Night Ambush Team Member and Vietnam Vet Dave Hanson, Extended Interview
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2024
- Dave Hanson dreamed of becoming an art teacher but instead found himself overseas in the Vietnam War operating radar detection equipment for night ambush teams. In his harrowing story, he recounts memories of his intense experiences that led to years of PTSD and suicide attempts. Thanks to help from the Veterans Administration, Hanson is on the mend and now shares his story to help other veterans who suffer and to let them know there is hope.*
*Contains talks of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
Postcards created a short-form documentary with Hanson which can be viewed here: • Dave Hanson, Vietnam V...
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My parents fled Vietnam to America in ‘75… they came here with nothing but they worked hard and my family is now flourishing.. thank you Dave and all Vietnam vets for all that you went through and the sacrifices you all made so that my family and I could have a better life .. we do not take it for granted
Good to hear your statement because I've been angry and of belief, we should not have fought in Viet Nam & wasted thousands of lives for what ??? To stop Communism??? When most Vietnamese could care less about Communism. Maybe I was mistaken. Glad for you & family.
Love you guys thanks
Same here my parents escaped the Nazi’s and we did well here I am an American
The Bono ~ Traitor💩
1975 I was in high school in Southern California and the Vietnamese refugee were coming to our school. The teacher asked each of us to take a student and do our best to teach him/her english to help them quickly learn. I was amazed at how eager your people wanted to learn.
One day I was driving and to my surprise I saw my Vietnamese student hit another car on his motorcycle and flip over the hood and land on the pavement in front of my truck. He just got up dusted himself off and seen me and was stunned to see that I was there to defend him from the angry guy in the car that he ran into.
We loaded his motorcycle in my truck and went to his home I was treated so nice by his family for helping him. Your people are so humble and nice and time has proven that America bringing Vietnamese refugees here was a good decision. Most now own businesses and are educated and doctors and lawyers and professionals I for one am proud to have your parents and their families as my friends and neighbors. I am now 63 and have witnessed how hard Vietnamese people work to make America a great country for most of my life.
One of the most thoughtful interviews of a Vietnam Veteran I’ve seen. I’m a Vietnam Vet, non-combat, Navy. The reason people say “Thank You” now is that they became patriotic after those planes flew into the twin towers, pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pa. They want someone to “Stand a post” to protect them. I still fill they want someone else to serve, not them or their family members.
Although Jack Nicholson’s speech in “A few Good Men” is a Hollywood production it rings true to me.
“We live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.
We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.”
Agree with your "Thank you" statement. To me, I'd rather not hear it anymore because it has become the standard thing to say when they don't know what to say. In my opinion.
I am 76 years old and I had experiences very similar to yours. I did two tours during 68, 69, 70 and part of 71. My return was also similar and I held everything inside. I hid my service from anyone I met for too many years. I too had nightmares and flashback experiences and attempted suicide. I was lucky in that i was introduced to VA treatment programs. They helped my PTSD some but i still well-up when ever I talk about it. Listening to you touched me. Thank you for your service and welcome home!
Im sorry for what you went through. No one deserves that experience. I would have liked to see Johnson,Mcnamara carrying M16s on a Mission. With Nixon on Point. It was their war. Think those 3 had effects of PTSD?
I’m glad we had men like you that fought for freedom. The treatment you got was horrific and I’m quite sure those people paid for that at some point in their life.
Thank you for sharing. I was also Air Force Security Police 81150, I did a lot of what you talk about. After my first tour I could not cope in the civilian military and returned for a second tour. I was part of a Armor unit and a 50 man rescue operation team. Our team lost 18 guy's and 4 guy's of the Jolly Green crew. Now that I am retired from 35 years in education, I deal with PTSD, I am getting help from the VA and I have a great wife. I gave my life to the Lord 40 years ago and quit drinking over 35 years ago. Life for me has never been normal but with the Lord's help I have made it to 70 year old.
Thank you sir.
Alcohol free beer is pretty good these days. Heineken is a good one.
What the fuck is "civilian military"?
@@declanmurphy6427 It means post-war military.
@@TheOnlySgtRock strange termimology. No such thing in american culture!
Thxs for sharing. My kids/wife all joke about how I keep 3 Base Ball bats located 1) near the front door 2) one near the back door 3) one under my bed. I keep my old K-Bar in the drawer right next to my side of the Bed. I also awake a couple times almost every night , the Family Jokes “it’s just Dad checking the perimeter”!! Luckily the bad dreams stopped in the early 90’s.
Welcome home Pal !!!!!! from one Viet Vet to another. I served in Nam 1966-68, with the 101st and 82nd Airborne
Dave, I’m sorry for the way you were treated. I want you to know that you are loved and I’m proud you for your service. Thank You for your service. 🇺🇸
Sorry Dave you were duped or forced to fight in the military industrial complex based on white supremacy and money for the rich
Thanks Dave. Much love to you brother
I keep saying, it’s nothing, nothing, nothing, it’s a closed book. Stop stop stop!!!
Dismissed from group therapy years ago, can’t remember why, other than I had crossed the line into WW II/Korean vets, which I learned was taboo.
I often hear “Thank you for your service” at the VA, and think, the only thing you’re thankful for is the job veterans give you.
I’m just tired. Have spent the last 12 years as an itinerant missionary going to far reaches helping do whatever necessary …locked down in the Philippines for 30 months during Covid. Finally made it back to see I’m not welcomed, but tolerated by my wife… this is difficult. I can visit family and friends, but soon my welcome wears thin.
I have issues trusting the government, pharma, the VA. The Philippine government won’t allow me to return without vaccination. The only place left is Haiti. I am overwhelmed by a darkness never experienced before. Without hope
Had a friend, Joseph Michahara. When I was able reach out, it was too late. I’m there now
Like a deer in the headlights frozen
I was stationed at Minot, 74-76, 91 Missile maintenance crew. Thanks for your service, Sir.
Wow. Small world. I was Alpha flight Security team. 3 day on. 3 days off. Thank you for your service.
My fathers Uncle was in the British Army Royal Engineers as a Carpenter like my grandfather in the First World War .He was shell shocked out of the Army .Never worked again.As a child i got to speak to him a few times.Once on Armatise Day he was marching at the back of all the other Veterans off set and out of time with them.My father spoke to him about it .He said he was marching with his unit most of them having been killed in action at some point during the First World War trenches.
Thank you for this youtube post Dave Hanson.
I used to have issues myself which i was told never to talk about although i was never officialy in Service.Talking about what has happened particulary conflict helps.
God Bless.
Thanks for sharing your comments about post-traumatic stress. Was rated twenty years ago at 70% for PTSD. Now at 100% AO. The Nam, the gift that keeps giving. Your comments are a wake up call. Thanks again, Brother.
Hey Dave. Thank you for telling your story. It is a tremendous gift to all Veterans and the Country.
You are a good man.
Well written, I agree, he’s a very good man.
We were lied to as well as we still are .Only diff. Is that we are dealing this crazy ass people .
Thank you for your service service sir and welcome home. I am now seventy years old and am an Army brat as we’re my two sisters. My dad was a poor Irish catholic kid from Maine who left for N Africa and then lived through Sicily, Anzio, and the Po Valley in Italy. After the war he was trucked from Northern Italy over the Brenner Pass into Munich and Into Dachau. My younger years were a struggle as he struggled with terrible dreams and bouts of anger and depression. My sisters were older and left home years before me. My folks summered on a small pound near where I lived. When they were headed back to Florida for the winter we were all there to see them off and my mother told us she was not going home with him and that he needed help. With a lot of emotion we took him where he could get help. When he got through his tough time he was a different person that we know. We all got to know the real person that we had not known and got ten years with him. I cried listening to your story Dave and had to post this story. God bless our vets and god bless our country.
Bless you for standing by your Dad.
@@davehanson5699😊
And I cried...listening to your story. I had two Uncles who fought in the Philippines and were different when they got home. When I got the help I needed, we all just sat and cried. They didn't get the help they needed. Sad. Great guys. Thank you for you nice comments.
Sorry, we are blessed for your service.
My heart goes out to you... I'm a vet with problems .. I understand your pain... Thank you for your story... I appreciate your struggles... Thank you my brother for your service God bless you
You let me know if I can help. Please. It's not worth the struggles. Dave
Thank you Dave... I appreciate you.....
Hope your doing Well🙂
@@codysden1 ANYTIME!!!
From time to time, I have some minor issues BUT pretty much PTSD free. The VA helped through a 10 week program that I finished in 6. No more nightmares, flashbacks, or dreams. The only time I get nervous is in a movie where shooting is going on and when a helicopter flys near me. I'm much better, thank you. Hope you are doing well? Veteran?
@@jimmyj2354
Being a Vietnam vet myself i can relate to a lot of the same experiences. I still see the Dr every 8 weeks. one thing i learned is you are not alone. Thank you for this video and welcome home brother.
Welcome Home, Brother.
Welcome HOME !!!
Your story can actually encourage vets to engage in the biggest battle they may ever encounter... the battle to overcome and seek help, NOW! Not tomorrow but right now. Thanks for sharing, you're a hero in my eyes
Welcome home Mr. Hanson, welcome home. We did appreciate your service back during the war, we just never crossed your path.
Hearing your voice change while describing your recovery is truly moving sir. Godspeed and thank you for staying around to share your story. I wish you health and peace brother
Even though I'm not a Viet Nam Veteran, my father was an aerial photographer on an AC-130 gunship out of Ubon RTAFB. I was a 9-10 year old brat at the time.
I tried to get him to talk about his time in the air over the Trail over Laos and he'd never say a word, until the day he passed.
He passed at 90 years old this past April 6th. Your openness is inspiring and very needed by this 62 year old brat, and former Air Force Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanic. Thanks for your service and and your fight for your healing! Love you my brother!
Thank you and Welcome Home. I was born the year 1964 you went over. I am a Navy Veteran. It's been my honor and privilege to hear your story
I'm sorry you were treated like that coming home. Its the most cowardly shameful act of United States citizens of that time. Thank you so much for your service sir .
This is an incredible story. I'm so sorry to hear that so much pain was hidden in your soul for so many years. You seem to be a kind, compassionate man. After experiencing so much pain, here you still stand, triumphant. You are stronger than you know. So many like you sacrificed with blood, sweat and tears. All Americans should be ashamed of how you were treated upon return. Please keep talking to young vets, they certainly need you. Be well.
Thank you for your kind words.
I’m so glad your wife drove you to the VA that night. You really learned how to take care of yourself. You deserve a ton of credit.
Dave, after the United States pulled out of Laos and Vietnam 1975, my family moved into the jungle of Laos fighting for several years. I was 13 years old and fighting the Laos government troops using US weapons M16 and M1 cabin for 5 long years till 1980. Me, my dad, we were fighting with the red Laos troop, and my dad died in my arms shot by the red Laos army. After my father died, I decided to take my mother and sister and brother move to Thailand, and now I am living in Saint Paul, MN. I understand the PTSD you are having after you get back from Vietnam.
amazing history you have told - thank you.
The Hmong were some of the fiercest fighters in Nam. Sorry about your Father. He raised his son well. Welcome to Minnesota, I'm in Excelsior.
@@davehanson5699 Thank you for your warm welcome and may god bless you.
God Bless you for serving unquestionably when others did not. You have paid a heavy price for serving your country and know that you are loved and respected. You will get thru this. You are an American treasure.
Thank you for your service , Brother Hanson. I was there in ‘70.
Thank you sir. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m an aussie and was born in 1966. I think a lot of people now understand how damaging war is and so now have more compassion for Vietnam vets. And great respect for them. My uncle fought in Vietnam.
WOW MAN !! This is one heavy interview, Thank you 🙏 for everything that you have done for me and our nation sir. I am so thankful that GOD has moved for you in your time of need!! This interview is not just a history of one mans experience in Vietnam but is an account of a life changing and evolving account of a Human being that has been victorious over a war that was fought in Vietnam and the United States in which there were so many battles that it is indescribable. And this interview in my opinion should be utilized by our government, the V.A. , in the help of others. This is a eye opening and informative video that is capable of helping people with PTSD Like no other I have seen It has helped me. Thank you 🙏 from the bottom of my heart ❤️ sir. 🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖
That’s a beautiful comment! ♥️🙏
Roger that, Alvin. Totally agree!
Alvin, Sorry, I haven't responded earlier. God put me in that place. I had a dream on the plane to Vietnam with a voice that said, "David, I will protect you!" He protected me. I believe I went through the PTSD, the flashbacks, the nightmares, and 3 attempts at suicide for a reason. This and another video I did for the VA, I believe was the reason. I believe we all have a purpose. Thank you for your nice comments.
Tears in my eyes. Non-combat vet here. Welcome home and thank you!
What a harrowing but beautiful story of courage, perseverance, and redemption. My dad was a Vietnam vet, and alluded to his time there and the effect that it had on him. He died young of cancer, my mother gets a check from the CA every month due to Agent Orange exposure. You’re a real hero, and your story is both inspirational and cautionary. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you and Bless your Dad's memory. AO exposure was horrible.
Epic veteran talking!!! What a story!! Thank you for saying!!!
Wonderfully told story, especially with including the ptsd/ suicide treatment and outreach to others. What courage to tell your story and supporting others
I thank all the vets for the job they did. You were all heroes who served. Thanks especially to Vietnam nets.
Thank you Dave for your Service.
This is a powerful story not only his service but the aftermath with PTSD and recovery. Thank you for your service.
All Vietnam vets rock!!! All Vietnam war protesters not so much! Mr. Hanson you are the best! Thanks for making the sacrifices you made so someone like me never had to.
You guys are absolute heros.last generation of true men.its an honor to hear your story sir.thank you for your service
your story is so brutally honest. thank you for doing the interview just like that
I am a 70 yr old guy. I am not that emotional but this made me cry. I am sorry for Dave, can't even imagine what he went through. I am so sorry for how he was treated when he returned. We can not thank Dave enough for his service. I hope that he has some peace now. Dave is a brave man.
We need us 70 year olds to make this world right. Stay safe and thank you for your nice comments.
Mr. Hanson,
Thank you for your story and your service. You are an amazing individual for overcoming PTSD and what you had to go thru. I am in my 50s and my memories of this time are very limited. I’ve been interested in this time period since my teenage years and love that vets like you share your stories, I’ve learned so much from vets like you. It’s important to all generations to understand all aspects of the Vietnam era. It’s better to hear it firsthand from an actual vet than learn about it thru the media. From what I understand the media was about as reliable then as it is today. I’m sorry their actions made you unwelcome when you got home. I am glad you get the respect and honor you deserve today, because of Vietnam vets the country respects our military. Keep strong Dave, please continue educating people, and most of all……WELCOME HOME!!!
Mr. Bailey, thank you for your kind words. I find it interesting that the Vietnam Vets buried all their feelings for some 40-50 years before real issues blew up in their mind. I also find that younger Vets are having issues much earlier in their lifetime. I asked a VA Psch and his response was "What do you think?" Because of the reception we got, I think most of us buried it so deep it didn't come out to later in life. The younger Vets coming home are met with open arms and maybe more comfortable in dealing with things more openly? The Psch responded. "When you're older, it's also harder to deal with things emotionally. I'm glad some of the younger Vets are "seeking" the help they so desperately need. We didn't. But the Veteran suicide rate is NOT declining so many are still in trouble. That's sad as we've known about PTSD since the Roman soldiers but never dealt with it. I had two Uncles who fought in WW11 and both came home with what they called "Shell Shock". They never got over it.. Both cried with me when I got the help I needed but believe, the VA wasn't responsive until it was almost to late for me. They didn't get any help.
I served in Korea from 86-99 at camp greaves and camp hovey. I did 209 day recons and night ambushes on the dmz. We used this technology you helped to develop to search for enemy penetrations. It is amazing tech and helpful in so many ways. Thanks so much for your service and story.
But you didn't see any combat?
@@robertisham5279
No it’s not like Vietnam or Afghanistan. We only chased radar hot spots or infiltrators.
@@EDINTHEWIND Oh so you didn't see much combat I see?
@@robertisham5279
No I didn’t see combat on the dmz. The radar is invaluable though to search for infiltration by enemy forces.
How do you get stationed in Korea for 13 years is beyond me.. they are one year dependent …restricted tours when I was in.. I know people who went over one year, but getting stationed there 13 years straight is far-fetched, especially if you were in the army..
Vietnam War was going on while I was a child. Military personnel were my heroes. Period.
Mr. Hanson, I share your pain. I am 75, and I also Vietnam. I was in the Army station in Cam Rom Bay also, I was in Nam for one year with R&R. I was in the country exactly 300 days. I agree with you. We are the forgotten generation of youth. Unlike today, with volunteer military service. Our generation were drafted to service. I was in 1A after high school. I became a cold killer while I was in Nam. Thank God we both serve and living. You are lucky. God bless you and thanks for your service.
God bless you. I was born when President Eisenhower was in the first year of his first term; I came of age during the Vietnam Nam war. No one not alive during that era could possibly comprehend those complex and tragic years. Those of us who were alive will never get over it.
You were never a cold killer...
you were a person in a totally foreign environment dealing with a wily and cruel enemy...what they did to their OWN PEOPLE was heinous....
You did save the lives of many, regardless of kill count...
The threat to your own and compatriots lives was very real and so creepy, because friend turned enemy and you could not trust...
Lack of water, sleep, food, on high slert always...shocking way to live...
Thank You For Your Service
💞✌️🙏
Well Home Bill! I hope you are doing well. You are my brother.
@@irenedemarco1354 Very well stated !!! Excellent post !!!
Hope you are well, my Brother. I remember a sapper team of 5 that we (night ambush) caught up in a fire fight at 3 AM just outside our base. We dropped 40 yards and reset with no additional movement. Daybreak came and we were ordered back to base. Another sweep team dragged the bodies into the base. From a poem that I wrote in 70. "5 Gooks were dead, dragged to a hill to show our might. Extremities tied with leather straps to cut the flow of blood. One remained alive, I'm sure drugged up to cut the pain, such hatred in his eyes. His body riddled with bullets, his breathing almost nil. I stood there in the moment, our souls in contact still. Oh ya, we laughed! We beat our chests! Our valor was so grand. But he looked at me before he died. I never held his hand. We laughed as they lay there lifeless, these beings less than men. They all died in our sight that day, no sadness by our ten. I still see them lying there, Lord forgive me for my sin. We became animals of war. Did we lose? Or did we win?" I understand your statement "cold killer". Watching him die, still haunts me today. We were creatures of the environment we were in. Sad.....but true.
lots of love and thank you Dave
82ND AIRBORNE
You did good Dave!! Glad you are home.
Thank You Dave for telling your service story. My brother who was 8 years older than I served in Dust Off as Crew Chief. He has passed too young at 59 from complications of agent orange. He suffered as you did for many years with depression and bipolar disorder. I was able to have only one discussion with him about his service. I told him how proud i was of him and that he was my hero. The family never spoke or asked of his time in Vietnam , not because we didn't want to know, but knowing that this may be upsetting to him . I'm so proud of all that served in Vietnam, and always regret that I didn't go when I graduated in 72.
May your brother rest in PEACE. AO was terrible and I'm so lucky to not suffer from that. Don't regret not going to war as you have a purpose in your life, laid out by God and VN wasn't part of that. I got so many "atta boys" from all during VN of the feats I accomplished but God was protecting me. Through my business life, God had a hand in that as well. He has His hand on you as well. I just didn't realize it for 40 years and quit taking the credit for my bravery over there. It wa HE that protected ME. Thank you.
I believe your right, God must of had other plans for me. Thank You and Thank God for looking over you in VN.
Thank you for your service. I’m so grateful for you and our other veterans. You are truly an American hero❤️
Sir, thank you. I'm sorry all of those cruel and terrible things happened to you when you returned from Vietnam. Know that many, many Americans are proud of you and all Vietnam veterans. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done to give freedom to my grandchildren. Thank you all. I'm so glad you are home.
Or the cruelty of sending young boys out to a country they have no business being in to kill and be killed.
Thanks for everything. A fellow Vietnam Vet, I Corp. Phu Bai/Hue/Khe Sanh 1967-1969. You are right. My fellow soldiers were great.
First time in a long time I've added a second comment to a post. This Brother really takes me back in time. I have/had (don't know if he's still with us) a good friend that I went to High School and College with in Flint, Michigan who was drafted in 1968. When he left Michigan he was Ken ... when he returned slightly over a year later (early release "honorable") I recognized his face, but I didn't know the guy behind it. A most profound feeling came over me the first time seeing him after he returned. I greeted him with a hug and immediately realized he was not embracing me back. As I began talking to him, I realized he was emotionally withdrawing from me. Putting it into words is very difficult. It was as though my presence was reminding him of who he was before, and he somehow (while not blaming "me") resented the fact that person no longer existed and would never return. I had seen the 1,000 yard stare before, and this wasn't it. Every ounce of hope that was previously within him had completely and totally vanished. He could no longer function as Ken. For me, "they" had stolen my 19 year old innocence (1969). For Ken, they had "stolen" his soul.
I also am from Flint Mi and was drafted and went to Veit Nam
@@oldvet2639 Interesting Chronology for me. I was at Flint JC holding 12 credit hours, the minimum to hold a deferment (and holding a job). My draft # was 272 (no chance I would be drafted). I was taking a class that I sucked at and couldn't maintain a "C" no matter what. I waited until the last day to drop the class with a plan to get a tutor next semester. After dropping the class and my class load going to 9 credit hours, I received my draft notice three weeks later. They were circling like vultures above me. What I didn't know is that because I had elected ROTC for 3 years of high school in Chicago, they were literally watching to grab me. When I went to Fort Wayne for induction I was met by an E5 and a 2nd LT. They gave me an option. That's when life got really interesting.
So you were drafted in 1970 ? THERE WAS
Sorry, there was no draft lottery in 1968 must have been later. My younger brother was # 300 something and never was called.
@@oldvet2639 Was drafted February 1969. Or maybe I just made up my draft #. What do ya think ?
Dave, I feel sorry for the way you and all other Vietnam vets were treated upon coming home. I am glad to hear your story and that your are healing and also helping others to heal. Thank you and Welcome Home Sir.
Welcome home Brother! It was a privilege to listen to your story. Thank you for sharing, I wish every Vietnam Vet could watch this.
1972 assigned to 101st Airborne Div they had just returned from Vietnam. I never went to Vietnam feel guilty i didn’t go but thankful I didn’t. Probably weird feelings I guess. Enjoyed your story you have helped many because of what you experienced.
Thank you for your service. God has a plan for all of us and VN just wasn't in store for you.
This was a very moving video. I was born in '64 but I have always held veterans and active duty military in high regard. It was a crime the way our vets were treated when they got home. I feel that too many of the draft dodgers and those protesting and spitting on our boys returning home from service are now in positions of government and have caused many of the problems that plague our country now. Mr. Hanson, thank you for sharing your journey and you have my utmost respect. You deserved better.
I almost cried watching this. I had no idea PTSD was so awful.
Thank You Dave, I’m so grateful for you
Thank you for baring your soul and sharing your experience. I was diagnosed with chronic ptsd in 2001 and relate to everything you said. Pretty much under control now but it's always quietly bubbling away under the surface. Thanks again and all the best.
Stay safe. I understand your "bubbling" comment. Welcome Home. Let me know if I can ever help.
I understand the "bubbling away under the surface". Hard to watch a movie with gunfire as I get goosebumps. Hard to hear a helicopter as still brings back memories. Hope you continue on being well.....BE AWESOME!
Suppressed memories -your recall helps non combat civilians understand PTSD. The more people watch and listen to your story, the more it helps awareness of PTSD. I see how much this tortures you. I’m so sorry. Thank you!
I believe this guy is worth about a thousand of those protesters
Very well told story. Thank you, Mr. Hanson, for your service and for your story. I am so happy for your healing and that you are now helping others find healing.
Politicians dont fight wars they send young and dumb to do what they wont spineless trash
what a lovely man. stay safe dave
I never thought of myself as "lovely" but appreciate the comment. Thank you.
I'm glad to hear the help you received from the VA worked for you, I'm nearly 55 now, I never saw a war or was asked to fight in one but I knew many Vietnam vets and had many conversations with them. Its truly sad how they just shoved you right back into society and expected you to just be "OK" This was a huge mistake, more over the treatment from the idiots back here in the US how they spit on the vets was just shameful, its no wonder many vets end up taking their lives. I hope you can help more men such as yourself to get better Dave, war is a horrible thing and does tremendous harm to people who live through them but with treatment you can overcome the PTSD, you will never forget what happened over there but you can learn to live without the pain you suffered from for so many years....God bless and thank you for your service
Dave thank you for your recall of your service. There is a difference between a warrior and a war. You are a warrior -thank you for your service. The more stories I listen to Confirms how propaganda played in this war and how People are so ignorant. Your bravery is appreciated-fellow MN!
Thank you for your service.
God bless Dave Hanson
I joined the Navy in ‘65 and they sent me to Hospital Corpsman School. A year later I was in Nam w/a Marine rifle squad where I spent the next 11 months & celebrated my 20th BDay. Coming home through LAX I got called baby killer by a bunch of Hippies. To this day I walk around the house before bed checking all the doors & windows but had no idea this had anything to do w/PTSD.
Dave, absolutely the best ive heard about surviving your experience in Vietnam. You've fought two wars. One in country, the other within yourself.
Thank you for your service, thank you for your story. It was a brilliant explanation of.
Best wishes...
I was one of the rare people who had friends that went to Vietnam,and was super happy when they came back and told them and would talk to them about anything they wanted to talk about. I was not there had a high lottery number so I did not always understand. I want to thank them all for their service.
Thank you for being available to your friends. I wish I would have had a friend with that kind of courage.
Your story is absolutely amazing I can't even imagine the hellish landscape you went through in that theater of war. I think it takes just as much courage for you to speak out about the mental problems you had after War as it did to serve in the war itself thank you for everything you've done for this country and your service
Dave, you are one special man. So glad you feel "normal" again.
Thank you for your kind words.
Courage is feeling the fear but doing what needs to be done anyway. Dave is an amazing, great man of courage!!
A true hero. Thank you for your service !
I never understood why anyone blamed the soldiers
Tv coverage ahowed clips of the war with no context. And the Government let the men take the hit instead of taking the hit of being blamed
People blame the soldiers because people are stupid. They're also easily brainwashed. If you stop and think about it, the politicians are the ones who should be blamed. But they have powerful mind control and brainwashing tools at their disposal to make people think that the problem is originating with someone else. If the majority of the population knew that the politicians are the problem we wouldn't be dealing with these stupid problems because the politicians would check themselves pretty quick.
The very same reason people think Biden is a good president, the news media.
Because most people are idiots.
Thanks for your service..
Thank you for your service. God Bless!
I am ashamed of the way vets were treated . . . and continued to be ignored . . . . We can do better America! Dave, God Bless you for your service and your continued efforts on behalf to those who have served. Your most important work may be your present efforts on working with those vets suffering with PTSD.
Thank you for your kind words.
God bless you sir , thank you for your service, I'm glad your doing better, proud of you and your service
My God, this almost bought me to tears.
This is a good man, and I am so lucky to have him- and thousands of men like him- as my fellow American.
We are blessed.
And as far as those lowlifes who harassed him and others when he returned from Viet Nam..
I hope they’ve lived empty, unhappy lives.
They disgust me.
Thank you for your service 💪 outstanding story thank very much👍👍👍👍👍
Welcome home sir, thank you for your service.
I apologize for the homecoming y’all received
Dave, thank you for your service, thank you for your service. ✌️
I've not served in the military but I do appreciate and love my freedoms and I like to think I love my country and I appreciate your service Mr Hanson!
I’m a 23 year veteran, went from Iraq to Afghanistan. I seen many videos of veterans, Dave Hanson, I would say is the first veteran that I’ve heard that got it right PTSD, is a very serious illness to a lot of a soldiers, from one veteran to another Dave Hanson I salute you And welcome home.
this is the first time i wanted to rate a video with the highest rating. It would be helpful if youtube could accommodate that. Thank you Mr. Hanson for your sincerity.
I'm so glad you made it!
Thank you Sir!
I have always had thee most respect for all Vets.
Dave, you did the right thing welcome home brother and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice sir. God bless you and your family.
THANK YOU I will pray for veterans THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
MR DAVE HANSON, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. SIR. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.
i was a medic at 3rd Field Hospital OR in Saigon....1972.
welcome home my friend. I too suffer from PTSD and exposure to agent Orange...pacemaker. double hip replacement.... the VA has changed immensely...keep smilin my friend.
👍much respect and admiration. Thank you for your service, welcome home! I'm sorry it took so long to hear that.
Dave,
Thank you for making this video. You are a good and brave man to do this for your fellow veterans. I am sorry for the way you were treated. And I am so happy to see you got the help you so rightfully deserve. I am not a veteran but I want to thank you, Sir, for your service to our country. Both in Vietnam and here at home.
I hope everyone suffering from PTSD sees your video and gets the help they need.
God bless you. God bless our veterans and their families.
Thank you so much for sharing your story.
So I am not a veteran, I am 42 years old raised in Medellin Colombia douring the 80s and 90s, I saw and experience things that I still have nightmares with, mostly people mutilating each other or me mutilating them, or me being chased to be mutilated. I cannot even imagine how veterans experinece PTSD. God bless you all
WW2 Veterans had shell shock, PTSD is a new term. I learned to listen, a friend of our family I worked with was in the Battel of the Bulge, something would trigger a memory and I listened. One day I asked him if he would return to Germany and it was a stern NO. Being an Ohio Farm Community we welcomed our boys who returned from Vietnam, the guys I worked with were Vietnam Veterans and you learn to listen, call it therapy or trust it did bond our working relationship. Much respect Dave. ✔✔
WWI had shell shock. By WWII it was battle fatigue. George Carlin says it better.❤
Welcome Home, Thank you Sir, God bless you ALL 🙏
Wow what a honor to hear his story thank you
A patriot and a very brave man
Welcome Home Thank You!!!
Thank you for your service Dave
Dave I hope that you are still with us and you are doing okay I thank you and every other men and women that served and fought for our country God bless and you are loved and respected by many 💪🙏🤟
They didn’t fight for your country.
The fought for the military industrial complex.
@@NoLefTurnUnStoned. I'm sorry you feel that way. I fought for my country as thought I could do some good. Later I find I was a pawn in this massive political complex and it saddens me. It's all about politics and it's mostly crooked. That saddens me.
@@davehanson5699
God bless
@@NoLefTurnUnStoned. Thank you and you as well.