Posted on Feb 27, 2015
Should Vietnam-era Vets be addressed as "Vietnam Vets"?
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I have spoken with other vets regarding this topic, and they have indicated that in some States, they are addressed as such. I personally don't feel it's right, as I served in Germany from 62 to 65, and not in Country.
What is your take on this?
What is your take on this?
Posted in these groups: 
Vietnam War
Vietnam War
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 1908
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To be fair, anyone who served in the military during the time of the Vietnam War had a chance of going there. Furthermore, anyone in uniform during that time was subject to the same abuse back home. You were just as likely to be called a "Baby Killer" and have pig's blood thrown on you regardless of where you were stationed or what your MOS was.
However, there is a distinction. Vietnam Era Vets are not Vietnam Vets. Those who served in Germany or Alabama weren't exposed to enemy fire or Agent Orange. Let's not blur the lines...
However, there is a distinction. Vietnam Era Vets are not Vietnam Vets. Those who served in Germany or Alabama weren't exposed to enemy fire or Agent Orange. Let's not blur the lines...
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CPO Charles Helms
I was drafted in April 1969 in turned enlisted in the Navy! The I had just lost 2 friends in Vietnam in 67 and 68. After boot camp my orders were to the United States Naval Base Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico! Now fast forward to today and when I see a Vietnam Vet, I say Welcome Brother! We all went through the same harassment at home! Walking down the street home on boot camp leave, a lady I had known my whole life spit on me! I was wearing my dress blues at the time! My little hometown had less than a 1000 people! A welcome home is the best way to greet a Vietnam Vet!
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SFC Dave Nutter
Cap Jack, as I said in my comment what is defined as the Vietnam Era continues into the 70's well after troops were pulled out. I might be a Vietnam Era et, but I had no chance whatsoever of being shipped there having entered service in 73. Interestingly on my way to Korea in 74 the bus from San Fran Airport to Travis stopped down town, we were strongly advised not to get off the bus because we were all in greens.
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Sgt Kevin Brobst
I served in the Marine Corps 1971-75. Could have been sent to Nam but wasn't. We were still abused by the public, whether we went to Nam or not, but we are not Viet Nam Veterans. My brother fought in Tet and Khe Sahn. He was a Marine Corps Viet Nam Veteran. I fought the battle of Kansas City.
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565
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No! Vietnam Vets Earned the exclusive right to call themselves that. It would be another slap in the face to them to call someone who served in Europe a Vietnam Vet. Only those who endured the hardships should be called that.
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PFC Kay Armstrong
Brad Miller - I joined! They didn't send me to Viet Nam as a medic because enlisted women didn't go, but you can't change my paperwork. I think you are just a bitter old JERK!
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Brad Miller
PFC Kay Armstrong I tried to enlist. Got a P-3 in 1983.
It isn't YOUR fault you didn't go.
But you DIDN'T go, and claiming you did is a lie.
Respect for your service, but don't try and steal credit.
It isn't YOUR fault you didn't go.
But you DIDN'T go, and claiming you did is a lie.
Respect for your service, but don't try and steal credit.
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SCPO Lloyd Sikes
I have to pour a little water on your parade. In your view those off shore doing bombardment in support, and having agent orange blowing across their ship, flying A-10 or other aircraft doing support and getting shot down, submarines doing their thing in the waters of the area are not Vietnam VETS?? check the rivets in your neck to see if your head is still attached.
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Absolutely Not! Vietnam era vets weren't there and in no way are Vietnam Vets. I saw on Medals of America website, there is a Nam era medal for them. How silly is that? I couldn't wear that medal. It doesn't stand for anything, except you were in the military while the war was going on. Why you weren't there, I'll never understand.
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Brad Miller
PO2 Timothy Hinds - Combat, non-combat -- if you were IN COUNTRY, your life was at risk. I was young then, but I watched the news every night -- the bombings, the terrorist attacks, the rockets -- even "non-combat" personnel were at risk.
If you are in Alabama or Germany, drunks are your biggest threat, not some idealist with a bomb and an SMG.
If you are in Alabama or Germany, drunks are your biggest threat, not some idealist with a bomb and an SMG.
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SPC Matt Ovaska
No sweat, The Vietnam pin is so tiny no one can see it. The ones who came up with the pin didn't even know it was a conflict, not a war. Some times the VA makes mistakes.
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Brad Miller
SFC Dave Nutter P-3 in 1982.
Physical, incurable (at that time, pre-lasik). I volunteered, showed up at ding, took the oath while *waiting* for my physical.
Rejected, no appeal.
Physical, incurable (at that time, pre-lasik). I volunteered, showed up at ding, took the oath while *waiting* for my physical.
Rejected, no appeal.
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