One at the bar...

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Clearwater AL

Extremely helpful member
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Joined
Aug 28, 2013
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2,869
Reason
PALS
Diagnosis
12/2018
Country
US
State
NC
City
Get Real
Fifty years ago today I landed in Viet Nam, assigned to 1st Field Forces headed
to the Tri Border of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia. Just a few miles from the
Ho Chi Minh Trial. Known as the Central Highlands.

Fourteen months later I returned to the States. In Viet Nam we referred to the
States as…“Back in the real world.”

As the years have passed, fighting and wars around the world still rage on…
I reflect now that Viet Nam was the “Real World” as it is today for so many
in other countries.

Tonight I drank an Early Times and Coke… a toast to three friends that made
it home but have lately passed. A little tontine we agreed upon at our last
get together. Early Times and Coke was our favorite numbing medicine…
when we could buy, trade or steal it.

I’m gonna have another toast… that we live in a county without war in the
cities, streets, villages. mountains and in the country. We are blessed.

Salute to all… hopeful New Years.
 
Al,

Thank you for your service and for sharing your story.
 
Al, James
Here's to you.! I haven't even had breakfast and already you've made me thirsty. ��
James
 
Thanks James and Kim.

Several members have written about themselves personally so I’ll try
and wrap it up here.

I was 20 years old, married with a son when I got orders for Viet Nam.
Several of the guys in my new unit were 18 year old unmarried draftees.
Funny, with just a two year difference they called me “Pop”

I received a few decorations and awards but the one ribbon on my
ribbon bar I cherish the most is… “Presidential Unit Citation”.

I remember the faces but time has confused the names. Some who did
come home are no longer with us.

There’s another date coming up where I’ll do the tontine again for my
best friend in Viet Nam who recently passed away from Agent Orange
related cancer.

Anywhooo… I’ll sit at my bar and have another Early Times and Coke.
 
Al,

I really enjoy your stories. I wish I could meet every PALS and CALS in person but hearing about them and their lives somehow makes living with this easier to accept.
 
Cheers to you Al. Thank you for your service and thanks for sharing.
 
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