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.
Hi Alan:
Thank you for your service to the Country and your story of time spent with Fox Force in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Being in combat at such a young age had be be a very stressful period for all of you. I was not in the Military during the war, but married with three kids, working on the Apollo Moon Program at North American Aviation.
Latter in life, my oldest son and I who are pilots, joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary serving in air and surface operation for the last 15 years. Although potentially dangerous, we are not being shot at! Thanks for your story.
Wow, Alan, I didn’t know you went back to Vietnam. This was a very interesting piece to read. I’m going to share it with mom and Bart, thanks for posting.
amber
Mr Buckelew.
From one viet nam vet to another Thank You for your blog.It was interresting to see how other vets responed to returning to a place where a lot of bad memories happened.I was with MCB#6 NAVY SEABEES.I did two tours one in dang and chu lai during the tet offensive.I like you hope one day to cruise to this area.WELCOME HOME BROTHER.
Thanks for sharing your tremendous story as well as serving our country! You are a true leader in so many positive ways! I always tell people, “positivity breeds positivity, while negativity breeds negativity.”
Alan,
I was in Viet Nam at the same time and the same area as a pilot for the 119th AHC. I have not experienced the same diesire to return to VN, but I did find your story touching and meaningful. Thank you for making the journey and your willingness to share your experiences. You’re one of my heros…..thanks!
Thank you for your service then…and now.
Inspirational – thanks for sharing. Travel is all about memories. You were able to confront unpleasant memories and in return left with new more pleasant one. Good for you. Time 2 Travel!
Hi Allen, thanks again for sharing your story. I am a Vietnam Verteran too, was in the Royal Australia Navy, however as the Australian’s were as the saying goes at that time “All the way with LBJ” and Australia did not have many helicopters to send but had pilots and ground crew was send to join the US Army 135th Assualt Helicopters Company land based for 1 year. Although not in the same situation as you were as a young Seaman I was given the job as a door gunner in a “slick” so as you would know we had our moments. I went back a few years ago before cruises started calling. Unlike you I did a solitary visit to Vietnam on an Adventure Tour staying at 3 star hotels and really glad I did it that way. Remember my first day with my group of 12 from Canada, Britain and Australia travelled from Hanoi to the Sapa Region down to Saigon. Yes it did seem that change is coming slowly to the country, the people are very proud of there beautiful country with beautiful people. The young tour guide ask if any had been to Vietnam before, I sheepishly put my hand up and I told him my story briefly. His reaction was did you ever go to the Australian RR Centre at Vuang Tau, I said yes. His answer “doen’t it have a great beach”. I told him I was surprised with his answer. He said the Vietnamese have a saying “After the Rain Comes the Sunshine”, a great philosophy and made me feel I had in some way come to terms after so many years. Looking forward to revisiting again. As you say great food, people and scenery. Maybe next time on a cruise.
Hi Allen. Long time,no talk to. I worked with you shortly after you left the Army and have vacariously followed your career at Princess. Good job on the post and explaining your way of dealing with the stress from that time. I have two older brothers who served in the Navy at that time and they too do not talk about it very often. On the other hand my memories of that time are dating some good looking sailors on leave with my brothers. I did a lot of letter writing to keep spirits up on board the USS St. Paul. No e-mail in 1967-70!!
Mary Lou:
As soon as I saw your name, the vision of your smiling face popped into my mind. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the comment.
All my best
Alan
Thank you for sharing your story. Let me say welcome home and thanks for serving. I served in the US Navy from 62 – 68, so I understand how you felt when you got home. I was proud to have served.
I am also a fan of Princess Cruises. It is a first class operation. I am about to embark on another one in November.
Great post Mr Buckelew. Thanx for sharing and for serviing. I also served from 1966-68 but was lucky enough not to be sent to Nam. I really enjoy the new newsletter, Travel Bucket List (which I set up for myself prior to our start of crusing with Princess) and look forward to reading other postings on their List. And thank you and Princess for the opportunity their are providing us in completing our list. Be Well. Tim Fagerstrom
Very nice site! is it yours too
Welcome Home!
As a Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran I was very pleased with your story of your family’s trip back to the ‘nam. Yes, compartment storage of memories is the proper way to describe our Veteran’s experience. I, like you, have been so fortunate to have returned home, met a wonderful woman who has been my wife of 30 years, had two beautiful children (Owen and Monica), been employed by the same company for 37 years and fortunate enough to visit my compartment and count my blessings.
Your sea day between the Vietnamese ports was very meaningful as only a fellow Veteran could gain the true meaning of this quiet time for reflection. I, like you, have always had reservations about returning. I hold the Vietnamese people in high esteem for their friendly nature and excellent work ethic. There is just so much to say here but I want to thank-you for your fine story. As Oliver Stone said in his 1986 movie Platoon, “Those of us who made it back have a duty and obligation to make this world a better place.”
You have. Best wishes to you and your family!
Semper Fidelis
Gene McCandless USMC 1967-71
Thank you for your service in Vietnam. You are one of the lucky ones. You came back alive and in one piece. I was in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne in 1965. We were the first Army combat unit sent to Vietnam. How about a nice discount on Princess for those of us who came back with Purple Hearts and who still suffer from the wounds they received there. I am currently a Platinum cruiser with Princess.
Robert:
We do have a military discount program. I hope you have an opportunity to take advantage of it.
Best wishes
I served in Tay Ninh and Chu Lai from 1966-1967. I was in the 196th LIB and I was a grunt. Now, I am a Retired Police Chief (America’s Safest City) and an avid traveller, as my 20+ Princess cruises will show.
As part of our 07/11 196th LIB Association Reunion in Bellevue, WA, we are organizing a post-reunion cruise on the Sapphire Princess (RT Seattle) leaving 07/31/11. So far, we have approximately 100 members (and their families) who have signed up for the cruise, and we only expect that number to increase.
As a courtesy to a fellow Vietnam Vet, we would like to invite you to join us. As a special request, and as it would mean a great deal to the grunts of the 196th, I would like to request of the ship’s Captain that our colors be flown while aboard the Sapphire Princess. If this is possible, please advise either in reply to me, or to the 196th LIB web page.
My wife and I are looking forward to this and our pending Mediterranean & Australia cruises with Princess. In fact, she keeps trying to talk me into an Asian cruise stopping in Vietnam. After reading your post, I think the time may finally be coming.
Although Vietnam is a beautiful country and much has changed, I don’t quite know how I would feel seeing the amusement park and condos now at the base of Nu Ba Din (Black Virgin Mountain). Thanks for sharing your story.
Ron:
As I shared with you privately, my annual Fox Reunion is at the same time so I can’t join you, but will toast all the men of the 196th along with my Fox brothers. You are absolutely welcome to fly the colors of the 196th while on the Sapphire Princess.
All my best
Served with the Mobile Riverine Force ’67-68. One day I clicked on the bridge cam of one of your ships and it was parked in the river near Vung Tau where our ship was back in the day. I always felt safer when we returned from patrol to the ship and my VA counseler says that’s probably why I like cruising so much! Thanks for the story that has generated such great responses from everyone. I sat up late into the night riveted to the screen. Very theraputic and much appreciated. I have recommended everyone in my PTSD group to check this thread out. Thanks to all the responders who may not know it but they are helping us heal and feel emotions once again.
Correction- After living 4 years in the middle east, I think America and its citizens need to redefine what a win and a loss is in a war.
I don’t understand why people say we lost in Vietnam. After 4 years in the middle east America, and its citizens need to redefine what a win and a loss is in a war. The old definition was conquer, and assimilate. Doing that completely defeats the purpose of travel. If entrepreneuers are flourishing in Vietnam, they keep their identity (like really good different food) and they like to meet Americans then we won. The only thing we will ever win in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other Muslim country is their tolerance of us, and each other. Air plane technology will never go away therefore the world is tiny. If a Muslim in Afghanistan decides to get on a plane to see America, it should be because he/she is curious about us. Perhaps has a few friends that were service members at one time in his/her country. With over 100 stamps in my passport I find traveling to be the greatest investment in myself. We won in Vietnam. We are winning in Afghanistan, winning in Iraq, won in Kuwait. I would rather not conquer Iraq and make them like us. I would rather just be able to visit, see their culture and not be threatened.
Alan, thanks so much for your comments! You’re the second vet I’ve heard from this summer about returning to Vietnam. I am also curious about visiting – I served in 69/70 with 3rd Marines from Dong Ha and Quang Tri to the DMZ, and also with 3rd MPs in DaNang. It was a beautiful country, and I appreciate your comments and service.
Looking forward to our cruise with Princess in Nov.
Thank you for sharing your memorable story.It must have been bitter-sweet.Thankyou again for your service to our country,welcome home,God bless you ,your family,and members of the Fox Team
tackee3@bellsouth.net
LEE&Claudia Swope
Alan,
Thanks for a great narrative. Served in the ‘Nam 1968 to 1969 for 13 1/2 months as a combat medic. Your description of coping fits so many vets, and has been effective for me. Enjoyed a wonderful career in the Fire Service and blessed with 5 daughters and 12 grand children. Thanks for sharing and welcome home, brother!
We are a Viet Nam era military family and what I am most proud of is the majority of the comments about your story are to thank you for your service to our country. The most poignant lessen learned from Viet Nam is that our soldiers are doing their job as directed. They are honorable, dedicated, caring men and women who love this country enough to sacrifice for it.
Our troops today are the beneficiaries of the brutal homecoming Nam vets had to suffer.
Your story brings Viet Nam full circle, once the enemy, now, a country that can be safely visited by people from around the world.
God bless you and your family. B&B
PS Just returned from our 2nd Princess cruise Copenhagen to Rome, great fun and so much to see. Our Alaskan cruise (ist time on Princess) was our favorite, we’ll do it again, it was an amazing WOW.
Dear Mr. Buckelew,
Thank you for your interesting story and your dedication to promote humanistic values. It is encouraging to know that you stand for ” principle. ” Knowing that, I have a case which has been presented to the Princess Cruises Relation Department. And I am extremely disappointed with the negative responses that I receive from the agent who is handling the case. Your insight is highly appreciated in the interest of justice. Here is a short summary of the case:
A family of three out of our 36-person group was denied boarding in our most recent Alaska cruise of July 31st, 2010 ( trip C019 ) due to the lack of proper travel document. The Princess Cruises policy in such cases is no refund, which, although is painful, it is also understandable. What is not understandable is that the Princess Cruises denied us the use of that cabin, and instead assigned it to someone else! Which simply translates to ………….
” YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO.”
Hi Ali,
We are sorry for your continued frustration. We were able to locate your booking information and will pass your comments to our Customer Relations department so that they may readdress your concerns.
Thanks for sharing your story, Alan. My husband and I visited Vietnam on our 40th wedding anniversary cruise. We stopped at Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and went to Hoi An. We really enjoyed the country. Although we did not have your background, we were young people in the UK during the war and I did not think we would enjoy ourselves so much.
Alan…great story. I too have returned to Vietnam to put my “Boots on the Ground” where I walked in my younger days. It was an emotional ride for me but I discovered that Vietnam has changed for the better and that the people are so kind and considerate to all Vietnam Vets. I would suggest you return with your fellow soldiers to visit very specific areas where you served. It will heal your heart and soul. Visit http://www.VietnamBattlefieldTours.com for full details. Tell them where you want to go and they will get you there. Thanks for sharing your story.
First of all, thank you for sharing your view on a country which is definitely on my bucket list when my husband retires. Your perspective on the people and the memories which flooded back are phenomenal.
I lived the Vietnam War era, my brother served 4 years, and unfortunately he is no longer with us, but I will always treasure his photos, his service to our country, and the most unfortunate welcome home of any Veterans having served during a time of crisis.
Thank you for sharing your personal journey and for serving as CEO of the best cruise line sailing the seas!
Hi Alan, thank you for sharing your story. I certainly remember the soldiers with the red scarves. I served with the Fourth Infantry Division, in the Central Highlands from March 1969 – March 1070. My unit was Alpha company 1st of the 14th inf. I believe we were both Golden Dragons. Perhaps our paths crossed at Fire Support Base St. George. I left St. George just prior to the November 6, 1969 sapper attach. Later I heard that Echo Company (Fox Force) fought brilliantly. Alpha company lost three men that night. All of the 40+ man enemy sapper team were either killed or captured. To the Right of the Line.
Just retired from a successful career in banking. I owe part of my success to the lessons I learned as a soldier. I have tremendous appreciation form our men and women in service. Just returned from a Cruise on the Ocean Princess. What a great time. My compliments to the ships staff, they were outstanding. I am going to put the trip to Asia on my list.
Thanks again,
Herb
Thank you for commenting, it’s great to hear from an old Golden Dragon. FYI, I received an email from “the” Dragon Col. Robertson just the other day. He and his wife Lois are doing well.
Regards
Alan,
I too like you went back. Not once but twice, once on Star Gemini and once on Diamond Princess. I managed to get to where I served and most importantly was able to show my wife where I was for my 12 months missing from Australia. Next year I am off to US to visit a US pilot (FAC) who I credit with saving my life. (He thinks I am crazy) but when you are about to be strafed by “friendly” forces and someone comes along and stops it I think I am right. Anyhow can’t wait and at the end of our visit we will join Dawn Princess at FLL to cruise home. Emotionally I will be spent. Great story – you are a proud man
Great article! Alan, if you’d like to get to the exact places you served in Vietnam, we can get you there. See our website: http://www.VietnamBattlefieldTours.com We are a combat-veteran-founded non-profit tour company specializing in helping veterans come full circle in their lives. We are dedicted to the veteran, his family members, friends, and to active-duty military personnel. We’d be proud to walk beside you in the places of your youth.
Hi Alan. Your story was forwarded on to me by Olinda. I didn’t know you served in Nam. Thank you for serving our country and returning home to be the man that you are today. God has truly blessed you. Again, thank you.
Great to hear from you Gail, I hope you are doing well and enjoying all that life has to offer.
All my best
God bless you and thank you for serving our country.!
Alan: Nice epistle about the “police action”. I haven’t had the urge to return to Viet Nam and, when I got home, I told my wife that if I ever saw the place again it would be too damn soon. All I can really remember the the blood and guts of the dead and dying as our 130s hauled them out to the hospitals and morgues in Okinawa and the Philippines. Tan Son Nhut and Da Nang, as well as many other bases, were sad places indeed.
However, your comment about making the trip on a cruise makes sense. Knowing that every evening you’ll be entering the cleanliness and comfort of the boat is a great alternative. I only wish that the friends that I lost over there could have had that chance.
We’ll be cruising on Princess on Feb. 2nd. from LA to Hawaii. If we are pleased I’ll give the Asian trip a look. Guess I owe it to my friends. Maybe it’s time to deal with the memories that are locked up in my foot locker. Thanks for your service……
Alan, first of all, thank you for your service! i’m also a Viet Nam vet and most of the time proud of it and also served in El Salvador during their civil war from 1981-1989. I totaly understand not being able to talk about it as I don’t think most people would understand.I now live in Elk Grove, CA and about two years ago started a veterans memorial here in town as we do not have one but having a really hard time raising money for it.
One thing we are doing diferent with our veterans memorial is that we will honor past and living veterans because as you know a veteran never gets thank, his or her family get a flag after the fact.
Welcome home brother!
Alan: Your narrative brings back many old, mostly bitter, memories. Like you, I am statistically a ‘Vietnam Era’ veteran. Unlike you, I served completely in a support role. Our unit, which never ‘officially’ set foot in Viet Nam, was responsible for the collection, statistical processing, summarization and reporting of all data associated with wounded / KIA / MIA personnel from all services in the southeastern Asian theater. Some of the posts suggest that we managed a victory here and there. There were no victories in this conflict as there have not been in any US politically-controlled military engagement since Korea. For my unit, there was never a ‘good’ day, given the political ‘spin’ put on much of the data we produced.
I am delighted you survived, and thank you for your service. Perhaps, like you, I might one day actually walk in peace among these people who wreaked so much havoc in our country and lance these 40-year old feelings. It would be a welcome relief.
Alan,
I was very touched by your personal story. You have such a wonderful writing style–have you ever thought of writing a book?The more the veterans talk about their experiences, the more the general public understands what you went through. I honor you and others for your great efforts in battle. Thank you,
Jill
Thanks for your story. I served in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhut AB, near Saigon, Aug 1967-Aug 1968. Like you I didn’t talk about my experiences, though I was in a support role not combat role. I have discussed experiences with my brothers and my sons in the last few years. I would like to disagree on one thing: we did not lose the war, it wasn’t our to win in the first place and our polititions would not permit use to win even if we could or if it were our war to win. Militarily we won most our battles: we won in Khe Son(?), our marines outlasted everything VC and NVA threw at them, we won the Tet offensive, actually devistated the VC and NVA. If you read the memoirs of the main general (can’t remember his name exactly), he states the same. The only place we didn’t win was in our own media and politically. We didn’t win the war, but we didn’t lose the war, not militarily anyway
Thanks your for your service. I was USN, RMC (E-7) at the time I served there.
My husband and I were in Danang, 69-71, working for civilian government contractors. When I read your awe inspiring message I just had to say Thank You for all the sacrifices you endured on our behalf. Being their, seeing it all, hearing it all, made me want to tell you just how grateful I am to you for your sincere effort. I am an Elite member of Princess’ Past Passenger club and have enjoyed many Princess Cruises. Vietnam was never on my ‘must see’ list remembering all the war and lost of life. After reading your story, it made me feel like this is something I should do also. I have memories that I cherish and yet some that I wish I could forget. My time spent in Danang was not life threatening as I was not in the Armed Forces but I still can hear the sound of the Huey helicopters going over and the wizzing of the rockets that would start just as soon as it got dark. Mr. Buckelew, your message was an inspiration. It made me realize how precious life is. May the Dear Lord Bless you and your family and keep you in his loving care. Take good care of yourself. Thank You Kindly…….
I really enjoyed reading your blog. My father served in Viet Nam as a Medic. Fortunately, he made it home safe and my brother was born a few years later in 1968 and then I arrived in 1971. From time to time, I have looked at my father’s aging slides of pictures he took of the base where he served and the pictures of life, back then, in Viet Nam. I have often wondered about going there to see the place where he served our country and to see how life has improved as a result the US occupation there. I took my first Princess cruise this past summer and I am looking forward to my next. Thanks for sharing your story. I salute you and sincerely appreciate your service to our country. I am so thankful you made it home to share a long life with your wife, son and your career with Princess.
Your Viet Nam experience was so insspirational and moving. Two of my brothers served there. My husband and third brother were prepared to serve, but status was changed because the had just became a father of their first child. They keppt their thoughts and comments in the attic and did not talk about their experiences, like many of the other vets. My oldest brother mentioned seven or eight years ago, that he would like to return to Viet Nam for a visit. I thought, that is one of the last places on my bucket list to visit. After reading your touching story, I understand why he would want to return. I only pray , that he, and the other can return and I can accompany them to a meaningful life changing place that has been with them all of their lives. Thank you and them for serving our country and my grandson for serving in Afganistan. I only hope that Princess cruiseline is the way that we would go.
Thank you for sharing your feelings, old and new about Vietnam. My husband served there, however was one of the not so fortunate ones. In July 69 he stepped on a land mine and lost a leg and severely damaged the other. He was with the Wolfhounds in the Army. In 2004 another member of his platoon started calling as many men as he could find that served there in 68-69 in his platoon. Reunions started and now they have them every two years. These are some of the most wonderful brave men in the world. Thank you for your service. May God bless you.
Aloha,
I spent a couple of tours there.
1st one in the High Lands, Jungle,
upcon to many Army Units, as our 25th DIV was down south,
so we the Golden Dragons ended up as a bastard unit, attached to all different units.
2nd tour, I was a red cather with 199 light Inf. in the south area.
I too maintain my Stress well per the VA Shrink.
Maybe it will do me good to return? Time will tell?
God Bless and thank you for your story, I love Princess Cruises too!
Norbert (in Hawaii)
“Thank you” for your service…I will always remember the red scarves!!!! I am a travel agent and it is my sincere pleasure to sell Princess cruises..My husband (Navy veteran Korea) & I take lots of groups!!! Almost always on Princess!!! “Thank you” for leading a marvelous company..I am always so happy & proud to sell her to my clients and my group passengers!!! I think your survey is great and shows how you care about your passengers!!! Your own family & your Princess family are lucky to have a man like you at the helm!!!! Thanks from Alice Gerety
First, “thanks” for your service. Vietnam has not been in or out of my bucket but have decided to call my brother, he served while I was here safe and sound. I will ask if he would like to return, as you did and if so, my treat! You have given a great reminder to all of us. Good Luck.
Mary Peter,CTC
Thank you for your service. My oldest brother was a 21-yr Army veteran who served two times in Vietnam and also one tour in Korea during that conflict. I remember the nightmares/flashbacks he had when he returned from his second tour in Vietnam. Unfortunately, he died of three types of cancer at the age of 67, one of which the doctors advised was caused by Agent Orange exposure while in Vietnam. Our freedom has never been “free”….someone has to pay the price for it. Thank God for men/women like you. God Bless.
Thank you for sharing your very personal and touching experiences about your tour in Vietnam. I’m sure you speak for those who are unable to share their thoughts with us. By the way, those C rations must have been good. You look very fit in that picture!
Welcome Home and Thank You for your Service
USS Frank E. Evans DD 754 ’66-69
Lest We Forget
Glad to hear that you had a good visit to Nam. I don’t know if I could do it. I spent 68 in Nam with Co A 1st Bn 502nd Inf 101st Air Borne I wnt over with the division in December of 67 and was 1 of 12 in the oringinal company to make it out after a year. I lost a lot of good freinds over there and think of them at times. The time just isn’t right for me to want to go back. The county that I remenber was beauitful when we weren’t fighting. I went from Saigion to the DMZ and Da Nang to the Camboian border.
I have enjoyed the cruises we have taken on Princess and are loking forward to doing it again.
Welcome home brother! I am a life member of VVA Chapter 327, NW NJ, and proud to say I too served. I was a Tan San Nhut in 67 as a Air Force security policeman, dog handler. I am proud to say that maybe I had a little to do with keeping the base safe for when others came in from the “front lines” and needed a secure area to unwind with a hot shower and hot food, and of course, a few cold ones. Thank you and I look forward to my next cruise on one of your ships.
I’m glad to hear so many good memories starting to come out. Two tours in the middle of the “conflict” makes it too hard to go back.
Sorry Gordon, most of us started with a “greetings, you have selected”. We followed the orders of our government. The innocent people you speak of were trying to kill us.
Unfortunately too many people died of all sides of the war.
What a well writen story! I was impressed with your ability to be able to compartmentalize your bad experiences “Christmas balls in the attic”. I pray that the soldiers who are in the Middle East will be able to do the same when they come home. Being with your family on a Princess Cruse is a wonderful experience…anywhere.