My Thoughts: by Michael Roman

Michael Roman

To say I've had mixed emotions about Vietnam is an understatement. 

My mother and father are both WWII veterans (now deceased). My mother's family had relatives in every War dating back to the French and Indian Wars, with exception to Iraq and Afghistan. 

I volunteered for the Army in 1968, volunteered for Vietnam in 1969, and volunteered to extend my tour. 

I drank for the 1st year after my return to "the World".  I wanted to forget, try to forgive, and to re-establish a place in "the World".

For me, it did not happen. I probably had a chip on my shoulder, but then maybe not.

I spent my first Christmas with my mother and father and mom's family in Texas. Mom's next to youngest brother was a retired Command Sargent Major, twice my size. 

We almost came to blows when one of my mother's sisters asked what I felt about Vietnam. I told her it was a waste of my time, my friends lives, and a waste of money. We accomplished nothing. My uncle did not agree and explained his point of view.

It took several years for me to understand his statements. But I now understand and agree. We go because we are sent. But we serve, because it is our duty. We do not question, we just do it. 

It is up to the politicians to be correct (right or wrong is a point of debate). It appears that where our house of cards tumbles is because of "professional politicians". The simple answer is to eliminate the "professional status" opportunity from the politician.

We should stand in defense of the weak, oppressed, infirm, uneducated, and helpless. We should serve our country for a mandatory period, whether it is in armed service, political service, medical service, or human services.

War is a terrible thing. Sometimes the wrong people die. But we must defend our country and ensure that there are no more Hitlers, Hussains, or Mussolinis, to name a few, to act as tyrants to endanger our liberty and our freedom.

Michael Roman
U.S. Army Spec 5
March 1968 – November 1970 (2 years 9 months)
Service - Republic of Vietnam May 1969 - November 1970

Basic - Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
Advanced Individual Training - Ft. Monmouth, NJ
U.S. Army Signal Center and School
Crypto, Radio & Teletype Maintenance

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale


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