Posted on 05/15/2004 3:02:05 PM PDT by JimVT
Need help with info
He is now a pastor of a congregation and doing a great job.
I'm looking for info on his service record that would support an application for a sabbatical.
Any clues how to get personal info on this great guy who won't tell his story????
Some things are best left alone.
Have to agree. What info could you find in his 30 year-old war record that would help or hurt his request.
Prying into someones past has an interesting moral question. Would this bennefit you or him. Do you suspect that maybe what he says may not be true, there are those kinds out there.There are ways to find out this info but I will not tell you how. If you realy want to know , do your own research. It is evident you have a computer and an internet connection, learn how to use it.
Different kind of 'don't ask, don't tell'.
If he won't volunteer the info, best to drop it
(90 deg and sunny ) ;-}
>>was in Special Forces in Nam as a MEDIC!<<
If that is true, then believe me he has enough demons in his nightly dreams to satify a city the size of LA.
You should respect his privacy.
I respectfully suggest you not pursue this beyond what he wishes to tell you. It appears he has found his comfort with the Lord.
I figure if he was...(1)In Viet Nam... which I know he was...(2)...a Medic, for Cripes sake..and in SPECIAL FORCES.... he is more of a hero than he is willing to state.
I'm trying to help this guy.
I'm somewhat surprised by the defensive responses...........some of you...."Vermonter" in particular...should know better
One of my college profs was a SF medic. It took me three years and several hundred beers before he shared even one story. I suggest that you let it be. He'll tell you if he wants. BTW, what SF unit does his application have on it.
Jim,
You're taking it wrong. We're trying to tell you that if he doesn't want to talk about it, it's best to leave him with his memories/nightmares. There's still a lot of vets out there who'd rather keep their memories inside.
I was not implying in any way that your thoughts were in the wrong place.
Sorry if you took it that way
Sorry...I don't buy this "nightmare" BS.
I wasn't in direct combat...but I got shot at a few times in Okinawa and Korea (AFTER the big one)
Everybodys' responses seem to imply that every SOB Grunt in Viet Nam has something to hide!
Hogwash!
These are not defensive responses. They are honest opinions. Anyone who was in Nam and doesn't talk about it doesn't want you prying.
He's got something to hide? On the contrary. He doesn't want to talk about it. You can't respect that. You're sticking your nose in a place it doesn't belong.
Me too. All the former SF people I know are Lawyers, M.D.'s, Phd's, etc. Some of the best people I know. To me all of them have one unique quality...the ability to get their point across. To me they seem like the ultimate "teachers".
I agree with you. I served 3 tours in Vietnam. Why should I talk about it? We used to say "This may not be a good war but it is the only one we have". SF
Not too long ago I was visiting my younger brother. In a casual conversation about another matter entirely he said, "... well, you remember when you spent a week with us when you returned from Vietnam...". I said, "when was that?" He outlined for me the dates and some of the details of that week.
I honestly have no recollection of spending a week with him and his family. In fact, I can't now recollect in detail any of the events surrounding that period of time. I am guessing that the trauma of the events of the last tour had not yet passed. That trauma has passed... but the memories and sadness have not. I don't like others probing, and I have nothing of which I am ashamed... just don't enjoy talking about it.
I spent one tour in Korea, two in Vietnam, but it is very seldom mentioned even with or among my closest friends.
My advice... your friend has reasons, be they good or bad. But they are his reasons. Let it be!
hardcorps... it used to be known as "old corps". That handle already taken?
Medic/Nam-Vet-SF
Congregational Ministry
De Oppresso Liber
The first objective in 'liberating' the oppressed, is to realize that I am my own greatest opppressor.
If you want to help process an application for 'leaveofabscence' directly ask the applicant, I'm sure he will tell you what you think you need to know.
Special Forces Creed
I am an American Special Forces soldier. A professional! I will do all that my nation requires of me.
I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession. I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me: Roger's Rangers, Francis Marion, Mosby's Rangers, the first Special Service Forces and Ranger Battalions of World War II, the Airborne Ranger Companies of Korea. I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am - in all I do.
I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires. I will strive always, to excel in every art and artifice of war. I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices, with the help and guidance of my God.
I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me. I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself or the forces. I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier.
I will never surrender though I be the last. If I am taken, I pray that I may have the strength to spit upon my enemy. My goal is to succeed in any mission - and live to succeed again.
I am a member of my nation's chosen soldiery. God grant that I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred trust.
"De Oppresso Liber"
Run his name past the Special Forces Association.
http://www.sfahq.org/locator.htm
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