General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I didn't serve in Vietnam for freedom... [View all]ewagner
(18,964 posts)for years.....
Most of the guys I served with were there because they had no choice, or, more specifically they joined the air force because it was less likely that they would be shot at...because only a very tiny percentage of Air Force personnel ever saw combat....there were only a few "gung-ho" types who thought that by sitting behind that desk every day they were "fighting for our freedom"....generally, we laughed at them.
me? I wanted to learn how to fly and thought that would be the only way I could afford it and, what the hell, I was going to get drafted anyway.....ended up "flying a desk"...
I haven't joined any veterans groups...American Legion, VFW, etc...because there were guys who followed their orders and marched out into the bush every day...and put their life on the line...because they were told to...and some didn't come back...I don't belong in the same company...
When I see a vet who served "in-country"...I just give them a nod...to say "I understand"...and "I respect what you did."...