When America left Vietnam that South Vietnamese people were most likely feeling intimidated, scared, but at the same time relieved. In the “Doc-Lap at Last” section of the article, it states “ On April 30, 1975, columns of North Vietnamese soldiers entered Saigon, meeting little resistance for the demoralized South Vietnamese army.” The phrase, “columns of soldiers,”…
The dissipating war of Vietnam still continues to affect America today. The only thing that keeps Vietnam alive is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial covers more than 58,000 American men and women who died in Vietnam fighting for our county. Lacking the glory and heroism the war memorial shows, there is a silent reminder of the losses of the American soldiers. What the war did to the United States was unspeakable and it still has an overwhelming morality.…
Somewhere in the Middle East there is a mom fighting in a foreign war. The gunpowder smoke coagulating in her lungs, hearing the cries for help, and not knowing if she’ll ever see her 2 year old son again. Soldiers everywhere do this every day not knowing if they are going home ever to see their loved ones. They do this because they are selfless and are heroes. That’s why an American I believe in is made possible by the sacrifices of our military.…
Upon their return from the Vietnam War, many veterans were shocked upon the reaction (or lack thereof) displayed by the citizens of the States who had remained on the home front. When finally landing back on American soil, many veterans expected to be greeted with celebration and maybe even a parade, acknowledging their service and dedication to the Vietnam cause. However, veterans were instead greeted by protestors who did not agree with the United States’ participation in the war (ironically, not all veterans wholly supported the cause itself, but instead went out of respect and devotion to their country).…
This documentary about life and the era in which the former Secretary of Defense of the United States, Robert McNamara refers to the concept of “Fog of War “ to describe the level of ambiguity in knowledge of the situation experienced by the participants in military operations. Robert McNamara was a great man, because although he made mistakes major in his position as Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War, his intentions were to do the right thing for his country.…
The Vietnam War was considered one of the bloodiest battles ever in the history of the United States. Not only were soldiers harmed physically during the war, but they were also wounded mentally. There are endless accounts of soldiers leaving the war and coming home not just with bullet wounds, but the memories that followed with it. These memories caused soldiers to not sleep at night and in some cases ruining their lives and forcing them to suicide. After the war, specialists came up with a name for this “disease” that was destroying the lives of many Vietnam veterans. They classified it as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (National) The psychological burdens of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, have substantial effects on soldiers in the armed forces making reentry into civilian life challenging.…
The Vietnam Veteran I interviewed was my grandfather; he was 27 years old during the time of the war. He volunteered to go to Vietnam because he didn't like picking fruits and vegetables in the hot sun with his father. That's when he decided to join the service and he volunteered to go to Vietnam. My grandfather only served one tour, because he wanted to go home to his family. So, his younger brother Rick who was single volunteered to go to Vietnam. My grandfather told me that Rick had a death wish so it didn't really matter to him if he came back dead or alive.…
“Young Man in Vietnam” by Charles Coe goes against the 1980 patriotic views of Vietnam veterans, as he positions readers to be sympathetic towards veterans. Through the use of characterisation and symbolism Coe has positioned readers to be sympathetic towards the young man in Vietnam.…
Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” War creates many experiences that continues to play an evident role in many soldiers lives. One particular soldier, Mike Clark, globally shares his story of being a Vietnam veteran, and the difficult times that he underwent during the Vietnam War. Clark’s personal story is unique because of the difficult decisions he makes and the factors that cause him to make them. Clark explains the reality behind joining the military and witnessing the tragedies that are experienced during the war. While exploring Mike Clark’s Vietnam War story and remembering the war veterans, it is important to consider…
The next morning, I was to report to Logistics and Strategy. People were all over this place. Seaman lined the walls with headsets on and screens in front of them. They used their fingers to tap the screens and then shout out coordinates. I walked down the row of officers scrutinizing interactive pixel maps. They had the ability to visualize the ships and planes in real time with holographic symbols. I passed them and walked up some steps to a clear glass room. TOO THIN, Fernando, Chad, Mallory, and five Admirals were there. One Admiral for each permanent coalition country. There were also a line of officers outside the room, waiting for orders.…
I remember that it hurt. It was if someone struck all the air out of my lungs. I tried with all of my might to breathe but it seemed as if I were incapable.I looked for something, anything to hold onto for support. Everyone watched in horror as I sank to the ground and the sob that was stuck in my throat escaped. I was feeling emotions I never felt before, that I didn’t know existed. The two Marines in Dress Blues who stood at attention looked on, their faces mostly emotionless, except their eyes which were filled with pity as they said they were sorry for my loss. My best friend rushed over the office to wrap her arms around my shoulders. The only way she could hold me seeing as I was on my knees crying into my hands. I could feel her sympathy,…
Hi Amber, great to "see" you in another class! Thank you and your family for the years of service. The military life has its own culture, but as you have mentioned the frequent moves allow you to experience numerous geographical locations and their cultures. My grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island from Scotland and I have been fortunate to visit where they lived several times.…
I am a “boot” adjusting to my new life in kilo company, and corporal has recently returned from a nasty deployment in iraq. He says that he is my father and that he knows what’s best. he kicks sand at me while i am timed to see how fast i can pick up all the yellow cigarette butts he dumped on the floor to “fix” my attention to detail and remind me of my ignorance, as he yells, “you are going to war soon, and I won’t be there to babysit you!” During the deployment workups in the states, we spent weeks patrolling, looking for something that we knew wasn’t real. Digging into defensive positions and waiting the night out for an enemy we knew would never come. Spending rainy nights in muddy holes, fearing what our leaders might do to us if we fell asleep. Firing machine guns, shooting rifles and launching grenades at little green targets…. All of it was just training ops.…
It is true that veterans are the heroes of this country yet receive the least attention to their health. There should be a change in the government; before anyone is deployed out of the country to fight a war, he or she should be given a free house for them self or family. This is just from my observation. However, veterans always return home from deployment with some form of injury it could be physical, mental or emotional that is why nurse need to advocate for them. Health care is the next phase in a veteran’s life after they come back from war. It is important for the veterans to be treated as soon as possible for a better out com. As explained in Shiner (2012) Veterans needed to assess and treated immediately they return from a war…
A long time ago, I was once 18. A mere young man just out of highschool. I thought my life was going great: good grades, friends, freedom. That was until the draft hit all of a sudden. All my dreams and goals - everything was gone. I got a letter in the mail telling me I was being selected to be drafted and sent on active duty in Vietnam. My heart sank when I read the letter. What will my family do without me? I walked into my kitchen, sat down, and turned on the TV.…