Is there a disconnect between the Korean & Vietnam Veterans & the Gulf/OIF/OEF Veterans?

In my humble opinion, I do not believe there is a disconnect, in fact I believe that although as well articulated previous comments here, the social and economical reality of our Country was different among the 3 wars. However, there are so many of us on active duty or reserve engaged in over a decade of combat, which makes our respect for Veterans from Vietnam (in particular) extremely elevated, sensitizing the rest of our Country to bring the recognition and respect which is long due to our brothers and sisters who fought in Vietnam. We are all one, "Veterans of War"

We all look for answers, we did not have PC's and most still don't, the ones we brought into this world are the same ones that we spoiled their fathers and they did the same. Not all but the majority want to know what are you going to give me. We can't promise anything, a lot of work and nothing comes free.

First, I have to say it depends on if you are talking about individuals or organizations. I have seen first hand, the 187th Regimental Association (Rakkasans) with roots in the 11th Airborne of WWII, has members from all of the wars discussed on this thread and from peace-time participation. I think the members realized that younger soldiers had to be invited into the organization and embraced, or the membership would eventually die off. I have seen older veterans and young soldiers just back from war, share a drink, a story, and a laugh or possibly a salute to fallen comrades. The Active Brigade supported the Regimental Organization at both events on/near Ft. Campbell and at the "Snow-bird" conferences, if allowed by optempo.
I also remember the young soldiers joining my unit in Germany after Grenada and how they were looked at by Vietnam Vets in the unit. There were a lot of comments and dirty looks about their CIBs and combat patches. I saw the same derision by Vietnam Vets towards soldiers who served in South Korea when they were authorized combat patches.

In my experience I have not found any disconnect when connection is desired. Although our times, places, and situations differ, there are still things that are universally connectable with veterans from all eras. Especially true for combat Veterans. It is all in the manner in which you wish to connect. If done with the right level of respect and open mind to that particular Veterans experience then there is always something to connect on.

I see a lot of people calling the Gulf War the only clear victory since WWII.

I actually disagree to an extent. Yes, Saddam was defeated with minimal military and civilian casualties, which is awesome. However, the post-war politics were handled terribly and resulted in the 2nd invasion. Bush went on international television and encouraged the Iraqis to rise up against Saddam, then abandoned those who did. Stormin' Norman allowed the Iraqis to use armed helicopters against the revolutionaries. We totally ostracized the Iraqis who supported us and set ourselves up for a volcano of contempt and anger in the 2nd invasion.

PBS Frontline has a great, thorough documentary on the Gulf War: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUMAyiI0TPA

To some extent yes, because the attitudes about each conflict were different. However, there's a an understanding among veterans because we've all had to go through some kind of hardship related to the conflicts we were involved in.

Yes, but I think I already said yes...

I have already posted but I wanted to add this. I've been to a lot of Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities in my life but the one event that meant the most to me was in 1993, I attended a large church conference in Louisiana. It happened to be on July 04th. As we were sitting there they began asking veterans to stand as the conflict was named off. They went through each one skipping over the Vietnam conflict. I looked at my wife and thought "Hell we've been crapped on again". And then the speaker asked all the vets to sit. He then asked for every veteran of the Southeast Asia war whether having served in Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia/Laos to stand. He then stated that when we came home there were no parades, no joyful appreciative throngs of people. No recognition, only shameful treatment from people who should have known better. He then said "well today is YOUR day and this is YOUR parade." He had us all come down to the front (about 40-50 of us). The entire conference passed by shaking our hands and saying thank you. My wife saw me cry for the first time but I wasn't ashamed. As people returned to their seats they picked up a chant of "Welcome Home". I think that was a turning point for me.......

My Dad and uncles all fought in World War II. I was proud to serve in their footsteps. Although my time in Southeast Asia was short because of the conflict winding down, I was shocked at the treatment I received after coming back through Travis AFB and going on to fly home from LAX. People in the airports would get up and move when they saw me in uniform. They made their children sit closer. I remember thinking "This is what I served for?". I then enlisted in the Air Force. I did explore joining a veterans organization but was largely ignored by the older guys telling great stories of Salerno and other places. They didn't want new members. Those who came back from Vietnam, wanted to ensure that no other generation of service was treated the way we were. That's why when I hear younger members of the services complain about people recognizing them and thanking them for their service, it re-enforces that there is a disconnect....

Your veteran brothers will never treat you or any other veteran that way ! I were my Hats and ribbons and any service patch with pride and I dare someone to say something to me or any other veteran!