help my community and I am honored to listening to your words
Thanks to all these men who served in Vietnam. My oldest brother was a medic in the Vietnam War.