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Scars

During the spring and summer of 2003, as many Vietnam combat veterans continued to try to work through their PTSD problems, and just keep going. Ron wrote this next verse while waiting to talk to John Warren at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. John is a benefits representative with the VA, a combat wounded vet, and a man who understands. He has indeed walked a mile in our shoes. Thanks John. 

SCARS

The scars I bare, are not self-inflicted.
The letter that came in “68” said, “You have been selected”.
Called to fight a war in a foreign land,
for reasons that I didn’t understand.

War is Hell, combat soldiers say.
Some die, others live to fight another day.
In Vietnam, if you survived, one day,
on the freedom bird you would fly.

Now, the combat is over, but the battles rage,
It seems that they just get worse with age.
Family and friends don’t understand,
how my life was changed in Vietnam.

They say that we must put it all behind,
but it’s hard to erase what’s locked in your mind.
I pray each night, that I will pass the test,
and to the Lord, I’ll give the rest.

The load we carry is heavy still,
the choice was simple, kill or be killed.
I’ll find my way thru, and this too shall pass.
Thanks to the people who stood by me,
and the rest of the world can kiss my ass.

 By: R.W. Mackedanz (05/14/2003)

Vietnam War soldiers on top of a tank.

Second Platoon Bandidos, preparing to move out. Lai Khe, October 25, 1968.

Black and white portrait of a man with military medals.

Biographical Details

Primary Location During Vietnam: Lai Khe, Vietnam Vietnam location marker

Story Subject: Military Service

Military Branch: U.S. Army

Dates of Service: 1968 - 1970

Unit: Bandido Charlie Company 1st Battalion

Specialty: 16th Infantry (mechanized)

This story is part of the Mental Health Awareness story collection.
Learn more.

The verses above were written by a combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam “WAR”. Ron spent ten months of his yearlong tour of duty, out in the field serving with “Bandido Charlie Company” 1st of the 16th, mechanized infantry. He was wounded twice in combat against the Viet Cong and the NVA.

If you are offended by any of these writings, deal with it. We all did, in Nam. Ron makes no apologies, and he asks no quarter. Thirty some years later, a lot of this is just now coming to head. Most Vietnam vets have gone on with their lives, married, taken on respectable work, and tried to put it all behind them. Those who believe that they have accomplished that are either fooling themselves, or trying to find peace in the bottom of a bottle.

War is hell and combat is a M----- F-----. That’s just a fact of life. Combat will change you forever, and not necessarily for the better. However, life must go on.

These memories, and verses are dedicated to Ron’s cousin, Lyle Mackedanz, MIA/POW Vietnam 4/21/68, and to all the Bandidos, and other brave men who gave their all in a far away land, called Vietnam.

Story Themes: 16th Infantry, Bandido Charlie, Coming Home, Lai Khe, Poetry, PTSD, Ron Mackedanz, St Cloud, VA Medical Center

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