A Minnesota PBS Initiative
The conflict within
I volunteered for Vietnam back in 1965. I felt it my patriotic duty to contribute to our nation.
Although I was a member of the Air Force, my specialty was radio maintenance/operator.
In Vietnam, 1966-1967) I was a member of the 377th Support group attached to the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division.
My duty in support was to assist in operations at base camp in Lai Khe as well as numerous sites in the III Corp.
Radio contact was with the pilots flying the "Bird Dog" as well as jets from Bein Hoa and Tan Son Nhut.
I served in An Loc, Loc Ninh, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Iron Triangle, all within the III Corp. I spent about half my time in base camp and the other half in field operations.
I spent the entire year living in tents. At base camp, I ate regular chow and "C Rations" while out in the field.
I served with pride and a feeling of supporting my country. I have the utmost respect for the infantry.
Field Bunker.
My return to the states was different. I was willing to give my life for this country. Before I returned to the states, I was informed of the hatred toward Vietnam and that the hatred was directed toward the veteran. This was not the welome I expected.
There have been various attempts at a welcome home over the last five years but in my opinion, it is fifty years to late. Unless you have been there, you probably don't know.
***
"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of up to and including his life"
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Elk River, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: An Loc, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Air Force
Dates of Service: 1963 - 1967
Veteran Organization: VFW
Unit: 377th Combat Support Group
Specialty: Radio Maintenance/Operator
Base Camp.
Story Themes: C-Rations, Coming Home, Food, III Corps, Patriotism
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