Why This Vietnam Vet Kept Silent For 40 Years | Full Interview 

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This is my dad. He is a bad ass. I honestly didn't know my dad was in vietnam until i was in high-school. We never talked about the war, and i get it now. The hate he recieved coming home astonished me. He remembers watching the news with his parents and seeing his name appear on the draft screen. I cannot even imagine how that felt. Knowing you were doing something you weren't prepared for physically or emotionally. He did what his country asked of him and that makes him a GOD DAMN HERO in my eyes. Im thankful to call you my dad and so happy you made it home to meet mom and bring Kristie and I into this world.

I was drafted in 1968 and started my tour in Vietnam in July of '69. I had the same feeling on the way over, whatever is going to happen, is going to happen. I got wounded that December by mortar attack, but was lucky enough to cheat death and here I am now at 75 years of age as of 2024.

My brother was KIA at Phuoc Long in May of 69’. He was supposed to go on leave, but one of the other guys in his unit had a sudden hardship at home, and my brother volunteered to stand in for him so he could leave asap. Two days after his buddy arrived home, my brother’s unit was ambushed, and he was killed. 54 years later, I still miss him! He was just that kind of guy: always a team leader, and player.

It’s long overdue but thank you for your service. My late partner served in DaNang…loading Agent Orange into airplanes. It finally caught up with him. Six heart attacks, nine stents, prostate cancer, chronic uti’s, a brain bleed and metastatic prostate cancer that finally took him out. He was an amazing human being. He shouldn’t have been exposed to all the horrors he endured, he should have been honored when he came home, and he shouldn’t have had to fight the VA for care. My heart is with all the surviving soldiers of the Vietnam war. You have my utmost respect.

My father, a LRRP in Vietnam, served with a remarkable man named Patrick Tadinia. Patrick is perhaps one of the most badass individuals to have ever lived, and regrettably, his story may go untold. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, 74th Infantry Detachment. Spending five consecutive years in Vietnam, he led hundreds of missions as a team leader without ever losing a single man. A native Hawaiian, he confidently walked point in black pajamas, armed with an AK-47. Upon contact with the enemy, the resulting confusion lasted just a few seconds, and that was all it took. Motivated by the early loss of his brother in the war, Tadinia spent five consecutive years seeking revenge, earning him legendary status among LRRP units. These missions, deep behind enemy lines with 4-7 man teams, were exceptionally perilous, involving reconnaissance, prisoner snatches, enemy harassment, direct assault, POW rescue, and more. Patrick's extraordinary accomplishment of running missions for five years in the jungles of Vietnam without losing a single man is a tale that deserves telling. He garnered two Silver Stars, 10 Bronze Stars, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Army Commendation Medals (including two for valor), and three Purple Hearts. Patrick Tadinia's untold story is one of remarkable resilience and bravery- I hope this comment makes it to the right person because his story should be told.

Whenever things are getting shitty and I start feeling sorry for myself, I watch these videos and listen to these fellow's stories. And I realize my life ain't so bad.

SGT FUNK...YOUR STORY IS MY STORY...I WAS WITH HHC 3rd BDE SCOUT PLATOON 101st AIRBORNE...CAMP EVANS FROM JUNE 70- JULY 71...WE WORKED THE SAME AREAS AT THE SAME TIME...HOME COMING WAS EXACTLY AS YOU DESCRIBED IT AND NOW 50 +YEARS LATER I TO STARTED SHOWING MY SERVICE...WELCOME HOME BROTHER...👍🇺🇸❤️😎

When I got out of the Marine Corps in 75 I lied about being in the service for a good 10 years. I couldn't get a job, place to live, so I denied ever being in the service. We need to take better care of our service members and veterans. I salute each and every one of you, Thank you.

My late husband was in the 101st Airborne/Delta Force. He fought in Hamburger Hill and he said only 4 from the entire 101st Airborne survived it, he was one of them.

You might not see this, but I want to say THANK YOU for serving in Vietnam. I am sorry that you did not receive a hero’s welcome because YOU ARE A HERO!!! God bless you!🙏❤️🇺🇸

The way these men were treated upon coming home was inexcusable.

My father was in vietnam in 1968-1969. He was was in Danang, Hue city , and Con tien. He never talked about his Vietnam experience. He had severe PTSD and drowned it with alcohol. He died with his stories.

Thank-you Sir for your service and telling your story. My husband experienced the same homecoming from Vietnam. He told me once, and never again would he speak of Vietnam. He had surgery twice from home accidents, and both times he woke up in Vietnam and it was awful. It took many surgery personnel to hold him down and talk him back to reality. Again, he would not speak of it. But our next family trip out to the ball game and fireworks, he made his way to the van with one of the kids in tow to go home fast. I drove while he shook and trying to hold back the tears running down his face. I could never get him to go for help and he still would not speak of it with a friend that had military service. To this day, I don't know anything about his time there. He was a kind man and always had a clean funny joke to brighten anyone's day. When he saw a person in need, he took care of it or organized friends to come together to help. He died October of 2000.

Welcome home, bro. 1969, Nam, central highlands, For 20 years I walked quietly, letting no one know I was a combat vet. We did what we believed to be the right thing.

My father was a surgeon's assistant in a MASH unit in Vietnam. He got a purple heart because a mortar came through the tent roof and he got fragged pretty bad. He might be willing to let this channel interview him. He doesn't have combat stories but he's got some other interesting stuff to talk about. He saved a bunch of guy's lives there.

I'm an 84 yo Vietnam Veteran. I started my tour at NhaTrang in January 1963. Our base was close to a beautiful beach on the South China Sea . Our Unit was the 339 Transportation Co. We serviced Aircraft like the DeHavilland Otter, L-19s and Hueys. Seems like a lifetime ago. I usually wear a US Army hat and am constantly "Thanked" for my Service, which I didn't get when I returned in 1964. All is good, though. Glad to serve our Country, which I dearly love ❤️. God Bless America. 🇺🇸

I was in Da Nang and I took a trip to Rock Pile , last week. I couldn’t believe how the Soldiers did that, the Heat, the Hills, and carrying all their gear . So much RESPECT FOR THEM. Thanks for Serving !!!!!

Its the folks that bellyache and complain about this country that need to live this for a few days, then complain. Thank you sir, you are a hero.

During high school....i was in awe of vietnam...read anything i could get my hands on ...these guys were hero's to me.

Thank you for your service!! Love you!! From a Vietnam veteran, Us Navy, USS mullinix, DD 944, Gunner,1971-72, and his wife!🇺🇲

THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR SIR , I'M GLAD YOU MADE HOME 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

"come what may" "I just want to read one name because that should have been me" "I was pro troop against the war" "My goal was to get everybody home" A real MAN in my book. I was just a little too young but I remember the disrespect when MY troops came home. Thank you Steve Funk for your service!

Excellent interview. A man who did his duty with honor. It’s not a perfect world but this veteran exemplifies the best of us.

I was also in Vietnam and as a veteran have been largely silent for many years. Now our federal govt has become so corrupt I have becomiming very angry towards what is happening today to our once great country. And the direction our military has going making it less accountable for its existence today.

Welcome home Steve…thanks for your service I was drafted out of California 1968.. was a rifleman in the 25th infantry division had many close calls like you did especially with booby traps..glad your back home safe…

Welcome home! I was drafted but I showed up. I arrived in Vietnam at the end of April, 1968 after the Tet Offensive. But...I was just in time for the May Offensive. By the end of May, 1968 my platoon in the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta (which should have had 25 or 30 heavily armed teenagers) was down to 12. I was a combat veteran and platoon RTO as we received replacements during June and July. Guess what? In August there was a Phase III Offensive. Those guys who say they won the war by taking all those towns back during the Tet Offensive are mistaken. On 8/18/1968 I was in an ATC (like the D-Day landing craft) with the rest of Company D when we were hit hard. The boat I was on was in the kill zone and only 4 of us walked away from that (we had around 25 in my platoon earlier in that day). My platoon leader was air lifted to a hospital and when he came back to our unit he was given a desk job and pulled me out of combat. He saved my life because guys carrying a radio on their backs were prime targets. So I spent 6 or 7 months in combat and 6 months or so as a typist. When I came home in early June, 1969 I wore my dress green uniform and flew for free on "standby" status. It took me 2 days to fly home from Oakland, CA (available seating) but no one said or did anything ugly to me. I guess that came later. Lots more to this but I don't want to bore anyone.

The shame is not yours Sgt. Funk. I am grateful that you have shared your experience and showed your humanity.

I turned 18 a couple of weeks after they stopped the draft. I always wondered if I would have been a coward or not. I have two sons that served. One of them was in combat in Afghanistan. He suffered PTSD from what he witnessed. He has gotten better but still has some bad days. He went through something and learned things about himself that I will never know. I am proud of both of my boys.

Nothing but 100% pure respect here. Thank you Sir for your service. God bless.

My mission is to make sure Vietnam Vets feel welcomed home. I spent this evening with a tunnel rat from 2/28 INF (Black Lions). I spent 23 years active duty, and feel obligated to celebrate the service of our Vietnam Veterans. (Drafted or otherwise). Americans should never protest against those sent in harms way to defend our freedom...or our nation's misguided goals.

i was a seabee there in 67/68, served with the 3rd marines danang and hill 65 (the arizona). i have ptsd and heart disease (orange) i am 75. i can not forget . i also remember my treatment when i came home and how bad the va was in the beginning. Love my brothers and sisters (i was hospitalized and nurses have my upmost respect

Great interview, my uncle was in Vietnam unfortunately he came but he stayed there even successful in life and education he drank himself to death liver failure. Drank till his last minute on earth. My neighbor growing up also marine Vietnam vet, never said a word about to me. I am a marine veteran too. Few Christmas ago I went over to see Mr Bruce Brown to see how he was holding up now with terminal cancer. I gave him a Marine coin he shook my hand cried and so did I. He then for the first time talked about his time in service to me. He died months later. These Vietnam Veterans deserve more from this country. If I see one in town I shake their hand tell them Hi and tell my kids they are all regardless of what they did over there stand up guys and gals.

I am an ex-Navy Corpsman, and I am very sorry for you or anyone who had to go to Vietnam. I was stationed in the states, in Philly, taking care of you or your buddies, when you came back. I heard many stories and saw more than I ever wanted to, I am glad you made home in one piece. Thank you and ALL who served in Vietnam. I am so sorry that our govt., and so many others never understand what happens in war. Thank you again for your service!

I had a friend who was a tunnel rat over there. Talk about dangerous work. When he got back, he was a changed man. OK sober, but when he drank, watch out. He'd take anybody on. Vietnam really got to him. Ditto with another friend who served with Patton during WW2. Quiet as a mouse when he was sober, but hell on wheels when he drank. The town cops never arrested him. They just drove him home, parked his car in the driveway, and told him to pick up his pistol in the morning, down at the station. R.I.P., Tom. You were a good friend.

Welcome home solider. I know there's a lot of people nowadays including myself who appreciate your sacrifices.

My uncle was a LRRP in the 101st. He volunteered for two (at least) tours in Vietnam. He had been field promoted to E-9 before he finished in Vietnam. Afterward, PTSD led him to attempt to raise his family in, less than ideal conditions. (In his mind, he was feeding and sheltering them, they weren't starving) It turned him into the family pariah. I always felt bad for him because I knew he was misunderstood. Nobody had a clue the things he saw and had to do. Only the end of his life when the VA finally granted him combat disability was he ever given any respect by my family. Terrible. He was a hero.

As the daughter of a vietnam vet I wish reporters would talk to kids of war vets. My fathers mother died at 42 of a stroke because she was convinced he would die.I always resented that vietnam made my father insane from a brain injury as a child I always visited him in the nursing home. He died really young

I went over there in late 1965 when I was just 17 years old, and came home from Nam in late 1968 and got the same unwelcome reception, I also hide my military service until I was 75 and started being proud of my service and wearing Vietnam shirts & caps.

I can totally relate to Sgt Funk. I was told not to wear my uniform on return to US. This is after flying 125 combat missions some over North Vietnam, and Cambodia. I was very disillusioned. I went back to college and while there was called to speak about Vietnam. Then the group who wanted me to speak said they wanted to hear about how bad the U.S. treated the Vietnamese people. I cancelled this and would not say that. Thank you Sgt Funk for you service.

My bro was in Viet Nam, he made it out, but it never left him. He passed recently from complications of agent orange. The silent ied that has killed so many. I am thankful you made it through, and were able to finally share your story. A true measure of a man, is to do his duty to his fellows even when policy goes wrong. Thank you for your service to your troops.

Incredible man. Incredible story. Incredible humility. I have my dad’s empty footlocker. He threw away his uniforms and never spoke of the Vietnam war when he got back from serving as XO in the 108th Artillery Group, Dong Ha 1967-68. He retired in 1969 after 20 years of broken service that began in 1944. He was a tri vet. He moved the family to Nebraska as far away from war protesters he could get. On one rare occasion he tossed the television out the door when a movie called Friendly Fire aired in 1979. He got so mad and the only thing he said was ‘they would do that on purpose.’ Followed by a short story about army officers sent into U.S. fire zones intentionally killed by U.S. artillery. I was a boy and didn’t know what he meant and had trouble believing it until I became familiar with the term fragging. Although I can find no information of artillery being used, typically it was done with grenades. He was a LTC at the time. I requested his full service record and was able to piece together his career. I never knew he was awarded a Bronze Star for his Vietnam service until I read it… 37 years after he died.

Vietnam is one of those wars where, if I see a man wearing that hat, I can’t help but shake his hand and tell him welcome home. It’s absolutely disgusting that most of those men were drafted only to be tormented for the rest of their days by the war as well as not have support after

As an OIF/OEF veteran, I am so thankful for Vietnam veterans (my dad and uncle served there). Any accolades we received were built on their backs, as the public recognized how badly those returning veterans were treated. I'm glad that this gentleman reached a place in life where he can be proud of his service.

When i came home from Vietnam, we landed in California, took a bus to the airport in San Francisco. Never saw any protesters and was not harassed by anyone. I never thought about it. I was told for years i was a very scary individual after coming back. Maybe i was but i always thought i was a nice guy.

My father passed away when I was 46 or so. He spoke to me about Vietnam about two minutes of that. Of that time I would say it took him about two seconds to say to me when I was a kid, "Don't ever ask me that again.' I asked him had he killed someone; grasping as a child he had been to war and was a Marine. Never did. About 8 years into my military career he spoke with me before I left for combat the first. I had never seen him so afraid. The othe mjnute or so he told me a story that he could not finish. Simply said, "Don't be a hero; come home." He welcomed me home a year later and snatched the bottle of alcohol from me someone gave me as a gift. All that was needed.

I'm glad the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are treated better than I was being a Vietnam vet. It has gotten much better with people actually thanking for my service and businesses offering military discounts. I went in in 1969 came out in 1999.

Sgt. Funk, as an Air Force Nurse during your war I was "anti Vietnam war", just like you stated, but I also supported our troops while heartedly, & do to this day, 2023,. My respect to all those who served in-country is big, with the Medics, Corpsmen, Dust off crews, Docs, & Nurses at the top of our overall pyramid in of medical team. I was lucky & never had to set foot in Nam but had people at Tachikawa AFB hospital 24 to 48 hours after being hit in field in my care. Your statement about the big Medic stepping into your footprints to get to wounded guys stole my heart. I salute you & thank you.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to our nation.

Thank you Brother. It's nice to hear someone else tell how it was when we returned home. After a while I questioned my self--"Why did I come home?"

You’re one good dude. Appreciate you doing this interview. Worth a listen for anybody interested in Vietnam and how it effects/effected people.

I'm glad you made it! I'm an army brat. Dad served 30 year's and I had no clue of what he endured until his fellow soldiers showed up on RU-vid. 1st Iraq, I asked if there was going to be a draft. My dad and I were watching all the vehicles changed color. He told me his nightmare. Hand to hand, Korea. He was in the artillery. I didn't know my dad went through that. He was the most regular caring father one could ever hope for. Again, I thank you for talking about your experience. Your kid's want to know. Most of my friends were army brats. I must've been 6th ograde before I knew what my dad did for a living. My little brother was a Riveraine in Iraq. He's not talking because dad n passed in 2009. Not good. 🤘🏻❤️🖖

You are a great man Steve. I'm glad you don't feel ashamed of your service anymore. Like you said, you were there for a reason.

Vietnam Veterans have my respect, always have and always will. They are hero’s.

As the son of a WW2 vet, I was appalled at the treatment you guys received upon your return. The protestors should've been spitting on that bastard LBJ! Thank you for your service. God bless.

I give my apologies to you sir on behalf of all who made you ashamed of being a vet! And I stand at attention when I declare( THANK YOU) FOR YOUR SERVICE! Thank you! May God Bless you and give you peace!

These guys are truly men among men! God bless them all.

I'm always puzzled when I hear stories of returning Vietnam vets being spit on and treated badly for participating in an unpopular war by U.S. citizens. Vietnam vets DID WHAT THEY WERE TOLD to do by our govenment. They didn't WANT to be there. SGT I salute you for your service and doing what you were told. You didnt run from it like a coward. You are a hero in every sense of the word. USMC 1982-86

Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for sharing your experience.

My grandfather was in WW2 he was a B-24 bomber pilot and POW at Stalag Luft 1. He never talked too much to my Dad about it but he finally started to tell me when I found out and started asking questions in 1983. I won't go into details because it would take too long.

I sure am glad we had men like yourself who put it on the line ! Love ya brother !

Well said, Thanks for coming forward and telling your experiences.

Thank you Mr. Funk. I am glad you are here to tell your story.

Thanks for your service to our country. My uncle served in Vietnam. He drove a tank . He speaks very little about his time there. He has had issues from the war. God Bless you for your Sacrifices to our Country.

Thanks for your service Steve! I was in high school when the draft ended. Grew up watching the names of young men who were killed in Vietnam scroll on the tv. I never understood the hate that you and all the veterans received after coming home. I did not agree with the war itself, but my dad was a veteran of Korea, and I understood what you and others did was for our country, regardless of the war. I'm glad you can feel proud now, and should have been given a hero's welcome when you came home.

Thank you for your service! Glad you’re home!

Thank you for sharing brother!! You should be proud, I and we are very proud of you and all Vietnam vets male/female, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Thank you for this. It was very interesting hearing your perspective, and I am glad you made it home. Bless you and your service members

Thank you, Sir, for your sacrifice and Welcome Home. It breaks my heart that you, like my family members & friends, had to suffer the insensitive naivety of the general public. May you always be blessed with grace and love.

The book. Ripcord screaming eagles under siege Vietnam 1970. Talks about Chucks brother getting shot and more incredible stories. Thank you for your service, Steve Funk.

Glad you made it back and seem to be doing very well. Wolfie

"You brought me home alive." Had me in tears. Thanks for doing the interview Mr Funk, what a great watch/listen.

Welcome home! It warms my heart to hear you mention Ross Perot. When I was a young man I campaigned for Ross (twice) and came to know him personally after my folks died shortly between each other. We kept in touch through the years, he always made sure I had his number. Last saw him in 2012 at a reunion dinner in Dallas. I’ve never met a man with as much principle and character. What a national treasure he was. Ross had a tremendous impact on my life. It was an honor to know him. I’m glad he had an impact on yours too and that someone was willing to give you a hero’s welcome. You’ll have to give us the story of the Iran rescue!

I'm in my 40's, but I take my buddy ( 77yrs ) out to breakfast and movies. He was a Ranger who did 3 tours. The last tour was only 2 weeks, and it was the last 2 weeks at the Saigan Embassy. He gave me his helmet, harness and gear and his canteen STILL had water in it. He assured me that plastic canteen hadn't been opened since he was on the roof top of the embassy in 1975. That blew my mind. I know it sounds stupid, but I treasure that old dirty water. I feel like I have something truly unique - like I opened a time capsule. I moved the water to a sealed glass container and I keep it with my militaria collection. ( and yes - it's gross. It looks like there's fragments of dead SeaMonkeys floating in it.) Love that guy - he's one of my favorite humans.

His laughter fading back into a momentary distant stare each time he takes joy in remembering a fellow man, haunts me. You deserve the laughter Brother. Thank you for your service.

Thank you for your service Sir! My dad was in WW2 and my brother Jimmy was 82nd Airborne Special Forces

I was draft age. I was so lucky that I drew high numbers and didn't have to go there. I had several classmates and a cousin that went there. The ones that came back were never the same.

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero in my assessment. I'm glad you made it back home safe. Thank you for your service.

Welcome Home Steve and Thank You for your Service to your men. 🇺🇲

God Bless you Sir. I’m 71. I almost was beside you, I tried to help my community and I am honored to listening to your words

Great interview and such a moving story. Thank You Sir for your service. You are a true gentleman and hero. WELCOME HOME!!!

Thank you for your service my brother. I am sorry for the things you had to witness in Vietnam at the orders of our government. I was also assigned to the 2-506 in the 101st as a Combat Medic with 11B's. Afghanistan 2016-2017. These wars cause scars that we carry for a lifetime, with no positive outcomes...

Really enjoyed listening to this humble and grounded man … a shining example of humanity and must of been an incredible leader to serve with .

I was born in 1960. ALL OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE MY HEROS!!! they are my brothers and sisters. the level of my respect is immeasurable. Thank you for your service Sergent!!!

I signed up for the draft on March 1974 on my 18th birthday and was an air-force dependant, I eventually served in the navy in the late eighties. Thanks for your story, happy holidays 🎉☮️

After a stint in the Marine Corps, the Iraq war came up. I wanted to get involved. I told the recruiter, "I'll do anything but the infantry." I joined as a tanker. My first day at my unit, the First Sergeant says, "We're no longer tankers. We're going to train to become infantry!"

My Dad was a capitan in the Army .He flew Cobras in Vietnam. He passed away in 2017 and i miss him so much. He struggled with alcohol addiction for a long time and hardly talked about the war. I'm sorry all the veitnam vets didn't get the welcome home they deserved.

Thank you sir for your service. Total Respect for Vietnam Vets

Much respect sir. Many will never be faced with the duty you were told to do. God bless you

Thanks Steve for serving i too spent time at camp Evans myself in 69 i spent time in that TOC area and various fire bases restoring communications once they got knocked out i was a field wireman i appreciate any combat soldier highly you guys are the best

Admirable. Thank you for documenting these stories, and best wishes to Sgt. funk! When all war has been forgotten, these men will be remembered.

Thank you Sir! Glad you made it back in one piece.

Sgt Funk and all the rest were and are heroes in my book. My brother was in country from spring of '67 to spring of '68 as a combat engineer. As a kid, I was so glad to see my big brother come back home. Hats off to all the former and current service members.

Thank You for your Service. Was with the 82nd Airborne, and the 101st Airborne during Desert Storm. Retired Capt. USAR.

(OIF/OEF Veteran); you can tell that he was in some serious "stuff" when he says he never saw his Captain. Haha. I can relate. I was in those missions where the brass knew we were, simply put, bullet magnets. So why would they wanna join us. Only on the highly-secured runs. With that said; there are a bunch that fight in the front. The real fighters. I had a Major that I became close to. He was awesome. ....anyways, this guy is a hero. A great story teller and you can tell how extremely genuine he is. I'm glad you're recording it. I can't speak for everyone, but I think there are thousands of veterans with incredible stories who would love to share but just don't have an outlet. We need to do it for our children. Most importantly, for our Nation.

WA State here, thank you for your service sir! You only did what you were asked to do and believed you were doing the right thing. Thank you for speaking.

WOW! So much respect and admiration for you. Thank you for your service, and thanks for sharing your amazing story

Glad you made it home Steve, hope you are well.

Thank you for cutting the path sir. The generations that came after you benefited from all the experience passed down.

Mr. Funk Thank You very Much for your Military Service, Take Care and God Bless You!