Few times in the last hundred years has our country not been engaged in armed hostilities. Today, although not in a declared war, American men and women in uniform face adversaries around the world who test the resolve of our nation’s military.
While no person in harm’s way escapes completely unscathed, those who served in Vietnam were called to face the curse of war on three levels.
Over 2.5 million service personnel had boots on the ground in Vietnam. It is said that for every combatant in the field there were ten support personnel behind the lines. If that estimate holds true then more than 250 thousand troops at one time or another stood face-to-face with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army.
Those individuals deserve the reverence and respect which they are afforded by the far majority of Americans. They were particularly vulnerable as they took the fight to the enemy across rice paddies, along jungle trails, and throughout the Central Highlands.
However, service-men and -women whose duties were behind the lines also endured hardship: stifling heat, torrential rains, and the reality of being nearly 9,000 miles away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Comforts were few and anxiety was ever-present as each day brought a new set of unknowns.
Later, when their tour of duty was complete and military members returned to “the world”, a new kind of conflict awaited. Rather than being recognized and admired for service to their country they were often scorned and reviled by their own countrymen.
Many recall being spat upon or having to endure curses and profanities hurled by a new kind of adversary: peaceniks and anti-war protesters. There were no celebratory parades or welcome home ceremonies for those returning from Vietnam.
Most sought refuge in family and the familiar surroundings of home. They looked to exchange their uniforms for meaningful employment and starting families of their own. Sadly, some turned to self-indulgent, harmful activities. They seldom talked about their service except to others with similar experiences.
But, even then, Vietnam was not done with those that served within its borders. For many, the war still rages on nearly 50 years after the Paris Peace Accords officially ended America’s participation in the conflict.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder plagues many Vietnam veterans to this day robbing them of the very peace of mind they fought to protect and preserve for others. For some, PTSD episodes can be extremely enervating as the conscious mind seeks to gain control over the subconscious.
Perhaps the most insidious remnant of the Vietnam War, however, is the life-long effects of Agent Orange, the herbicide used to defoliate large areas of the country thereby depriving the enemy of his biggest advantage.
The toxins in Agent Orange can lay dormant in the human body for decades surfacing in later years, when the veteran is most vulnerable, in a laundry list of serious illnesses and disabilities.
While more than 58,000 American lives were lost during the war itself, Agent Orange has resulted in the death of over 300,000 brave patriots since the war ended.
We salute all the valiant men and women throughout the years who have stood against tyranny and oppressiveness. However, it is with particular gratitude, on this special day, that we honor veterans of the Vietnam War, many whom are yet engaged in a fight for their lives.
May God grant you peace at all times and in every way.
Dewey Randall is the Wells County Veterans Service Officer
