VoyForums: War Stories!

Friday, May 2, 2008 - New servers are in! Click-in for more info!

Sat, July 26 2008, 5:45:17 [ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, [2], 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ]

War Stories! is an Awards winning family-rated site with over 19 million visitors, and averaging 6,700+ hits daily.
Please visit War Stories BB Rules, Disclaimers, and Guidelines prior to posting a message or response.

Comments to:
Patrick Camunes, War Stories' Bulletin Board Webmaster! or
Jeff Northridge, War Stories' Bulletin Board Webassistant!

Return to War Stories!

Big Conjones -- Marissa, Tue, June 12 2007, 13:53:23 (24.62.241.203)
I think that it is important for everyone to have a hero. It puts a smile on my face to know that you hold a man who saved your father's life as the highest honor. If my friend had done that for me, I could safely say that I would consider them to be my hero as well!

Respectfully,
Marissa R

[Edit]
Vietnam's Apocalypse Shadow -- Brit S, Tue, June 12 2007, 13:20:59 (66.30.102.227)
I am sorry to hear that you lost your friend. That must have been really hard on you and his family. To hear how he died really is what the sad part is. It is too bad that he was so harsh on himself and always held a grudge that was not meant to hold. Once again i am really sorry for hearing about your friend. Thank you for serving.

[Edit]
smiling faces -- Brit S, Tue, June 12 2007, 13:16:19 (66.30.102.227)
That is really funny how u ran into him of all places the club bathroom. That really makes me chuckle and hearing stories that make you laugh about vietnam because there was some fun times is really good to hear. thanks for serving.

[Edit]
Last Patrol -- Brit S, Tue, June 12 2007, 13:03:11 (66.30.102.227)
I really respect what you guys did that is probably the nicest thing i have heard. I was really touched hearing that. I hope you will beable to once meet that woman. People like that really put a smile on my face. Thank You again.

[Edit]
Forget Me Not -- Marissa, Tue, June 12 2007, 12:19:17 (24.62.241.203)
I loved your poem. It's touched me in a way that a story would not have done. The way you simply describe the way that you treasure the men that you fought beside and how their loved ones are greatly affected and how people should honor the men who went and fought bravely for this country

Respectfully,
Marissa R

[Edit]
Death -- Brian, Tue, June 12 2007, 9:44:09 (24.62.241.203)
wow thats a really sad poem.but your right death is a part of life.

[Edit]
Looriw -- Looriw, Tue, June 12 2007, 8:43:24 (74.192.35.51)
visibel earth [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=500.html]auto gelsomino [/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=500.html">auto gelsomino </a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=500.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=501.html]racconto fantasma charles[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=501.html">racconto fantasma charles</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=501.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=502.html]driver netodragon 56k[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=502.html">driver netodragon 56k</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=502.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=503.html]costa dei gelsomino[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=503.html">costa dei gelsomino</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=503.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=504.html]cairo safa el[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=504.html">cairo safa el</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=504.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=505.html]earth it [/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=505.html">earth it </a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=505.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=506.html]istituto portavalori safe[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=506.html">istituto portavalori safe</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=506.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=507.html]wu s feet[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=507.html">wu s feet</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=507.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=508.html]gelsomino azzurro [/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=508.html">gelsomino azzurro </a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=508.html [url=http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=509.html]cairo cairo nile[/url] <a rel=nofollow target=_blank href="http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=509.html">cairo cairo nile</a> http://kozyhar.org/forum/topic=509.html

[Edit]
I Never Felt -- Brittany, Tue, June 12 2007, 5:05:06 (24.62.241.203)
Wow, this poem was very touching and it made me very sad to think that soldiers like you would of had to take a 15-year old girls life. It must of been very hard, and I know I will never understand but I am sorry you had to go through that.

[Edit]
The Power of a Name -- Andrew, Mon, June 11 2007, 16:35:43 (24.60.51.185)
i have seen pictures of the wall before but i have never visited it before i would like to though

[Edit]
First Mission! -- Andrew, Mon, June 11 2007, 16:15:52 (24.60.51.185)
i enjoyed that story i can relate i have a dog that can not sit still eather. all my dog wants to do is play day and night.

[Edit]
Jack Understood -- Marissa, Mon, June 11 2007, 14:58:31 (24.62.241.203)
While I was reading your story at first, I though Jack was a real person you had made friends with after you had come back from the war and started having all of those horrible memories come back to you. While I continued to read, I was asking myself how your friend could have been so selfish and keep you away from your family and ask for money just to have him comfort you when you needed it. I thought that he was a bad friend to be having around. I was surprised when you had attended your Veteran's Day parade and found that the men who had been through the war as well were more comforting to you than your friend Jack had been. I'm also happy that you have not turned to alcohol again to try and solve your problems.

Respectfully always,
Marissa R

[Edit]
Camp Zamma Phone Call -- Brit S, Mon, June 11 2007, 12:18:27 (66.30.102.227)
That is very nice of you to help the people that could not walk to the x-ray room or other places they needed to be. I know you were asked to, but you could have said no and not do it. I think that even though it was a Jeep that the patient was hit by a jeep and others got body parts blown off. Others still don't have to right to make fun of him for it. That is my opinion, but that is just not right.

[Edit]
I respect -- Tom, Sun, June 10 2007, 18:16:05 (216.222.245.106)
I respect all of you vets greatly. I was born during the conflict and can only read about your heroric acts which inspires me deeply. I served as well but during peacetime.

Thank you
Tom

[Edit]
Corpsman up, I called - Whisenant -- Brandon, Thu, June 07 2007, 12:42:11 (24.62.241.203)
Thats got to be the hardest job to do. Healing people that just had limbs blown off or shot and bleeding. By the sounds of it you were the person who had to tell that person and that is wicked hard also. You see a buddy get shot and you hope and pray they are healed and safe. I couldnt of done either of those jobs and I thank you for doing that for the US.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Corpsman up, I called - Whisenant -- Billy Whisenant, Sun, June 10 2007, 5:44:34
responce -- Matt Shahrestan, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:50:10 (199.230.48.44)
After reading the story Camouflage I really found it interesting how you explained every bit of what happened with great detail. I enjoyed reading how you crossed the paddy past the large tropical plant using its leaves for a strap for your helmet. When you explained how you carried a pistol in one hand and a k bar in the other I realized how real war is. It is not fun and games but a battle between life and death. I thought it was also really funny when you told your officer �Sir, you mean you can see me Sir? I am camouflage!� I found that really funny just because of what the officer said, breaking into laughter. It was also funny that never again during your duty ask you to camouflage. He really got tired of you, ha-ha. I really enjoyed your story overall it gave me a great idea of how war is in some form.

Matt Shahrestan

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: responce -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:27:07
response to story -- Elise, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:55:52 (199.230.36.246)
Camouflage: This story stuck out to me because it emphasized the personalities of the soldiers. It was meaningful in that it shows that the soldiers who went to Vietnam are people too through sense of humor. Between many tragic accounts of veterans it�s nice to read a story with some humor in it. It�s great to know that you returned home to tell the story. Thank you for going to Vietnam.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: response to story -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:24:16
Camouflage -- Josh W, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:04:37 (199.230.36.246)
Dear Billy Whisenant,

I am currently learning about the Vietnam War in History class. I am also reading the book The Things They Carried by Tim O`Brien in my English class. I really enjoyed reading your story Camouflage. I cannot believe that your Officer actually wanted you to Camouflage yourself when you had all that equipment on you. No matter what you do people are going to see you. I am surprised that your officer did not laugh when he saw you wrapped up in the leaf. It must have taken a lot of self control to not burst out laughing. There are not many war stories that actually make people laugh, so this one was a good change from the usual.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Camouflage -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:21:00
Read your story! -- Justin, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:07:38 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Billy,
Hello! I am a student from Aragon High School in San Mateo, California. I read your poem Corpsman Up, I Called! In the poem, you called for a corpsman because you saw a man get hit with a rocket blast. You mentioned he was in a lot of pain and he was bleeding. You witnessed the medic run up to the wounded man and helped him. He risked his life for the man that got hit. By reading your poem I understood that the only friends and brothers to you guys were the men next to you. You guys helped each other no matter what the situation was and that touched me. I enjoyed reading your poem very much.

Sincerely, Justin

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Read your story! -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:16:36
Response to your story -- Dean, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:43:36 (199.230.48.44)
After reading your story I was amazed at how serious people had to be during a war. It was very interesting how he was able to keep a completely straight face. It also must to have been very scary to be six foot six and trying to hide. Not only that but you had to carry a ten foot antenna on your back to even further hurt your chance of being camouflaged. This story I feel is able to show how soldiers would just do what they were told. This also helps to display how soldiers began to seem almost like robots, due to the way they had to act in war. I was also surprised that you were able to try to joke around with your officer. For example, to call yourself camouflage and pretend to be sneaking up on him was just not something that I expected to hear about in a war story. Currently in my English class we are reading a fiction Vietnam war story novel. The novel contains many different war stories from Vietnam and our class wanted to read about some true stories and then compare them to the ones we read about in class.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Response to your story -- Rich Budway, Thu, April 26 2007, 8:27:31
- Re: Response to your story -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:14:24
the corpse man up -- Christian Spremich, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:48:38 (199.230.48.44)
The corpse man expresses the valor that was shown in Vietnam. This story is an icon of courage. The corpse man displayed an amount of courage that I�m not sure that I could express. To tend to a dying man, while being attacked by rockets, takes an amount of resoluteness that I�m not sure I could muster up. When people say there�s no such thing as a hero, they are wrong. Heroes appear everyday, and the corpse man was definitely one of them. They don�t need to be fast, or strong, but their status is determined on the selflessness of their deed. I hero is someone who puts aside their own well being for the safety of others. This story showed me the true meaning of a hero.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: the corpse man up -- Rich Budway, Thu, April 26 2007, 8:33:07
- Re: the corpse man up -- Billy Whisenant, Sat, June 09 2007, 20:09:46
TLC Mission Water? You Want Water? -- Jon Gattuso, Thu, June 07 2007, 18:44:01 (66.31.253.174)
Its really great that your troop could find some humor during that period. Its a very honoring thing to serve in the army and have millions of people back home wo are very proud of you. This story reminds me of something me and my friends would do. Thank you.

[Edit]
Jim Ives from Augusta, Georgia -- Anne, Fri, June 01 2007, 17:16:19 (69.114.80.202)
When I Was in Highschool in the early 90's, I was a pen pal with a man by the name of Jim Ives. My name is Anne and I live in New York. I know that Jim was a Marine and spent alittle bit of time in the Veterens Hospital. The last letter I received from Jim was in Feb. 1991 and he was living on Wheeless Road in Augusta, Georgia. If anyone knows Jim or if you are him please email me at fully1112@netscape.net, I would love to find out how my old friend Jim is doing.

[Edit]
Information on Ronald Norman Keller HM3 E4N -- Cait Comeau, Sun, May 20 2007, 17:32:32 (64.140.235.234)
I am looking to contact anyone who served with or knew my Uncle, Ronald Norman Keller, who served as a Medic and was killed on 02/09/68 in South Vietnam. He was killed 9 years before I was born, and I would love to hear about him from the guys he served with.

Your time and service is greatly appreciated.

Thank you;
Cait Comeau

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Information on Ronald Norman Keller HM3 E4N -- Jeff Northridge, Mon, May 21 2007, 11:25:03
  - Re: Information on Ronald Norman Keller HM3 E4N -- Cait, Thu, May 31 2007, 19:08:11
Looking for members of 36th Signal -- Fernand J. Martin, Fri, February 23 2007, 12:01:06 (135.245.8.35)
I shipped out to Vietnam from Fort Bragg in August 1965.
I was in Tan Son Nhut and Bien Hoa until December 1965,then
was sent to Japan to repair a perforated eardrum.
I remember Delaney, and Acra. Went to the Van Khan and
My Khan Clubs in Saigon. I was a telephone lineman.
Remember driving the Leutenant from Saigon to Bien Hoa in darkness, with no lights on. What a crazy trip that was.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Looking for members of 36th Signal -- Jeff Northridge, Fri, February 23 2007, 20:59:29
  - Re: Looking for members of 36th Signal -- Burt Peyton, Thu, May 31 2007, 14:19:21
Place Flag -- Allan L. Mosher, P.S.M., Mon, May 28 2007, 19:36:26 (71.101.188.221)
MOSHER ROBERT LLOYD CPT O3 A 19380205 19670526 NEWPORT RI 20E 122
Please Place a flag next to my Dad's name.

We love and miss you Dad.
I always walk and talk proudly of you. At some time we'll be together again.

Your Son,
Allan

[Edit]
class -- luis, Thu, April 26 2007, 10:12:01 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Don Poss,
My name is Luis and I live in Northern California. Right now we are learning about the Vietnam War and I have learned a lot of interesting stuff, such as booby traps and how they had the upper hand in territory. I think it is interesting how you stayed in a ship because so did my history teacher. Your story is very interesting, I think it�s cool how you guys went through all of what you did. It seems like an experience. I wonder what your political viewpoints, since you had more contact of the world, unlike the soldiers on the line. I have considered joining the marines but I didn�t know what it would be like and your story has helped me a lot. I will still consider it a possible option of my future. I myself like steak and eggs, you can never go wrong with steak and eggs, that reminds me of dining at Denny�s. Well I think your story influenced me and your story also made me have a clearer view of what the Marines did in the war, which was huge.

Sincerely,
Luis Martinez

[Edit]

Replies:
- steak and eggs -- mario garcia, Sat, May 26 2007, 20:58:52
pictures of vietnam and poems written -- jerry grace, Sat, May 26 2007, 19:18:34 (75.104.192.56)
I gave these to the men at denison texas 2 yrs ago, I just want to know what happened to them.

[Edit]
in search of -- mark herring, Thu, May 24 2007, 18:27:11 (68.94.185.116)
I was at Ft. Lewis from August '69 to Dec. '69.lookin for Clarence Caston(or Gaston and Bernard Gorum(The Gump).Also looking for Al Dunham,Cricket from Baltimore and Phil from Colorado.We were all in the nam in 1970.Send me an email if you know of any of these characters.I think Al married a Vietnamese woman but I left country before he did.

[Edit]
looking for info on relatives of Willis Cormier -- Anthony Frank, Mon, May 21 2007, 21:55:40 (205.188.117.12)
Would like to find family of Willis Cormier, KIA Mar. 22, '69. he was a medic assigned to HHT, 3/5 Cav. 9th Inf. Div. He had a daughter born shortly before his death. I'd like to express my appreciation for the lesson in character that this medic demonstrated on numerous occassions. He demonstrated courage in the manner that he lived his life and the compassion he possessed for all. The bravest individual I've ever known personally. I was there the day he died.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: looking for info on relatives of Willis Cormier -- Jeff Northridge, Tue, May 22 2007, 7:36:04
hi -- leonard j oconnell, Thu, May 17 2007, 19:47:10 (222.153.41.53)
hey jeff just wanted to thank you for all the information you have posted on this site right on brother u have helped so many people to find relitives and friends and given closure to many a family mystery
i thank you for your the time you have taken to help

leonard j oconnell 227th air mobile cav

[Edit]

Replies:
- Thanks For The Thanks! -- Jeff Northridge, Sun, May 20 2007, 10:04:04
Richard Cole -- Rosita Slider, Sat, May 19 2007, 13:00:05 (68.3.127.234)
Desperately searching for anyone that knew Richard Cole, after all these years. He was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison Indiana in February 1967. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Edit]
A CO 3/12 4TH INF DIV -- LARRY, Fri, May 18 2007, 11:07:12 (71.1.240.85)
Hey Jeff, Hope this helps, Looking for anyone who served with pride in Vietnam Nov 1968 - Nov 1969.

Please e-mail me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: A CO 3/12 4TH INF DIV -- Jeff Northridge, Fri, May 18 2007, 16:54:36
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WORLD WAR III -- Tom Zart, Fri, May 18 2007, 6:46:30 (4.244.117.24)
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WORLD WAR III

Our sons and daughters serve in harms way
To defend our way of life.
Some are students, some grandparents,
Many a husband or wife.

They face great odds without complaint
Gambling life and limb for little pay.
So far away from all they love
Fight our soldiers for whom we pray.

The plotters and planners of America�s doom
pledge to murder and maim all they can.
From early childhood they are taught
To kill is to become a man.

They exploit their young as weapons of choice
Teaching in heaven, virgins will await.
Destroying lives along with their own
To learn of their falsehoods too late.

The fearful cry we must submit.
And find a way to soothe them.
Where defenders worry if we stand down
The future for America is grim.

Now�s not the time to fight one another
Or kiss our enemy�s cheek.
All through history it remains the same
The strong enslave the weak.

May God continue to bless America
Refusing evil, the upper hand.
It�s up to us to stay resolute
Defending the liberty of Man.

By Tom Zart

[Edit]
Daughters of Vietnam Veterans website www.dovv.net -- Laura Milczanowksi, Thu, May 17 2007, 9:19:20 (72.190.43.168)
This is my website that I created after 10 years of frustration of trying to find information about how to help my Dad.

www.dovv.net
We also have a theme song you can find on
www.myspace.com/30thparallel
It is the JFK Speech, Freedom of the Press remix.
We are not selling it, using it only for educational purposes.

Peace out.
War is hell.
This illegal war is hell.
Depleted Uranium is hell.
Agent orange is killing my Dad.

[Edit]
Mrk L. Morgan -- C D Allen, Wed, May 16 2007, 13:50:44 (216.76.165.197)
I would like to request a rose for my cousin Mark L. Morgan Lcpl USMC kia Thua Thien SVN 2-28-66. Thank You C D Allen

[Edit]
A CO 4th inf -- Larry, Tue, May 15 2007, 20:12:15 (71.1.240.85)
Looking for anyone who served with pride in Vietnam 1968-1969 with A CO 4th INF. Please e-mail me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edit]

Replies:
- Not Enough Information -- Jeff Northridge, Wed, May 16 2007, 7:33:01
DaNang 71-72 40th Ordiance -- Davis Chatman, Tue, May 15 2007, 22:04:37 (66.25.112.121)
Anybody stationed in danang, 71-72 right on the beach, did gaurd duty night shift at the danang ammo depot. the movie china beach is living proof. I was there. helicopter pad on one side hospital on the other. I was there when the sargent major drowned going swiming in the south china sea, had two days before dros. if anybody recall get in touch with me.

[Edit]
Re: i need to interview someone that fought in vietnam -- Erin McNerney, Mon, May 14 2007, 13:11:29 (198.160.250.2)
I need someone to answer a few questions for today please?
Here are the questios:
1.What were you doing before going to war?
2.When did you enroll for the service?
3.What kind of training did you receive?
4.What did you do during war?
5.What did you do after war?
6.How long has it been since you been out of the service?

[Edit]
Looking for relatives -- Alexandre Moreira, Fri, May 11 2007, 16:58:23 (201.5.212.252)
My name is Alexandre Moreira, from Brazil.
I�m looking for any relative in USA.
I know about one of them named Ralph Angelo Moreira Jr, from Beaver Falls Pennsylvania. He was killed in Vietnam War.
If somebody help us, we�ll be very happy.
Thanks you.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Looking for relatives -- Jeff Northridge, Fri, May 11 2007, 19:12:57
Vietnam -- Jim Paris, Thu, May 10 2007, 11:36:59 (216.78.233.57)
Aco.S&T Bn.4th ID.Aug68-69/Feb70-Nov.I did recon for Battalion one month CA team,Drove truck last 5 months.Looking for Captain Wright,Bill Gamble&Pomalow.Im so glad that your web is providing a service for VN Vets & others.It helps me put the peices together.It is ashame that others abuse it.God Bless and keep up the good work.

[Edit]
Place a Flag -- Jay Gearhart, Thu, May 10 2007, 7:32:56 (68.188.157.31)
Please place a flag by Donald R. Fluharty's name. He was KIA 5-20-69 in Dak To.We were as close as you could get in the Nam. I will always remember him & the other brothers who gave there all.Thank God they are at peace.

[Edit]
TSgt. Jimmy F. Williams (USAF Ret) -- Kathy Hadley, Tue, May 08 2007, 14:01:17 (69.95.150.250)
Looking for any one who may have served with Ssgtr. Jimmy F. Williams (a.k.a. Jim or Willie). He was all over SEA (Tiailand and Viet Nam) from 1969 to 1971. He stayed in the Air Force for 20 years. Was a security police and also talked about being with the Air Commandoes and doing helicoptor recons. Please emaill me direct if you can give me andyhelp. I have been looking all over the web. I know there is a web site out ther some where that I can find out when and hwere he was stationed and how he ws wounded.

Kathy Hadlye

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: TSgt. Jimmy F. Williams (USAF Ret) -- Jeff Northridge, Tue, May 08 2007, 18:41:57
Joaquim Vaz Rebelo, B-1-1 KIA 5/13/67 Quang Nam, S. Vietnam -- Madelyn, Tue, May 08 2007, 9:50:39 (68.36.246.85)
As I turned around
We had just graduated High School
As I turned around
You were my friend to see
As I turned around you were call to fight
I turned again and you were gone
It will be 40 years ago that you were called away
It was time for you to go
It was time for me to stay
When I am called away
I hope that when I turn around again it will be you I see
I hope that when you turn and look you will recognize me

[Edit]
Thanks to Everyone -- John R. Darling, Mon, May 07 2007, 19:33:59 (69.207.239.165)
Thanks to everyone who responded to my message regarding Dennis K. Blain and Richard Matthews. They were two of my best friends from elementary school through high school. I had no idea that the kind of information I received was available. I have often thought about Dennis and Dick and what happened to them. It was such a loss of two very good soldiers and people. For so long I haven't been able to get thoughts of them out of my head. Special thanks to Bill Thomas who was with Dennis when he died. He was in Nam for such a very short time and he probably hardly knew anyone. To have someone confort him and be with him when he died was a blessing and sense fo comfort to him.

Got some information on Dick Matthews but hopefully there is more.

[Edit]
Rose Request -- Carolyn Bradley Threatt, Mon, May 07 2007, 14:52:00 (208.104.107.21)
Please place a rose by Cpl Charles M. Goude's name. 12E 59
Thank you very much.

[Edit]
My Book " With Love Stan: A Soldier's Letters Form Vietnam To The World" -- Karen Ross Epp, Thu, May 03 2007, 17:41:21 (207.69.137.39)
I have recently published a book, a tribute to my brother Sp4 Stanley D. Ross, 199th Light Infantry Brigade 2/3 Charlie Co. "With Love Stan: A Soldier's Letters From Vietnam To The World"
He was killed in action on October 20, 1969.
My book is a compilation of Stan's letters, photos, recollections from the men who served with him in the 199th, and my writing. I have dedicated this book to the brave men and women, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, during this controversial war.
It is Stan's story, but also the story of a family who struggles with the loss of a son, brother and friend.
You can access my book at authorhouse.com, amazom.com and www.withlovestan.com
I would welcome comments. This book would be a valuble tool for educators, who teach history, social studies, and writing.
Respectfully,
Karen Ross Epp

[Edit]
My Lost Friend -- John R. Darling, Mon, April 30 2007, 8:12:40 (24.97.230.114)
I have been looking for a site like this for some time but never seemed to find what I want. I have two good friends, Dennis K. Blain (9/25/68)and Richard L. Matthews 11/21/68 and haven't been able to find out any information on either of them as to their experience in Vietnam. For some time I haven't been able to get them out of my thoughts and hoped that knowing more about their experience and what happend to them might help me. I went to both their funerals and it seems like such a blurr and not even real at the time. I was in the Army from 4/68 to 6/71 but never went overseas, just the luck of the draw I guess. I actually considered volunteering but fortunately it never came to that. If anyone has any information on either of these heroes and wonderful individuals. In all my time growing up with them I can't ever remember a harsh word, fight or confrontation and her they die in this crazy war. Thanks for any information.

[Edit]

Replies:
- PFC Blain -- Jeff Northridge, Tue, May 01 2007, 18:51:40
  - Note On PFC Blain -- Jeff Northridge, Wed, May 02 2007, 12:40:22
- PFC Matthews -- Jeff Northridge, Tue, May 01 2007, 20:22:55
  - Note On PFC Matthews -- Jeff Northridge, Wed, May 02 2007, 20:43:40
    - Further Note On PFC Matthews -- Jeff Northridge, Thu, May 03 2007, 13:37:50
Bunker 051 -- Blaze master jam, Thu, April 26 2007, 10:13:44 (199.230.36.38)
Dear Dan McKegney,
I am a student at Aragon High School, in Northern California; the bay area. My junior class has been recently studying the Vietnam War. We were assigned to read war stories, and I stumbled upon yours. I enjoyed your story of bunker 051, the men in that bunker seemed like titans in that bunker. The forces kept coming, but the men in 051 were not concerned with their own lives, but with the fact that if they were to keep up a strong enough fight. The fight would allow the other forces deeper in the base to assemble in order to fend off the incoming enemy soldiers. I really do think that these people are extraordinary because of the fact that they disregarded their own lives in effort to prevent the attacking waves to reach further into the base. I thank you for sharing this story, and story sharing to me is one think that is honorary; you could let it die with you but instead you pass it on.
Sincerely,
Joe

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Bunker 051 -- dan mckegney, Wed, May 02 2007, 18:51:24
Agent Organge -- Patricia Schultz, Tue, May 01 2007, 12:28:16 (66.233.108.59)
My husband who served in Vietnam in 1967 - 1969, died of Kidney Cancer in April 2004. I am trying to find information that links kidney cancer to Agent Orange. A few years ago, when I was on this site, two people posted messages about their diagnois of Kidney Cancer and their attempts to file a VA claim. Wondering if anyone has had any success with claims with the VA?

[Edit]
Cancer from Agent Orange -- Jo Ann Romaniszak-Sanchez, Mon, March 05 2007, 11:01:34 (74.134.144.42)
My husband Sgt. Nic Sanchez was a Marine. He passed away on January 1, 2007. He was in the SU#1, H&SCo, 5th MEB,CamPen. I am looking for others who may have lost someone who was in North VeitNam to pancreatic cancer. I have to show that his exposure to Agent Orange caused his disease and eventually his untimely brutal death. He was too ill to fight himself. The VA here in Illinois said that I need three sources. Call anyone help me. thank you. Sincerelt Jo Ann Romaniszak-Sanchez

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Cancer from Agent Orange -- Jeff Northridge, Wed, March 07 2007, 8:14:22
  - Re: Cancer from Agent Orange -- Scott Ferguson, Thu, April 19 2007, 7:01:54
- Re: Cancer from Agent Orange -- Chanda Hudson, Sun, March 18 2007, 19:36:58
- Re: Cancer from Agent Orange -- scott, Thu, April 19 2007, 7:12:48
- Re: Cancer from Agent Orange -- Patricia Schultz, Tue, May 01 2007, 12:15:55
Die Hard -- Danny, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:12:32 (199.230.48.44)
DIE HARD!!

I am really impressed with this story! This story is like a morale for people to learn from. It shows a lot of bravery and courage . I am a student at Aragon high school and we are reading a book about war . The book is called The Things They Carried and two of the things they carried are bravery and courage. So I found your story very interesting. I�m very glad of the outcome that you didn�t let this punk try to take your wallet and you�ve been in war situations which you survived , like you said it would be bad if you get killed from this punk and you survived the war! I respect the fact of what you did for our country in the war and how you protected your self from some punk on the street and I really admire your story.

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Die Hard -- Michael Herrera, Sat, April 28 2007, 14:58:14
Vietnam War -- William, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:15:23 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Don Poss,
In the course of fighting the Vietcong�s, I am fascinated by the fact that many U.S. soldiers carried out their missions and kill lots of soldiers during missions such as the Operation Rolling Thunder. However, I was wondering how the air pilots of the B-52�s felt when they massively killed tons of innocent civilians along with VC�s during the bombing of North Vietnam because there were people that did not want to have anything to do with the fighting. I understand and admire the soldiers� burden to accomplish each murderous mission, but was there a sense of denying the missions because they didn�t want to kill anymore?
Sincerely,
William

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Vietnam War -- David, Fri, April 27 2007, 11:20:10
- Re: Vietnam War -- Jeff Northridge, Fri, April 27 2007, 18:52:08
Bulletin Board Spam -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Mon, April 23 2007, 23:38:58 (66.25.82.92)
I have gotten some email concerning the growing spam on this board. Some of our �regulars� may have noticed that along with one�s email address is also an IP address. Voy Forums has provided us this option to ban certain IP numbers and even though it may seem like we are getting more than usual spam lately, I have previously deleted and reported up to 52 in just one day! . . . So spammers beware!

I�m trying to keep up the best I can in deleting and reporting such spam and with the help of Voy Forum, hopefully this will cease being a problem. I appreciate your patience and continued participation.

Also, something I have added is when older threads or discussions are replied to, they will be brought back up to the top. I hope this will be something to help those that want to respond to an older post and not have it get lost down the list.

Thank you all for you co-operation and any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. All I ask because of my high volume of email is that the topic of the subject be War Stories or Beanie so that my spam blocker will not kick it out. . . . . . Thanks . . . . Pat (Beanie) Camunes

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Reply to Older Posts -- Parky, Wed, April 25 2007, 16:48:52
  - Re: Reply to Older Posts -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Fri, April 27 2007, 1:07:50
    - Re: Reply to Older Posts -- Parky, Fri, April 27 2007, 15:18:34
response to story -- Rochelle and Elizabeth, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:15:09 (199.230.36.246)
Dear Patrick Camunes,
We are reading a story in English class about the Vietnam War. The book is called The Things They Carried by Tim O�Brien. In this book there are many perspectives from different soldiers about their experiences in the war. Unlike your story most of their stories are about their life in Vietnam other then actual battles that they faced. One of the chapters was about how to tell a true war story. From what we got out of it your story seems very realistic. After reading your story it made us feel grateful for our lives. It must have been very overwhelming to have been in your place when you were faced with death. We would have just given up. We really admire your courage to continue on sharing your story so people can learn and educate themselves from your experience.

Sincerely,
Rochelle and Elizabeth
San Mateo, Ca

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: response to story -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Fri, April 27 2007, 0:56:38
Patrick Camunes -- Aya, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:03:45 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Camunes,
My name is Aya and I am a junior at Aragon high school in San Mateo. We are currently learning and reading about the Vietnam War. To learn about what some Vietnam veterans went through, we are reading war stories and trying to interpret the experiences that veterans like you went through. I found the story about your son and your combat interesting because it seemed very lucky and personal. Although you weren�t with your, you were lucky enough to have a new baby boy and to be saved from being hurt on that patrol. I would call that a miracle. I think it�s great that you still celebrate that day and thank God that you lived through the rest of the war and got home safely to share your life with your family.
Sincerely, Aya

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: Patrick Camunes -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Fri, April 27 2007, 0:20:00
letter -- Ilona, Wed, April 25 2007, 22:20:14 (67.118.246.71)
Dear Mr. Patrick Camunes,
I am a student from Aragon High School and in our Junior English class this semester we�re reading The Things They Carried by Tim O� Brien, the story of Vietnam. In order to get better associated with the true history of the �Nam war, our teacher wanted us to research stories that veterans, like yourself, have wrote. I would first want to start off with this: Thank You. Your flashback story titled Shadow Fields is a real eye- opener. Its amazing how after so many years past the war you still remember the vivid picture as if it were right in front of you. But I also find it sad. Sad how you can�t go back to the way your life used to be before the dreadful Vietnam War. I know this probably won�t mean much coming from me, a person who wasn�t even in the era of the Vietnam war, but through your inspirational writings, hopefully you�ll be able open the eyes of far more people than me, as I�m sure you have. Its just disappointing how it has to happens due to your personal suffering. I wish you all the best in life, and your wife, and hopefully some day soon, you will be able to cope with the awful flashbacks of that historically monumental war.
Sincerely,
An Aragon Donnette

[Edit]

Replies:
- Re: letter -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Thu, April 26 2007, 23:47:58
To the Aragon HS Students -- Pat (Beanie) Camunes, Thu, April 26 2007, 23:19:22 (66.25.82.92)
I�d like to thank all the students from Aragon High School that took the time to access War Stories and read the many stories and poems and especially take the time to respond to them. I applaud your English teacher for allowing all of you to see the �War� through the eyes, thoughts and memories of those that were there.

I am going to strive to respond to each and every one of you personally that referred to a story or poem that I have written. The choice of reading Tim O�Brien�s book was excellent. I have read much of what he has written and as from so many other authors I have learned a great deal about writing and expressing my inner emotions. He lives a mere hour from my home in San Antonio and yet we have never met. Glenn Beck did a super narration of an excerpt from his book, �The Things they Carried� combined with my own, �From the Other Side.� You can find it at:
http://www.glennbeck.com/audio/free-audio.shtml, halfway down the page entitled �Memorial Day Essay.�

As Juniors in High School you should be able to associate with what many of us went through during the Vietnam War because of the similarity of ages . . . then and now. I left High School during my Junior year to join the Army and as so many others that write their memories down here on this site, the memories are those close to your age and not from the present old warriors that we now present ourselves as.

The question or statement is brought up many times that, �If I had been there, I don�t know how I would have reacted.� . . . Believe me, the love of your fellow man/woman, your family and traditions and especially your love of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted will shine through unwillingly. Actions that you thought you�d never be capable of doing will come all too easily with good training and especially the inner pride everyone has within themselves that�ll distinguish itself before dishonor before their brothers and sisters at arms!

As I�m sure your teacher has taught you, history frequently repeats itself so take heed to want you have to learn. As we ourselves become a part of history, at the same time we have present warriors fighting a war of terrorism. Politics aside, support our fellow Americans that are willing to take on a very important part and sacrifice so much for our continuing freedom we all partake of. May they all return home safely and God bless this Country�s freedom that does not come cheaply without honorable sacrifices.

Pat (Beanie) Camunes . . . . . . Ol� grunt at heart.

[Edit]
Searching for anyone who was a friend of 1LTStephen Carl Beals, 15th Medical BN., 1st CAV. DIV. -- Annie Beals, Thu, April 26 2007, 21:51:20 (70.48.154.253)
Stephen was my brother.He was a medic helipoter pilot. His helicopter was shot down with seven wounded on board in Viet Nam on November 26th, 1968. He is being given a Military Hall of Fame award on May 31, 2007, and during the resurgence of thought I wanted to find someone out there who knew him.

[Edit]
Blacks in the War! -- Shawn Williams, Thu, April 26 2007, 10:50:49 (209.158.179.194)
Dear Mr. Poss, and other Veterans:

My name is Shawn Williams, a young New York City actor from Cleveland, OH. I am currently in the process of writing my own one-man show. The show consists of several African American male characters--one being a vietnam vet. This particular character is based on a real vet that I knew back home. While I recall some of the stories that he has told me, I have lost a lot of details over the years. I am mostly interested in the "Black experience" during the war, and would like to get feedback from anyone on how blacks managed, were treated, interacted, etc. "I respect your position as soldiers, and human beings. With that said, I assure you that anything you share will only be used as reference." I thank you for taking the time to read this, and hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,
shawnwilliams1@hotmail.com

[Edit]
Heavy Heart -- Seta, Thu, April 26 2007, 10:20:17 (199.230.36.5)
Heavy Heart by Larry Poss is a great example of a story telling what a survivng soldier goes through after the war.Meaning, how on Memorial days, how a survivor of the war goes back to weep for their fellow comrades who fought side to side with them on the battle field. Bringing so much emotions eat weakens them.Like larry Poss sais in his story "as I approached the black granite wall, I felt a lump in my throat as the stamina left my legs". This shows how much this wall full of fallen soilders names can affect a person

[Edit]
green bugs -- Aya, Wed, April 25 2007, 23:10:02 (64.121.64.110)
Dear Mr. Schueckler,
My name is Aya and I am from Aragon High school. We are currently learning about the Vietnam War in history and English. We are reading veteran war stories to learn more about how life was and experiencing people went through during the war. Your story stood out for me because it shows that you, as a soldier, are human. You make mistakes/don�t know everything about everything. It�s good that you noticed those �little green bugs� because if you didn�t you would have been shot at. I think that its great that you have the courage enough to say there are little green bugs following you. I respect you.
Sincerely, Aya

[Edit]
Response -- Kevin Razavi, Wed, April 25 2007, 18:37:00 (70.137.175.44)
It really must have been hard trying to treat all those wounded soldiers. It was very brave of you to do that. I really like your nick Donut Dollie, it just sounds like a joyful name. I couldn�t understand how you must have felt after the war. It�s not a easy thing to get over when soldiers are wounded and dying left and right. I�m glad to see that they had a anniversary for the people who are or were in the war. It must have been hard to go back and see the people who survived. It must have been even harder to see all those young people who just about to go to war. They don�t know what they are getting into. It was really nice of that young soldier to say he would want a nurse like you.

[Edit]
Interpretation -- Katie, Wed, April 25 2007, 18:24:26 (76.211.245.163)
Dear Don Poss,
I am a student learning about the Vietnam War. In English we are reading the war memoir The Things They Carried. In order to understand the effects of war, and different hardships we decided to check out war stories. After reading your short entry about the waterfall you encountered while in the war was really nice. Many people don�t realize some of the little things in life that make you keep going on. The way you described the mist as heaven�s mist was nice. I can understand how small things like this help give you hope, and make you think for a moment about what�s going on in life. Thank you for providing a nice entry of hope.

Sincerely,
Katie

[Edit]
The Worm -- Semour Butts, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:07:30 (199.230.37.135)
Dear William D. Dean,
Your worm story was really funny and it made me chuckle. That doctor tied a worm in a knot, I don�t think the worm appreciated that too much, haha. That silly worm shouldn�t have been in that kids stomach anyways lol
Sincerely, Todd

[Edit]
war -- todd choi, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:07:07 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Gearheart,
I am a high school student studying the Vietnam War. Your story was not only interesting and factual, it was also humorous. It taught me new things and made me laugh. I think your story shows a more personal side of war and what went on behind the scenes. It showed the life in the soldiers and the way they lived. It introduced us to the kind of things they had to get the war off their mind.
Thank you again!

[Edit]
response -- Claudia, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:06:53 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Johnnie Hubbs,
Well I read your story �Smiling Faces� and it seemed really nice and interesting. It really moved me I couldn�t imagine what you went through while you were at war. If I were in war I would want to take some time off. It seemed that you felt uncertain when the Sergeant asked you those questions. I wouldn�t know what to say either but it was nice how you saw him there since you haven�t seen him since boot camp. What was going through your mind when he asked you �How do you like Vietnam?� In your position I would have told him the truth like how the war took away many lives and that you couldn�t believe what you were doing there. I could see how he helped you in life and in war.

[Edit]
class -- luis martinez, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:06:19 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Don Poss,

I believe that your story has many points to it. I think that you are showing how you are coming back to the real world where you have to follow certain rules and how you had forgotten those rules and set your own. I believe that you felt kind of weird coming back, that you were kind of in shock that you were actually out of the war. You probably wanted some time alone when you got back so it could sink in and you could then realize that you were back. I wonder why you weren�t cheering when you got back. Was it because you weren�t exactly home in California and that you still had a long flight to New York? Or was it because you felt bad about something regarding the war? We are learning about the Vietnam War in history class. It seems that the soldiers were unhappy to be there. I know that the public didn�t support it but did you? How did you view politics while you were in Vietnam? I don�t support the war because it seems pointless if one more small country becomes communist, it seems non-important to me. I liked LBJ more than any of the other presidents that were involved in the war. I really liked his points of view. How did you think the people were going to receive you, were you pleased to see the man in the suit offer you the beer, I�m asking a lot because it seems amazing to me to hear stories about war. I like to hear them because it�s something that stays with you and that you helped in.

Sincerely,
Luis Martinez

[Edit]
Brother love -- Jane, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:06:19 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Thomas C. Utts,

Sibling relationships are important to me too. I am a younger sister of a brother that is four years older than me. We have a close relationship, that I could call him my best friend. You being a captain, and doing anything to see your younger brother sounds like something my brother would do for me. Also, you saying that he died to pay for your sins also sound like something my brother would think. I think, as an older brother, looking out for their younger siblings, they feel guilty for the things that happen to them, thinking they were responsible for everything bad that happens to them. I just respect the idea that you made a phoney leave to see your brother, and to see how he was doing in the war that he didn�t want to be in. all I have to say is, don�t feel guilty for his death, I would think he would have died happy just to see his big brother, and have a nice time catching up with you.

[Edit]
Hang 'Em High -- Barry Manilow, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:05:52 (199.230.48.44)
In your story "hang 'em high", I was very affected by your experience. I can relate to being new in a group, team, or even a school so it is kind of the same thing. I am a 11th grader at aragon high school in San Mateo, California. I'm currently learning about the Vietnam war and reading books on the subject. One of the hardest things i think in the world is to be accepted. Once accepted, you can go on to the next thing but it is always that first barrier. When the crazy guy took the match to the C4 and u dropped down, it was very funny. I once got tricked and scared by some prank like that in football practice. I was mad at first but got over it and it was all laughs after that. It's cool that you went through something like me.

[Edit]
The worm -- Joe aquila, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:03:49 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Deam
My name is Joseph Aquila, I am in the 11th grade at Aragon high school and my class is currently studying the Vietnam War. I read your story on war-stories.com. Your story had caught my attention due to my interest in grotesque events. While reading your story I did not know what sutures were until the end where I had fought out that they were medical ties. I was astonished to learn that a previous surgeon had found the worm in the boys intestine and had thought it part of him. This was a good story because it did not involve people being mercilessly harmed.
Sincerely,
Joe

[Edit]
Camouflage -- Josh W, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:03:24 (199.230.36.246)
Dear Billy Whisenant,

I am currently learning about the Vietnam War in History class. I am also reading the book The Things They Carried by Tim O`Brien in my English class. I really enjoyed reading your story Camouflage. I cannot believe that your Officer actually wanted you to Camouflage yourself when you had all that equipment on you. No matter what you do people are going to see you. I am surprised that your officer did not laugh when he saw you wrapped up in the leaf. It must have taken a lot of self control to not burst out laughing. There are not many war stories that actually make people laugh, so this one was a good change from the usual.

[Edit]
Kool- Aid -- Harry Balsagna, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:02:14 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Gearheart,
I am a student at Aragon High School. We are currently reading a book about The Vietnam War. After reading your story, I am surprised of the light hearted attitude you have towards some of your experiences in Vietnam. I can�t imagine how afraid I would have been if I was an American soldier in Vietnam at that time. But inspite of everything going on around you, you were able to find humor in the bleakest of situations. It is truly inspirational. It takes a strong person to not lose their composure and to stay cool. It was really humorous when you talked about the kool-aid tasting lik soap.

[Edit]
Wonderful Poem -- Katie, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:02:09 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Don,
After reading your poem I was very moved. I am a student studying the Vietnam War, and reading the book The Things They Carried. Many people often don�t realize the actual effects of war. Having family back home that is waiting for you to come home safely is another story. I can only imagine the sadness of finding out that a close relative has died in war. I really appreciate this poem because I write a lot of poetry myself. The way you wrote everything created almost an innocent feeling. Many soldiers must have gone through a similar experience in their mind as they passed away. Thank you so much for providing a wonderful piece of writing.

Sincerely,
Katie

[Edit]
response to story -- max w, Wed, April 25 2007, 15:02:02 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Poss,

My name is Max and I got to Aragon high school. I am writing to you to compliment your great poem. Your poem has touched my soul and it showed me how a friendship could grow and disappear in one day. It also showed me how you are still connected with them without even being around them physically. Your poem puts lots of things in perspective about my friends and how my connection is not nearly as much as yours. I felt like I was in the war when I read your poem and was losing friends also. I liked the part about your poem when you would rhyme the two words that explained your time there and explained how you felt. This story has inspired me to take friendships and life more seriously in stead of treating this like a big joke. I also realized if I was in your position I would not be driven enough to write this type of poem.

Sincerely
Max W.

[Edit]
cheers to red cross girls -- mike hunt, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:59:33 (199.230.48.44)
Hello, my name is Sam and I am in high school studying about the Vietnam war and I read your story. Red cross girls was pretty funny from your perspective. Form the man you got snipped im sure it wasn�t that funny. All the stories I have read on this website are sad and kind of boring but this one is funny and silly

[Edit]
thank you -- Jane, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:50:31 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Joan Cox,

A father is a big role in a girl�s life; like the saying, �daddy�s little girl.� Reading this story, made me think of my dad and his near-death experience. Back in freshman year, my dad had a stroke, a blood-clog in his brain. Always seeing my father in deep sleeps after work, I couldn�t picture him being in a deep coma. Amazingly, he woke up after 13 hours. Knowing it was a miracle for him to wake up again, I was thankful that I could have another chance to catch up with him and try to be the perfect daughter he imaged me to me. Reading this, you having the courage to look up fellow soldiers that worked your father, amazed me; how they were willing to open up the scars from the past and help their friend�s child. Also, you having the courage to walk up to the wall and feel the love from the wall and the vets, makes me realize how loving everyone is with each other over one moment. Makes me think of that song, �lean on me,� no matter who you are, as long as you need a friend, I�ll be there for you to lean on.

Thank you for me posting up this story of your life, also letting me realize how much I love my father.

[Edit]
LEtter -- Ilona, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:16:30 (199.230.48.44)
THANK YOU!!!!!!

Dear Julie,
I am a junior from Aragon High School and I am writing to you in regards to your heartfelt letter of awakening. In our English class we are currently reading The Things They Carried, by Tim O� Brien and our teacher would like us to get better informed about the real life matters that occurred in Vietnam. I particularly got caught by your letter because it was captioned as saying �From the Heart� by Julie Wagner. While reading your letter, I could really associate the fact that your inspiring words came from the heart. I can�t say that I�m sorry about your brother because my words can not touch upon the pain about your brother, but Thank You for your thoughts and putting yourself out there.
Sincerely, an Aragon Don

[Edit]
response to story -- Rochelle and Elizabeth, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:16:21 (199.230.36.246)
Dear Joan Cox,
We are reading a story in English class about the Vietnam War. The book is called The Things They Carried by Tim O�Brien. In this book there are many perspectives from different soldiers about their experiences in the war. Unlike your story most of their stories are about their life in Vietnam other then actual battles that they faced. One of the chapters was about how to tell a true war story. From what we got out of it your story seems very realistic. Although we don�t know how you feel, because we haven�t lost our dads, but we are very sorry for your lost. It was very touching to read about how you tried to find people who could tell you stories about your dad. It is almost like gaining a piece of him that you feel you lost. We are grateful that you can share your story with us so that we can learn from your experiences.

Sincerely,
Rochelle and Elizabeth
San Mateo, Ca

[Edit]
Christmas 1969 -- Neema Bahr, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:15:29 (199.230.37.136)
Dear Mr. Murphy,
I am a 16 year old high school student currently learning about the Vietnam War. We are reading The Things They Carried, by Tim O�Brien. I am sure you have heard about it. We were assigned to go to war-stories.com and read a few stories and reflect on them. I read your story, �Christmas 1969� and have a few comments about the story. How are flights on Christmas? Are their Christmas Trees on flights? It must have been a huge relief to come home after fighting for a few years in the war. Seeing your family again must have been awesome. I just have one question for you. How long did you serve in Vietnam? Thank you for fighting.

[Edit]
Three Bronze Men -- Jericho, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:15:16 (199.230.48.44)
I am a high school student learning about the Vietnam War in English by reading the book called, The Things They Carried. I also learned about the war in my US History class. I really like this poem because it is about soldiers that didn�t fight in war but soldiers made out of bronze that encourage soldiers to do their best. The three men in bronze commemorate all the soldiers that fought in war and are going to fight. What I really like is that the poem really influences soldiers to do their best in war and fight with honor. Also, how the poem gave the three men in bronze human like characteristics even though they�re bronze statues. I also like how the poem is written from the bronze men� perspective and how the author made them seem like real soldiers. It�s a really nice poem that is dedicated to all the other soldiers that fought in war.

[Edit]
Slow Boat to Vietnam -- robbie armstrong and greg o'neil, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:14:45 (199.230.37.106)
Dear Mr.Scott,

I am a 16 year old student in high school who is learning about the Vietnam War. I am reading a book in English class called The Things They Carried by Tim O�Brien. I read your story it is showed me of what you guys had to do in Vietnam. I think it must have been a tough 21 day trip. I know it would have been scary for me. All I would have been thinking about was the war. Then when you get there you don�t know if you would be one of the ones who died, or one of your friends. It must hard to be in a tropical place and not be able to relax. Instead you would be fighting a war against people you don�t know. I would have been wanting the weapons too, because I would of wanted to end this war. I appreciate what you did in Vietnam.

[Edit]
Your True Story... -- GiNA, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:14:16 (199.230.37.80)
This story is really, actually, inspirational. It really brought to my attention how emotionally affected soldiers are after they leave the war. It showed me that soldiers could be fine right after they leave, but eventually, they will reminisce, and remember the war and the tragic experience they went through. It also shows how strong of a person you are to have overcome �Jack�.

[Edit]
RED CROSS GIRLS -- Ricky, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:14:14 (199.230.36.40)
Dear David Roberts,

Hello my name is Ricky San Bartolome and I am a student at Aragon High School and I am studying about the Vietnam War in my English class. We have talked about plenty of stories in class but know we are doing an assignment on reading war stories and writing to the authors. The Best part of your story to me was that the title was Red Cross Girls. That pulled me right in, then when I started to read it I was pretty interested. Then as the story progressed it got boring but then when you started to describe what the Red Cross Girl looked like I was very interested again. That basically sounds like a spitting image of how I talk sometimes. Then it was all good till you said what happened to that guy, dam that must have been painful. But that�s karma if your going to break the law then you have to pay the price. That was a great story thank you for your time I didn�t really check but if you got anymore on the website then let me know ok thanks.

[Edit]
Helicopter Hopping -- Ryan Shi and Karen Jarnagin, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:14:12 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Jim Groeger,
We found your story very vivid. It was very easy to picture what was going on in this hectic landing zone. We thought it was extremely brave how you volunteered to stay behind if needed. This was important for the evacuation process. We hope that you do not get offended if we say that we thought the image of the helicopter hopping over the boulder was amusing. The pilot must have had considerable skill to perform this maneuver. The story was enjoyable because there was a slight sense of humor to it. We truly appreciate what you have done for our country. Without people like you, willing to fight we would not be where we are today. Hope all is well! And we hope that you will not have to do anymore helicopter hopping in your lifetime.
Sincerely,
Karen Jarnagin and Ryan Shi
San Mateo, CA

[Edit]
Response To Your Storie -- Kyrolos, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:14:06 (199.230.36.131)
Dear Paul Cameron,

Hi I�m a student at a high school and we are reading a book about the Vietnam War. I read your poem and it�s kind of weird to use animals in a war like in the book I read a soldier blows up a dog and the dog had nothing to do with the war and the dogs aren�t meant to fight in a war, it�s for humans. So I think it�s bad to have animals in a war because they will just end up dieing.

[Edit]
reflection -- A Warrior's Threat of Death, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:46 (199.230.37.135)

A Warriors Threat of Death is a short story that is very emotional. It makes the audience very sympathetic toward the soldiers in war that have died and for the heroes that did not live through the war. Camunes describes how much sorrow the people who did not have to face death in war feels after the war. To imagine the feel of death and the cries for help around you. That makes the reader shiver and think about death in war. This story affects us because it creates an image of how war really was. It also digs in us because the story says that death can be awaiting us anytime whether it is silent, loud, or very gory. We appreciate this story because it creates a thought in our mind about how lucky we are to not fight in the any gruesome war.

[Edit]
english assignment appreciation -- amanda and alex, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:42 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Paul Cameron,
We are students from Aragon High School who are reading a Vietnam War story. We read your poem, Dog Soldiers, and wanted to let you know how we felt about it. We think it is very honorable that you think about others in the war, specifically animals. It is amazing how war can scar animals, not only people. We feel like your poem is the first to acknowledge the damage war can do to animals. It was very touching to read and inspiring. While we continue reading our English book, we will remember that the war is affecting more than people. As of being in the war, we wonder if other soldiers such as yourself also think about animals, dogs, and the way you have. It is good to know that dog handlers are honored for what they do in war. Before your poem, we didn�t know that dog�s were involved in the war. We deeply appreciate your poem.
Sincerely,
Amanda and Alex

[Edit]
Reflection -- Seta, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:41 (199.230.48.44)
1) A Warrior�s Threat of Death
By: Patrick Camunes
This story shows the readers the meaning of death; that we know for sure that everyone is going to die, but people remember how you die. For example how Camunes say�s �Death is a part of life, yet those oppose it in battle are the ones to be called heroes�. That soldiers risk their lives everyday that they are on the battle field for our rights therefore they are the ones that are known as heroes. Also for those soldiers who do survive the war they are the ones who live their lives remembering those horrid memories on the field. In addition for those who do not experience these things live without remembrance. For example how Camunes say�s �It is though our minds are installed with this memory, while those not involved will never endure the remembrance.

[Edit]
english assignment appreciation -- amanda and alex, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:41 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Paul Cameron,
We are students from Aragon High School who are reading a Vietnam War story. We read your poem, Dog Soldiers, and wanted to let you know how we felt about it. We think it is very honorable that you think about others in the war, specifically animals. It is amazing how war can scar animals, not only people. We feel like your poem is the first to acknowledge the damage war can do to animals. It was very touching to read and inspiring. While we continue reading our English book, we will remember that the war is affecting more than people. As of being in the war, we wonder if other soldiers such as yourself also think about animals, dogs, and the way you have. It is good to know that dog handlers are honored for what they do in war. Before your poem, we didn�t know that dog�s were involved in the war. We deeply appreciate your poem.
Sincerely,
Amanda and Alex

[Edit]
Response to your story -- Shannon and Hannah, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:40 (199.230.48.44)
repsonse to the I Never Felt poem:

In this poem the soldier was horrified and disappointed of what was expected of him. He was expected to shoot and kill people. He was expected to live through the pain and torture. We never thought that a soldier who is to be saving our lives and country would be feeling these feelings of guilt and disappointment.

[Edit]
english assignment appreciation -- amanda and alex, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:13:38 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Paul Cameron,
We are students from Aragon High School who are reading a Vietnam War story. We read your poem, Dog Soldiers, and wanted to let you know how we felt about it. We think it is very honorable that you think about others in the war, specifically animals. It is amazing how war can scar animals, not only people. We feel like your poem is the first to acknowledge the damage war can do to animals. It was very touching to read and inspiring. While we continue reading our English book, we will remember that the war is affecting more than people. As of being in the war, we wonder if other soldiers such as yourself also think about animals, dogs, and the way you have. It is good to know that dog handlers are honored for what they do in war. Before your poem, we didn�t know that dog�s were involved in the war. We deeply appreciate your poem.
Sincerely,
Amanda and Alex

[Edit]
Response to your story -- Shannon and Hannah, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:12:47 (199.230.48.44)
repsonse to the I Never Felt poem:

In this poem the soldier was horrified and disappointed of what was expected of him. He was expected to shoot and kill people. He was expected to live through the pain and torture. We never thought that a soldier who is to be saving our lives and country would be feeling these feelings of guilt and disappointment.

[Edit]
Jimi Hendrix -- shane, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:12:39 (199.230.48.44)
Hi, my name is Shane and im a junior at Aragon Highschool in San Mateo California. I was interested in your stroy because i have a personal liking for Jimi's music and it was interesting to see how it related to your story. i know it must have been hard to see those kinds of things happen and I'm sorry for what you've been through. In a way though I'm sure you may feel glad you went to war because of the way it has made you today. Even though the war was a horrible thing it is responsible for all these people coming together and being able to remember where they were, and were they were going. I want to end this note by saying Thank You to Jimi Hendrix for his music, but most of all Thank You for fighting for our country even if you thought it to be wrong.

[Edit]
class assignment -- amanda and alex, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:12:10 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Patrick (Beanie) Camunes,
We are students from Aragon High School who are reading a Vietnam War story. We read your poem, A Warrior�s Threat of Death, and wanted to let you know how we felt about it. Although you talk about death in your poem, we agree with how you think that death is a way of life. Those who died in the war are heros. Those who didn�t die in war are also heroes. We agree with how you think that the soldiers who died went to an afterlife. That also brings the idea to not be afraid of death. Your poem shows an aspect of the war, which is helpful to our current English book. We felt that your poem was touching and inspirational. We honor those who died in Vietnam, as well as those who served in the war.
Sincerely,
Amanda and Alex

[Edit]
Response -- Simia, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:12:04 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Mr. Patrick Camunes,
I am a high school student. We are reading a book about Vietnam in our English class and for an assignment today we had to go to the website war-stories.com. We read some of the stories on the website and pick two to respond to. Yours came up and through reading it I felt something. I felt your fear and also the bravery you had to experience. Knowing every day you had to face death and everyday you had to be the one who might have to take another life away. Your experience of seeing death in your friends and fellow soldiers was something I could never imagine and must have been very difficult to endure. But the one thing that stood out the most to me was when you said �Death is a part of life, yet those that oppose it in battle/ Are the ones to be called heroes.� It is something I fully agree. By killing hundreds of people doesn�t make you a hero, cherishing your life and other�s life make you one. I would like to applaud your work and hope you continue your life with the same attitude.
Sincerely,
Simia

[Edit]
war stories -- DJ, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:11:56 (199.230.36.121)
In regards to James Murtaugh,
I have now read the story Once More, Before I Die. I would like to start by saying that I�m happy that someone could attempt a positive outlook on such a lifetime altering event. I�m not saying that it is justifying the Vietnam War, but turning Vietnam into a place of peace and not hate. I know I�m being vague, but you see, the thing is that we are discussing Vietnam in my class and I am responding to war stories I have read. I would like to continue in saying that it is great that someone could go back. I�m not sure everyone could do that. My father fought in Vietnam, and though I have never asked him, I am almost positive that he would not want to go back. It is just not something my dad could probably do because of his view of Vietnam through past eyes. I think that it is great, that someone has basically �corrected� the past by trying to see things in a different way. I am happy for this attempt at making peace.

[Edit]
dropped from a helicopter -- luis, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:10:03 (199.230.48.44)
Dropped from a helicopter
I�m very glad that I read this story because I am currently learning about the Vietnam War in school and I am also glad that you had time to write this story so that everyone could read. It seems to me like this really happened and it was a really intense combat zone. This affects me a lot because I personally want to go in to the marines. I feel that this tells me what to expect but in a less way because war back then was very worse then it is now with all the technology you had it bad. And everyone should appreciate what you did for this nation the protection on our freedom.

[Edit]
I never felt -- Michelle Schaffer, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:08:20 (199.230.36.247)
Hi. Im a student that is reading a book about the Vietnam War. I really enjoyed your poem about your experience in the war. I could never imagine what it would be like in that position to have to take another human life. Let alone a little girl. I�m glade you were able to find it in yourself to ask for forgiveness. There could be no greater guilt in your life then having that on you. How was war in your life? Did you not think that you would ever be in the spot to have to take another life? Did you get drafted? Did they do anything for you when you returned home? I hope that you do get the forgiveness you long for.

[Edit]
Response to your story -- Shannon and Hannah, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:07:03 (199.230.48.44)
My reflection to jack understood:

In Jack understood, the story really touched us, for many different reasons. The biggest thing that touched us was that he found a group of men which are Vietnam vets and was able to connect with them and share experiences and talk about his problems. This touched us so much because we know how it feels to have friends that you can rely on and know that they are always going to be there for you. Over all this war story made you realize how important friends are and you can�t always depend on alcohol to take your problems away but you can depend on your friends. Hiding all your problems and fears of your past by drinking is not any way to help them going away. But then finally when he realized this and confided in friends and family, he got rid of Jack and focused more on his more important priorities.

[Edit]
Tet '68 Tan Son Nhut! -- robbie armstrong and greg o'neil, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:06:35 (199.230.37.106)
Dear Mr. Coe

I am a 16 year old student in high school who is learning about the Vietnam War. I am reading a book in English class called The Things They Carried by Tim O�Brien. I read your story it is showed me of what you guys had to do in Vietnam. I know I probably couldn�t have done that, going half way across the world to fight. I am very sorry that you lost so many people that were close to you, like your best friend. I want to thank you in doing what was best for America. You must have been brave to not stop during the war and that you needed to be pulled off because you needed sleep. You never stopped and kept on going even though people around you were dieing. That was very brave of you. You were one of the brave men who were there to stop communism. I think is admirable of what you didn�t saving and protecting the people.

[Edit]
Response To Your Storie -- Kyrolos, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:05:36 (199.230.36.131)
Dear Patrick Camunes,

I like your story because you showed how war is when it comes to death. This affected me because of the book I�m reading in English class about the Vietnam War
and how a lot of people die in the book and how they face death like you did. A lot of them were scared of death. Like when they were in the battlefield. They had to kill others to save their own lives. I like how you say how you ask those who never faced death. A lot of people think war is just fun and games but once your really in it its not, you do have to face death because u can get killed any minute in a war.

[Edit]
2nd Place Shirt -- Neema Bahr, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:04:48 (199.230.37.136)
Dear Mr. Brandt,
I am a 16 year old high school student currently learning about the Vietnam War. We are reading The Things They Carried, by Tim O�Brien. I am sure you have heard about it. We were assigned to go to war-stories.com and read a few stories and reflect on them. I read your story, �2nd Place T-Shirt, A Reflection on the Anniversary of the fall of Saigon.� I was taken aback by how many people that you had become close to had passed away. I feel horrible and couldn�t imagine what it feels like to have a loved one lost. Thank you very much for fighting in the war and protecting our country. You are truly a hero in my eyes. I can understand how the shirt brought so many emotions ran through you when you saw that shirt. You must have been so hurt by the deaths, and to have persevered through the pain is truly amazing. Thank you for your service.

[Edit]
As Far As I Can See -- Ricky, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:04:33 (199.230.36.40)
Dear Bill and Terry,

Hello my name is Ricky San Bartolome and I am a student at Aragon High School and I am studying about the Vietnam War in my English class. We have talked about plenty of stories in class but know we are doing an assignment on reading war stories and writing to the authors. In your poem As Far as I Can See I understood that it was about the Vietnam memorial, it also to me means that they are passing on to heaven. It got me thinking that a lot of people died in that war. I already new that but a lot of people lost there love ones. I also want to know how do you think of the words that you put in your poems. How do you talk about the war times were you in the war, did u have a family member in the war, or is it just a passion. In the last line of your poem you wrote �People feeling with there fingers now I know I�m not alone�. I really have thought about it and just can�t get what you mean by that. First you start out kind of talking about the wall, then you go on to people going to the sky, then you finish it off as is you are the wall. I get that you�re talking about the wall but I don�t get the moral to it. Thank you for your time I would really appreciate it if you wrote back to me ok thank you.

[Edit]
class book -- shane, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:04:28 (199.230.48.44)
I would like to start this off by telling you that in our 11th grade English class we have been reading the book "The Things They Carried". this book got me interested in the Vietnam war and what people who had fought in it had to say years later. the incident you've explained sounds like something that for one you could never forget for loosing some of your good friends and second you may be wondering why it had to happen to you. I guess you could say it was just a case of wrong place at the wrong time, but do you ever think about how the war would have gone, had you not taken that route on the ambush. I think if i had gone through this sort of situation i would think about what could have happened everyday. either way I want to thank you for fighting for our country even when the motives may not have been so clear, so once again, thank you.

[Edit]
Sgt. Coggins -- Karen Jarnagin and Ryan Shi, Wed, April 25 2007, 14:02:45 (199.230.48.44)
Dear Sgt. Coggins,
We found it amazing that you were able to survive so much. You were attacked by enemies and friends. You nearly died, but somehow made it back to where you were safe, and survived. We also thought that it was a little bit ridiculous that you did not receive any recognition for thirty one years. Even though you were surrounded by the enemy you were able to support our country by giving enemy positions. That from a man who is nearly dying is just amazing to us. We fully appreciate what you have done for our country. What you did was important because you were able to stall the enemy until reinforcements were able to come. If not for your bravery the battle�s outcome would have been very different. You are a prime example of American bravery.
Sincerely,
Ryan and Karen
San Mateo, CA

[Edit]
Amazing Story! -- Michelle Schaffer, Wed, April 25 2007, 13:59:00 (199.230.36.247)
I was truly taken back by your story! The minute you introduced "Jack" I was just comparing him to my best friend. How you needed him to get over hard times when you could no longer deal with them yourself. But to see that you weren�t so much referring to a person in the end, wow. You completely took me by surprise! I see how the effects of the war had more then just mental strains on the people involved. But it also caused after shocks when returned home (ex, turning to alcohol) But I�m glade you were able to ban with your brothers and let go of the bad Jack in your life! I was truly amazed by your story!

[Edit]
cool aid it tastes like soap -- kenji watanabe, Wed, April 25 2007, 13:48:08 (199.230.36.132)
Dak cool aid! It tastes like soap

This story I read was really funny and I was glad there was some amusement in the war. I guess the men at war needed some laughs as soon as they could get one. With all the men dying it�s still nice to know that their humanity was still there. I knew that they needed to bathe to stay clean to feel better and refreshed so they needed do what they had to do. I thought it was funny when the other men drank those guys bath water. When all those soldiers laughed they kept there humanity and there sanity. That�s how most of the men survived in Vietnam and how they kept the sadness of there fallen friends at bay.

[Edit]
Great Charecter -- Kesia Carter, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:53:29 (199.230.48.44)
Hello my name is Kesia Carter and my English class is currently reading The Things They Carried. I can�t imagine how horrible it must have been for you to witness something so traumatizing. It makes me see that I shouldn�t take little things for granted. The fact that you were able to survive an extremely futile situation and have the courage to tell the story over again makes you a stronger person. I don�t know how you felt about fighting the war, but I myself want to let you know it takes a lot of energy and power to go into war and risk your life for people you don�t know. I wouldn�t know how to handle myself it that kind of situation, but from your story I have concurred that you handled your self with a sort of loyalty and discipline. Both of which, not a lot of people possess these days. I wish you the best in your life, and sympathize for your loss.

[Edit]
life -- williams, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:50:53 (199.230.48.44)
This story really hit me because now a days, people are about gang bangers and

killing one another. I am afraid to walk my dog at night knowing that one of these types

of people will come out of no where and ask me questions or they just might kill me

without even saying anything to me. So many people in this world are not thinking about

anyone else�s needs or why they are here on this earth. They are all about what they are

supposed to do in order to stay a gang member besides knowing that peoples lives are in

danger because of their actions. You made me think that no matter what can happen, god

will watch over you and he will give you advice. I liked how knew that god was by your

side through this process and how you kept calm. I don�t know what I would have done

because when I am in a close situation like this I just panic. Knowing that someone like

you can go through this without showing your emotion really inspires me. It shows me

that everyone can really be apart of their country in a good way and knowing that we are

living in a freedom world.

[Edit]
korea -- kevin fukuhara, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:50:14 (199.230.48.44)
There are many monumental walls like Korean monumental, Lincoln memorial, Washington�s and Arlington. Their only goal was to come home alive. I wonder how you guys felt when you first entered these memorials. How did you feel when you looked at the excretions in the monument soldiers faces? Were you influenced by these brave looking soldiers? How did you look at the faces on the walls? I would have probably been scared and interested. If you were in the Korean people�s shoes, which were looking at these walls, how would you feel? I would be proud of my people who fought in the war. Thank you for your time and I will wait for a response.

[Edit]

Replies:
- worm -- kevin fukuhara, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:50:49
Charlie -- Joe, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:50:20 (199.230.48.44)
After reading your story i was shocked to see what soldiers actually went through during the Vietnam war. It shocks me everytime I hear a new story about the war but your particuarly touched me. I not only learned from your story, but I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for taking time to share your experiences so that people like me can be thankful and better my knowledge about what you and others have done for the world and for our country.

[Edit]
the guns are silent responce -- kenji watanabe, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:49:48 (199.230.48.44)
The guns are silent

This poem was very sad and I can�t even imagine what kind of things he has to go though but he still had to suffer and see all his friends and comrades die in front of him. I thought the end was the best when he was with his granddaughter was the saddest part he mourned his friends but still was glad he wasn�t on that wall. I thought the title the guns are silent was very fitting because when all the guns stop lives are gone and when John Johnson had to watch his friends die must have been so hard to do. Now he understands better on how life unfolds and he is much stronger but understands how precious life is. Right now I am in English reading a book called the things they carried and this has a lot to do with this story. Reading both of the stories I realize that the events that occurred are heart breaking and hard to deal with. I think that in this story is eye opening to the fact that any person can go to war and die because in the begging they tell his childhood and watch him be good and he is just sent away and die.

[Edit]
Vietnam -- Miyou, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:49:40 (199.230.48.44)
It must have been hard to stand in front of that war and read the name of your loved one. Among all those people, it is hard to imagine what the soldiers went through. It is hard to imagine what it feels to go to war or loose someone in a war. In our time, most people talk about sports games, who�s hot, who�s not. We don�t talk about what gun fire can do. We don�t realize what the violence adds up to. To loose someone in a war is unimaginable. I�m sorry for your loss. I hope that someday, somehow we have a world of peace. It�s hard to imagine it now, especially since everyone�s view of peace is different. But I believe that some day, one day, we can achieve peace and remember the loss through wars that destructed millions of lives.

[Edit]
your story -- Phil, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:49:29 (199.230.48.44)
I found your story on water very funny. I did not know about this Thai tradition and the fact that this happened during the Vietnam war made it even more humorous. I know that the Vietnam war was a horrible experience but this story made it seem a little less bad. While I was reading your story I found it very interesting that everyone got water on them no matter who they were. Whenever I hear about Vietnam I get very negative connotations in my mind but your story gave me some new light. I really enjoyed your story and I hope you are now living a peaceful life after your experience in the war. I am also proud and honored that you fought in this war for this country.

[Edit]
cool aid -- danielle, Wed, April 25 2007, 12:49:27 (199.230.48.44)
I thought your cool aid story