The Marine Corps
I am a Viet Nam Vet. I graduated from ASU and was sworn in at the same ceremony and given my first set of orders to Quantigo Virginia as a Second Lieutenant A year later I graduated as a first lieutenant and got my orders to 29 Palms California where my first of two sons was born! My next set of orders took me Viet Nam where I releaved a master gunnery Sgt who had been in the Korean War. I was then promoted to first lieutenant and was in the I corps area of south Viet Nam. Orders were pretty cut and dry as to what you could do and not do. Agent Orange was very prevalent then, an aerial spray to kill tall gras and trees to facilitate being able to see the enemy ( or hear them at night ) My tour was 13 months most of which I drove my own jeep sitting on the “driver “ seat, usually the highest ranking Officer sat in the right front seat. I was no dummy. No one could guess my rank if I gave them a lift since I took my cover (hat) off while on the road. M79 grenade launcher and a rifle within reach. Loaded. Never had to fire in anger either one. My MOS was radio relay platoon commander and my Platoon was spreed all over the I corp area. So I checked on my men, and drove MY 3/4 ton truck all over. My favorite comment then and now is ‘I was Never In Laos’ which was a bold lie! Once my 13 months was up, I was rotated home. Spent a bit more time in 29 palms CA then got my discharge orders, moved back with wife and son to Arizona, got discharged so I taught printing at a junior high school, stayed in the Reserves until Jimmy Carter down sized the Marines, started my own printing business which is still active today My only issue is that somewhere in Nam I was exposed to agent orange which has haunted me ever since even after 6 surgeries! ( not comfortable access) My wife and I have 2 sons, one a Naval Academy Graduate (retired) the other a Police Officer still on active duty. I am grateful that I was able to come home. To all my fellow Marines and servicemen and women who are willing to wear a Uniform in today’s world! Wear your uniform with honor, thank you for your service and may God be with you in all your endeavors Semper Fi!
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