Going to a Reunion

Most readers know I lived and worked in Việt Nam for a year and a half, and make frequent trips back even now.  What some readers may not know is that the Mystery Guest Blogger and I have a long association with Việt Nam.  We met there in 1969 – she an Army nurse, and me an Infantry officer.  I had the distinct honor and privilege of commanding Company C, 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.  In fact, the first part of my email address – Comanche6 – comes from my radio call sign of Tall Comanche 6.

Charlie Company is lucky – lucky to have a guy who regularly organizes reunions.  The first was back in 2000 in Atlanta, and more have followed.  Jim “Tree” Machin, who lives in the Chicago area, has taken it upon himself to track down and find men who served with the company and bring them to the reunions.  In doing that, Jim has helped a lot of them deal with the demons they still have – demons caused by not being able to talk about their experiences, or feeling nobody cares.  Jim has made it his life’s work, and many people have been the beneficiaries.

The last reunion was in October, 2006.  This was only a few months after we had returned from living in Việt Nam, and Jim asked me to make a presentation for the guys – something about what Việt Nam is like today.  I blogged about that reunion and the presentation, and was rewarded with seven people making some very cogent comments.

I was a bit taken aback at the men’s reactions to the last presentation.  I had anticipated a little antagonism, but instead got such a positive response that I had to be cut off after an hour for what was supposed to be a 20 minute talk.  The questions were good, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  Some mentioned that it helped them with the demons.  Since that reunion, one of the men I served with has died.  His wife sent me a cherished email telling me that my talk helped Eric with his demons.  I was thrilled.

We’re doing it again in September.  I have been asked to do another presentation – and I am thinking of doing one titled “Traveling in Việt Nam.”  I’ve thought of having the Mystery Guest Blogger join with me – especially if the men’s wives sit in on this presentation.  What do you think?  Good topic?

Comments

[Russ]

There's a question on this? Hell yes she ought to be there. A whole different perspective.

[Sam]

Surprise! I wouldn't Doug, because I knew as long as we put true love into our hearts and go for it - whatever it may be - eventually even the mountain of iceberg would melt away.
Stay on course, good soldier.
Love,
Sam

[Tom]

Doug,

If you think it's appropriate Think About the Children is taking students, parents, teachers and several first time returning vets to Viet Nam this summer. The program is what we talked about. I can send an itinerary. Obviously, we will take any vet back to their old bases and areas of operation. Donate $3,000 to Think About the Children and travel to VN all expenses paid. A portion of your funds go to charitable activities. During the trip you get to see your donations in action.

Any of the Troopers in Charlie Company are welcome to join us on the same plan. I can create a flyer if you want.

Since your wife is also a vet she will fit in fine at the reunion. A non-vet can feel left out and honestly get a bit depressed. These type of reunions are such a personal experience.

Tom

[Miss Kitty]

That sounds like a great idea--and even better to have MGB up there with you. Wish I could be there to see the presentation!

My late father served in 173d Airborne in Vietnam as an RTO, 1967-69, I think; my longtime sweetheart, a retired Army LTC, served with the 173d in Vietnam two years after my dad came home. And now The Colonel (as I call him) works for a construction company that's bidding to build the 173d Airborne Museum. [theme from The Twilight Zone plays]