9th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, Commo Platoon
In 1965 - 1967, most of us were fresh out of high school and were required to register with draft board for military service. Shortly thereafter we received our draft papers from Uncle Sam. The first step was to take the physical - not too tough to pass - "Are you breathing?" - 'Yes" - "Approved!". Within a few months off to bootcamp we go.
Knowing the Vietnam War was going strong, most of us didn't want to go. We had jobs and started careers, attending College, had families and children. But we knew it was the right thing to do - to serve our country. Most of us were drafted while some chose to enlisted.
We did our basic training at various Army Bases across the USA. We received some AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) at the locations where we graduated from basic training and then more specialized AIT for radio/teletype, Morse Code and other technical training. Most of us did our AIT in Ft. Gordon, Georgia.
Upon graduation from AIT we were given a very brief "leave of absense" and an invitation, prepaid, to beautiful Southeast Asia - Vietnam.
After the brief leave and spending time with our families, we departed. We all experienced the sad moments, shed tears for leaving our families, husbands/wives, boyfriends/girlfriends, friends we grew and went to school with and work associates. We were young and didn't thoroughly understand what the Vietnam War was all about.
~ ~ ~
We did our time in Vietnam. Most had reception in Dong Tam. We were later moved to Tan An, a major base camp, were we were stationed to serve our remaining duty.
~ ~ ~
Almost forty years later, Dusty (pops) Dewberry had an idea that he was going to see if he could track down and contact a few of his old Vietnam Vet buddies. Not having much information to go on, he resorted to friends and the wonderful internet as resources. His efforts paid off. He was able to locate and contact a few names and decided to hold a reunion. He contacted them and invited them to Arkansas. They had such a great time, he thought he would do it again...and again....and again.
It seems most of us had apprehensions about such an event - concerns about talking war stories, the tragedies and any affects that might resurface from serving our time in the Vietnam War. Dusty spent much time with each person using his friendly persuasion and as time went on the list of those he found and attend subsequent reunions kept growing and growing.
I dont believe there is one single person who regrets attending these events.
Arkansas - 2006
Lost Arrow, Michigan - 2007
Las Vegas, Nevada - 2008
Sieverville, Tennessee - 2009
Lost Arrow, Michigan - 2010
...and on and on...
