Page 167 - Stand Down Vietnam

These are “get in and get out” missions lasting a few
hours, a few days, or a few weeks, and therefore
considered “Other Duties as Assigned” or “TDY”
missions.

Those assignments often last forever in the minds of
the soldiers; the ghosts visit regularly with their
garish images.

When Americans think of our government providing
humanitarian aid, to whomever, or wherever, we
immediately think Red Cross, USAID, or the UN.

Who protects the Red Cross when they get caught in the
crosshairs of a civil war in a foreign nation? Who
comes to the aid of the church groups in impoverished
nations?

In my opinion, more soldiers experience life-changing
events during a TDY mission than all other so-called
“non-combat” assignments combined.

Witnessing the slaughter of women and children; the
site of mass graves for their compassionate burial; and
the stench of decaying bodies leave impressions in a
soldier’s mind forever. It changes one’s perspective
of mankind in an instant.

The American people need to know more about TDY and the
use of our military for Humanitarian Assistance
missions.

I had a protected military career. I also had some
serious jobs. Fort Hood, Texas comes to mind. I was
assigned to the III Corps Support Command. I supported
them and trained with them. That was an intense
assignment. Training accidents happened.