Vietnam Veterans only question?
I know your question says Vietnam Vets only, but I think it applies to all conflicts. I am active duty now, have been for almost 5 years. I have been fortunate enough in my assignments to not have been down range. I count my blessings and pray for those who have as I have lost friends and friends currently serve there. What gets me though, is the people who talk and talk and talk. This has been my outlook on life since I was a young kid. "Those who talk the least, often have the most to say." Storytellers are just that. Real men (women, people, soldiers, etc.) do not need to justify their experiences by telling everyone they come across what they did in their lives. Growing up I never once heard my grandparents or any other relatives talk about their military experiences. They offered their advice when I chose to enlist. Finally though I must say, my grandmother who is in mid-80's has begun to tell me stories of WWII and she will tell me what little my grandfather had told her even though they served in the same comflict. To get back to your main question though. I let people who I know tell stories tell them and when I get a chance to hammer them when I know they're lying, I do. Why? Because every once and awhile it feels damn good to knock someone down a peg. Finally thank you for your service in Vietnam. I maybe only 26, but I have come to realize that that was a time when the country turned its back on the men and women of the armed forces and I hope and pray that will never happen again. SGT, USA