Phil, you probably don't remember me, but I was in the same dorm as you at UWSP and our paths crossed many times. I ended up being drafted in 1968 after graduation and also went to Ft. Campbell. I was lucky and was assigned as a combat correspondent and went to Ft. Rucker, AL and then to Vietnam. I had it easy compared to you and survived the experience without injury. I returned to UWSP in late 1970 planning to get a Master's Degree in Education. After one year back it was discouraging to say the least. I eventually got a civil service job in DC and have been in this area ever since. I salute you for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for telling your story.
Thanck you sir , for defending the Underdog !!! I was a 81mm mortar man , In Peace time , being a mortar man had its benefits, butt was heavy to hump around . My brother 10 yrs. My senior, was killed in Quang tri province Veitnam, so I know the pain of the war ,especially for my parents. Thanck you for protecting Our Freedom !!!!
Those orders to deploy to Vietnam were unlawful and should have been challenged in court every one who followed them is a war crimanl LBJ and his wife ran Bell helicopter and Vietnam War at the same time they killed a million people for money blind faith loyalty is not freedom and are smart it is national solicalisum and 400 thousand Americans died to get rid of that crap please think for your self stop following unlawful orders
Colin Frasier How do you not ADMIRE these men and women that served during this war?!! I don't mean you... It's just a general statement said for those that think they did wrong by serving. Most didn't want to go. But were drafted... and went. ADMIRABLE to say the LEAST!
Phil, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I was in the Navy, and served aboard an oiler in '66 -'67 refueling ships at sea while underway. I didn't see combat like you did, and my injury didn't show up until about 45 years after my time in Tonkin Gulf. Agent orange caused Ischemic heart disease. Knowing that your child was born with spina biffida because of your exposure to agent orange made me feel lucky that my children were both born healthy. My brother served in the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi. He was injured when a GI set off a land mine inside of a heavy metal trash can inside an NCO club on the base. Several of his buddies were killed. His PTSD is still with him, and it has effectively caused him problems since he left Vietnam. Thanks again, Barry Litchfield
Thank you Mr. Kallas . Thank you for your service but even more importantly, thank you for displaying your Humanity and sharing your wisdom. I am very much in awe of how grounded you are and how nuanced and balanced your outlook 6is... I still think of being president ( That’s a special, Optimistic dream that our country & Culture offers to many.). As I was listening to you part of my vision for how we should keep our promises to those who serve was enlarged. We need a “phase out” plan to accompany military involvements, In parallel, we need a strategy for healing our service people and creating opportunities so these new people - veterans - to acclimate their New selves into civilian life. As I listened o you - & especially when you talked about your trip - It seems as though a vocation for some of our veterans Would be to deprogram & Provide services and therapy for their returning brothers and sisters. As you explained, all are susceptible to PTSD on a spectrum of levels. If I were the Pres, I would say Phil “ let’s create a policy and they know approach to our servicemen that will work - let’s have a grunt named Phil Rework The life of a soldier from intake til discharge. And let’s make “ discharge” come with an understanding that our country will be there throughout the veteran’s life (I have a very considerate Outlook on government but this is one instance where an expensive attitude is appropriate). I think you could do your Brothers and sisters, your country, And maybe yourself another great service By drafting up your ideas of what that policy should look like; I can’t - I haven’t been there. I can’t help but think that the part of you that was so moved by art and poetry reflects one part of your make up that helped you to cope. And I’m thinking about having a daughter w/ special challenges What is a blessing of sorts - maybe having to give her more than ordinary love and care was an antidote of sorts to fear and violence. Your wife must be special. So give her and your girls a hug and take one back for yourself. My father is a vet & my uncle was in the 101 before you.
After becoming an amputee, he made the best of the situation ( ineffective coping would have been for him to isolate and feel sorry fo himself). I’am really proud of the way he coped and I’am proud of his service to our country. Funny story about the “fuck you” bird.
And today ..were still at it in Iraq & Afghanistan.SAD THAT WE COULD BE DOING GOOD BUT THOSE WITH ULTERIOR MOTIVES ARE RUNNING THE SHOW ..THUS JUST MORE OF THE SAME THING ..WELCOME BACK N THANK YOU ALL
Eloquent man. Many ex-grunts are dumb as doornails, but this one was obviously some kind of super soldier. Also appreciate the respect he has for the Vietnamese people.
His death defying RPG experience, injuries and lifetime of physical and emotional sacrifice would seem to prove that the threat was real , and existant.