[cyclotic]

I have a serious question for you.

I try to make it a point to thank Vietnam vets when I can. I've had 2 or 3 recent incidents, including one yesterday.

I was on a service call and the guy I met with mentioned that he was a vet. I thanked him and shook his hand. He lost his composure for a short while with the thousand yard stare. I've seen this happen before.

Does offering thanks to guys like yourself bring up too many bad memories or is it worth it for you guys?

BTW, thanks.

[PzLdr]

It's worth it, but after what happened back then, totally unexpected. The ifrst time it happened to me, and my neighbor said "Thank you" asfter I mentioned I'd served, I said, "For what?"

MACV, Class of 1971

[afnamvet]

I appreciate being thanked by folks. It really is nice to hear.

Tuy Hoa AB RVN 68-69 31st Air Wing

[Stashiu]

"I have a serious question for you.

I try to make it a point to thank Vietnam vets when I can. I've had 2 or 3 recent incidents, including one yesterday.

I was on a service call and the guy I met with mentioned that he was a vet. I thanked him and shook his hand. He lost his composure for a short while with the thousand yard stare. I've seen this happen before.

Does offering thanks to guys like yourself bring up too many bad memories or is it worth it for you guys?

BTW, thanks."

Well, the first time that someone thanked me in person, I was speechless and about lost it (happened about 3 years ago). I believe that most of us have tried to bury that whole experience given the reception we got when we came back to the world.

It does take you back there and the flood of emotions can be overwhelming. That sense of betrayal, after putting your life on the line, seeing others give their all, is a very deep wound.

You have given that vet a very precious gift. He was certainly knocked off balance, as most would be. He will never forget that act of gratitude.

May God bless you!