How many Vietnam Vets die per day?

2016-05-30T08:04:11-04:00

Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of 390 deaths each day. I don't know about you guys, but it kind of gives me the chills.

Enjoy today's Memorial Day and please take time to "Remember".

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 30 at 2016 8:08 AM

2016-05-30T08:08:52-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski thanks for the read and share!

Response by TSgt Joe C. made May 30 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-05-30T09:46:42-04:00

I wasn't thinking the number was so high, wow. Thank you for sharing SP5 Mark Kuzinski

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-05-30T09:55:49-04:00

We have lost a lot of RVN vets do to various medical maladies. Mostly RVN vets didn't get the needed VA medical help in a timely fashion, from denial of AO. I venture to say, VA is different now with the Iraq and Afghanistan vets, stemming from all the Vietnam vs VA. fallout.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 30 at 2016 10:02 AM

2016-05-30T10:02:47-04:00

That's 24 times faster than they died in combat. Time gets us all in the end.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made May 30 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-05-30T10:31:49-04:00

That's a staggering number. Thanks to all veterans for their service and a salute to the fallen.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 30 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-05-30T10:34:51-04:00

Due to my age, I remember my father and relatives serving in WWII, lived through Korea, Vietnam and the other undeclared combat actions since. since I am the closest to the VN Vets, my thouthts go to them first. Volunteers and draftees that served honorably in a war that was not necessary, nor led with honor from the power structure in Washington.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 30 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-05-30T11:21:08-04:00

About 300 'Nam vets pass every day. The shocking thing is there were so many WW2 vets, even at a much more advanced age, we're losing about 420 a day according to some of the more reputable sources. When my dad left us, the rate was around 1800 a day. As you can see, there's no way ceremonial buglers can cover the demand. I came later into the 'Nam era. I remember thinking about my dad then; his war being 45 years removed. Now it's my turn to see the distance. It gets muddled with repetitive conflicts since, but you'll always remember your first one vividly.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 30 at 2016 11:47 AM

2016-05-30T11:47:13-04:00

SP5 Kuzinski - And I thought a year after I left when the casualties were over 300 a week were tragic,but then again we all got to go home so I'll remember my Brothers today and as long as I'm still on this side of the grass.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 30 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-05-30T12:29:58-04:00

Thanks for reminding us SP5 Mark Kuzinski to please take time to "Remember".
I have no trouble remembering.
While the estimated 390 deaths each day for Vietnam War veterans seems high, compared to the rate for WWII and Korean war veterans it isn't. Wounded and injured veterans may well die earlier than their civilian counterparts. We all know people who survived much longer that they were expected to.
I concur with the responses of PVT James Strait SPC Jeff Daley, PhD TSgt Joe C. Capt Seid Waddell and MAJ David Vermillion

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 30 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-05-30T12:32:03-04:00

To many, how many are from natural causes, and not Agent Orange?

Response by CWO2 John Markiewicz made May 30 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-05-30T15:19:01-04:00

We hear numbers bandied about all the time. 22 veterans per day committing suicide, 390 Vietnam veterans per day dying. It would be nice to see where these numbers are coming from. I hear denials of the accuracy of the numbers but do not know where to find the official count and the data as to how the count is done (i.e. what is counted and what is not counted).

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-05-30T21:13:21-04:00

I have to believe that Agent Orange is taking a heavy toll. The Marines in my old unit are dying at an alarming rate. I do not know if the link below is correct. It mentions that the average life expectancy of a Vietnam Veteran is 65.

http://tomohalloran.com/2013/05/30/vietnam-veterans-%E2%80%8Bdying-at-an-earlier-age-the-agent-orange-cover-up/

VIETNAM VETERANS DYING AT AN EARLIER AGE - THE AGENT ORANGE COVER UP - Tom O'Halloran

TomOHalloran.com is a news, information and opinion site. Our goal is to post, report and analyze stories of interest on a wide range of topics from politics and culture to faith and family. We are located in Longview Texas.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made May 31 at 2016 3:33 AM

2016-05-31T03:33:04-04:00

It gives me chills as well even though it is simple mortality at best. Whole different ballgame than the reported 22 suicides a day.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:26 AM

2016-05-31T04:26:41-04:00

The older we get , the more ominous necessity of death. Having said that, In my short acquaintance with the gallant RP Raiders, I will take this opportunity to say, See yall on the other side.

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made May 31 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-05-31T09:00:46-04:00

As a Nam vet who is 67 and has AO related health problems, and who spent this Memorial Day in the hospital my answer is "why bother". We all die, my brothers will always be my brothers...in effect, we will never die! Someone will always remember and honor what we did.

Response by MSgt Roger Hoyle made May 31 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-05-31T10:03:41-04:00

God Bless all my brother Vietnam Veterans. Your the best.

Response by PV2 Danielle Horner made May 31 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-31T11:16:37-04:00

This is just heartbreaking

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made May 31 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-05-31T11:51:48-04:00

My math could be wrong but I think the minimum age for Vietnam era today would be 58 (age 17 in 1975). I see a lot of the homeless folks from the Viet era (especially from the Tet Offensive) through my motorcycle group bringing food supplies and blankets and coats. Most of them are living under bridges, exposed to the weather. It's hard to get them into shelters due to distrust, fear of authority. So that is a major contributing factor. Others have no will to live. They are just existing. Sad that America couldn't give honor where honor was due.

Response by SSG Timothy Miller made May 31 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-05-31T12:10:54-04:00

I entered into the service a few years after Vietnam and the draft ended. I stayed in the service for over a decade and one day decided I was ready to move on. I left and got my degree in Healthcare. I have now been in practice for 20 years. In the early part (first decade) of my practice, WWII Vets were dying in droves. Then, it began to slow. Now, Korean Era and MORE Vietnam Era are dying. There is a common thread I see in the Vietnam Vets deaths. Respiratory ailments including increased incidence of cancer (agent orange-although out Gov said it wasn't so for the first 2.5 decades after the war, they now admit it). Every other Vet we have on case load now is a Vietnam era Vet. I do not know how many are dying but it seems rthat early to mid-60's is when the Vietnam vets are dying.

Response by CSM Michael Salfai made May 31 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-05-31T13:40:30-04:00

A lot of us, especially those who served in the early/mid Sixties or before, are no longer spring chickens, eh?

Response by PO3 Rob Austin made May 31 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-05-31T16:24:54-04:00

I don't know, but we Vietnam-era vets are probably dying at a greater rate than actuarial tables would suggest we should. The indefensible incompetence of the VA and the civilians charged with administering it (I'm looking at you, Congress AND Obama) have no doubt hastened the demise of many of us. Here's something to think about: How about paying the doctors, nurses, and those at the VA hospitals and clinics who are actually doing the work a competitive, attractive wage? Take the funds from food stamps and the hosts of government freebies that each successive Congress enacts in order to get re-elected. Man up and do the right thing. No one deserves this nation's unquestioning care than our vets in need of medical and psychological care and healing. (By the way, I am not one, thankfully.)

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 31 at 2016 5:10 PM

2016-05-31T17:10:12-04:00

Are your numbers suggesting suicide, old age or a more sinister plot? I hate to see anyone pass away but people in their late 60's are known to pass away due to sickness and injury.

Response by Sgt Jim Weeder made May 31 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-05-31T17:43:47-04:00

Just think if you were a WWII vet! Unfortunately like every other war it is becoming our turn now

Response by SGT David Felten made May 31 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-05-31T17:47:59-04:00

No wonder it is so difficult for 'Nam vets to obtain services, or get shafted by the VA. The VA is justing waiting for all of us to die and go away.

Response by SSG Jay Marchand made May 31 at 2016 9:01 PM

2016-05-31T21:01:59-04:00

Too damn many.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made May 31 at 2016 9:51 PM

2016-05-31T21:51:29-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner…As someone who came with in minutes of bleeding out, ten days after my 20th. birthday in 1966, everyday I get is one I shouldn't have…No complaining here.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Jun 1 at 2016 1:01 AM

2016-06-01T01:01:53-04:00

I understand out of the 2.9 million of us who served in Vietnam, two thirds are already deceased. At 390 deaths a day, that's a little over fourteen thousand a year. In about seven years there may still be a few World War Two vets around, but its unlikely there will be any of us.

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Jun 1 at 2016 6:27 AM

2016-06-01T06:27:48-04:00

The hardest thing about Vietnam was coming home.

When I get there, I'll let you know.

Sebastian Junger's TED Talk on PTSD and alienation in America addresses the driver in veteran suicides.

http://ramrodd.tumblr.com/post/ [login to see] 6/via-httpswwwyoutubecomwatchv-8ssqmts3n7o

COMMENTARY:SEBASTIAN JUNGER: I just saw your TED Talk on the subject of PTSD and the deliberate campaign of political alienation engineered by the Conservative elements of the GOP and as a structural...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 1 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-06-01T12:02:25-04:00

SP5 Mark Kuzinski Unbelievable amount of loss in lives during this war and to be treated the way those veterans that did return or make it back, just makes me sick - this nation owes such a debt of gratitude to all these young men and women that served their country (those that volunteered and those that were drafted). We need to spend the rest of our lives making sure that "we" veterans make-up for a country that was very selfish and self centered at the time and didn't treat their own with dignity and self-repect when they returned from any war, esepcailly this one. I know I will spend the rest of my days doing everything I can to make sure they know that I respect them, I'm grateful, I'm thankful for their sacrifices, and will do whatever I can to make a wrong a right in their eyes for their reamining days on this earth. I'm ashamed of our country at that time - just ashamed! This is my personal feelings that I'm sharing, so keep that in mind if you disagree with my personal thoughts on the matter!

Response by SPC Jonathan Packard made Jun 2 at 2016 10:25 AM

2016-06-02T10:25:30-04:00

That stat is not true and is totally overshoot. That means that 142,550 die each year. No freaking way. If that was true they will all be dead within 5 years.

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Jun 2 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-06-02T23:25:01-04:00

Well, we're getting older. Not a big surprise. Every war has its last surviving veteran. I wonder who it will be for us?

Response by SSG Timothy Miller made Jun 3 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-06-03T13:40:03-04:00

Veterans SHOULD NOT need to rely on the VA. Since it's inception, it has been a VERY costly, red tape driven, Government Agency which fails miserably in it's intended purpose; to provide the health needs of our Veterans, who I may add, are few in numbers in comparrison to the numbber of men in the Unitied States. It takes courage to raise your right hand and swear the oath to protect your people and your Constitution. Since the end of the draft, fewer and fewer men have wore the uniform. It makes total sense for the American people to abolish VA because one: if would cost way less than fund a ineffective, huge Government Bureau, then pay all the doctors, nurses, nurse aides, pharmacist, X-ray tech etc etc. 2) There is no oversight of the VA, although, the Government wants you to believe there is. Only when a huge problem is exposed, does anyone ever take notice. Since Vets are fewer in numbers now days, we have less voice. If the opportunity ever does arise to abolish the VA, DO IT. Veterans are much better off going to their local doctors and hospitals and will recieve better care that will cost taxpayers LESS rather than funding a huge Governement Agency which is inept with red tape. malpractice and gluten for more money.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Jun 5 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-06-05T19:47:41-04:00

Dear God, that's almost a big a daily loss rate as that of WWII vets, isn't it?

Response by SGT Seth Reeb made Apr 24 at 2017 5:53 PM

2017-04-24T17:53:00-04:00

thanks for your post I am looking for a list of those names do you have any data

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Apr 27 at 2017 2:51 PM

2017-04-27T14:51:25-04:00

Too many of us...too many..

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made Apr 27 at 2017 6:38 PM

2017-04-27T18:38:11-04:00

The 390 figure is correct if you're including all Vietnam Era Vets. If however, you use that number with the 2.7 million that served in country, the numberis much lower. The death rate for all Vietnam Veterans is in line with the general population or even slightly lower, and there are about 75% of those who served in-country still living.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 29 at 2017 4:42 PM

2017-04-29T16:42:56-04:00

Sadly we're next in line. Few WWII vets left and Korean War vets also getting fewer and fewer. Don't necessarily agree, but perhaps it's the only way we can get recognition for our accomplishments that were sorely lacking at the end of the Vietnam War.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 21 at 2017 9:39 PM

2017-11-21T21:39:19-05:00

Did any of you read the article in stars and stripes in regards to a VA study shows parasites from Vietnam may be killing Veterans that served there.

I suggest anyone that served in country there read this.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/parasite-from-vietnam-may-be-killing-vets/

Peace!

Slow-killing parasite from Vietnam may be killing veterans, VA study says

Test results show some men may have been infected while fighting in the jungles of Southeast Asia

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 12 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-02-12T20:52:36-05:00

It's damn sad, so many slowly eaten up by Agent Orange and other great ideas over time. Please also remember since the VA published it's 1st suicide report in 1999, we have lost between 20-23 veterans per day due to suicide. So far we have lost over 143,000- that is more than the KIA's from Korea, Vietnam, and all the conflicts thru GWOT.

Response by Cpl William Goward made Apr 25 at 2018 8:24 PM

2018-04-25T20:24:05-04:00

Pass this on to the NFL bunch of cowards that take a knee I am a wounded warrior and will never watch football again if all vets do this and people that lost love ones the NFL will go broke

Response by SFC James Welch made May 11 at 2018 6:25 PM

2018-05-11T18:25:58-04:00

I remember when World War II Vets we’re dying at a thousand a day and thinking “we’re next”!

Response by SGT Thomas Roberson made Jul 18 at 2018 3:12 AM

2018-07-18T03:12:56-04:00

I feel depressed when I see how many of us are alive I feel afraid

Response by SGT Thomas Roberson made Jul 18 at 2018 3:45 AM

2018-07-18T03:45:08-04:00

I’m still trying to get help for skin problem i don’t know what I have all I know is i itch all over so bad I wish i could jump out of my skin, it’s a shame the va can’t treat this angent orange mess they tried to kill them with but it got us also. I had prostrate cancer 2 years ago I’m 71 years old the va. isn’t trying to upgrade my disability because they are waiting on me to die like all the rest causality of the Vietnam war and Agent Orange Chemical War Fair that they lied about to Congress that wasn’t being used

Response by SGT George Sarfine made Jul 21 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-07-21T22:48:31-04:00

Please keep them honest boots on the ground Vietnam
Last 1/3 taking so many problems
Thanks

Response by SGT George Sarfine made Jul 21 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-07-21T23:39:31-04:00

Yes keep the VA honest boots on the ground

Response by SSgt Paul Cordero made Feb 22 at 2019 9:14 AM

2019-02-22T09:14:06-05:00

I have know of dozens of my friends and acquaintances that have died so young after coming home!

Response by SPC Charles Wickliffe made May 3 at 2019 5:54 PM

2019-05-03T17:54:45-04:00

I'll be seventh years old in July.

Response by CPT Michael Walsh made Oct 18 at 2019 9:19 AM

2019-10-18T09:19:24-04:00

I'm 74 and I feel blessed to have made it this far. Yep, the attrition rate gives me the chills too. Makes me feel vulnerable. No regrets and I'd do it again if I was able!

Response by LCpl Lawrence Dos Santos made Dec 2 at 2019 7:13 AM

2019-12-02T07:13:44-05:00

What is the exact source of this information? Are they including those who did not actualy serve in Vietnam?

Response by SP5 Everett Catlin made Feb 5 at 2020 8:23 PM

2020-02-05T20:23:05-05:00

How many of us are left now who served in country?

Response by SP5 Jimmie Smith made Feb 6 at 2020 10:24 PM

2020-02-06T22:24:27-05:00

I really like your post Sir
I returned home August 19th 1968, I flew on United Airlines, out of Ben Hoa Air Force base, I had a buddy that had to have someone be with him and see Him home or He would have to wait another week on a special MED flight , because he had nervous system problems from shock waves I think, we didn’t know for sure, but anyway I got him home to Dover Delaware. I left there going on to Niceville, Fl. Where my Mother was living at the time , made It to Atlanta,Ga and got bumped off the flight for someone who taken my seat, that was a paying customer, anyway then bought a Trailway’s Bus ticket
from Atlanta on home, The Bus driver was nice enough let me off the Bus at road forks rd , It was only a couple of miles from home so I trotted the all the two miles on foot. I never Will Forget the look

my Mother’s Face when I walked through the door, She was so happy and relived, She was Crying and laughing at the same time, I thought She wasn’t ever going turn me lose.
That’s my story that the part I care too share, the rest of the story, I think about everyday.
Thank You Sir for listening to a old sentimental Soldier
God Bless, and above all Welcome Home, and Thank You For Your Service .
SP- 5 Jimmie D. Smith 169th.

Response by CPO Louis Lopez made Feb 7 at 2020 10:58 AM

2020-02-07T10:58:42-05:00

We surived .its our time to go ,but I want to stay around and see my grandchildren grow up.

Response by SP6 Guy Slater made Feb 7 at 2020 9:09 PM

2020-02-07T21:09:34-05:00

I went there in 69, an almost 19 year old kid, came back a year later, a bit wiser, but still a kid.
I'm not a kid any more. I'm old. Most, if not all, of my "better" days are in my past. In June, I'll be 70, more than 40 yeas past a self imposed expiration date (we had a saying, "Live fast, die young, have a good looking corpse." Fugly me don't do "good looking," ever.)

Some of the 2,709,918 Americans that served in Vietnam, of course, didn't come home alive (some never came home at all), there are about 58,220 of us whose name in etched into that Wall in DC. Many have lived their lives and gone on to "Flanders Fields" since, and eventually, all of us will join them. Of the over 16 million American's who served in WW II, probably less that 1 million are alive today, and between 2030 and 2035 that number will drop to less than 1,000. But, that's the way life is, you're born, you live, and you die.

It is without shame or many regrets that I view my coming death, whenever it occurs. I was born, I lived, I had dreams come true, and I had dreams that became smoke, and I will die. Few will note my passing, and that is as it should be. There are few people outside our personal sphere, who have died, that we remember.

I don't speak for anyone other than myself, but I like to think that most of us would prefer to go in peace, and be left alone after. My father died in 1988, and today, I have to look at his picture to remember what he looked like. If someone thinks to look at my picture 30 years after I'm gone, I would have to ask them, if I could,"Why?" I'm not famous, or rich, and I will leave no lasting legacy to most.

For you youngsters reading this, don't be troubled that we, Vietnam Vets, are passing at what ever number per day it is. We taught you (or those that taught you) what we knew, and hope we did it well. That you live, that is our legacy.

Response by SGT Billy Glenn Willett made Apr 20 at 2020 2:47 PM

2020-04-20T14:47:05-04:00

Fake news...that many vets don't die every day. I claim "Bullshit"

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 10 at 2021 8:49 PM

2021-04-10T20:49:06-04:00

At midnight have all of the Vietnam Vets who died today send us a message

Response by PO3 Gilford Wells made May 24 at 2021 9:22 PM

2021-05-24T21:22:18-04:00

God bless their souls!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 11 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-06-11T16:33:49-04:00

I haven’t died all day

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made Nov 27 at 2022 6:04 AM

2022-11-27T06:04:42-05:00

At our age we have been living a long time. I was born in 1945. I'm in bad health and any day could be my last. But, I'm tired and ready to go. My God has promised me the hope in the resurrection. So, when it's time.