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<a class="fancybox" rel="8782460ebb13d69795f8a1d63e2392d9" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/626/099/for_gallery_v2/a5388a47.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/626/099/large_v3/a5388a47.jpg" alt="A5388a47" /></a></div></div>I have been so privileged to meet such outstanding people since writing my Veterans Spotlight column and this week is certainly an exception. An honor to feature Barry Funfar. Although his intense humility would prohibit him from admitting it, he is a true American Hero. Mr. Funfar served his country in the United States Marine Corps. from 1966 – 1970, (including 19 months during the Vietnam War), retiring as a Sergeant. He would fly an amazing (127) missions as a Door Gunner on the classic Huey Helicopter. Growing up in Lidgerwood, ND Sergeant Funfar speaks with immense pride when talking about his humble beginnings and family. “I grew up on a farm….was a farm boy…..worked (10) hour days with no O.T. and got $3.00…..left and went to The University of North Dakota….worked at The Student Union for 90 cents an hour….had (4) brothers and we all did well…..I always tried to be a good example to my brothers….guess you could say we were an American success story” he recalled.<br /><br />He was sent to basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA and received his first assignment as a member of the VMO – 2 Marine Corps. Air Wing at Marble Mountain Air Facility, about 3 miles from Da Nang. “It was a hot base....we got mortared and shot at constantly…..was there from February ’68 – October ‘69” he recalled. He continued, “Initially, I was in charge of the Vietnamese people. They were reinforcing our bunkers…..had a tremendous amount of respect for them” he said. I asked Sergeant Funfar about the holidays; “Christmas, 1968, I volunteered to work….another work day for me….we were trained to do a job and we did it……I do remember, Bob Hope came in and did a huge show for us…..never forget it….they had speakers set up…..the applause, the laughter was unbelievable….could hear it way off in the distance…..never forget that…..I have always had the greatest respect for Bob Hope” he remembered. When I asked him if he was ever afraid, Sergeant Funfar responded, “I really don’t remember being afraid….the adrenaline takes over…..you do what you’re trained to do…..I loved to fly….the landscape of Vietnam, despite the napalm and bomb craters, was really gorgeous…..but when you have 51-caliber shells coming at you the size of footballs….well that’s when reality sets in (over 12,000 helicopters got shot down during the Vietnam War). He continued. “We did a variety of missions, night flying, extractions, Medivac, guys would tell us they just loved seeing us come and get them…had real empathy for the “ground pounders”, the “guys on the ground. <br /><br /> Ya know, the life expectancy of a Door Gunner in combat was (5) minutes. There was always a lot of talk about drugs & alcohol in Vietnam…..we didn’t have drugs in my unit….Marines couldn’t even have hard liquor….if you were on flight, no way you could be on drugs….I played chess a lot in the off hours…..read a great deal, even played hand ball……had to be ready at all times” he remembered. When asked of a mentor Sergeant Funfar didn’t hesitate one second and said, “Gunnery Sergeant Black….great mentor….think of him often…..always tried to dissuade me from flying.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thoughts on his service? “I would do it again, and again…..I was very proud of the job I did…when I was discharged, they flew us into San Francisco…..told us not to wear our uniforms….that was so devastating….simply devastating” he recalled. Sergeant Funfar conveyed that he suffers from extreme PTSD. “When I came home….all the protests, insults…..that hurt me more than combat….was filled with anger and depression…..I was one of those that came home and didn’t say a word to anyone…..bringing back memories took a lot of time….lots of pain, lots of sessions……I’ve gone back to Vietnam for therapy several times…..the war NEVER goes away…..those of us that were in war (he paused, emotionally) it never leaves. My interview was time, extremely well spent and I am so grateful. Sergeant Barry Funfar, thank you for your service to our great country and welcome home.Veteran Spotlight: Barry Funfar2021-08-31T08:19:10-04:00Wayne Soares7231921<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-626099"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image">
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<a class="fancybox" rel="92b7c65533894c34bf01b4cf9bb3bd77" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/626/099/for_gallery_v2/a5388a47.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/626/099/large_v3/a5388a47.jpg" alt="A5388a47" /></a></div></div>I have been so privileged to meet such outstanding people since writing my Veterans Spotlight column and this week is certainly an exception. An honor to feature Barry Funfar. Although his intense humility would prohibit him from admitting it, he is a true American Hero. Mr. Funfar served his country in the United States Marine Corps. from 1966 – 1970, (including 19 months during the Vietnam War), retiring as a Sergeant. He would fly an amazing (127) missions as a Door Gunner on the classic Huey Helicopter. Growing up in Lidgerwood, ND Sergeant Funfar speaks with immense pride when talking about his humble beginnings and family. “I grew up on a farm….was a farm boy…..worked (10) hour days with no O.T. and got $3.00…..left and went to The University of North Dakota….worked at The Student Union for 90 cents an hour….had (4) brothers and we all did well…..I always tried to be a good example to my brothers….guess you could say we were an American success story” he recalled.<br /><br />He was sent to basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA and received his first assignment as a member of the VMO – 2 Marine Corps. Air Wing at Marble Mountain Air Facility, about 3 miles from Da Nang. “It was a hot base....we got mortared and shot at constantly…..was there from February ’68 – October ‘69” he recalled. He continued, “Initially, I was in charge of the Vietnamese people. They were reinforcing our bunkers…..had a tremendous amount of respect for them” he said. I asked Sergeant Funfar about the holidays; “Christmas, 1968, I volunteered to work….another work day for me….we were trained to do a job and we did it……I do remember, Bob Hope came in and did a huge show for us…..never forget it….they had speakers set up…..the applause, the laughter was unbelievable….could hear it way off in the distance…..never forget that…..I have always had the greatest respect for Bob Hope” he remembered. When I asked him if he was ever afraid, Sergeant Funfar responded, “I really don’t remember being afraid….the adrenaline takes over…..you do what you’re trained to do…..I loved to fly….the landscape of Vietnam, despite the napalm and bomb craters, was really gorgeous…..but when you have 51-caliber shells coming at you the size of footballs….well that’s when reality sets in (over 12,000 helicopters got shot down during the Vietnam War). He continued. “We did a variety of missions, night flying, extractions, Medivac, guys would tell us they just loved seeing us come and get them…had real empathy for the “ground pounders”, the “guys on the ground. <br /><br /> Ya know, the life expectancy of a Door Gunner in combat was (5) minutes. There was always a lot of talk about drugs & alcohol in Vietnam…..we didn’t have drugs in my unit….Marines couldn’t even have hard liquor….if you were on flight, no way you could be on drugs….I played chess a lot in the off hours…..read a great deal, even played hand ball……had to be ready at all times” he remembered. When asked of a mentor Sergeant Funfar didn’t hesitate one second and said, “Gunnery Sergeant Black….great mentor….think of him often…..always tried to dissuade me from flying.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thoughts on his service? “I would do it again, and again…..I was very proud of the job I did…when I was discharged, they flew us into San Francisco…..told us not to wear our uniforms….that was so devastating….simply devastating” he recalled. Sergeant Funfar conveyed that he suffers from extreme PTSD. “When I came home….all the protests, insults…..that hurt me more than combat….was filled with anger and depression…..I was one of those that came home and didn’t say a word to anyone…..bringing back memories took a lot of time….lots of pain, lots of sessions……I’ve gone back to Vietnam for therapy several times…..the war NEVER goes away…..those of us that were in war (he paused, emotionally) it never leaves. My interview was time, extremely well spent and I am so grateful. Sergeant Barry Funfar, thank you for your service to our great country and welcome home.Veteran Spotlight: Barry Funfar2021-08-31T08:19:10-04:002021-08-31T08:19:10-04:00LTC Tom Jones7231984<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot to identify with here. Thanks for sharing.Response by LTC Tom Jones made Aug 31 at 2021 8:43 AM2021-08-31T08:43:21-04:002021-08-31T08:43:21-04:00Lt Col Charlie Brown7232180<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Door gunner...that takes courage in spades!Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 31 at 2021 9:59 AM2021-08-31T09:59:32-04:002021-08-31T09:59:32-04:00SSG Samuel Kermon7232250<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank you for his story. OohRah, Sgt Funfar. Thank you for your dedication and service.Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Aug 31 at 2021 10:20 AM2021-08-31T10:20:58-04:002021-08-31T10:20:58-04:00PO3 Rick Lewis7232311<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Coming home was hard but being able to share with fellow comrades in arms is what made it so much easier. Thanks for sharing Sarg.Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 31 at 2021 10:39 AM2021-08-31T10:39:01-04:002021-08-31T10:39:01-04:00MSG Kevin Elliott7232357<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Another American hero, who was "just doing his job." Great share!Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Aug 31 at 2021 10:53 AM2021-08-31T10:53:58-04:002021-08-31T10:53:58-04:00SPC Lyle Montgomery7232496<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great article. I was an Army grunt in 1970 in viet nam and carried a m60 the whole time so I can relate to lots of what you are saying. Although I was in the Army I have a great deal of respect for the Marine Corps.We were both grunts and did the same crappy jobResponse by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 31 at 2021 11:43 AM2021-08-31T11:43:56-04:002021-08-31T11:43:56-04:00SPC Joseph Kopac7232616<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A squad mate of mine volunteered to be a door gunner. Extreme PTSD. Said the clicking sound when you turn your car off reminded him of rounds hitting his bird. He recently passed. Rest In Peace Morrie.Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Aug 31 at 2021 12:28 PM2021-08-31T12:28:32-04:002021-08-31T12:28:32-04:00SSG Richard (Rick) Dana7232660<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great story, thanks for sharing.Response by SSG Richard (Rick) Dana made Aug 31 at 2021 12:42 PM2021-08-31T12:42:25-04:002021-08-31T12:42:25-04:00SSG Edward Tilton7232835<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the Army door gunner was a TDY duty. People would volunteer from their regular job and do it for 15 days. It wasn't considered very dangerousResponse by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 31 at 2021 1:45 PM2021-08-31T13:45:04-04:002021-08-31T13:45:04-04:00GySgt Edward Reagle7233734<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Welcome Home Sgt Barry Funfar from a grateful Marine after you and thank you for securing my freedom. Door gunners dang I would not envy that job but it is an important job.<br /><br />Semper Fi<br />GySgt USMC RetiredResponse by GySgt Edward Reagle made Aug 31 at 2021 6:31 PM2021-08-31T18:31:47-04:002021-08-31T18:31:47-04:00SPC Jim M.7234140<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thanks for a damn fine job, Sgt. Funfar.Response by SPC Jim M. made Aug 31 at 2021 9:17 PM2021-08-31T21:17:18-04:002021-08-31T21:17:18-04:00LTC David Brown7234678<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank you for a great share!Response by LTC David Brown made Sep 1 at 2021 3:31 AM2021-09-01T03:31:37-04:002021-09-01T03:31:37-04:00SSgt Christopher Spaulding7235252<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank you for this story, and thank you for your service Sgt.Funfar. You really are a hero.Response by SSgt Christopher Spaulding made Sep 1 at 2021 9:15 AM2021-09-01T09:15:13-04:002021-09-01T09:15:13-04:00LtCol Robert Quinter7237014<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was the Exec O of 167 post VN and they provided me with cover in country. A good unit. Coincidentally, the only crewman I had wounded during my year was one of my gunners. They loved to shoot. One gunner in my unit caught a 51 cal in the chest. Fortunately, he wasn't strapped in and the bullet bouncer kept the round from fully penetrating, but it did throw him all the way across the cabin. Carried a small wound where the point of the round did penetrate and a bruise covering his chest where the bullet bouncer was driven against him.Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 1 at 2021 7:53 PM2021-09-01T19:53:49-04:002021-09-01T19:53:49-04:001st Lt Padre Dave Poedel7239498<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Door gunners had slightly less life expectancy than Fleet Marine Hospital Corpsman did about that time, or so I was told (as I changed my enlistment -plans from Navy to Air Force).Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Sep 2 at 2021 2:39 PM2021-09-02T14:39:28-04:002021-09-02T14:39:28-04:00MAJ Jeff Murray7279606<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My favorite door gunner was Alan Johnson.<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.281st.com/281Remembrance/kia-mia/johnson.htm">https://www.281st.com/281Remembrance/kia-mia/johnson.htm</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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Response by MAJ Jeff Murray made Sep 18 at 2021 10:35 AM2021-09-18T10:35:13-04:002021-09-18T10:35:13-04:00MAJ Jeff Murray7279609<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My favorite door gunner...<a target="_blank" href="https://www.281st.com/281Remembrance/kia-mia/johnson.htm">https://www.281st.com/281Remembrance/kia-mia/johnson.htm</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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Response by MAJ Jeff Murray made Sep 18 at 2021 10:35 AM2021-09-18T10:35:50-04:002021-09-18T10:35:50-04:00SGT Christine Zecker8427846<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Barry I’m looking forward to seeing you at the golf tournament my friend!!Response by SGT Christine Zecker made Aug 18 at 2023 11:40 AM2023-08-18T11:40:41-04:002023-08-18T11:40:41-04:00PV2 Private RallyPoint Member8497809<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>here some army boys<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://gayporn.name/categories/army/">https://gayporn.name/categories/army/</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default">
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Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2023 12:32 AM2023-10-03T00:32:53-04:002023-10-03T00:32:53-04:002021-08-31T08:19:10-04:00