Page 176 - Stand Down Vietnam

When our young men and women went off to war, they had
no idea the Vietnam War would haunt them for the rest
of their lives. There were no welcome home parades for
returning Vietnam Warriors, and many of our citizens
often ridiculed the returning soldier; irrespective of
where they served.

The idea of using audio and video recordings to capture

events for archival is not new; allowing the Veteran to
speak “their own words” with limited editing and no
enhancements is profound.

I believe the common soldier is a hero.

The Vietnam War had chopper pilots, medics, medivac
pilots, tunnel rats, and swift boat sailors. The
Vietnam War also had truck drivers, mechanics, cooks,
supply clerks, and numerous other noncombat service
personnel. The Vietnam War also had service support
and combat service support soldiers stationed around
the world supporting the war effort.

All those who served during the time of the Vietnam War
are rightfully entitled to be addressed as Vietnam

Veterans. 38 USC § 101, Definitions, line 29.

Ask yourself this simple question: Do I understand
what it really took for the combat personnel to fight?
They had to eat; they had to be resupplied, they had to
do many “things” that were not considered direct
combat. Don’t discount or forget the combat service
support personnel that helped make it all happen.

Interviews for this book were conducted with people who
participated in or observed the Vietnam War up close
and personal. Their memories and perceptions of the
events need to be preserved as a historical record for
future generations.