Thank a Viet Nam veteran

the forgotten heroes

I joined the USAFR in 1969… didn’t go “in country” but as a doctor, took care of many a hero who came back with missing extremities or injuries. Took care of the American POWS when they returned to Wilford Hall after much fanfare. Had to operate on one with a traumatic popliteal aneurysm. We fixed him up. Even my practice in Dallas I had a couple of older guys who had been in the Hanoi Hilton…

Especially I remember Freddy Gonzales who I ran track with in Edinburg. He won the Medal of Honor taking out some machine gun nests.. and lost his life. There is now a Navy Destroyer named the USS Freddy Gonzales. My vote for changing the name of Ft Hood would have been for Gonzales, or San Antonio soldier..Benavides who has a tremendous story. He was so injured, all he could do was spit into the face of the graves detail guy zipping up the body bag to show signs of life.

But when our boys came home, they were cautioned to travel in civilian clothes because of the protestors… You know people like John Kerry =- what a faker. And other Democrats.

Hard to believe it has been 50 years. Seems like yesterday. Wonder what our grand kids are being taught in school about those times.

Just got this from the VA health magazine. short. but poignant. Here is a salute to all those who served, and especially the Viet Nam vets. My high school buddies. Keep them in your prayers as we reach the near end of the runway in this adventure.

50th Anniversary of Viet Nam war.