The Wall: by Artemis Reynard, Veterans Advocate

Hello CJ, I am Artemis Reynard, a Veterans Advocate and Human Rights Activist.

In one of the Vietnam Veteran groups, I noticed that you are putting together a special Salute to Memorial Day.  You asked veterans to describe their first visit to The Wall.  I hope you don't mind if I also contribute.

On my first visit to The Wall, I was struck deeply by the realization that each of those names represents a human life.  I felt immense pride to know such honorable men exist who would stand up, without question, for what America is, at it's core.

 
It is to stand up beyond politicians and anything political.  It is to stand up for the beliefs and principles our nation represents in truth and for all we hold dear.

I hold genuine gratitude, appreciation, and respect for the men and women who served in Vietnam.   I know the history and it was not easy, coming home to the way some misguided Americans chose to mistreat and disrespect them.  Their anger should justly have been aimed at the politicians, NOT our veterans. Thankfully, those people do not matter in the bigger picture.

I want Vietnam veterans to know I stand up for them.  I had a difficult childhood that was a war in itself and I had to learn how to fight to free myself. I have become a fighter at heart and a survivor, as are all of them.

If it had not been for veterans, both past and present, I would have walked from one war into the nightmare of another. I am grateful for everything they did and continue to do in securing our rights and freedom.  

For this reason, I became a Veterans Advocate and Human Rights Activist.  I will fight relentlessly for the rights and reforms veterans deserve and should have had to begin with.

We are a grateful nation. Each of them matters and I thank them sincerely.


About the Author:

Artemis Reynard lives in New York, where she is a Veterans Advocate and Human Rights Activist.

She respects our military and its veterans and stands up for their rights, which she believes are horribly overlooked. She works with them to receive what they need in veteran benefits, without the chaotic mire of paperwork and red tape.

She puts compassion into action, actively fighting for human rights and putting an end to human trafficking.

“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

Honoring The Wall: by Michael Lansford

I have never been to the real Wall and in reality, I probably never will. But looking at The Wall in pictures, I see many things, and I feel many emotions, both good and bad.

For some of us, we can see through The Wall and we understand who is on the other side looking back. These are friends, comrades, brothers, husbands, sons, and daughters, and I feel they are watching us, too. 

I wonder what they are saying about us, as they stand together over there.  Could be that each of our names is etched in the granite on their side of The Wall, because we fought beside them in Vietnam. 

Then, as each of us leaves this world and passes through to their side, our name will disappear from the granite, one by one, to the very last name, until finally their side of The Wall is blank again, just as it was when The Wall was started back in '82.  It's just something I ponder.

For us, on this side, there is so much pain, anguish, hurt, and feelings of such great loss for reasons we are unable to comprehend. What a price to pay for our freedom. Why does freedom have to cost so much? You would think by looking at all the grave sites in Arlington, that people, [the government in particular], would find a better way to live.

I reflect on what might have been for those we lost, those we will lose, and for those of us that must carry on, knowing how our lives will be forever changed. You just don't turn off what we endured in Vietnam, or in any war, for that matter. In war, NO ONE wins, ever.

I look at all the names and I can’t help but wonder, “What if my name were up there. How would I be remembered? What would be said of me, my family, everything?  My Legacy?  Would anyone even care?”

The Wall is many things to each who sees her, touches her, and knows her. They say if you touch The Wall, it touches your heart. Those are profound words.

For many of us, the war never ended. We just rotated to a new LZ.  Battles still rage with no winners again. Who would have thought that a black piece of granite in the ground would have such an impact on this great nation? It’s very humbling, to say the least. If it doesn't get your attention, then you are in the wrong world.

At The Wall, you come to grips with the reality of Life and Death standing side by side, yet they have always been close to all of us. At times, they have even been close enough you could feel their breath on your back.

When we walk away from The Wall, we each take a piece of 58,272 hearts with us, just as we leave pieces of ours behind, and we wonder, “Is it enough? Did I say and do the right things?  How do I repay the debt given for my life?” It is impossible.

We all must strive to live up to their standards -- they are ALL watching us, too. Pay attention, AMERICA. The Wall is speaking to us and it simply asks a simple question, “Do we need any more Walls?” It’s our choice and, like over there in country, there are only two choices: Life or Death. 

If not for The Wall, our country may have never truly known the real battles we fought for each other -- and are still fighting. Our Nation is now finally getting it and standing up for our troops everywhere and realizing the true meaning of freedom.

ALL the leaders of our country should just forget the ceremonial wreath laying for publicity.  They need to take a walk along The Wall and a real hard look at the names.  It's the only way they can truly understand what price has been paid and is still being paid for our nation. Maybe then they will grasp the true meaning of "We The People" and what those words really stand for.

It's not about political gain -- it's about life and how very precious it is. "We The People" is everyday America, and what we will always do to defend our freedom.  Our leaders should put aside their business and walk among true greatness, be humbled, reflect on what has been taken away from "We The People". Our leaders need to find a way to save life, not end it.

Always remember The Wall and what she stands for, as well as all other memorials. Debts Paid in Full.

When we all took the Oath to defend her, we did it, and we still do today. It’s something that can never be taken away, ever.

When you see a Veteran from any war, say, “Thank You.” It speaks volumes to us.

My final thoughts for The Wall is this: simply stand in front of her and in a loud and clear voice say, "THANK YOU".

Paid in Full.

[Michael Lansford is a frequent contributor to Memoirs From Nam.  Thank you, Michael, and Welcome Home. ~ CJ] 

“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

The Wall and Washington

By Tom Peck

CJ, I've been to the Wall twice. The last time was this past April, as part of a tour package. It was rushed and I didn't see any fellow warriors that day, but I tried to explain the three soldiers statue to some people in the tour.

I know there may be guys who were with me in Nam on the Wall, also guys who were with me in Boot Camp, too, but you need time and research to find this out.

I wasn't even able to go to the Marine Memorial those two days. Traveling in DC is hectic, parking is real bad, driving is a nightmare, and hotels are, well, you get what you pay for. Tours don't allow you to really see what you want, or how you want. We did have a nice experience watching the Cherry Blossom Parade though.

Going there during Veterans day, or Memorial day, would be nice, but where can you park? And getting out of DC afterwards is a nightmare.

I owe my fellow warriors the time to reflect with them and and pay my respects to those who are still trying to heal, those who sacrificed all (I know some, but I also forgot a few names), and those who died from my unit.

All who are inscribed on The Wall deserve to be remembered, not just on that day, but always, as well as the Veterans of the past Wars.

If we don't face our fears, then ours fears overcome our lives and take what little love, happiness, peace, serenity, yes, even romance, there is, away. We have to start to face our fear by talking, by taking that first step. If we don't, we throw away any chance of moving forward, of allowing our loved ones some understanding, some healing, some acknowledgement of our hell and our truths.

We are not really allowed to move on, because Washington won't let us. They have let tens of thousands die, while denying that they [Washington] caused those deaths (Agent Orange, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Diease, Nerve Disorders). Washington has proven they can vote us into harms way, then deny any consequence of those actions.

The Public has allowed this at our expense and at the cost of thousands of lives. There is no outcry. There is no one holding anyone accountable. The Public allows Washington to cover it up with their, "Budget Cuts", or "Budget Deficit". The latter, to me, is waste on the part of Washington, and of tax payer dollars.

They're sending billions of dollars overseas to corrupt foreign governments who knowingly supply the very terrorists we're fighting: Irag, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Korea, and countries we deal with through the back door, like Somalia and many others, even South Vietnam (still MIAs).

That money has totaled in the trillions. Why? Because the taxpayers aren't holding Washington accountable for the money, even the billions wasted knowingly during the bailouts of those mortgage companies and others. What was that money used for? Parties, bonuses, and bank accounts. This is fact.

Cabinet Post's were given to a few of the individuals who profited from these scams. One individual made 54 million at the expense of those who lost everything. This is our government. Get a cabinet post at the expense of your constituents and be protected by privilege for doing it.  It happened with the Railroad. A loss of 300+ jobs and a CEO got a cabinet post in the past administration.

Well I'll stop for now ...

Take Care CJ. God Bless and Watch Over You.

Tom Peck

USMC, NAM '69, January to August
(WIA 28 July)
1st Mar Div Hotel 2/1

“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

Memorial Day: The Changes Through Life

Arlington

by Lawrence Blouir/WarHippy

I was in PTSD therapy for eleven years. The group met once a week at the Vet Center, under the care of a leading psychiatrist at the VA Hospital, Dr. Jose Amato.

Dr. Amato was chief of that department. I became his test subject for new antidepressants because none of them had much effect on me. I test drove every new drug that became available, as I went through the 90-day inpatient PTSD program. At the end, he asked my advice on how to improve it, and actually implemented my advice in the program.

On the tenth anniversary of The Wall in 1992, I visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, through the Vet Center as a part of Operation Freedom Bird.

A brief history of Operation Freedom Bird: In 1988, Pat Lynch, a young America West Airlines pilot, who also flew choppers in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, put a suggestion in a suggestion box. He felt that someone should sponsor a yearly trip for Vietnam Vets to Washington DC to The Wall. Pat felt it would help their healing process in dealing with PTSD issues that had plagued them since their return from the War.

The men chosen each year would be members of the Vet Center's Combat PTSD weekly groups, and chosen by facilitators from several different Vet Centers, including Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, and Columbus, OH, to name just a few.

The funding, at the time I went, came from America West Airlines for the plane ride, and The Hilton for the lodging. I don’t remember who paid for our meals and setup the luncheons and other activities. We basically just showed up, and didn't worry about anything else except dealing with our issues for three days.

While we were there, a friend and I were the focus of a local news team that was following our trip. For three days, we enjoyed a kind of celebrity status, including being guests at a luncheon with General Hal Moore and Joe Galloway who were there to publicize their new book, "We were Soldiers Once and Young". During the narration, the entire audience was brought to tears.

Watch the Video Aired About My Trip

As part of the anniversary, there was a roll call of every name on The Wall, nonstop, 24 hours a day, until it was finished. It was a haunting reminder of the loss this country suffered.

Each part of the poem below was a step in my partial recovery from the worst part of my PTSD. I chose to tie it in with Memorial Day, because that is one day that changed dramatically throughout my life, a direct result of Vietnam and my recovery from it.

When I was a kid, school ended right before Memorial Day and started again right after Labor Day. I wrote the poem on Memorial Day, after finding the website of one of the units I was assigned to in country.

While I was on their home page, I thought, how innocent that day used to be, before I went to Nam. Then the meaning changed, because of the war and the therapy I went through.

The poem took a half hour to write and tears streamed down my face as I wrote it. I don't really know whether it would be considered a poem, but there is some kind of structure to it. Anyway, I was never very good in English class, so I call it a poem.


Memorial Day: The Changes Thru Life
by Lawrence Blouir, "WarHippy"

I Remember when Memorial Day marked 

the start of the summer adventure.

Then I went to Vietnam.

I Remember when Memorial Day meant 

you put down your c-rations for a moment’s silence 

for the guys who wouldn’t be going home with us.

And then I came Home.

I remember when Memorial Day was 

a time to be so busy planning cookouts 

and road trips and staying drunk, 

to block my memories 

of what this day really meant.

Then I lived life as a NamVet.

I Remember when Memorial Day was 

a time to be envious of our brothers
who died, because they never had to endure 

the nightmares and cold sweats that became 

a normal part of living for us.

Finally, I found Therapy.

I Remember when Memorial Day was 

a time our tears started washing out the
bitterness we carried for so many years.

I visited the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.

I Remember when Memorial Day was 

a time to honor our fallen brothers and pray

that someday we’d be ok again, too.

Something melted within me, my heart maybe.

I Remember when Memorial Day changed! 

And we no longer pitied ourselves. 

And we were finally, truly able 

to honor our deceased comrades,
and feel sorrow for their families, 

who never got a chance to see them make
the journey back to peace at heart.

Today, I’m happy to be alive, and I wouldn’t change any of this for anything,
Because it has molded me into someone my Mother would have been proud of.

"WarHippy"

Lawrence Blouir (WarHippy)

8th Engineer Battalion
1st Air Cavalry Division
24th Duster Battalion
24th Corp Artillery
23rd MP Co.
23rd Infantry Division
Years in country: '69-'70-'71

MOS 63B20 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

I spent about two months doing that, then they assigned me wherever they needed me. I worked as a combat engineer, dump truck driver, a company sniper for a few months, permanent bunker guard, and I was assigned to an Aussie unit for a while. I wound up as an MP on the main gate at Chu Lai, and was one of the last five Americans to leave, after turning it over to the ARVN.

I was among the first Americans to cross the border at the start of the Cambodian Invasion, rappelling out of a chopper with an M-16 over one shoulder and a chainsaw over the other, to chop down enough jungle to land a bulldozer to clear an LZ.

I was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.

Other Articles by Lawrence “WarHippy” Blouir:

Vietnam Veteran Speaks Out

The Ultimate Cost of "Freedom"

A Worthy Rebuttal on REMFs

“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

Vietnam Vets Get Special Honor Flight

Jim Schertz

Jim Schertz of Milwaukee will be on board for an Honor Flight for Vietnam veterans, leaving EAA AirVenture on Aug. 2. Schertz was a door gunner and crew chief on Army helicopters in Vietnam.

The first thing Jim Schertz will do is find four names etched into the black granite. They're not simply names to the retired Milwaukee firefighter and Vietnam veteran. 

They were his buddies and comrades. They did not come home from the war. "Just the fact they're still missing in action is unbelievable," said Schertz, 62.

Schertz will head straight to one of the last sections of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as 2W, and his eyes will scan to Lines 128 and 129. That's where Douglas L. O'Neil, Larry A. Zich, Allen D. Christensen and Edward W. Williams are listed among the more than 52,000 other Americans killed in Vietnam.

Schertz has never been to The Wall, or Washington, but he's flying to the nation's capital on Aug. 2 with 110 other Vietnam veterans in the first Honor Flight for Wisconsin veterans of that war.

Appleton-based Old Glory Honor Flight, whose motto is "It's never too late to say thank you," has organized numerous one-day trips to Washington for World War II veterans to visit memorials. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Vietnam, organizers decided to arrange a one-time-only trip for Vietnam veterans.

Old Glory Honor Flight's goal is to continue the free trips for World War II and Korean War veterans. With a waiting list of more than 500 names, it will be a few more years until the group can turn its attention to Vietnam veterans.

"Vietnam veterans as a group have been so incredibly supportive of our organization and really helped us get off the ground for our first flight in '09, so we thought this was a perfect way to give back to them," Old Glory Honor Flight President Drew MacDonald said.

The flight will leave Oshkosh early Aug. 2 with stops at the Wall, Smithsonian American History Museum and Arlington National Cemetery to see the changing of the guard ceremony. Veterans will wear special shirts and receive small tote bags filled with snacks, tissues, and pencils and tracing paper if they want to make an etching of a name on the Wall. The group will return that evening to EAA AirVenture to a hero's welcome and concert by actor Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band.

Organizers received 525 applications for the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight and randomly chose 110 names. All branches of the military are represented plus one Hmong soldier who fought with American forces. The vast majority are combat veterans. All are male. Most are from Wisconsin, though a few are from other states.

MacDonald said he hopes other honor flight groups in Wisconsin and around the country will add Vietnam veteran flights during the summer.

"Most honor flight hubs stand down during the heat of the summer because taking an 80- or 90-year-old veteran in that heat is risky. The younger veterans will be much more able to tolerate the heat and humidity," said MacDonald, who organized a trip to Hawaii last year for Pearl Harbor survivors from Wisconsin. "I don't know why we didn't think of that earlier."

Tim Baranzyk, 65, of Milwaukee, has traveled on a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight out of Milwaukee as a guardian to a World War II veteran. When he got an email about the flight for Vietnam veterans he forwarded it to many others. He also filled out an application.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd get picked," Baranzyk said at the Greendale American Legion post where he's commander. "It's like winning the lottery."

Baranzyk's cousin is on the Wall, killed in Vietnam before Baranzyk arrived in 1967 with a Marine artillery unit. He plans to bring a small Bible he received from a chaplain in Vietnam who was killed there and leave it at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Nao Tong Vang, 77, of Appleton will bring a picture of an American radar installation. The photo is a fitting memento to leave at the Wall because Vang took part in intelligence missions along the Ho Chi Minh trail, the main supply route to South Vietnam.

Vang, a native of Laos, and other Hmong put themselves at great risk to aid Americans and saved many downed pilots. Vang, whose brother was killed in the Vietnam War, recalled the four-month-long intelligence missions when he could eat only uncooked rice soaked in water and sleep in a hammock as they constantly moved to avoid detection.

At first Vang wasn't sure if he should apply for the honor flight.  "But they write on the application: whoever served in the Vietnam War. I didn't know if they would accept me or not," said Vang, who has five children and 17 grandchildren. "My children were very happy for me."

Schertz had a very low draft number and received his "Greetings" letter in 1970, volunteering to go to Vietnam. He arrived in January 1972 and was a door gunner on Hueys before moving up to crew chief, delivering top-secret radio gear.

His small signal unit had only four helicopters. Normally, crew chiefs are assigned to one particular helicopter they always fly, but a few days before April 3, 1972, Schertz was asked to move to another helicopter. His original aircraft and his newly assigned helicopter were sent from Marble Mountain Airfield in Da Nang on a routine resupply mission to units near Quang Tri.

They were supposed to travel in tandem, but Schertz's new helicopter was delayed about an hour and the other Huey, the one he had flown on many times, took off. That chopper and its four-man crew were never seen again. The military report says the helicopter with O'Neil, Zich, Christensen and Williams was likely shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

Schertz's eyes well up as he talks about his four buddies, about that day, about fate. He returned home to Milwaukee, married a girl he met through mutual friends and worked as a firefighter for 30 years, retiring in 2006. He and his wife, Nancy, have three children plus two grandchildren and two more on the way.

"I tell him," Nancy said, "it just wasn't his time. He was spared for a reason."


[Reprinted from the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinal]



“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