Re: First Contact... -- War Stories!

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Date Posted: Sat, December 13 2008, 11:48:35
Author: Don Poss
Author Host/IP: cpe-75-82-158-38.socal.res.rr.com / 75.82.158.38
Subject: Re: First Contact...
In reply to: Marilyn K. Lynch 's message, "First Contact..." on Sat, December 13 2008, 11:36:05

Marilyn:

I served four years with the Air Force as an Air Policeman (military police). I was stationed at Da Nang, SVN, for one year in 1965-1966, as a K-9 Sentry dog handler. In 1965, USAF K-9 were vicious sentry dogs and would attack anyone other than their handler.

Through my Air Force association (VSPA), I have met all five handlers who had my K-9, Blackie, after I did. One handler does not wish any contact, and that is okay. For many, the Vietnam War is still too recent in memory. For those who want contact and attend reunions and join associations, it is simply the best experiences ever.

Today, all US military K-9 are trained at Lackland AFB, Texas. Many dogs are donated by families to serve in the military. I never knew the story of how Blackie came to the Air Force, but it was a lucky day for many who served with him. Every handler can attest to their K-9's saving lives, and that is a fact.

I have also exchanged emails and phone calls with families of those killed in action I knew. At first, it took me several months to reply to that first email wanting contact. But when that happened, it was the best thing I ever did! However, I understand that many cannot deal with the war, or the results it had upon loved ones. My brother Jerry recently was on the East coast and had an opportunity to visit an Army buddy he served with in Vietnam. Jerry was turned away by the friend�s father who blamed the war for his son�s death, and his inability to cope with the war upon his return home. Jerry is writing a letter to his friend�s son and will post it at War-Stories.com.

At 19 and 20 years of age, young men and women feel invulnerable and immortal. At war, one soon learns otherwise. Over the years, I have recognized three stages of how many acquire that knowledge: First, there is the "I can't/won't be killed." Secondly, is a recognition that "I could die here." Thirdly, there is a feeling, an acceptance really, that "I will be killed here." Strangely, it was only at that third phase where many discover a peace of mind, an acceptance of "that's how things are." I have written and posted three stories which have been online for more than a decade now, trying to account for those three transitional mindsets many seem to pass through, and concerning the emotions young men at war feel when a friend is killed in action.

1) James Bruce Jones was a tent mate of mine at Da Nang. He was killed in action, and this is a story of how his friends and I dealt with it:

http://www.war-stories.com/t_jbj-dn-poss-1966-1.asp

2) Autumn's Wall, was really my first-step with accepting the fates of war as it impacted me. A business trip to the D.C. area and the "opportunity" to visit The Wall and touch the names of those who touched me in life:

http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/dn-poss-wall-autumn-1998-2.asp

3) Airplane Hill is a story which speaks to my own personal journey home, and the difficulties of coping with what happened at war:

http://www.vspa.com/dn-poss-airplane-hill-1966.asp

At some point, every war veteran must learn to deal with the war, or most certainly, the war will deal with him. Dennis Mannion, the marine who visits schools and tells the story of the Vietnam War, handles the war in that manner, and I suspect that is very rewarding to him personally. I continue "handling" the war with both War-Stories.com and VSPA.com. Since 1995, these websites are two of the oldest and largest Vietnam Veterans websites on line. War-Stories averages around 5,500 daily visitors, and my USAF association (VSPA), about 1,600.

Many Vietnam Veterans, and their families, cannot, will not, and may never be able to talk with anyone about the war. Not all wounds of war heal with time. Just accept that for what it is. So here is what I suggest:

1. First, try writing a letter to SN Stephen D. Thompson, briefly offering to send him copies of all the information and photos you have. If he responds favorably, then do so. If he does not respond. Let it go.

2. Nevertheless, nothing stops you from telling your story, and I offer you that opportunity to do so here at War-Stories.com. Write out the story concerning what you would tell those who cannot now listen, and post it here. Include the names, photos, copy of the letter, and information, so that some day in the future, when and if they should search online, they will find and read your story.

Marilyn, it is not necessary for you to contribute anything at all. If you care to join War-Stories.com as an associate member or Life Member, you are certainly welcome to do so at http://www.war-stories.com/ws-dues.asp. Membership fees do help keep our stories online.

Welcome Home to War-Stories

Don Poss

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