I served at Korat Air Base, 60 miles off the Cambodian border with the 388th Combat Support Group, F-4 and F-105 TAC Fighter Wing, 1970-71. Our sister wings were the 366th in DaNang and the 355th in Taklai. I just want to recognize all the dedication and sacrifice made by all U.S. troops in all branches during the Viet Nam War; be they pilots, sailors, infantry, rifleman or cooks. It is interesting to read in 2010, all the "second guessing" of our service in that war by those who were children or not yet born in that time period from 1962-1974. It was a different time and a different war unlike Iraq today. It is near impossible for most, now, to offer valid comment on what U.S. troops did or did not do in this war. Especially from those who now "just" read about our war or, better yet, "visit" Viet Nam and find fault with our service. The American G.I.'s tour in S.E. Asia back then was neither a visit nor a holiday vacation. Our generation did not send our sisters, wives and mothers off to fight a war on foreign land while we stayed home as young men and went to school and played video games. In our time, the U.S. armed forces were staffed with "Regular" troops. We did not rely on Reserve and Guard units that are constantly rotated between combat duty and stateside assignments. It would help those who wish to comment on our service to remember, it was a much different world back in the 60's and 70's and it is hard to see clearly looking back from 2010 without "having been there and done that". We were there and we know. Next time you speak to a U.S. soldier, current or vet, be sure to thank them for your freedom.

Sincerely,

a U.S. Troop
SSGT, U.S.A.F., 1969-1973
Air Force Commendation,
Viet Nam Service,
Viet Nam Campaign,