I was back on Guam on permanent (well as permanent as the military gets) assignment in 1973 and helped with the processing of refugees when Saigon fell in 1975. We took in 121,000 refugees in a 10 day period as people fled from Vietnam in almost anything that would fly. The first ones came off of the commercial airliners with so much gold they could hardly walk. The last ones were stuffed so tightly into C-130s that they couldn’t sit down. Later, the boat people started arriving. It was a heart wrenching thing to watch as people fled their homes to keep from being killed.
During those years, when I traveled, I didn’t do it in uniform, there was too much chance of being spit upon or derided. The military was the target for protesters and demonstrations. It wasn’t until much later that we were finally accepted for who we were and not what was being done. That is why I am so pleased that there are people today working to make sure the members of our armed forces are recognized and praised for what they are doing. The following clip was forwarded through Facebook by one of my friends. I hope you will take the time to watch the whole thing.
You are welcome, it truely was my honor to serve
Yesterday was Veteran’s Day and a number of people thanked me for my service and that made me feel very special. I was in the U. S. Air Force from 1966 to 1978 and spent time on Guam during operation ARC LIGHT and BULLET SHOT during my first enlistment, on temporary duty with the 4133 Bomb Wing (Provisional). The wing was flying sorties from Guam with B-52s over Vietnam. No, I wasn’t an air crew member, I flew a typewriter and a camera. I was editor of the base newspaper.
I was back on Guam on permanent (well as permanent as the military gets) assignment in 1973 and helped with the processing of refugees when Saigon fell in 1975. We took in 121,000 refugees in a 10 day period as people fled from Vietnam in almost anything that would fly. The first ones came off of the commercial airliners with so much gold they could hardly walk. The last ones were stuffed so tightly into C-130s that they couldn’t sit down. Later, the boat people started arriving. It was a heart wrenching thing to watch as people fled their homes to keep from being killed.
During those years, when I traveled, I didn’t do it in uniform, there was too much chance of being spit upon or derided. The military was the target for protesters and demonstrations. It wasn’t until much later that we were finally accepted for who we were and not what was being done. That is why I am so pleased that there are people today working to make sure the members of our armed forces are recognized and praised for what they are doing. The following clip was forwarded through Facebook by one of my friends. I hope you will take the time to watch the whole thing.
There are a number of very good videos out that say the same thing and I want to thank the people that have taken the time to do this for our military. There are a number of people from my era that are still suffering and maybe, just maybe, this will help them too. It is hard to come back to your home and have people turn their back on you. I don’t want that to happen to our military today. So in response to those yesterday, I just want to say: You are welcome, it really was my honor to serve.
I was back on Guam on permanent (well as permanent as the military gets) assignment in 1973 and helped with the processing of refugees when Saigon fell in 1975. We took in 121,000 refugees in a 10 day period as people fled from Vietnam in almost anything that would fly. The first ones came off of the commercial airliners with so much gold they could hardly walk. The last ones were stuffed so tightly into C-130s that they couldn’t sit down. Later, the boat people started arriving. It was a heart wrenching thing to watch as people fled their homes to keep from being killed.
During those years, when I traveled, I didn’t do it in uniform, there was too much chance of being spit upon or derided. The military was the target for protesters and demonstrations. It wasn’t until much later that we were finally accepted for who we were and not what was being done. That is why I am so pleased that there are people today working to make sure the members of our armed forces are recognized and praised for what they are doing. The following clip was forwarded through Facebook by one of my friends. I hope you will take the time to watch the whole thing.
13 comments • Fred Chamberlin - Oak Harbor/Whidbey's #1 Experienced FHA Mortgage Consultant • November 12 2009 01:37PMComments
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Fred, great video, I just emailed it to everyone in my address book. And I didn't thank you yesterday, so today I tell you thank you. I appreciate your service. You know my Papa wanted to join the Army during World War II and the Army would not accept a young man with a glass eye. His father was a rather wealthy and important doctor that worked for the Georgia state mental hospital and he paid his son's way in to the Army. My grandfather only served stateside and the only thing he shot was a camera also. He took many pictures at the White House and my mother was actually born in D.C. at George Washington hospital. I really appreciate your service. THANK YOU AGAIN.
That is a great story Tammy. You should be proud of your Grandfather for his persistance. You are very welcome.
Fred, Thank God we learned from our mistakes. Our son just got out of the Army after serving almost 5 years (he was supposed to be in 4 years but got the stop lost) and when he traveled in uniform he was constantly stopped by people thanking him for his service. That is what our Vietnam Vets did not receive so THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
Fred - I doesn't matter if you were a reporter or a gunnery seargent, you served. Thanks man! Good to see you posting again.
I had no idea that you had served, so let me also say "Thank You" for my freedom as well as many others that have now come to our country to live the American dream because of you.
would like to personally thank you as well for your service, Fred. We need more people like you in the mortgage business as well! =0)
Chris
Marchel - I agree and I am certainly happy that your son was treated as he deserved.
Greg - You would be surprised how fast I could make that typewriter fire. LOL
Todd & Chris - You are very welcome. Both of your are very positive influences in your communities, keep it up.
Public perception of Vietnam vets certainly has changed over the years, as I remember it all too well. I'll be thinking of you, Fred, when I'm in Saigon next week. We are all honored that you served your country.
Thanks Elizabeth and I hope your trip goes well.
Thank you Fred for your dedicated service to our country !
I hope you enjoyed the fruits of your labor with a fabulous Holiday Season with your family :o)
Cheers !
Thanks Sheldon, unfortunately, I was sick with the flu for most of it.