Duty

[blacktruck]

Thanks Mike for a great report. I have to admit that reading this was way more than just another RR. I've read many of the stories from far off lands and this is one that covered many roads that I have driven over myself many times and it has brought out far more emotions than I would freely admit to. I retired from the Army after 22 years and change. Didn't make VN but had many friends that did. I made Iraq early on. To those that have never served, you might not understand some of the feelings and emotions that goes along with reading this story. If you served you probably know.
I'm with everybody else that has posted here. Thiis is a rare and valuable RR and it says a lot for the true character of the author and subjects of the RR.
Ride on and stay safe there soldier.

[mikegc]

Originally Posted by Rkillbuck

Thanks for your outstanding ride report and service, it brought back some great memories!

Robert - RA18753992
Vietnam 67-68

Thank you, Robert. I hope the memories my report brought are good ones. Welcome home, bud!

Mike

[Bob]

Thanks for this thread and a reminder of all who served to make this a great nation.
Thank You for your service.

5/59 ADA 72-74

[Happy Seal]

Good post and way to go, your a great guy and thanks for throwing this link over at 1911 Addicts.

[jmcg]

Enjoyed reading about your journey.

Great photography.

Thank you.

JM.

[ricochetrider]

I grew up in my Dad's Own Army. A lifetime with the man, and never, I repeat -NEVER- heard any stories from WWII, Korea, or Viet Nam, and yes he fought in all three conflicts. To see your photos, and feel the emotion with which you entered these words and pix... Well, let's just say there's FAR more than just what's on the screen before my eyes.

I swear, at one time my dad had a presentation pistol, in a case, a chromed .45- pretty much exactly like the one you took to your friend...
(minus the ivory grips)
It was gone from the house, never found it when we cleared the house after my folks had died.

Thanx for the report, and for your service.

[mikegc]

Thank you, gentlemen.

Ricochetrider, your dad was a member of the Greatest Generation, using Tom Brokaw's excellent moniker. They left home, did their duty, returned and quietly went on with their lives. When I returned from RVN in '70, my dad took me to a local restaurant where be bumped into a friend of his. Like your father, his friend was a three-war veteran. Dad explained that I had just returned and inquired which war, in his experience, had been the toughest. To dad's (and my) surprise, the veteran said, "Vietnam."

On the way home that day, dad (a WWII South Pacific medic) said, "If you ever want to talk about it, I'll listen." I waited eighteen years and I'm very glad he was there. These days, the old medic and I go to the VA clinic together. Dementia has robbed his short term memory but I'm glad I get to hear about the Battle for Luzon on some of those drives. What a privilege!!

Mike

[CaspianTiger]

Mike,
Thanks for the great report. I served in the Army Reserve during that time and worked at the Oakland Army Base Reception Station, where returnees got processed back to the world. I cooked steaks and fries for the guys as their first meal back in the states. Maybe I cooked one for you.
I am glad the world has learned to honor the warriors in spite of the politicians' decisions.

ER19905610
Dennis

[mikegc]

Originally Posted by CaspianTiger

Mike,
Thanks for the great report. I served in the Army Reserve during that time and worked at the Oakland Army Base Reception Station, where returnees got processed back to the world. I cooked steaks and fries for the guys as their first meal back in the states. Maybe I cooked one for you.
I am glad the world has learned to honor the warriors in spite of the politicians' decisions.

ER19905610
Dennis

Dang, Dennis, I did get a steak almost as soon as we got to the reception station. We arrived at dinner time and, after that 13 hour flight, the cadre took us to the mess hall. I wolfed that sucker down as I was in a hurry to get back to NC but, I'll tell you this: It was cooked to perfection!

Yes, Dennis, like you, I'm very glad our citizens recognize returning veterans very favorably these days.

Mike