Your thoughts on Army's 'Welcome Home' to Vietnam Vets?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:05:40 -0400

It may be 50 years late, but better late than never. I attended Fort Gordon's big 'welcome home' celebration to Vietnam Veterans. About 200 of them were paraded across post to a big celebration and official salute. I spoke to several Vets who had big smiles on their faces, a few tears in their eyes, and comments such as 'this sure beats being spit on!' As for me, I was incredibly moved by these Veterans. They went through hell. It's about time we finally welcome them home. My only question is: why haven't we truly welcomed home the Korean War Veterans like this? That was as much a war as Vietnam.

What are your thoughts on this big welcome home celebration?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:11 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:11:56 -0400

I think that is was a tremendous gesture although 50 years too late but you are right, netter than never. It was extremely unfortunate that the Vietnam Veterans were treated the way they were coming back from that conflict. I am super grateful with the amount of respect that Veterans get today overall, especially Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Hopefully all Veterans are getting the respect and support that they deserve.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 19 at 2015 1:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:12:42 -0400

Long over due. I hope that our Vietnam brothers and sisters are getting something out of it and enjoying it. There was a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstanding in this country for too many years over the topic. They volunteered to serve our country like any other vets and a few twists and bad photos by the press turned a good many people against the war but worse, against our vets fighting it and that wasn't right.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 19 at 2015 1:18 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:18:04 -0400

CH (CPT) William Beaver, you have posted a thread that touch my heart, I enlisted in Nov 1973 and started active duty in January 1974, all my instructors were Vietnam and Korean War soldiers with the 0-6 a WWII soldier. I would also include those soldiers that served in clandestine missions who would return home after weeks or months gone only to be met by an empty home.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jun 19 at 2015 1:20 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:20:08 -0400

I am thankful for this honor, but I must say it is still difficult being a Vietnam Veteran. Those times were truly tough on us because of the way people looked at us, I still shed tears of the past.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:26:17 -0400

I think its a great idea. I once had a Vietnam vet thanking me for my service. I said to him "No, thank you for YOUR service." Vietnam vets went thru hell in 'Nam and when they came home. The very least people can do is give them a proper welcome home.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 19 at 2015 1:29 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:29:13 -0400

Long over due. Is this part of a wider effort to welcome home Vietnam Veterans? I was curious about the choice of Fort Gordon. I am glad they hosted a ceremony. I hope that one day the deployment bases from which many left and not all returned on west coast as well as Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood and the other areas that sent larger formations will do something similar.
As far as a welcome for Korean War veterans, I think they were generally welcomed home [with the possible exception of Task Force Smith which tended to be used as a bad example]. Many who fought in Korea had fought in WWII and the nation had a large percentage of people who had fought in WWII or were family members of those who did. Accordingly many thought highly of military service.
This was not the case by 1968 in this nation when public perception was being shifted away from support to focusing on atrocities and the "plight" of the North Vietnamese, etc.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 19 at 2015 1:31 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:31:10 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver Way long overdue. It is great to have these types of events from a healing standpoint for some of our great Vietnam Veterans. I'm just so disappointed in the way we handled this 50 years ago as a nation. These veterans deserve so much from a society that forget them and treated them so badly. My Dad is a Korean Veteran and they really didn't get the welcome home our troops get today (or) received the welcome home our troops enjoyed after WWII. No matter whether we win, lose, or draw in a war, when our troops are in harms way and they come home we need to thank them for their service - period!

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Jun 19 at 2015 1:34 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:34:51 -0400

This is something that I would not attend.
I do go to some military functions, but to be 'paraded' no. Most of this, much too late homecoming, is not coming from the correct place, or heart. I am generally uncomfortable with this, and could not tell you specifically why.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 19 at 2015 1:35 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:35:04 -0400

It's a fine gesture, but for me it doesn't make up for the way we were treated. I'm one of those who was spat on in the San Francisco Airport when I returned from Vietnam in 1967. After my second tour in Vietnam I returned home to see Vietnam vets portrayed as murders, baby killers and criminals in TV drama after TV drama. It wasn't until the First Gulf War that attitudes really changed. What makes me feel better is just knowing that the U.S. military today is the most respected institution in the United States. I went on to a 20 year career in the military so I suppose I may not have been as effected as all the enlisted men who came home and got out of the military after two or three years. They had the additional burden of being treated like second class citizens by potential employers and civilians who avoided service in Vietnam.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:40:29 -0400

I know Many veterans were there for us when we landed in Bangor Maine, 02:00 in the morning and we were given fresh baked food, coffee, juice and other comfort items. It was humbling, and so welcome.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:40:31 -0400

It is indeed terribly overdue, but a worthwhile gesture to be sure. I hope that it is duplicated nationwide.

The Korean "Conflict" was indeed a war, but it's veterans were far more welcomed and respected than the next generation. All veterans, regardless of generation, should be respected and recognized for their service and sacrifices.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 19 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:44:28 -0400

I attended one a few years back at Camp Ripley in central MN. For the 300 plus Vietnam Veterans who participated and the thousands that where not able to, this was something long overdue. Thank you to all of our Vietnam era brothers and sisters.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jun 19 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:44:38 -0400

Long over due.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 19 at 2015 2:29 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:29:24 -0400

I had the honor of taking part of a welcome home honoring our Brothers and Sisters that served in the Vietnam while I was assigned to Fort Knox in 2010.

I fully support this welcome home!

http://www.army.mil/article/44493/At_Knox__Vietnam_vets_get_belated_welcome_home/

At Knox, Vietnam vets get belated welcome home

During a mid-week celebration Aug. 26, Fort Knox honored Vietnam veterans and give them the warm "welcome home" they deserved, but few received, after returning to the United States following the war some 35 years ago.

Response by PFC Kevin Farrell made Jun 19 at 2015 2:37 PM

PFC Kevin Farrell — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:37:49 -0400

Long overdue but appreciated. I am a Vietnam vet with the 101st Airborne. I just went to an event this past weekend put on by the Rhode Island Reserve Officers Association and it was very nice and we felt appreciated for our service.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jun 19 at 2015 3:35 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:35:10 -0400

It is about time we the Nam vets got a welcome home something I never got when I came home.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 19 at 2015 4:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:47:51 -0400

It is quite a shame not all of these veterans are privy to their unit reunion. I have been a guest to two Vietnam War Unit Reunions. It was a great opportunity see them take comfort with their battle buddies, open up emotionally, and smile with friends.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jun 19 at 2015 11:29 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:29:08 -0400

Long over due all of us veterans should be reaching out to each other

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 19 at 2015 11:38 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:38:08 -0400

I've moved on long since, and don't really think or care about our treatment anymore, one way or the other.

The one permanent thing our hostile homecoming has done for me was to make me determined that none of our soldiers coming home today will experience what we went through back then.

Whenever possible I thank our all-volunteer soldiers for their service; for willingly shouldering the burden that so many of the protected will not touch.

Our soldiers today are a special breed, and deserve the gratitude of the nation.

IMHO.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Jun 20 at 2015 12:16 AM

SGT John W Lugo — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 00:16:05 -0400

As a Army Veteran of 12 years I have always felt a dishorored for all the Veterans before my days in the Military that didn't receive the proper respect for their service to this country, and it upsets me when I walk in a cemetery and see tombstones of veterans of pervious wars broken or knocked down and ask why do we allow this as they deserve the same respect.

Response by CPL Steve Brady made Jun 20 at 2015 12:23 PM

CPL Steve Brady — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:23:51 -0400

what welcome home,this little parade,too little,too late

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Jun 20 at 2015 12:26 PM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 12:26:46 -0400

About time!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2015 1:14 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:14:45 -0400

My hats off to the Army for hosting this event. I would probably attend such an event if it was close to where I live. I say "probably," because I have only attended Veterans Day activities, the last five years.

Response by CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar made Jun 21 at 2015 12:22 PM

CPT Quentin von Éfáns-Taráfdar — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 12:22:26 -0400

VIETNAM: The Final Debriefing

These statistics were taken from a variety of sources to include: The VFW Magazine, the Public Information Office, and the HQ CP Forward Observer - 1st Recon April 12, 1997.

STATISTICS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN UNIFORM AND IN COUNTRY

VIETNAM VETERANS
1. 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam Era (Aug 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975). I disagree with this timetable. I count from 1958 when the first US military advisor (a major) was killed in a VC ambush.
2 8,744,000 GIs were on active duty during the war (Aug 5, 1964 - March 28, 1973).
3. 2,709,918 Americans served in Vietnam, this number represents 9.7% of their generation.
4. 3,403,100 (Including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the broader Southeast Asia Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand and sailors in adjacent South China Sea waters).
5. 2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam (Jan. 1, 1965 - March 28, 1973). Another 50,000 men served in Vietnam between 1960 and 1964.
6. Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack.
7. 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam.
8. Peak troop strength in Vietnam: 543,482 (April 30, 1968).

CASUALTIES

1. The first man to die in Vietnam was James Davis, in 1958. He was with the 509th Radio Research Station. Davis Station in Saigon was named for him.
2. Non-hostile deaths: 10,800
3. Total: 58,202 (Includes men formerly classified as MIA and Mayaguez casualties). Men who have subsequently died of wounds account for the changing total.
4. 8 nurses died -- 1 was KIA.
5. 61% of the men killed were 21 or younger.
6. 11,465 of those killed were younger than 20 years old.
7. Of those killed, 17,539 were married.
8. Average age of men killed: 23.1 years
9. Enlisted: 50,274 - 22.37 years
10. Officers: 6,598 - 28.43 years
11. Warrants: 1,276 - 24.73 years
12. E1: 525 - 20.34 years (These are soldiers holding the rank of private)
13. 11B MOS: 18,465 - 22.55 years (11B MOS is the infantry)
14. Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old.
15. The oldest man killed was 62 years old.
16. 2,709,918 Americans served in Vietnam, 58,202 were KIA for a percentage of .0214%.
17. 303,704 were wounded: 153,329 were hospitalized.
18. 150,375 were injured requiring no hospital care.
19. 75,000 were severely disabled. 23,214 were 100% disabled. 5,283 lost limbs. 1,081 sustained multiple amputations.
20. Amputation or crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300% higher than in WWII and 70% higher than Korea.
21. Multiple amputations occurred at the rate of 18.4% compared to 5.7% in WWII.
22. Missing in Action: 2,338
23. POWs: 766 (114 died in captivity)
24. As of January 15, 2004, there are 1,875 Americans still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.

DRAFTEES VS VOLUNTEERS

1. 25% (648,500) of total forces in country were draftees.
2. 66% of U.S. armed forces members were drafted during WWII).
3. Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam.
4. Reservists killed: 5,977
5. National Guard: 6,140 served: 101 died.
6. Total draftees (1965 - 73): 1,728,344.
7. Actually served in Vietnam: 38%
8. Marine Corps Draft: 42,633.
9. Last man drafted: June 30, 1973.

RACE AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND

1. 88.4% of the men who actually served in Vietnam were Caucasian; 10.6% (275,000) were black; 1% belonged to other races.
2. 86.3% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasian (includes Hispanics); 12.5% (7,241) were black; 1.2% belonged to other races.
3. 170,000 Hispanics served in Vietnam; 3,070 (5.2% of total) died there.
4. 70% of enlisted men killed were of North-west European descent.
5. 86.8% of the men who were killed as a result of hostile action were Caucasian; 12.1% (5,711) were black; 1.1% belonged to other races.
6. 14.6% (1,530) of non-combat deaths were among blacks.
7. 34% of blacks who enlisted volunteered for the combat arms.
8. Overall, blacks suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam at a time when the percentage of blacks of military age was 13.5% of the total population.
9. Religion of Dead: Protestant -- 64.4%; Catholic -- 28.9%; other/none -- 6.7%

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS

1. Vietnam veterans have a lower unemployment rate than the same non-vet age groups.
2. Vietnam veterans' personal income exceeds that of our non-veteran age group by more than 18 percent.
3. 76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower middle/working class backgrounds.
4. Three-fourths had family incomes above the poverty level; 50% were from middle income backgrounds.
5. Some 23% of Vietnam vets had fathers with professional, managerial or technical occupations.
6. 79% of the men who served in Vietnam had a high school education or better when they entered the military service. 63% of Korean War vets and only 45% of WWII vets had completed high school upon separation.
7. Deaths by region per 100,000 of population: South -- 31%, West --29.9%; Midwest -- 28.4%; Northeast -- 23.5%.

DRUG USAGE & CRIME

1. There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and
non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group. (Source: Veterans
Administration Study)
2. Vietnam Veterans are less likely to be in prison - only one-half of one percent of Vietnam Veterans has been jailed for crimes.
3. 85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life.

WINNING & LOSING

1. 82% of veterans who saw heavy combat strongly believe the war was lost because of lack of political will.
2. Nearly 75% of the public agrees it was a failure of political will, not of arms.

HONORABLE SERVICE

1. 97% of Vietnam-era veterans were honorably discharged.
2. 91% of actual Vietnam War veterans and 90% of those who saw heavy combat are proud to have served their country.
3. 74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.
4. 87% of the public now holds Vietnam veterans in high esteem.

INTERESTING CENSUS STATISTICS & THOSE TO CLAIM TO HAVE "BEEN THERE."

1. 1,713,823 of those who served in Vietnam were still alive as of August, 1995 (census figures).
2. During that same census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country was: 9,492,958!!!!!
3. As of the current census taken during August, 2000, the surviving U.S. Vietnam Veteran population estimate is: 1,002,511. This is hard to believe, losing nearly 711,000 between '95 and '00. That's 390 per day.
4. During this census count, the number of Americans falsely claiming to have served in-country is: 13,853,027. By this census, FOUR OUT OF FIVE WHO CLAIM TO BE VIETNAM VETS ARE NOT.
5. The Department of Defense Vietnam War Service Index officially provided by The War Library originally reported with errors that 2,709,918 U.S. military personnel as having served in-country.
6. Corrections and confirmations to this erred index resulted in the addition of 358 U.S. military personnel confirmed to have served in Vietnam but not originally listed by the Department of Defense. (All names are currently on file and accessible 24/7/365).
7. Isolated atrocities committed by American Soldiers produced torrents of outrage from anti-war critics and the news media while Communist atrocities were so common that they received hardly any media mention at all.
8. The United States sought to minimize and prevent attacks on civilians while North Vietnam made attacks on civilians a centerpiece of its strategy.

9. Americans who deliberately killed civilians received prison sentences while Communists who did so received commendations.

10. From 1957 to 1973, the National Liberation Front assassinated 36,725 Vietnamese and abducted another 58,499. The death squads focused on leaders at the village level and on anyone who improved the lives of the peasants such as medical personnel, social workers, and school teachers. - Nixon Presidential Papers.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Mar 20 at 2016 3:42 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 15:42:28 -0400

To parade the VN veterans around is too much. I think it would be much better for the "observers" to parade in front of the the veterans being honored. Of course, I say this each time there are parades..I always think they are being done backwards. Let the honorees sit and have the gawkers parade. To me it is much more fitting. I was once in a parade with other woman vets and the people pointed at us. It changed my whole viewpoint on military parades.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 21 at 2017 9:49 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:49:57 -0500

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