I really enjoyed writing this story. All of it is based upon memories of my time in Vietnam and the research brought back a lot of memories - not all of them that pleasant.
Our leaders never seem to learn. We get involved in these fruitless wars and pour billions into sending all it takes for our men and women to do what they were trained for. Then, we shackle them with stupid limitations that keep them from actually doing what we sent them to do. It is estimated that the USA spent over 140 billion dollars. And, an incredible about of food, clothing, ammunition, supplies, and equipment was left behind when we pulled out.
So then, we got involved in Iraq and spent over 767 BILLION dollars there.
Anyone who's ever served knows something that is little reported - for every individual fighting on the front lines, it takes a minimum of four rear echelon types to support them. Medics, drivers, clerks, and so on and on and on. And 99.99% of them give it their all to ensure those in the trenches have everything they need to do their jobs - in spite of the politcians.
I've done my best to give you the reality of what it was like to serve in 'Nam. From unbelievability normality in a war zone to being where you don't want to be.
My hats off to:
The pilots and crews of Caribou aircraft flown by the New Zealand air force. (The Aussies were there too)
Army chopper pilots and their crews who put themselves on target when going to get the wounded out of the swamps and jungles.
The gutsy River Rats who plodded along at a whopping 12 knots to deliver food and other supplies to bases throughout the Mekong Delta. On their own without ever having a real Hot and a Cot for months on time.
And those members of the South Vietnam military who stood by the side of our guys and gals - and whom so many were left behind when we pulled out. (One hell of a lot like we did in Iraq!)
And yes, you may not like the end of this story any more than I do.
Hope you enjoy and I would be deeply appreciative if you would leave a comment after you've read it. And ... be honest.
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