Hello -

I have often been in a bar and heard someone who, at best, may have done three years in Germany in the early 80s, waxing eloquent about their heroic experiences in Viet Nam. I used to get angry about it, but over time, I just no longer care. But I appreciate and honor your concern, which deserves a response.

I served on active duty from 1971 until 2007, with the exception of several extended periods of TDD/Medical. Today, this is not at all uncommon - I know quite a few other senior specwar NCOs in the various services with up to 36 years in, who are right now in harms way. With the target rich environment of Iraq and Afghanistan, the military and especially JSOC, are not going to throw away
operators with that kind of experience, if they are in shape, have no immediate family at home, and especially if they have a history with the company. Additionally, I know many operators who are employed by "private" contractors, who are active well into their 60s.

I'm sure you have noticed that the "rules" have gone by the board - ask any troop over there who had his or her tour extended, leaves canceled, and etc. The only rule now in effect is to put enough boots on the ground to do the job. In my case, I have spent a total of less than two years out of theater since 9-11.

Mea Culpa - I should not have used the term "POW". I meant  it as shorthand, to a civvy audience. But it was not appropriate. I am not authorized to wear the POW medal and should not have used the term, or probably should have just not made the post at all. I had the misfortune to fall into
the hands of the NVA for several weeks. These folks apparently  were not interested in passing me up the chain of command, and they were having too much fun with me anyway. The vill where
I was held was flattened all around my ears by an assault of the 1 Cav, and I was liberated. Mind you I was not the focus of this action, and I could just as easily have been fragged, but I got
lucky. My body bears silent testimony to the experience.

A last thought - it is actually a bit naive to believe that the US military presence in Viet Nam ended in 73. We brought the ground pounders home, but MAC/V and the company were **extremely** active in theater, to my personal knowledge, at
least until Operation Frequent Wind, and reports from sources credible to me indicate, at least a year beyond. We were still trying to assist the ARVNs of course, but mostly we were trying to clean up some messes, extract some assets, and pay off a few debts. Peace With Honor did not by any means bring a cessation of our hostilities in Viet Nam - we only distilled and refocused our efforts. I am sure that there are many books and memoirs out there that cover the period from the perspective of the folks who were involved. Beyond that, I'm not talking - I don't want anyone  coming for me in the night. Take it from one who knows - we live in very strange times, my friend.

All the best -

gregory12