Alan with his daughters Erin and Fallon, and his wife Christine in Da Nang. Until a few years ago if someone had asked me to make a bucket list of countries to visit, Vietnam would have been at or near the bottom. I guess you could say, “been there, done that.” I served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from June 1969 until June 1970. I was part of a recon platoon called Fox Force. We operated in the Central Highlands of Vietnam – in the mountains and jungles of that area. Unlike any unit I’m aware of we wore red scarves – always – even on combat missions. We had a well-earned reputation, and our red scarves clearly set us apart from other soldiers in our division. We were told the enemy had a $10,000 bounty on each of us. It didn’t really matter because in the year I was part of Fox, the enemy never killed a single member of our team. We were in combat frequently but were never ambushed or surprised. If we were a baseball team, we would have ended our season with all wins and no losses, and with most games pitched as no hitters. I’m sure history books will say the U.S. lost that war, but we were ahead when I left.
Like a lot of Vietnam veterans, I don’t talk much about my experience “over there.” I have been blessed with the ability to compartmentalize my combat experiences. They are like a box of Christmas ornaments up in the attic; I still have them, but they don’t get in the way of daily life. Vietnam veterans were, for the most part, not welcomed home and often quite the opposite, so compartmentalization was a useful way to avoid unwelcome confrontation.
Alan at Firebase Lois on his 21st birthday wearing the red scarf of his Fox Force platoon.
In 2000 my old unit, Fox, held a reunion, and has every year since. The Fox team comes from every walk of life in America, making us quite an odd collection of souls, but we share a common bond that only other combat veterans can appreciate. We wear our red scarves when we are together, but also wear red wrist bands, specially inscribed, when we are not together. I’m proud to say my youngest daughter had the inspiration for the red wrist bands. Sadly, about 25 percent of the team have passed away since our first meeting – all from Agent Orange-related cancers.
In the last few years I’ve wanted to return to Vietnam. I’m not completely sure why, but it just felt like it was time for me to complete the journey that began almost 40 years ago. Being blessed in my occupation, I booked an Asian cruise that sailed in December 2009. Unfortunately due to timing, cost and other personal issues, none of my Fox Force teammates could join me and my family on the cruise. The cruise began in Shanghai and ended in Bangkok – truly a fantastic way to visit the highlights of Asia. The cruise had two stops in Vietnam: Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. I was excited to return to Vietnam, but also to share all of Asia with my family who had never traveled to this part of the world.
I was excited about our arrival in Da Nang, our first Vietnamese port of call. I awoke early to watch as the ship berthed. The port is not near the city, so all I could see was a small harbor and the surrounding countryside, which was at once familiar, but not the Vietnam I had experienced. Da Nang is a coastal city northeast of where I served. There are no jungles there, which is just as well, as no one would want to visit the areas where I served; they are too remote and densely vegetated.
After 40 years I found Vietnam, in many ways, much the way I had left it. I was surprised so little had changed, but my heart was gladdened to see the entrepreneurial spirit was still very much alive with little businesses flourishing everywhere. The people I met were glad to meet Americans, and were wonderful and friendly – something we never dared to find out as soldiers due to the threat of IEDs back then. The food was fantastic, the best we found in all of Asia. This too was a surprise as all I ate when in-country 40 years ago were C-rations.
We had a wonderful guide who showed us the sights of Da Nang and Hoi An. Vietnam is a poor country, nevertheless the people were generous and wonderful hosts. New infrastructure is being added everywhere, so it would appear that their future is a bright one.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
I really hadn’t thought about how I would react to my return to Vietnam. However, I had expected a flood of memories to overtake me. But that didn’t happen. Faces did come to mind, but they weren’t of the young men with whom I had fought. Rather, they were their current portraits. I wished all the Fox team could be with me, completing this long journey we had all begun so long ago.
The next day was a sea day and thankfully so. I hadn’t really thought about how I would react after returning to Vietnam, but I would never have expected the result I was experiencing. Because a Princess cruise provides plenty for everyone to do all day long, it was easy for me to keep to myself all day. I didn’t have an epiphany or a cathartic episode, the kind of experience one would see in a movie. I was just emotionally drained for a day.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, (formerly Saigon) I was fine and enjoyed a day of touring the old capital of South Vietnam. I had been there once, but my memory of that time was pretty cloudy. It’s an exciting city that has a very vibrant texture; my whole family thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Vietnam’s southern center. I was just another tourist on that day, and that felt wonderful. If I had any doubts or demons about Vietnam, they were back in the attic.
I’m glad I went back, and I’m glad I took a cruise rather than a solitary visit to Vietnam. It was great to be back for a few days, but it was also great to see the rest of Asia and to be able to return to the familiarity of our ship each evening. I’m a little biased, but I can’t think of a better way to visit all of Asia, and for Vietnam veterans, a better way to tie-off the need to revisit the place where so many gave so much.
I still look forward to returning to the area where I served, but only if accompanied by some of my old Fox Force teammates.
I served in the USMC in RVN in 63/64 and again in 68/69. I said I was never going back. However, I have booked a ride on the Ocean Princess with my wife of 51 years to go. We will be there in Jan 2011. I am experiencing mixed emotions regarding the cruise and know I will enjoy the other ports of call. I appreciate your blog. It came at the right time for me. We are at the elite level and now cruise only with Princess. Thank you for your efforts.
Alan: Thank you for sharing your story and for your service As a Navy Vietnam veteran (Nha Be, 67-68), I have often wondered what it would be like to return there in modern day. The Princess ships must pass by what used to be my base, on their way to Ho Chi Minh City. I can only imagine what feelings would come over me. I felt badly mistreated when I returned to the US and didn’t speak openly of my time over there. Recently I began to share information with my adult children about my time in Vietnam, and it has been a cathartic experience for me. Perhaps a cruise to visit would also be a cleansing experience. My next cruise (already booked) gets four things off my bucket list all at once, so I will have room at the bottom to add a cruise to Asia. Thanks again.
Alan-
We are living parallel lives. I, too, served in Viet Nam with the 9th infantry Division. I also had put Viet Nam behind me, but lately I have been very sentimental and toying with the idea of returning.
I found myself more proud of my service in the Army than ever before. Thanks for the wonderful story.
Mike
There were times reading the comments to your visit that I could hardly see the words for the tears thinking about the brave men and women in service who did not make it home…for those having been prisoners of war…those that came home so wounded in body and minds…those that had to indure taunts from people at home for having served in the conflict and the hurts suffered by the familys of the vets, Thank you for sharing your experiences of returning…and thank you for putting you life on the line for me.
Thank you, so much, for your service to our great country! My brother served two tours of duty in Vietnam (he volunteered for both), and, unfortunately, he died of an Agent Orange related cancer four years ago. He rarely spoke of his experiences in Vietnam, and, now I will never know the details. Your family is fortunate that you have chosen to share some of your memories of your tour in Vietnam. I was aware of the Princess cruises to Vietnam, but, my first thought was that it might be too emotional for me. But, after reading your blog and many of the emails, it may be a cruise to contemplate. But, my next cruise is coming up on the Star. And, although my husband and I do not qualify, thank you for the military discount that Princess offers to those who give their all to our country!
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story!
Alan,
Thank you for the candid and personal review. It is wonderful that you were able to visit this country that could have been emotionally devastating for you, yet you chose to see the beauty of the country and the people instead. Thank you for your service to our country.
To A Great Man and his Family: My family moved to Yokota AFB, Japan, August 1966. I was 10 years old. In September 1966 my uncle was shot down over Lios flying his F-105. He was listed as MIA for 3 years and a prisioner until his release 1973. When he was missing it was my family and I praying that someone like yourself would find him and keep him safe. There are no words to say how proud we, as Americans, should be for your service. Those who don’t repsect the vets don’t under the meaning of the word “freedom.” My ulcle always wanted to return to Nam but he passes away due to TB. It it now on my bucket list to visit the place that use to be so frightening and now so beautiful. Thank you for your story and service. You, your unit and all vets will continue to be in my prayers
Thank you for serving our country in time of war god blass you and all the other men that served i,m glad you all came home god bless AMERICA
Mr Buckelew,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I often think of how if I had been born a boy I would have been in Vietnam as well. I now what to learn more about Fox Force and am so saddened to hear of the deaths due to Agent Orange. This is a good way to re-visit Viet Nam for the first time since the war in a small dose. Maybe later you might spend some time there.This is extra special to relate to this as I had the pleasure to meet you onboard the Golden Princess Sept. 22nd here in San Pedro.You never know when you meet someone whether they are a hero or not. You are a hero. You look to have a wonderful family now and that I am sure helps a lot to keep that box of Christmas Ornaments up in the attic.
Thank you for your service to this country and all the free world.
It took over 40 years, but I want to thank you, Alan, for your service to our country in deplorable and hateful conditions. We had many friends and relatives who served along with you in Vietnam and no one tells any story, much less a good story . . . until now! It brought tears to my eyes that your family, but especially you, were able to experience Vietnam in another day and time. Hopefully, you’ll be able to return with your buddies from Fox Force someday and burn that box in the attic, replacing it with one tied with yellow ribbons! Hopefully, someday we’ll have the great experience you did traveling to Asia on a Princess cruise.
Alan: Thank you for sharing your story. We took a SE Asia cruise on Princess in 2006 and one of our tablemates was a Vietnam vet. He was willing to share his stories with us, and his fears and concerns before we got to Vietnam. He ended up having a very positive experience, and I’ll always be thankful for that cruise. I was born in the early 60s, so I was a small kid for most of the war, but I certainly DO remember the impact it had on our family (a cousin who was MIA for a few years, and when he did resurface, never really could cope).
I loved Vietnam (and Cambodia) and I was delighted to see how those countries are moving forward.
Dear Mr. Buckelew,
As an employee of Princess Cruises, I wish to say thank you. I know it is hard for many of the Vietnam Vets to talk about or even think about going back to Vietnam. My father, Commander Donald Hark, spent 28 years in the Navy. He searved two tours in Vietnam and never talked about it. Once, while watching a show called Major Dad, did he talk about how hard it was to come home and have to be smuggled off the base in school buses. That was the most he ever discussed.
It is almost 16 years since he has passed due to cancer that was termed military related and I am sure he would have loved to have read not only what you have written but all the wonderful comments people have posted on here.
Thank you for sharing your story with Princess and all of our wonderful passengers. Thank you for serving for our freedom and safety!
Monica
I was a little anxious about sharing my story on our company’s blog, but was persuaded to do so by some of my trusted staff. However, I was not prepared for the outpouring of gratitude so many of you have shared, for my service so many years ago. I am struggling to find the words that convey my heartfelt thanks for each of you who have taken the time to share your thoughts we me. Today I am the luckiest man alive.
I was blessed this past May to meet the current men of Fox Force just before they shipped off for a year-long tour in Iraq. The Vietnam era Fox Force team had its annual reunion in Hawaii where our old unit is stationed. The current unit was not aware of the history of Fox Force, and so it was doubly exciting to share with them a little of our history and to provide each member of the current Fox Force platoon with a Red Scarf and a Red Wristband. From the various Facebook entries I have seen they all proudly wear their scarves and wristbands. Thinking about my service naturally leads me to think about all of them as they work to make that country a safer place to live for all Iraqis. I look forward to greeting them upon their return to Hawaii in 8 months.
alan-I am a princess cruiser .I served out of Chu Lai 7/68 to 9/69 running convoy out to the firebases in I corps.ariived home safe have had a great career and the greatest family. In 7/95 my eldest son called and said he would be in Vietnam in aug. could we meet. We did,went from Siagon all the way to Hue by bus and car.Went to Mai Lai and Chu Lai {closed it is an active base} and then flew to Hanoi .It was a wonderful bonding trip and help get rid of a lot of unpleasant memories.My wife of 35 years and I are booked on the Ocean out of Signapore for 28 days in 2/11. Will show her the beautiful country of Vietnam Did not know about the $250 vet benefit{ will call}.Just got off a Princess Med trip it was great even though the airline lost our luggage for 7 days! Looking forward to the Vet meetings on this new cruise. THANKS FOR YOUR HONORABLE SERVICE. Peter
Alan, I applaud you for wanting to and actually making the return to Vietnam. For me, I am grateful that I can keep my experiences in “my attic” but I must leave them there. I do not wish to return to Vietnam. I am a retired Naval Officer and served three tours in Vietnam, the last with a SEAL Detachment in the Mekong Delta. Most of my active duty life, other than Vietnam, also was in Asia and I love the area and the people. If I ever do return, a Princess cruise would be the best experience that I could imagine. My wife and I have enjoyed several wonderful Princess cruises and look forward to more in the future. As one veteran to another, I applaud you, I thank you for your service and your good fortune, and may God bless you.
Alan, thanks so much for sharing your story with all of us, my brother was in Viet Nam in the U.S. Army. He came back a different person too, but he has been able to keep a job all these years and retired at the start of 2010. From reading all the comments, I found out he wasn’t the only one that didn’t want to talk about that time in his life. I thank God every day that he brought my brother back home to us. A big THANK YOU to you and all that have and are serving in the services to keep OUR country safe.
I was a nurse in Vietnam 1967-1968 at the 3rd field- Saigon, the 71st evac-Plieku and the 93rd in DaNang. I was “in country” for 18 months and was there for “tet”. I was able to take a Princess cruise for 30 days in November of 2009. I wanted very much to see Vietnam again. Like you I found things very much the same as they were 40 years ago, the same rice paddy’s, tar paper shacks and water buffalo. Saigon was different and very much geared for tourism, much more modern. The people all over were very friendly and anxious to please. Mopeds all over the place. I was traveling in a motorizes chair, and a “little man” adopted me and walked with me and helped me navigate the traffic. Time there not long enough,because the drive from the ship took 2 hours. I was also sad to see that conditions for the “average man” had not improved in 40 years. I did enjoy the visit and am glad I went and would go again.
Thanks for sharing your story. I had a similar experience returning to Vietnam this past April-May aboard the Emerald Princess. We began in Bangkok and ended in Beij Jing. We ported in Phu Muy and Nha Trang in Vietnam. A wonderful guide met us at the Port of Phu Muy and with a driver took my wife and I to Saigon. Which I found interesting that the people still refer to Ho Chi Minh City as Saigon. My time in Vietnam in 1968-69 was in Tan Son Nhut near Saigon. So much time has passed that I didn’t really recognize any of the areas that we visited. Like you I was impressed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. That is what I remembered from my experience with the people of Vietnam when I was there in 68-69. I was also impressed by the development in Nha Trang. The beach front looked like a resort area in the Carribean. God Bless and Welcome Home! A brother in service, Jim Carra
Alan, thanks for your story and your service for our country. I know that any of you were not treated well when you returned home and that is a shame. Our veterans are very special people and I for one appreciate all they do for this great Country.
I’m sure Gordon’s comments were intended to play devils advocate and possibly they have helped in some small way in exorcising some demons, for some reading this thread. But, even as a Brit, I know that around a third of Veterans were drafted (or conscripted as we would quaintly still say) in to this conflict, so his question does seem a little mis-directed. That, added to the legacy of Agent Orange, confirms my view that most participants were mere pawns of the politicians… as in any war.
I, for one, compliment the CEO for sharing such memories over this commercial forum, when views on such events can still revive old prejudices, seemingly.
I lobby well-meaning citizens in the US such as Gordon to get over the why’s and wherefores of this past war and re-channel their worthy efforts into prevention of current and future world wide conflicts. What’s done is done.. it’s now that counts.
But let these nam-vet’s talk a little…. pppplllease.
Vietnam will always be a part of America’s military conscience. A victory denied to us by our own government! At that time, and maybe still, it’s easier to blame others then finish what you’ve started. Would I answer to our country’s call again? Yes, but, only for the right reasons! Thanks Alan for your service.
As a nurse I took care of so many of the Viet Nam returnees at Letterman in San Francisco. My husband was in the air force at the time, and it was shameful how those returnees were treated. They served their country well, sacrificed much and deserved more. Belatedly we thank you for what you gave, your service and for many, your injuries. I am happy that you were able to see Viet Nam again and in a much better light. Hopefully next time your Fox buddies can join you. Sincerely Barbara
Alan, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I also served in Viet Nam, after leaving Ft. Benning, Ga. on the night the Tet Offensive began in 1968. I remember sailing into Da Nang harbor, a young, scared Army Door Gunner. I thing it would be really great to sail again into Da Nang on a Princess ship under entirely different circumstances. I traveled around Viet Nam having spent 6 months down in the Delta and 6 months up around Da Nang. I remember it as one on the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I look forward to returning to Viet Nam on a Princess ship after my retirement in 2012.
Alan, thank you for writing about your return to Vietnam. I, too, am a Vietnam Era Veteran, having served with the “First Group of Women Marines ever stationed overseas, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Feb. 1967 – March 1968 (TET Offensive). We were essentially supporting the Marine foot soldiers (ground pounders) in transition from the states to Vietnam. As a 20-year-old CorporaI attached to Camp Butler, S2/S3, Intelligence/Counter Guerilla Warfare SchooI, I watched as hundreds of young Marines negotiated the dangerous trails, traps, snares and rope bridges, knowing that many of those same determined faces would never return. When I spent time at “The Wall” on its first tour around the country (Seattle), I discovered there was much needed healing for all veterans, and for their families and for the rest of the country. Your sharing of a “A Soldier Returns …” is incredibly important to the many Veterans who currently work at Princess Cruises (family and friends too) and for others who have an opportunity to read your story of bravery and reflection, a time in our history that’s almost impossible to describe. It’s encouraging to read that you’re visit had a good outcome. It should encourage all of us to do some serious reflecting.
Semper Fi, Sandra (Barr) Roseburg, Cpl, USMC, FMFPac, Camp Butler, Okinawa.
Alan–
Thanks so much to you, but to all of those other people who have left their comments, thanking those who have served.
I was drafted in 1967, but spared going to Vietnam; instead I was at the South Korean DMZ for all of 1968, plus two Christmas days during that time. It is wonderful to me to witness the thanks from people these days, especially for the troops returning home now. For me, the first time anyone ever thanked me was in my church in 1995, when the members acknowledged all veterans. Not even my family had ever said anything prior to that! Is that a lesson for today, or what? Let us never forget.
Like you, Alan, I do have an interest in returning to South Korea one day. Funny how you can hate a country one year, and long to return another.
Best blessings to you, and to all veterans and their families: past, present & future.
Gary Micheloni
http://www.BestVideoWebMarketing.com
Your story brought a smile to my face. I’m so proud to be working for a company where their CEO can share a personal side of them. Thank you for sharing your story with us. (Hopefully not the last one)
Blessings to you Mr. Buckelew for all that you did for this country and for Princess Cruises.
I don’t know that I could go back.
Thanks for sharing your story. I was an Army officer, active April 65-67, but didn’t get to Nam. Had many buddies there. After retiring as a Guardsman, we went to V N in 1999 on a Princess cruise. Nha Trang was the stop and a visit to Saigon also. I can appreciate what you guys went through and salute you for your courage and service. By the way, we have cruised 26 times with Princess. Best wishes. Greg Eskijian
Dear Mr. Buckelew,
I was deeply moved by your remarkably open article on going back to Vietnam after serving there so many years ago. My heart aches at the amount of pain all the fine young men and women had to first endure in the war and then upon coming home. Unfortunately, even still today many in authority look at war as a “profitable” event, with no regard for the lives that are damaged and lost. I thank you profoundly for caring enough about the USA to serve.
It is obvious from your openness that you are a genuine and kind person, and from reading the blogs that many responded back to you, the world does still have an abundance of kind hearted people who honestly do appreciate the sacrifices made.
My experience on the Emerald Princess was amazing and I talk about it almost every day, and run the pictures in a frame on my desk at work all the time. Can’t wait to do another one in the very near future. Thank you for a wonderful company as well.
PS to Gordon – you should get down and kiss the ground and thank your lucky stars for people like Mr. Buckelew and the millions of people who served in ANY war under the American flag so that you can have the freedom to disagree and not be put in prison for speaking your mind. The service people were doing their job !! If you want to question someone – ask some of the politicians who only wanted to line their pockets with ill-gained money (and still are),
Peace to all………
after 43 princess cruises i have avoided going back to vietnam as i was drafted as a marine in ’68 . will do this cruise this year based on your experiences
I was “in country” in 1964 and 1965 — before the fighting got intense. I went back three years ago and traveled from Hanoi to Hay Long Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi Ann and Saigon(with a day trip to Can Tho). I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at the friendly welcome, even in the North. I was proud of what we left behind. they’re still driving on dirt roads a few miles outside of Hanoi.The South has paved roads everywhere and electricity every where you go. Although a communist government, capitalism is alive and well.
Thank you so much for telling us your story. I served in the USAF Nurse Corps from 1968 to 1970 stationed stateside. My most vivid memories are of the “Nightingale” flights bringing the wounded back from Asia. Your service was and is most appreciated. Also thank you for having a cruise company that allows me, a handicapped individual, to cruise in comfort to places I could never reach otherwise. Welcome home.
I only echo so many seniments already stated. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you for serving proudly and honorably and sharing your perspective. I was only a grade school child during Nam, but was disgusted by the treatment of veterans upon return. A big thanks to all the soildiers who continue to protect all of us in War and Peace times.
Alan, thanks for sharing your story. I was in Nam from January 69-Jan.70. I was in the 35th Tac Fighter Wing at Phan Rang AFB. It’s always been my dream, and intent, to return to Vietnam. I hold no hard feelings toward the Vietnamese people. I deeply regret the loss of 58,000 plus of our brothers in arms, some were my friends. Thank you for your service, and welcome home.
Charles Simmons, USAF E-7 (Ret)
Usually I don’t read many online advertisements, but felt ( as a Vietnam vet) that it might have something to say to me. After reading of your experiences and reading all the comments, I sit here with tears in my eyes. Hadn’t felt this way since I heard about Dessert Shield – Dessert Storm and of all the America’s positive view of the American forces. I asked myself why so many time. Was there something wrong with the Vietnam vet? In my survival mode I too compartmentalized my exposure to conflict. Now 40 plus years later, I find the residue of Agent Orange is still ravaging veterans. The other day while trying to find my military discharge records in the garage with my son of 26 years, we finally connected about something he had never heard or known about. Thank you for sharing.
Simply amazing!!! What an inspiring and heartwarming story, Alan. I sincerely thank you and all those who have made so many sacrifices to protect our security and freedom. This country is what it is today because of men and women like you who believe it’s worth protecting. I’m not a Vietnam veteran or involved in war, but I was born in Vietnam and left at the age of 5 due to the war. After 34 years of growing up here, I can proudly say this country stands very solid and strong. I’ve visited Vietnam four times for various reasons (one was so my 7 yr. old son would see how great we have it in this country), and each time I return to the U.S. soil I feel very fortunate to be an American, all because of what this country is about; FREEDOM. Again, thank you and I deeply appreciate all you have done.
And Gordon, it was sad to hear your comment. You need to visit other countries to appreciate what you have.
Dear Mr. Buckelew,
As a Viet Nam ERA vet (I was stationed in Turkey instead of Viet Nam), I really appreciate the service you and all Viet Nam vets gave to this country. During that time I felt that the News Media, and many, many Americans just fed the North Vietnamese cause. When we pulled out, I felt we broke our covenant with the people of South Vietnam.
So here we are again – only instead of South East Asia, it’s Afghanastan. Instead of the “average Joe” serving his country, it’s a very small fraction of Americans who serve in our all volunteer military. I think more Americans should serve as you did.
Thank you and God Bless You,
John
Great Story. We have a Princess Cruise booked for South America in March so maybe I can convince my wife to go to Viet Nam at a later date Princess of course!!!!.
The vets of that era were treated badly but we need to live for the present. Many of my friends threw their uniforms away upon returning so as not to be confronted. I wore mine but never had problems but was just lucky. Thanks for your service and for all our Veterans,past,present,and future.
I am approxinately your age and was destined to seve in Viet Man, so I thought. However, unlike you, I spent my 21st birthday in an ice cream parlor! For some reason or another I was not called to serve when many of my friends were; some who lost their lives. I rather felt guilty at times that I did not serve. I want to thank you, your Fox team and every Viet Nam Vet in America from the bottom of my heart for what each of you did to protect our country, to protect our families, to protect me. Alan, you are blessed with the wonderful position you hold with Princess and the family you described. May your life continue to be blessed for the many sacrifices you, your Fox team and families made during that horrible time in our history. So glad you made it back home safely. I am leaving October 25 on a two week Carribean cruise on Grand Princess, my next cruise may now take me to see the land of Viet Nam because of your inspiration. A very belated WELCOME HOME SOLDIER! May God continue to bless you and God Bless America!
Mr. Buckelew, THANK YOU, again and again, for your service. I was embarrassed and horrified, even as a high-school student in the Vietnam era, at how groups of US citizens treated so horribly the very people who protected their freedoms and rights. I’m not in a position to apologize for their transgressions, but I am sorry to my soul that they occurred. And THANK YOU, as well, for your excellent account of your return to Vietnam. It seems among your other talents of military hero and corporate leader, you have some pretty fair writing skills! All the best to you and your family.
Dear Mr. Alan Buckelew:
Thank you for your heartfelt story. Your story was also very healing indeed.
I was saddened that arrangements were not made to accomodate those fellow
veterans interested in sailing with you on your voyage back in time.
A once in a lifetime experience such as sailing on a First Class Criuse Line
such as Princess, may just be something that you have already been planning
for your fellow surviving Fox Force Veterans, on a future Princess destination.
Certainly it would be the most luxurious vacation experience many of them will
ever have! After all, Princess is my favorite Cruise Line! You have the
profound opportunity sir, to change those lives of your Platoon.
You have been very blessed. I know personally how fortunate you
are to have the ability to ‘compartmenatlize’ traumatic memories.
Maybe you have already made this all happen without any fanfare
and unwanted attention. As CEO you have the opportunity to help
these veterans enjoy Fantastic new experiences aboard one of
your Magical and Exotic ships, create Happy Fresh memories to
share with their families and possibly offer them the grandest
surroundings they have ever been in, Just by being aboard
a Beautiful Princess Cruise Ship! I am happy to know you
have your Health! God Bless you and Thank you for service!
With most sincerest good wishes,
John
Alan: My husband served in Vietman, June 1968-69 with the 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army. He, too kept his thoughts tucked away in the attic. I had the opportunity, as a travel agent to travel to Viet Nam on the 20th anniversary of the wars ending. I asked if he wanted to join me and his reply was, “No, I have no desire to return but I want you to go. You will be visiting one of the most beautiful counties in the world.” Even though he hated the reason he was in country, he loved the people. I found this all to be true. Our tour started in Ho Chi Minh City, travelled to Da Nang, Hoi An and on to Hanoi. Thank you for sharing your experience. I encourage travellers to tour Viet Nam and to enjoy to warmth and graciousness ot the people.
Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s amazing and inspiring.
Thank you for serving our country.
As a drill instructer with the 4074th Reception Company (1961 until 1967), I spent much time training and sending young men to Vietnam, often wondering what it was like for them. In 2008 my wife and I took a Princess cruise from Beijing to Bancock just after the Olympics and shared the same experience and feeling that you probably had; namely mixed. We talk about that trip every day….it was that good!!!
I thought I would be drafted but instead I joined the US Army Reserves, I had 6 years to serve and after going to Basic training, I like the military so much that I was the first to re-up after my 6 years were over and I stayed in the Reserves for 24 years, I would of stayed longer but the military was on a push to release the troop’s serving serving back in the late 1980′s. Alan I am glad that you had that experience of serving our country specially in the Vietnam war, welcome home and thank you for serving. The Princess cruise’s is like going to home to a good friend and I will be sailing again on November the 8th, 2010 on the Emerald Princess.
When I retired three years ago, a friend told me about Princess Cruises. My friend and fellow Viet-Vet said the Princess people are different and you will like the experience. I took his advice and now I understand more about why..The Princess people are different! We have cruised three times in two years and are looking forward to our next adventure on Princess.
I believe in trickle down management…when there are great people at the top, they influence each employee every day.
I served in Vietnam in 1968. While my memories are not my favorite subject to chat about, I too keep them on the back burner and try to be positive about the experience.
I am Happy to now understand that the leadership at Princess bleeds red blood, and not blue.
Thanks for Writing this Blog…You have made my day.
I agree with all who have said thank you for your service and am so happy that you have shared this with all of us. We just returned home from our first Princess Asia Cruise (unfortunately not Viet Nam) but were also very pleased with our tours and happily surprised at how friendly and happy to see us the people of Japan, Korea and China were. The more we sail with Princess the more we find that people everywhere are basically good and kind. I had a big lump in my throat when the children of Muroran, Japan stood on the dock with light sticks and yelled “Sayonara” until we sailed out of sight. Our bucket list will definitely contain more of Asia. Thanks again Alan, another reason Princess is our home away from home.
Great post. I just returned from an Alaska/Asia cruise on the Diamond Princess. A return to Vietnam was not on the itiinerary though. I was in the central highlands as well at the same time May 69-May70 at Phu Cat Air Base. Our F4 Phantoms proudly supported your positions. Although we weren’t brothers in arms, we were good first cousins. Best of luck.
Andy Luis
Well written. I’m sure it was not easy to write this, but it is clear it comes from the heart. There is a great organization in Seattle, called “Peace Trees Vietnam” – you and/or the other members of the Fox platoon may want to look into.
I am happy that you are able to compartmentalize your feelings on what happened during your service time. My brother-in-law who served as a 19 year old First Lieutenant there was not as fortunate. He spent the next 35 years in spritual and mental hell from what he experienced. His body and mind eventually totally collapsed from anxiety and depression. What happy story can I offer to my wife in regard to visiting Viet Nam? A visit to a place such as this is the last thing she and I would ever want to experience. Today the people of Viet Nam still live in a country which lacks the basic freedoms which we enjoy in the United States. This is something that I would never want to re-enforce or celebrate by spending my vacation dollars there. I will take my business to places where human dignity and rights are respected.