KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

My words… not VA legal speak

Permanent/Total (1 of several types of classifications… P/T means it will not be reassessed as they determined your status/percentage will not change… you will not get better… as opposed to some conditions which improve with treatment)

Agent Orange (a defoliant used in Vietnam)

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

I apologize. I did not mean to take over your post. I just wanted to express my thanks to “ruthless rider” and explain why I was thankful.

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

Thank you for your service. I thank every verteran I can identify and every member I see in uniform and give them a business card I had made that says thank you for your service. They deserve much more than that.

goofybruce

...doubtful ANY 20-year-old is doing flying like that in a Navy F-18... Average age of graduation from high school, 17-18, college education, add another four years (even with ROTC) for college, now 21-22. Then another year, even with direct commission from ROTC, before getting into pilot school (22-23) and getting close to getting wings to be allowed to do such close-to-ground maneuvers (24-25) in advanced training.
Now, you want to talk about 20-year-olds...look at the basic Army infantryman who joined out of high school (since military service is all-volunteer now). One year of basic and infantry training, he's an 18-year-old doing front line service in foreign lands.
Not sure what age has to do with serving our country. It is the SERVING that should be elevated, not the age.
As mentioned above by other posters, we need to do more for our veterans, especially those who were put in harms way.
I am a Vietnam Era vet (did not serve "in-country") and, thank goodness, have not needed VA services. Those that need VA services should be able to get them quickly and easily, with few question asked (most of the needed information is available with a few keystrokes on a computer by an intake clerk) and near instantaneous admission.
I could rant on more, but we ask people to serve this country, give then little support when they "are in," and even less support when they "get out."

Ruthlessrider

I think you are right about today's enlistees and aviator. In 1968 when I arrived in Vietnam as a 1LT my scout section had 5 WO pilots assigned to it, none of which had hit 20 yet. By the time I took over the Scout Platoon as a Cast, I had eight WO pilots none over 20 and two 1LT as section leaders. At that point I was 21 (had been commission our of OCS).

In my estimation, as long as a vet, of any length of time, who has served, and was discharged honorably should be provided with healthcare for the rest of their days. Even if they haven't been in a war zone, the things the military asks of you can lead to health problems in the future. While health wise I am in very good shape for a 76 year old, I was tested for hearing deficiencies and found that I did not qualify for hearing aids, in spite of the fact that during my OCS experience I was along side of an M60 tank when the one next to me fired its 105mm main gun, the concussion of which almost took me off my feet (I've had ringing in my ears ever since). My hearing loss is in the high frequency range which is what you would expect putting over 1200 hours flying an aircraft powered by a turbine with the doors off. I always thank my lucky stars nothing as serious as some of friends have experience affected me.

Vantheman

Love the Vets. I’m a Vietnam era Vet that ended up in Udorn Thailand for a year. The base I was stationed at was absolutely saturated with Agent Orange. I was exposed to it every day. Started having kidney problems and multiple skin cancers. The VA looked at my case and refused my claim even though I had proof of exposure. Such is life!

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Killroy, you don't need to apologize for anything. I understand what it all means to you and I'm sure a lot of others do too. And thank you for your service and I am really sorry for what you have been going through. I really lucked out and wasn't even aware about what was going on over there. I grew up always wanting to be a pilot' The first book I read was "The Flying Tigers". Anyway, I had just graduated High School in 1961 and I knew I didn't want to go to college, but I didn't now what I was going to do. Things got pretty hot there for awhile between me and my High School Girlfriend. We talked about how we could get married when the time was right. But, one day I heard that the Air Force was real short on Navigators on B-52s and at that time they had dropped the requirement of a college education, so one day I went downtown and talked to the recruiter and asked if I could take the test. After he graded my test he said he was sorry,but I missed it by 1 point. I couldn't believe it. I asked when I could take the test again, and he said I would have to wait one year. I could not believe I missed that test by 1 point and lost that chance of getting into aviation with the Air Force. Really disappointed. As I walked out the door I saw the Army recruiter and I thought, wonder they've got going on. I wasn't even aware how things were getting over there in Nam, too interested in sports and girls. I walked in and asked the recruiter if I could get into the Army. He set me up with a test. When He came out with my test after grading it He said, well what would you like to do? I said, ahh, I not sure, what have you got. He told me that with my test score you could apply for anything you want, but We are really needing guided missile repairmen. I don't know why, but that made me to get real interested. He said first you would go to Basic Training and after that, back home for a week or two and then you would go to RedStone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. After school you would get another two weeks at home and then your first assignment, either here in the States, Germany, or South Korea. Here I am, an 18 year old just out of high school and the Army wants me for schooling and repairing Guided Missiles. Thought I was really somebody! I said sign me up. Then I got back on the bus and went back home,told Mom and Dad, and broke my Mom's heart. What a rotten thing to do to your Parents, I never got over that when the whole thing hit me. When it was time for Basic I told my girlfriend I had to go and her Mom and Dad got quiet and her big Brother, who I always thought He would kick my butt if I ever hurt his Sister, came over with a tear in His eye and gave me a big hug, that made me get teared eyed. Called home after school in Huntsville, and gave them the bad news, going to South Korea for 15 months, and broke my Mom's heart again, and now my Girlfriends also. Dad never said much, except take care of yourself, and be careful and come back home when you can. Got to San Francisco and got on a Troop Ship headed to InChon, South Korea, yeah, wound up 200 miles south of Seoul on the coast of the Yellow Sea, in Tay-Chon-ey, (that's as close as I remember how to spell it), in a Qwuan-sett hut (that's close enough) at a post next to a Nike Hercules Guided Missile Base. We had 1 tree with incite for about 15 or 20 miles, and a NCO Club in a motor pool tent for 15 months. Serviced Bravo Base (our Base) and Alpha Base 50 miles north, and Charlie Base 60 miles south. Finally came home on a different Ship to Frisco, God the Golden Gate looked good, got on a train to Chicago and switched to Pennsylvania Railroad back to home, didn't tell anyone I was coming. At 6:00 am, I walked in the door and saw Dad fixing eggs for breakfast, then He heard some noise and saw me and I heard Dad say BUTCH, (He always called me that) dropped his kitchen tools and met me in the dining room with a big, Big hug. First time I really remember Dad doing that. Wasn't long he went over to the stairs and called Mom, and told Her to come down, someone here to see you. She made half way before She say me and I was afraid She was going to land on Her nose. Another big hug and then I knew She had forgiven me for breaking Her heart. Was home for a couple of weeks, Me and my Girlfriend got permission from our Dad's to get our marriage license, and then it was off to Fort Sheridan, Illinois to duty at the Missile Repair Shop and found out that there are a bunch of under ground Nike Missile Sites along the coast of Michigan Lake and Chicago. Wondered why we had sites under ground at Chicago, what are the big wheels afraid that Canada is going to attack us? Went home every week to see everyone and got a pass one week, went home and we got married on a Friday, and headed back to Fort Sheridan and a mobile home I had ready for us because I had to be back at work Monday morning and she had a Secretarial job lined up on Post, so that we could be together until I was ready for discharge in June of 64. Just before June we got a message if anyone wanted to re-enlist and go learn how to FLY Helicopters. Oh, I was ready for that until I got home that evening and she said ,"if you do re-enlist we are done". Oh I didn't really want to fly any how(also didn't know why they needed so many Huey Pilots). When I finally got my head into what was going on I thought, "I guess she saved my life". After we got back home and had settled down after several years she called me one evening and brought the paper into me and said, "you need to read this". My best buddy for many years and my Best Man at our wedding, stepped on a mine and lasted for 3 days before he died. When we went to Donnie's funeral I couldn't even see him (closed coffin)lost one leg and part of his hip. I remember leaning on that Flag on his coffin and telling him goodbye. Life went on and then after 11 1/2 years we had a divorce, and then after wondering around for about 4 years, the guy(real good friend worked on F4 Phantoms in Nam) I was working with on a printing press came over to the house one afternoon and said,"what are you doing to night". I said I guess setting here looking stupid and working on this wrecked boat. He said " no your not,get a shower and get dressed up in something comfortable. Looked at him and ask what the hell for. "Because you are going over to Gary's house with me and" Connie and a blind date with a friend of Connie's". Like hell I am. Yeah, I went and met Carolyn, I used to watch her a lot at the bowling alley on bowling night. Feel real hard, and when we were all leaving I asked her if she would like to go to a Reds Game tomorrow at Cincinnati. She said yes, and we were never apart any day after that for 37 years until I lost her to cancer. She was the one I was supposed to be with. She was called home to be with Our Lord in May 2015. I had a boy and a girl from my first marriage and Carol and I had a boy and a girl, and all four of them considered her Mom. Well that's my story and the troubles I had. I always felt bad about not having to go to Nam like others, but I guess I should be thankful. My troubles were nothing compared to Donnie and all the others like you. I know I was lucky because way too many Huey Pilots didn't get to come back home and come to think of it those guys in the B-52's didn't all make it either. Sorry, some time's the empty house really gets me down. Loneliness is not good. All the kids are grown up now with their lives and kids and none of them live close to here. I have 9 Grand kids and two years ago I became a Great Grand Paw and darn if they didn't move to Florida near Tampa. Well, anyway like I said you have nothing to apologize to me about. Hope things work out for you with your health. Keep fightin for that Lady of yours.




Good Lord, when I get to remembering the past and talking about it, I don't know when to shut up, but I have been wanting to tell someone about those things for a long time.

LDB415 Loc: Houston south suburb

Paragraphs are your friend.

Ruthlessrider

Sometime talk is the best medicine. I hope you are connected to the VA and a veteran's group. Maybe it will help you deal with the loneliness. Always glad to hear that my brothers and sisters made it home.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

A very interesting and touching story Walter. Thank God that you had 37 wonderful years with Carolyn... many people never get that. I'm sorry to hear that you're so lonely. Is there a Senior Center in your town? Do a little detective work and I'm sure you could find something to do to meet people. Volunteer work perhaps? Invite your kids to come visit as you'd LOVE to see them. As Ruthlessrider suggested contact the VA. That's a good suggestion. Hope you find some companionship. Maybe a dog or a cat? Good luck my friend. Ray

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

Not long after high school, I joined the Air Force with 2 friends. Had no idea what I would be doing… testing resulted in my going to a year long tech school, after basic. After tech school, was assigned to a base with 2 fighter wings. The wing I was NOT assigned to was preparing to move to Vietnam… and looking for volunteers to transfer and go with them… which I did… and in a few days was on a C-130 for a 52 hour trip (42 hours flying and 5 short stops). Before boarding we were all issued M-16 and ammo… confused… had never seen, or heard of, an M-16… had qualified w/M-1 Carbine. Had not thought about carrying a rifle… but did for 1st 7 months. They did not have the electronic equipment I was trained to work on so I was assigned to base security… and also helped build the new base. Young and stupid, never gave thought about being in a firefight… EXCEPT… 2 things: (1) had never fired this plastic gun and (2) had 60 rounds of ammo and not comfortable with any re supply. Solved then M-16 unfamiliarity within the 1st month. Assigned to test fire new guns from factory… probably fired over 1,000 rounds in a few days. Never heard of Agent Orange over there… did have multiple incidents of getting sick when I went in a certain part of jungle near base and have wonder, since then, if AO was the cause… shortly after that all the vegetation in that area died. Came home in 66 (stayed in AF till 84), married in 68, 1 child and 2 grandchildren… over 54 years together now.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

I'm continually amazed by the politicians in Washington. They freely throw billions of dollars at trouble spots like Ukraine, but only grudgingly send a few $$'s to care for the Vets that put their lives on the line for us. (USMC active duty 61-64)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I think our politicians are way too willing to throw our young men and women at poorly thought out un winnable wars, with their “hands tied” by rules governing use of force and then forget them when it’s over.

I honor all who have worn the uniform, in peace and in war, but I am reminded of my father-in-laws words on his death bed. He was a Navy Commander who served on destroyers throughout the Pacific for the duration of WW2, stayed in the reserves for 20 years and had great love and admiration for the Navy. When the priest said: “you must be proud of you military service”, he replied: “war is nothing to be proud of”.

US Army 1966-1969, DaNang, RVN 1968-1969

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

Disability: Permanant and total
Agent Orange: AO

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Hey Killroy, just on the computer, and I read what I posted last night (or early this morning) just to see how many mistakes in that "novel" I sent you and now I need to apologize for typing so long, I didn't know It was that late and I wondered why I was so sleepy. I found one mistake when I was talking about the blind date when I met Carol, and the first thing I thought about was, of crap hope He didn't have his Wife read this post. Talking about the part where I said, "I used to watch Her a lot at the bowling alley on bowling night. Feel real hard, - - -" that was supposed to say "fell real hard,''. If your Wife did read that tell Her I apologize, My Bad!

That sure sounds like that was AO that you talked about. Real sorry to hear about that. Have you ever tried to talk to one of those "Ambulance Chasing" Attorneys that are always on TV advertising about Veterans that were injured because of AO, please call us, you may have money eligible from the Government". Of course I know if you were eligible the Attorney would probably get a big chunk of it, but it might be worth it with the right Attorney.
And I think I heard that if are held up for appointments with the VA now, you can go to a Physician that you would want to go to on the outside. Carol was also in the Army (Signal Corp) school in Alabama I think, and She said they didn't like Her down there very much (maiden name was Sheridan). Isn't He the one that burnt Atlanta down during the Civil War? Then She had a long tour in Hawaii! Rough duty! When I lost Carol to cancer I was going to get a hold of ELK & ELK Attorney's because they have won an awful of money for medical malfunction. But that story is about as long as the one last night, and I don't think I can make it that long tonight, so I'll save that one for later. It is worse than the first one.

Not to be nosy, but did you ever talk to the VA about AO? I don't miss my M-1.