Should Vietnam-era Vets be addressed as "Vietnam Vets"?

LTC Ken Connolly - Sir, it should not matter. I 1,000% agree.

So, think about why this "linguistic construction" exists and more importantly "who" made such a construction. When I think about all the men and the overwhelming number of women who did not serve in uniform in WWII, but served in their civilian capacity, the majority with get distinction to help us and the world achieve victory over a great evil we also don't refer to them as veterans. Yet they served as it were.

You are very correct to ask the question - Why does it matter? It matters to some "politicians" and "political policy / budget wanks" who want to use such language to manage the everyday lives of veterans, by placing them into “convenient buckets” around which to make policy and administrative rules that impact veteran lives - everyday!

Let’s take for the moment the new Camp Lejeune contaminated water issue currently in the news because of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. All the lawyers, but subtle implication state “If you served 30 days or more at Camp Lejeune and have one of these diseases (i.e., xxx, yyy, etc.) then please call us.” So, let me ask you are question.

What happens to the veteran who was TAD/TDY to Camp Lejeune for some sort of field training for 2 or 3 weeks who was, unknowing, drinking the contaminated water, but who does not fit the TIME-BOUND condition of 30 days minimum but has one of those diseases (i.e., xxx, yyy, etc.) – is their exposure any less severe. What make a person with one of those listed diseases (i.e., xxx, yyy, etc.) any more important who meets the 30-day TIME-BOUNDING criteria than the same person who has one of those listed diseases (i.e., xxx, yyy, etc.) but who DOES NOT meet the minimum TIME-BOUNDING criteria? Did the contamination in the water somehow communicate to it fellow contaminated molecules “Hey this dude/dudet is here for < 30-days lets really make sure they get a good dose of us, so they will be sick and will not get recognized as having been contaminated when it is finally discovered we caused the problem, but some administrative types will determine they will not qualify for compensation, because of some arbitrary date-line drawn in the sand just to minimize compensation for drinking water they did not know would hurt them.?” Do you really believe that is how this sort of “justice” should be considered? In our lives as the nation’s “warrior class” we have all gone to short stints of TAD/TDY.

Here are some references for you to consider:

-https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/

-https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/superfund-sites-identified-by-epa-to-have-pfas-contamination

-https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/maps/interactive-map-hazardous-waste-cleanups-united-states

So, why has an old Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman (i.e., The Doc) shared this perspective with a LtCol? Simple, I am sure by your short answer in the form of a question you were displaying your disgust that the distinctions are even being made in the 1st place. Which is very valid. But what is the more important question and do “officers” who post here don’t think deeper about what’s in the background? WADR it is because people, not just military, and not just officers or my fellow enlisted members fail to see these issues via the eyes of someone like me. Someone whose job it is every day to – make the connections and provide perspective that provides a reason for a call to action by the >18 million of those of us who served, the >1.5 million (AD, NG, Res) who are presently serving and the > 40 million related family members of which there are > 5 million direct family caregivers struggling to care for the veterans (e.g., combat or not) at home.

In closing my response, and yes, it is a couple of years delayed, my apologies, I don’t get to every RP post to reply to in as timely a manner as I would like. Think about this post and the current East Palestine, Ohio event (https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-requires-norfolk-southern-sample-dioxins-east-palestine) in terms of veterans in that county and their families who, perhaps, had < 30-day stents in Camp Lejeune, and this compounding “clear and present” environmental insult. Will the requirement for them be “Ho, you have been exposed > 30 days before we ‘think’ there is an issue with your health!” Are you @#%@#% kidding me?!?!?!?

My duty never stopped when I retired in 1996. My obligation to speak-out in a cohesive, factual, and professional manner never stopped. Some eighty percent (~80%) of the veteran (i.e., warrior) community (e.g., combat, or non-combat) are enlisted from the newest recruit to the saltiest salt to Silver Star Awarded hero. It matters, sir, because you and every veteran out their matters!!! Understanding why such language is created allows all of us to question with integrity and honor such constructs WADR as the professionals we each are in forums like RP, etc.

Just saying…………………

Sp4 Hans Boatman: I spent time in Ethiopia with the 64th engineers doing 2nd order level lines. I was in from Jan 1965 to Jan 1968 and I refuse to be called a Vietnam Vet. My hat says Vietnam Era Veteran and I get that my Brothers and Sisters that actually did get shot at deserve to have that particular heroism called out and I'm good with that.

SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy - No Marine was awarded that service medal before 1965 I was told. My DD214 doesn't even show me in Asia. I would like to here from some Marine that knows differently.

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was awarded before the Vietnam Service Medal. The criteria for VSM and AFEM are easily found on line. That will give specifics in writing, not someone's recollection of the criteria of options on wearing both.

I owe you an apology. I listed it as men as it was printed when I looked it up. The women
who served in Vietnam were the best. The women that cared for me while I was at the MASH after being wounded were second to none! Thank you for your service.

SSG Merry Metzler - SINE THE 1st BDE OF THE 101st"AIRBORNE DIV" WAS BANNED FROM SAIGON I CANNOT SPEAK ABOUT ANY FEMALE GI'S EXCEPT TO SAY AS A GENERAL RULE NO WOMEN WERE TO BE EXPOSED TO COMBAT, BUT WE KNOW NOWHERE IN VN WAS SAFE, AT THAT TIME WOMEN WERE GENERALY IN CLERICAL POSITIONS. NURSES ARE ANOTHER STORY AS THEY SERVED IN AREAS UNDER FIRE ALL THE TIME.

I understand the thought yet disagree in that not everyone goes into harms way. In my opinion those who served in Vietnam in combat deserve great thanks and appreciation. In the same way those in WW2 combat, Korean War combat, Gulf War 1 or 2 Combat, Afghanistan combat, and all other areas where Americans were sent and served with honor deserve my greatest respect. I do not think I could have done more than any of you. Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

SSG Merry Metzler - I earned the right to hide the fact that I'm a vet. If they find out. They ask if I was in Vietnam, which typically leads to various comments. ie I went to the city hall in Malone, NY. to apply for a tax break on my home. The Army E-6 asked, "Where did you serve.?" I told him. He said, "Get out of here. You don't deserve a break!" Oh well. It don't mean nothin.

PO2 Richard (Bruce) Leiby I’m well aware of the Hazards of sailors on ships and other various duties. I was exposed to the same hazards as you, just not in Nam! I had a Brother in Law serving at Cu Chi as an Army Huey Mechanic and crew chief and rode one chopper down. He was there at the same time I was in Europe. We graduated together in 1968. He left immediately after graduation because he was drafted. I was still 17, so I joined the Navy in January 1969. I was Blessed with a Very Rewarding Career and Experiences. It really concerns me that Veterans are divided because of the distinction of Nam Vets vice Nam Era Vets. The important thing to me is we All were Veterans and Willing to Serve and Die for Our Country regardless of where Our Mission Assignment Was located. You Are Entitled to What You Earned and I’m Proud For Your Success. Hope You’ve Had A Blessed Life Since, Shipmate! May God Bless You Always. Doc

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw - I have said often "I came home from Vietnam to a country I did not know and a country that did not know me." The Ghost of Vietnam continues to create a divide with the "Era" status and that continues a stain on the national conscience. I agree with the observation "Many are called but few are chosen." I was in Fleet Hosp 14 during Desert Storm and found myself back-filling at Navy Hosp. Charleston. I stood my watch as I was ordered. After 911, I joined the USCG Auxiliary to serves as I could. Had many assignments and was Boots on the Ground in Waveland,, MS for Hurricane Katrina relief. Decided to retire from USCG Aux after 20 years. 45 years total in uniform and if I were 50 years younger and my heart a bit stronger, I would be back in the field or on deck tomorrow. I am blessed to be a Veteran.
Semper Paratus and Semper Fi

SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy Well Done Shipmate!!! Semper Fi!!! Doc

I served but consider myself a Vietnam Era vet!