Sgt. Hack,
Glad you set up this web site. My Father was in Vietnam from 67-68. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Div. assigned to Charlie Company 2/28. He was a cook over there and he only told me about an ambush that happened on Oct 67 (I think) on the "Iron Triangle" and was injured. I just want to thank you and all the other soldiers that were there fighting for America. I just want to see if I can contact or hear any others that were there around his time. If anyone was there feel free to email me. Just doing research to learn what happened.

Byron Harris
Nashville, TN

From Sgt. Hack: Hello, Byron! Thank you for your comments! Yes, your Father was at Lai Khe. The 2nd of the 28th was the Black Lions. The Iron Triangle was a hot spot to say the least!!

Hi Sarge,
My father served at Bien-Hoa and Tan Son Nhut Air Base from 1962-1967, he was the Air Commando Groups out of Hurlburt Field #9 in Fla. He passed way in 2000 of cancer caused from exposure to Agent Orange. There's not a day goes by that we ever stop thinking about him and those that served our great nation honorably. By the way, he also served in WWII as Bombardier with the Eight Air Force and the Korea conflict. All in all he never complained or talked much about his 31 years of experiences in uniform.

Anyway thanks for the memories and keep the Vietnam Legacy alive and to remind today's generation that freedom is not free. I remember the first time I ever saw my father eyes with tears was the 1974 speech when Ronald Reagan introduced returning POW John McCain to the CPAC convention. Mr. Reagan asked where we find such men. He answered, "We [find] them in our streets, in the offices, the shops and the working places of our country and on the farms." Professor Librescu's heroism reminds us that we also find them among those who come to this country from other lands. Of course he denied it, but I know better, he is my hero, mentor and best damn father that I ever known and love. (Rest in peace Dad)

Sincerely,
Patrick Gilmore
Chief Petty Officer, U.S Navy, Retired

From Sgt. Hack: Hello, Patrick! I was also at field 5 and 7 at Eglin AFB 1964 to 1966, US Army Ranger Camp. Thanks for sharing your memories of your father. He sounds like a great American!

Sgt. Hack,
I served with the 46th Engineers 1966-1967 at Long Bien. I read your report about people falsely saying they served in Nam. With so many of them trying to get out of it at the time, it is a shame for them to now claim they were actually there. We were a support outfit and came under fire once, and it was from our own guys getting spooked and shooting at each other in the dark.

Tom Curley

From Sgt. Hack: Hello, Tom! I went through Long Bien in 1968. Did not care much for it!! The number of people who falsely claim to have served in Vietnam is sad... I never talked much about being in-country until about ten years ago and started the Vietnam Scrapbook in hopes of helping some fellow vets... we sure can't talk about Vietnam to anyone who has never been there! Anyway, Welcome Home Tom!!

Sgt. Hack,
Wow...what a great web site! I was looking for an MA-1 flight jacket and found it right away. Nice album you have too. I loved reading all the letters from the other guys, here's my contribution. I was there in 1967 with Bco 2nd of the 327th Inf, 101st Airborne Div. Base camp was at Phan Rang at the time I arrived but after a few months they moved it to Chu Lai. At that time the 101st only had the 1st Brigade in country, the other two brigades arrived in 1968. I never got to see the rest of the Division arrive. On October 27th, 1967, while on Operation Wheeler, in the province of Tam Ky, I was wounded. A lot of very good men gave their lives that day, along with my best friend Roger Wilfong. About 10 years after I was back, I finally found Roger's mother. I was able to spend a lot of time on the phone with her, and able to send her many pictures. We must never forget the sacrifices made by all of us who served. Thank you for the space and opportunity to post our thoughts.

Don Conger

From Sgt. Hack: Hello, Don! Thank you for your comments! This is my way of helping my fellow Vietnam Vets heal the wounds and allow those who never served to understand what we went through then and what some of us are still going through. Welcome Home!!

Sgt. Hack,
Lost a good friend in Cambodia, due to small arms fire; SSgt Robert F. Franklin, in '69. I was working in Sheriff dept. at the time. Bobby, my high school pard, will not be returning, but I welcome all you home, and thanks so much for your service to me and our country. You deserve all honor for your hard work there.

D. L. Cope,
Deputy, Linn County (retired)

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Donald! Yes we all lost a lot of friends in Vietnam... we should never forget!!

Sgt. Hack,
Like you, I am a Vietnam vet. USMC Mag 13 & 36 1966-1967 from Chu Lia to Dung Ha, working my way to the top so say. In some ways I'm still there and still waiting for a Welcome Home. Enjoyed your book and video that came with my order, thanks. In my years as a life member of the VFW DAV & MCL I have met thousands of men & women who served in-country. We all think the same 100% on certain key Issues -- it's the tie that bonds us together forever. I know you know what I mean Brother. Look forward to making more purchases with you. You got the right stuff.

Semper Fi,
Gary L. Powers

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Gary! I had two brothers that served in combat with the Corp. in Korea. Yes, I know what you mean -- we know the true meaning of standing tall. Welcome Home Brother!!

Sarge,
My father, Troy Faulkner, was a Crew Chief in the 173rd AHC (I believe they were Robin Hoods) stationed in Lai Khe 68-69. He was killed in a helicopter crash while my mother was pregnant with me, so I never knew my father. We recently found out that the story we had always been told about his death was not correct, so I have really started searching the internet to find out more and maybe even find some of the guys that were stationed with him. I appreciate you putting up the scrapbook. I am really starting to get a visual picture of what things were like over there. God Bless all of the men and women who served in Vietnam.

Tracy Faulkner Massie

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Tracy. Yes, your Father's unit was stationed at and around Lai Khe in 1968 while I was there! We lost a lot of good men while serving with the 1st Inf. Div.

Sgt. Hack,
Thank you for your service!! Welcome Home!! The Black Lions have a Yahoo Clubsite. Please consider joining. Black Lion Sir!!

Joe Platosz

From Sgt. Hack: Welcome Home Joe! I worked with the Black Lions but I was with HQ 3rd Bde. Lai Khe 1968.

Sgt. Hack,
I was in and around Lai Khe with the 11th Armored Cav Regiment starting August -September 1969. I served as a track commander in a recon platoon. The whole Regiment moved from Xuan Loc to Quan Loi - our new base camp. Our AO was from Lai Khe to Quan Loi on both sides of HWY 13 and we did recons with and support for 1st Infantry out of Lai Khe. I can remember the incoming at night when we pulled security there. Good site.

L- trooper
11th ACR

From Sgt. Hack: I worked with the 11th in 1968 at Lai Khe. I also had the honor of being around your CO, Col. Patton, the son of Gen. Patton. What a great person he was. I hold the 11th Armored Cav with deep respect. Welcome Home!

Sgt. Hack,
I served in the Navy as a communications officer on the staff of Commander, Seventh Fleet (Admiral John Hyland and Admiral William Bringle) in 1967-1968. We were embarked on USS Providence, CLG-6, homeported in Yokusuka, Japan but spending most of the time providing gunfire support off Danang, Vietnam. While I was not a ground-based combatant, I have the greatest respect for those who were during Vietnam and those who are now serving in the Middle East conflicts.

I was in Saigon two days after the first wave of the 1968 Tet Offensive of where I represented the US Navy at a joint communications conference. When the USS Pueblo, a US intelligence-gathering ship, was captured by North Korea, I coordinated the resupply of the compromised cryptographic documents/codes for all Seventh Fleet commands. USS Providence was instrumental in the re-capture of the city of Hue, near the DMZ, when it was overrun by the NVA and VC. During that operation, Providence was hit by a North Vietnamese rocket which knocked off a large radar antenna.

I am glad that I had an opportunity to serve in Vietnam, considering the growing number of citizens these days who choose not to serve in the military at all, including the children or relatives of most of the politicians who are directing the current conflicts.

A year ago I ordered one of your Navy Vietnam Vet caps (VVNC) which I wear proudly every day. In July, a group of my shipmates and I will have another one of our periodic reunions. I have just ordered 8 more of these caps to give to them when we meet on the cruise.

I had the pleasure of speaking with you personally a few weeks ago about shipping charges for placing a quantity order. Today I decided to look through your scrapbook pictures and read some of the previously submitted comments. I decided to send you this note and the attached photos of the ship and me in front of my bunk (where the shrapnel landed after the rocket attack).

Ed Davidson

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Ed! Thank you for your comments & the pictures! Welcome Home, Brother!!

Sgt. Hack,
I was in the 168 Engineers in Quan Loi 1967-68. Bulldozer operator and worked on the air strip and from the laterite pit. Made Tet Offensive trip to Loc Ninh. Remember Lee Elder and I must have known Lee Bryant as we did the same things.

Mike Mercer

From Sgt. Hack: Welcome Home Mike! I was in and around Quan Loi MUD in 1968. Remember it well and all those that were there.

Sgt. Hack,
I was in the 168th from March of '69 to May '70. I drove the 5 ton crane and helped build the roads. Rocket city every nite and day. If anyone can remember when Lai Khe got ran over... I can't remember much any more. I had a bad time in 1976 and don't remember much. Thank you.

Jim Crosby

From Sgt. Hack: Hello, Jim! Welcome Home Brother! And if you need to talk about it, I will be there for you!!

Sgt. Hack,
Just found your site, really liked the scrapbook.

I served with 1st Inf. - 1/28th, Feb 1968 to '69 with a reactionary heavy mortar platoon called "LightHorse." We work mostly Hwy 13, Thunder Road. From the Iron Triangle/Phu Loi in the south to Loc Ninh/An Loc in the north.

Did you ever hear of it/us? We also did reactionary support missions for the 101st up north and the 25th Inf. down south at times.

Unit crest of a winged horse raping a 4.2 mortar.

Tom Paraspolo

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Tom! You were in my backyard. Yes I knew some guys in the 1/28th. I left there Fri. the 13th Sept.1968. My brother-in-law was at Phu Loi 1968 to 1969. Welcome Home!!

Sgt. Hack,
Do you remember a unit called the 168th Combat Engineer Bn 20th Engr Brigade? My unit was alpha company we made a lot of trips outside Lai Khe to laterite pit and would return to Lai Khe just before dark. We also had a lot mortars and rocket attacks. I just wondered if you or anyone else might recall any of this. Thank for you site and welcome home.

Lee Bryant

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Lee! I'm glad you like the site. I do remember the Combat Engineers and I also remember the mortar & rocket attacks... how can you forget that!! Welcome Home Lee!

Sgt. Hack,
My Dad, Colonel E.F. Barrett, Arty, US Army, commanded the 9th Aviation Battalion, 9th ID, in 1968, and I served as a Captain, Inf, US Army with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in 1970 -- Dad died several years ago but your scrapbook brought back a lot of memories. I made some changes when I came home but I'll always be a grunt.

Commander D.P. Barrett
JAGC, USN (Ret.)

From Sgt. Hack: Welcome home Danny! I'm happy my scrapbook helped to bring back some memories for you!

Sarge,
This website is a stellar tribute to you and yours that served our country in the Vietnam War. I sincerely admire you, and thank you for a job well done! Many times I wish that I was born earlier to contribute to the cause... May God bless those that made the ultimate sacrifice, and those left behind. In addition God WILL bless those that are missing or still in captivity. They are truly not forgotten... Thanks again for serving our country with honor!

Mark Mohlman
Waunakee, WI

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you Mark! Your sentiments are much appreciated by me and my fellow vets!

Sgt. Hack,
I served 3 tours in Viet Nam, and in 1968 flew the area along Hwy 1 where the First Infantry was. I was a Scout Pilot with the Second Brigade, call sign Silver 11. I helped the 1st Inf on Hwy 1 between Lai Khe and Quan Loi when a roadside ambush had been set up for the 2nd of 2nd Mech. We may have crossed paths.

I was shot down 9 times, shot twice, and stabbed once in my time in the Army. 2 Silver Stars, 3 DFCs. I have been a helicopter pilot for 40 years this May, first in the Army and 10 years with PHI flying Offshore, EMS, and with the Sinai Peacekeeping Mission in 1981. I enjoyed your book.

Bill Auten

From Sgt. Hack: You and I were in and around Lai Khe at the same time... wow, it is a small world! Welcome Home brother!

Sgt. Hack,
Semper Fi and welcome HOME from a former Marine door gunner. MAG-16, Marble Mountain 1966/1967. Life Member Purple Heart L51691.

Larry

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Larry. Welcome Home Brother!!

Sgt. Hack,
Just read "The Life of a Warrior." I was in Vietnam from Feb 68 to Feb 69 with the Big Red One, Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry (The Black Lions). Our recon went into the area of the crash of General Ware's Huey and brought out the remains, including a German Shepherd if I am correct in recollection. We were shocked at General Ware's death. I am thinking that we were in the vicinity of Loc Nihn. It was a place of bad reputation. I am honored to have served in the same Division as yourself. No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great. First in, last out.

Tom Morrison

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Tom. Yes you are right on... the date was Friday the 13th of Sept. 1968. The 28th Inf. Black Lions base camp was also at Lai Khe Div. HQ. Welcome Home Brother!!

David Hack,
Just a short e-mail. A friend of mine gave me your book, "Life of A Warrior." When I got to page 25, I was a bit surprised to see where you were recruiting. I am from Akron and went in the service in 1966, got out in 1970... It was great to read a story like yours and be able to relate somewhat. Not nearly the sacrifices you made, I have been blessed. Commanded a recon unit in Nam for a year and walked away without a scratch. We all get together every 2 years and embellish the truth. Just wanted to say hello and thank you for your services and sacrifices.

Bob Walker
Cordova, TN

I swear I remember the Vette...

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Bob. Welcome Home! After spending a year in the hospital from combat wounds, I went on recruiting duty in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls from 1969 to 1973. It's a small world!

Sgt Hack,
I used to visit the Cockpit store in NYC, but found your website very easy to use and having all of the items I was looking for. I still use the NOMEX gloves when flying my small two place experimental airplane and loved them since first using them in the OH-6's. I taught FA AO's in them in the early 70's. My EOBC class was the first one NOT to go to Vietnam in '72 so I never made it there but served as FA Battery Commander for several years then in the National Guard before getting out... (ENG branch but served most of the time in an FA Battalion). I do think that all that served in that era are special people. Just ordered a jacket and some more gloves... thanks.

Mike Willey

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Mike. Thank you for your business. I also think that all who served are special... thanks for your service.

Sir:
I received my jacket today it is great - I have wanted one all my life. I looked all over both retail and the web. Your jackets are the best.

I was with the 69th engineers and 35th combat engineers in the Delta April 68-69. It was nice to finally be welcomed home.

Ted Stillwell

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Ted and Welcome Home!!! I was with the Big Red One up until the 13th of Sept. 68.

Sgt Hack,
I really enjoyed the pictures -- especially the Lai Khe village, which was immediately adjacent to the A/2/28 Black Lions company area. Many a Black Lion went under that fence at night!

Thanks,
Edd Humburg

From Sgt. Hack: Welcome Home Edd! Black Lions... yes, I remember them very well. Had a lot of Friends with them... great guys!!

Sgt. Hack,
Thank the Lord for Google... I typed in military clothing and your website was listed. Your website is outstanding and I am happy I found it. I was a medic in the 1/12 th Inf (Red Warriors), 4th ID during 68-69. Hey Sarge, all of us who were Army or Marine grunts might be getting older, but as Joe Galloway's book states: "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young." Take care.

Larry

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Larry. I know the feeling... I am now 66 years of age and was 28 in 1968 while I was with the Big Red One at Lai Khe. Nice hearing from you and Welcome Home!

Hi Sgt. Hack,
Welcome home. Just looked through your scrapbook, lots of memories in there for you. I saw in one of your pictures a caribou aircraft. I was with the 61st Avn. Co. stationed in Vung Tau in 1963-64. Our company had 16 of them, and the 1st Avn Co. had 18. Take care and God bless.

Charlie Dimon

From Sgt. Hack: Welcome Home Charlie! Yes the Caribou was a work horse! They were at Lai Khe while I was there in 1968.

Hello Sarge,
Ralph here, the pictures are great, brought back all kinds of memories. WELCOME HOME BROTHER. Have yet to see the wall, and don't know if I can, at least not alone. Keep the faith.

Thank you,
Ralph Henson-Lukas

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Ralph, Welcome Home to you also!! I know what you mean... it took me a long time before I could see the wall, and it hurt.

Hello, Sgt. Hack,
I bought a flight jacket from you about 12 years ago at the aviation show in Kent, Ohio. It's still my favorite jacket. I served as a boiler technician aboard the USS America CVA-66 from 1971-75. We made the last combat WestPac cruise 72-73. Good to see that business is good for you.

Joe Price Pine, Colorado

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Joe. Yes I remember you very well. Our home was right off the main runway there and that's where I would fly out of! That was a PR deal for Kent State and their pilots! Welcome Home brother!!

Sgt. Hack,
Just wanted to say that I was a member of the 1971's Tonkin Gulf Club. We directed aircraft from the carriers from the south; we were north of the DMZ, just off the beach. We also were to pick up downed pilots with our helo's. The ship I served on was the USS William H. Standley DLG-32 (later changed to CG-32).

Thanks for your service!
John Strawn

From Sgt. Hack: Hello John. Thank you for your service as well! Welcome Home Brother!

Sgt. Hack,
Good scrapbook. I was in and around Lai Khe, 5/67-5/68. Our compound was right across 13 from the chopper refueling point. Just outside the gate was the ammo dump before it blew, and the water point was on down 13 a short ways. Welcome home from 8/6 Arty, A Btry, 3rd Bde, BRO.

Boz
A Btry medic
5/67-5/68

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Boz. Man what a small world! I am glad you like the scrapbook. Welcome Home Brother!

Hey Sarge,
Served from March 69 to April 70..Stationed in Dian with 3/17 Air Cav, Headquarters Troop... I'm 58 years old now with 5 grandchidren and another on the way.

Sgt. Jerry Bianco

From Sgt. Hack: Hello Jerry. I went through Dian in 1968 on my way to Lai Khe. That's why there are some pictures of Dian on the site. Welcome home brother! (BTW I am 66 years old and still here!)

Sgt. Hack,
I appreciate your service and sacrifice for our country. Thanks for posting your scrapbook. I was honored to view it.

Ron Patla
Gulf of Tonkin 67-68
U.S.S. Bennington CVS-20

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you Ron and welcome home.

Sarge,
Wanted to drop a line or two in reference to the scrapbook that you have and the comments posted on your site. I was way too young to even think about going to Nam but as a young kid growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, I saw how this country treated the vets that came back from Vietnam and could not really understand why. As I grew older I started to understand the war and how it affected this great country of ours. My father served a tour in Vietnam in the USAF in '68 and has yet to speak of what he did but I do know that he lost many friends in Vietnam. We lost several family members to the war and consider them heroes as I do all of you. When I turned 18 I joined the Army in '84 and severed my entire time in South Korea which was 3 years and 8 days and really enjoyed my time in Asia.

Now I know this is late but please understand that I can not undo what this country did and how it treated the men and women that served their country by answering its call but I can say thank you to each and every one of you and say WELCOME HOME and my God bless each and every one of y'all.

Thanks,
Ron Bartlett

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you Ron for your kind comments and thank you for your service to our country. As US Military veterans, we all served one way or the other. Like that song says, "All gave some and some gave all." God bless you and yours.

I was at Bien Hoa 70-71 and TDY all over on the 0-1 Bird-Dogs as a crew chief... before that I was in SAC on the B-52 in Thailand [u-t-]. Now I know you remember "ARC-LITE"... if we got too close at times, sorry 'bout that... I would love to go back and retrace my steps. Your site is great. Please stay safe, be happy and welcome home.

Ron Young

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Ron. I appreciated your comments and I certainly appreciate what the Air Force did during the war! Welcome home!

Hey Sarge,
Sure enjoyed your site, especially the scrapbooks. As a few others have stated, just one picture can bring back loads of memories that I didn't even know were lodged back in the deep recesses of my mind. I was with the BR1 in 69 when it got re-deployed back home; a draftsman with G3 at HHC, I used to post MG Malloy's map and do briefing charts for what we affectionately called the 5:00 "follies" (the old man's daily briefing).

Rebel reminds me of our mut, "Dumb S**t." His son we named "Little Turd." Those dogs were treated so well. Is that why the locals wanted to steal them (Ha! Ha!). I was re-assigned to the Americal Division up north in Chu Lai for the rest of my tour in 69. I did work on the US Senate's sub-committee meetings & tour of the My Lai Massacre. Thanks again for the memories. I hope others get as much inner-healing from your pictures as I did.

We had a time of sharing in Church last evening. I shared how healing it was for me to visit your scrapbook yesterday. One of our members, Mac Adams, who receivied two Purple Hearts from Nam came up and stood beside me. The whole congregation stood and applauded us and truly welcomed us both home. I don't know if God's finished with me in this area, but I know he used you brother to help bring closure for me. Thanks again.

Steve Smeltzer

From Sgt. Hack: Thanks Steve. The scrapbook has helped many people like you and me, and reminded us how lucky we were to come home and also to remember those who did not. It took me a very long time to even talk about Vietnam. Welcome home brother!

I recently tried to purchase a flight jacket from two different sources on the internet. Both lied to me about availability, sizes and shipping times so I canceled both orders. Then... I found U.S. Wings and things fell into perfect place. I was correctly advised as to size to order; I was promised the item was in stock and would arrive by the date I requested... and the sales lady was as nice and helpful as she could be. At that time I had no idea of the fact that U.S. Wings was owned by a brother vet. After receiving my jacket, which I love, I was moved by Sgt. Hack's story and I now firmly believe that I was led by the man upstairs to place my order with the right man and the right company. Thanks again and Semper Fi.

Alfred Wise

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Alfred for your kind words! It's much appreciated!

Sarge,
I was in the USAF at Lai Khe from 15 Nov 66 to 29 JAN 68. I was a crew chief on the O-1 Bird Dogs that were parked at the south end of the runway. We did forward air control for the 3rd BDE/1st ID.

You have some good pics of Lai Khe; the one of the "Lai Khe Plaza" caught my eye. In 66/67 that was called the "Shopping Center". In the attached photo that's me leaning on the gate - when it was the Shopping Center.

Welcome home Brother...
Ken Hinks
USAF 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron
Bien Hoa/Lai Khe 66/68

From Sgt. Hack: "Welcome Home" to you too, Brother!! It sure is a small world... I was with the 3rd Bde. First Inf. Div. until I went with the CG at HQ. Thanks for sharing your pic, Ken!

I served with A trp 7/1 air cav at DiAn from March-April 1968. We operated out of Lai Kai several times. I remember an area just off the main runway where we would park our aircraft. I also remember the place seemed to get its fair share of rockets... First class web site. Thanks.

Michael Burton

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Michael!

I was in the 34th Engineers at Lai Khe 2-68 to 2-69. Those pictures really bring it back. I was a heavy equipment operator. My unit paved QL13 Highway, put a chain link fence around the village. My unit was next to the dust off hospital. Spent a lot of nights pulling guard duty. Thanks for the site.

Ken Bruce

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Ken! I remember the area very well.

David,
What happened to the dog? So sad! The lady? My brother was down south with the First Division (we were there at the same time)... he was with the quarter unit.

Eddie Delezen
3rd Marine Div.

From Sgt. Hack: While I was in the hospital in Fort Knox KY, a year after leaving Vietnam, a member of the First Inf. Div. was there and said that Rebel was still running around!! And I never knew what happened to Ko Bin.

David,
I just wanted to let you know that I have been a long time supporter of US Wings and that I wanted to the take time to welcome you home, brother. I served two tours in Vietnam from 1967 through 1969. My first tour was with the First Cav Division as a combat medic with 15th Med Company "Medevac" as a flight paramedic in the Central Highlands up to HUE, through the TET offensive of 1968. My second tour was with 159th Medical Detactment Helicopter Ambulance "DUST-OFF" also as a flight paramedic, in Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, Dau Tieng, the Iron Triangle, Hobo Woods and the Micheline Rubber Plantation. We were actually a sister company to your 57th Medical Detachment "DUST-OFF" in Lai Khe. We supported your Red One when needed. We worked mainly with the 25th Infantry, though. My third, and unofficial tour (i.e., as a civilian volunteer) was with the "Thomas Dooley Foundation" from 1969-1970. I worked as a non-operative operative, in the capacity of a medical technician, in Laos, Cambodia and Northern Thailand. This was a great trip and I truly loved what I was doing. Again, thank you for listening and again, welcome home.

Stephen Kamens

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Stephen. Welcome Home to you, too!

Thanks for the photos. I'm surprised you didn't have a picture of the old rubber plantation mansion along the runway. Nice to know a joe from the Big Red One made it to the big times. Good luck.

Gene Mock

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Gene!

Hi, Sarge Hack
I just finished looking through your scrapbook, and lo to my surprise I think you were my replacement when I left Nam. Do you remember who gave you the dog Rebel? It was me Sgt. Biddix. I think the reason you wanted Rebel is because you couldn't stand the dark. What are you doing now days? I retired with 20 years, now I am retired again, I will be 75 in September. More later, let me know if you get this and if you are the one I think you are.

Jack Biddix

From Sgt. Hack: Yes! You told me that Rebel could smell VC a mile away and could also hear incoming a mile way! I remember how we would take cover when Rebel would start running! I also remember how you had me bond to him and just how hardcore Rebel really was when needed! Great to hear from you and hope you are well!!

Sarge,
Did I ever mention that for a short while I commanded the 59th Infantry Platoon (scout dogs) in RVN?

Robert L. Menist
Major General
United States Army (ret)

From Sgt. Hack: Wow... what a small world!

Sgt. Hack,
I came across your site this evening and took a look thru your scrapbook -- what I saw almost floored me! I was in Charlie company, 1st Bn., 26th Rgt. 1st Infantry Div. from about May of '68 to July of '69 and Lai Khe was our basecamp! And that photo of the church in Di An -- I had been in there a few times. I recognize some of the other shots of Lai Khe, but not until I saw the photos did the memories start to come. Oh God, the memories!!! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for having that scrapbook, Sarge. You have made this old veteran's evening and may God bless you for it!!!

Chris Anthony

From Sgt. Hack: Thank you, Chris. And may God bless you as well!!

Care to comment on the scrapbook? Want to share your Vietnam service memories or experiences? We'd love to hear from you! Email us and we'll post your comments so other veterans and interested people can read them.