LB48 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Just as a point of information on this Memorial Day. I served in Vietnam and kept track of the Bills from the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper. Even in that situation a LOSS was upsetting. 7 1 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Wonderful Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Thank you serving and protecting our country LB48. Wishing you peace and respect today and everyday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poleshifter Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 I am a Vietnam Era veteran, and I thank God for that word "era". I was drafted in 1970 (50 years ago last week!) and served in Germany. 4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfbillsfan Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 I'm proud to say my Dad is a combat wounded Vietnam veteran and a Bills fan. I am sure there are a ton more, maybe just not on message boards. Thank you for your service and Go Bills! p.s. I will ask my Dad if kept up on the Bills while over there. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 26, 2020 Author Share Posted May 26, 2020 1 hour ago, Poleshifter said: I am a Vietnam Era veteran, and I thank God for that word "era". I was drafted in 1970 (50 years ago last week!) and served in Germany. Many here don't even remember the 'DRAFT'. When your number came up you didn't get a million dollar contract. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leonbus23 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Not quite Vietnam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poleshifter Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 12 minutes ago, LB48 said: Many here don't even remember the 'DRAFT'. When your number came up you didn't get a million dollar contract. In 1969, there was a televised drawing of birthdays and numbers assigned to each birthday. When my birthday came up at #126, my sisters burst into tears. Supposedly, they were only taking numbers up to 100-something. So how does #126 get me drafted in mid-May? My brother came up at #350 or so, but he was already living in Plattsburg, as close to Canada as he could be. He has been living in Canada for the last 50 years or so. Oh, and yes, we have no million-dollar bonus for you. But we will forcibly advance you $25 of your first month's pay, so you can pay for the haircut you must get. Yes, we had to PAY for the worst friggin buzz cut of our life. Just adding insult to injury, so you will get used to it. Ha! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 26, 2020 Author Share Posted May 26, 2020 1 hour ago, Poleshifter said: In 1969, there was a televised drawing of birthdays and numbers assigned to each birthday. When my birthday came up at #126, my sisters burst into tears. Supposedly, they were only taking numbers up to 100-something. So how does #126 get me drafted in mid-May? My brother came up at #350 or so, but he was already living in Plattsburg, as close to Canada as he could be. He has been living in Canada for the last 50 years or so. Oh, and yes, we have no million-dollar bonus for you. But we will forcibly advance you $25 of your first month's pay, so you can pay for the haircut you must get. Yes, we had to PAY for the worst friggin buzz cut of our life. Just adding insult to injury, so you will get used to it. Ha! I was in Vietnam by 1969. Those hair cuts - - I remember them well and they weren't free of charge. BUT, we did get free green underwear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poleshifter Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 3 hours ago, LB48 said: I was in Vietnam by 1969. Those hair cuts - - I remember them well and they weren't free of charge. BUT, we did get free green underwear! I had long hair and didn't want those barbers to cut it, so I butchered it myself the night before. Doh, it looked bad. I had a pretty easy run in the Army, all in all. In physical testing at end of boot camp, they miscounted, credited me an extra set of monkey bars, and I got the E-2 stripe. My more athletic buddy did not get the stripe. Then 6 months of radio repair training in Georgia, a short year in Germany, and I was done. I have been very blessed in my life. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 7 hours ago, LB48 said: Many here don't even remember the 'DRAFT'. When your number came up you didn't get a million dollar contract. I remember my older brothers anticipation as his draft number was getting nearer, he spent three weeks in Saigon, then was sent to 8th Army headquarters in Soul S Korea. He was never a football fan that I ever saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALF Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) I joined the Navy in 69 to avoid the draft. After watching the nightly news and protests made up my mind to error on the side of caution. I'm too scrawny to be a ground pounder , they would have made me a tunnel rat for sure . That thought alone scares the heck out of me even today. Being able to follow the Bills win or lose is a real blessing. Edited May 26, 2020 by ALF 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd1 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Just to be a stick in the mud... Memorial Day is to honor those who died in war. Veterans Day is to honor all those who served. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJBobby Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Reminder. Armed Forces Day - Honor Those still wearing the Uniform. Veterans Day - Honor those that hung their uniform up. Memorial Day - Honor those that Never got a Chance to take the uniform off. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T master Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 In 1969 i was 8 yrs old and can remember seeing protests on TV most every night i never really understood why Vietnam was going on but i had 2 uncles and 1 very good friend i know that went and praise god came back physically fine . Reading the stories here today i just want to say thank you to each that wrote your stories for giving your time to give us the freedoms that we have, thank you and all God's blessing to each and every one that served !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Beard Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 My father in law is a Vietnam era veteran. He’s 85 years old. He served in Greenland, pushing snow around with a bulldozer. He has a lot of stories about the cold and primitive living conditions. Nobody was shooting at him, but it sounds like it was pretty harsh. He’s more of a Giants fan than a Bills fan, but he follows pro and college sports pretty enthusiastically. He can talk about the Bills pretty knowledgeably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherpa Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) Vietnam was before my time, but as a newly minted Naval Aviator in my first squadron on my first carrier cruise, the CO/XO and all four department heads were all flying strikes from carriers during that war. During the transit to the Western Pacific after you leave Pearl Harbor there are days and nights that flight operations are pretty slow, and it gave us new guys a chance to hear their stories, usually late in the evening in our ready room. Some of them were really interesting, but how they hated how that war was managed on so many levels. Such a waste. Very little NFL information during those pre internet days during "blue water" ops when you are very far from land. We'd just get the scores in the Monday morning message traffic. Edited May 26, 2020 by sherpa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffaloflash Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 14 hours ago, LB48 said: Just as a point of information on this Memorial Day. I served in Vietnam and kept track of the Bills from the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper. Even in that situation a LOSS was upsetting. Yep,A Bills loss was worst then getting Mortared! ***** Tam,River Assault Group (Rivron 15) 69'-70' 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poleshifter Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 5 hours ago, cd1 said: Just to be a stick in the mud... Memorial Day is to honor those who died in war. Veterans Day is to honor all those who served. Over-officious jerks! We have grammar and spelling police here, now the holiday police. The question was about who served in Vietnam (era). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) Withdrawing in ‘73, it’s now more than 47 years ago (a few years less for the official end of the conflict). That makes the youngest vets 65 now. Their numbers are quickly dwindling as we maxed at 2,709,918 who served in ‘Nam. For reference, we had 16 million troops in WWII. ‘Agent Orange’ has sadly played a significant role in their demise. Personally, I wasn’t too far behind them, having joined up in January of ‘75 on a delayed, 6 month enlistment. Somewhere around April, I received a notification that Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits would expire before my expected start date and I should move my date up immediately to receive the benefits. I didn’t participate so I didn’t deserve it and reported on my official date. P.S. Thank you for your Service, OP! Edited May 26, 2020 by Chandler#81 Added Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 19 hours ago, LB48 said: Just as a point of information on this Memorial Day. I served in Vietnam and kept track of the Bills from the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper. Even in that situation a LOSS was upsetting. Thank you for your service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cd1 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 2 hours ago, Poleshifter said: Over-officious jerks! We have grammar and spelling police here, now the holiday police. The question was about who served in Vietnam (era). If you just asked about veterans that were Bills fans - no problem. My uncle died in WWII. He did not live to be a veteran. Memorial Day is to honor all of those who DIED in service to their country. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE To fight about this shows that you are the JERK... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBillsFanSince1973 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 19 hours ago, LB48 said: Just as a point of information on this Memorial Day. I served in Vietnam and kept track of the Bills from the "Stars and Stripes" newspaper. Even in that situation a LOSS was upsetting. welcome home, to you and all. thank you and all for your service and sacrifice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radar Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) 8 hours ago, cd1 said: Just to be a stick in the mud... Memorial Day is to honor those who died in war. Veterans Day is to honor all those who served. Not being a stick in the mud at all. I served in the Navy from '61-65 and was aboard a carrier in the war zone. Always refer to myself as serving in the Vietnam war era and not a Vietnam veteran. Memorial Day indeed should be for honoring those who have lost their lives in service. I'll go one step further. I see no need for a veterans day. If we're going that far how about police officers, firefighters and first responders day. Many of those were and are at greater risk than I was aboard a carrier. Edited May 26, 2020 by Radar 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 16 minutes ago, Radar said: Not being a stick in the mud at all. I served in the Navy from '61-65 and was aboard a carrier in the war zone. Always refer to myself as serving in the Vietnam war era and not a Vietnam veteran. Memorial Day indeed should be for honoring those who have lost their lives in service. I'll go one step further. I see no need for a veterans day. If we're going that far how about police officers, firefighters and first responders day. Many of those were and are at greater risk than I was aboard a carrier. I’m all for it....it’s starting to sound like going to a four day work week! But they certainly deserve what recognition they do get, especially these days. Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 16 minutes ago, Augie said: I’m all for it....it’s starting to sound like going to a four day work week! But they certainly deserve what recognition they do get, especially these days. Wow. It wouldn't surprise me if in the near future a National Holiday is created to recognize them. As for some others, Veterans Day came from Armistice Day (ending of WW1) and transitioned into recognizing all veterans. The country use to have National Holidays for Washington and Lincoln's Birthdays and that transitioned into "Presidents Day". My point being there are appropriate holidays for many reasons and the meaning do change but it shouldn't create division on a football board. If anyone is wondering I am a vet and served in the USAF from '77 thru '81. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ticketssince61 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 Thanks to all of the vets who served. in Vietnam and anywhere else!! [whether or not you were actually in combat] I was in elementary school during the Vietnam war and remember our school bus taking a detour to avoid the protests and tear gas at the UB main street campus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) 49 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said: Thanks to all of the vets who served. in Vietnam and anywhere else!! [whether or not you were actually in combat] I was in elementary school during the Vietnam war and remember our school bus taking a detour to avoid the protests and tear gas at the UB main street campus My older sister (by 8 years) went to her high school prom with a guy who then went to Vietnam. He was dead just a few months later. He was a kid with his whole life ahead of him. He didn’t want to be there! One of my friends tried to protect his parents from his unstable brother who had just returned from the war. He saved his parents, but the knife slashed some nerves in his right wrist. He had to learn to become left handed. That stuff is very real, and it shakes you. How those vets were treated upon their return was a national tragedy. They didn’t deserve that. What a terrible shame. Thank you to ALL vets for your service. . Edited May 26, 2020 by Augie 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceman_16 Posted May 26, 2020 Share Posted May 26, 2020 (edited) My old man was in the air force during that time. He loved the Bills and followed them the best he could. He was in "intelligence" and wasn't really allowed too much contact with the outside world. I was picking sand out of my arse during t our first super bowl. Both my kids are serving now too and keep up with them (one army one airforce). Go Bills! Edited May 26, 2020 by aceman_16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poleshifter Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 3 hours ago, cd1 said: If you just asked about veterans that were Bills fans - no problem. My uncle died in WWII. He did not live to be a veteran. Memorial Day is to honor all of those who DIED in service to their country. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE To fight about this shows that you are the JERK... "Over-officious jerks" is an old Marv Levy quote, yelling at the refs. I did not start the thread, only responded to the question. Try to relax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevWarRifleman Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 I'm a Vietnam "Era" vet. Air Force '68 - 72. But I had a few encounters with Vietnam vets. The encounters made an indelible impression, in a positive way. I'll share: I was stationed for 2 yrs in Anchorage, Ak. Our base was a refueling stop for Aero Vac flights from Nam going to the states for their medical discharge. These are the guys that got hit badly & they were returning for their medical discharge for they were too banged up for any further service. They always came through night, 9, 10 o'clock Alaska time. I was at the Flight Line cafeteria after a night school class & saw these guys coming through to get some food while their plane was refueling. It was, to me at least pretty bad. Guys coming in with heads bandaged up, arms in braces, legs banged up & walking on crutches,etc,etc. I was barely out of my teens myself and I remember thinking "that these guys' lives are forever changed"! Some of them were probably athletes in high school like me and will never be able to play sports like they did in school. That, and other things like that drifted through my mind as I returned to my room in the barracks. I had a few other times in that cafeteria at before my tour their was up. I never forgot about those guys throughout my life. Would tell my students about them and other times to my students when the were learning about the Vietnam War. I wanted to give them, especially the boys, something to think about concerning war. Over time, and many years now, I still think about those gentleman. I've shed tears for them, They helped me to grown up a bit as I've thought of them back when I was a young man. I hope they all lead happy, healthy lives. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 27, 2020 Author Share Posted May 27, 2020 21 hours ago, cfbillsfan said: I'm proud to say my Dad is a combat wounded Vietnam veteran and a Bills fan. I am sure there are a ton more, maybe just not on message boards. Thank you for your service and Go Bills! p.s. I will ask my Dad if kept up on the Bills while over there. Give your Dad a hug from me - - Viet Vets stick together! 13 hours ago, ALF said: I joined the Navy in 69 to avoid the draft. After watching the nightly news and protests made up my mind to error on the side of caution. I'm too scrawny to be a ground pounder , they would have made me a tunnel rat for sure . That thought alone scares the heck out of me even today. Being able to follow the Bills win or lose is a real blessing. My brother-in-law WAS a tunnel rat. He was short and skinny but very athletic. He still can't forget those memories of going into the unknown! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 27, 2020 Author Share Posted May 27, 2020 12 hours ago, cd1 said: Just to be a stick in the mud... Memorial Day is to honor those who died in war. Veterans Day is to honor all those who served. I understand! A lot of Vietnam Veterans who came home really did die mentally after that experience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 27, 2020 Author Share Posted May 27, 2020 9 hours ago, Buffaloflash said: Yep,A Bills loss was worst then getting Mortared! ***** Tam,River Assault Group (Rivron 15) 69'-70' 1st Aviation Brigade '69 & '70 Ban Me Thuot 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LB48 Posted May 27, 2020 Author Share Posted May 27, 2020 5 hours ago, Chandler#81 said: Withdrawing in ‘73, it’s now more than 47 years ago (a few years less for the official end of the conflict). That makes the youngest vets 65 now. Their numbers are quickly dwindling as we maxed at 2,709,918 who served in ‘Nam. For reference, we had 16 million troops in WWII. ‘Agent Orange’ has sadly played a significant role in their demise. Personally, I wasn’t too far behind them, having joined up in January of ‘75 on a delayed, 6 month enlistment. Somewhere around April, I received a notification that Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits would expire before my expected start date and I should move my date up immediately to receive the benefits. I didn’t participate so I didn’t deserve it and reported on my official date. P.S. Thank you for your Service, OP! Almost 400 Vietnam Veterans die each day in 2020. Life expectancy stats show: For US Vietnam Veterans it's about 66 years vs just about 78 years for non vets. 5 hours ago, BarleyNY said: Thank you for your service. Thank YOU for saying that. 3 hours ago, ColoradoBills said: It wouldn't surprise me if in the near future a National Holiday is created to recognize them. As for some others, Veterans Day came from Armistice Day (ending of WW1) and transitioned into recognizing all veterans. The country use to have National Holidays for Washington and Lincoln's Birthdays and that transitioned into "Presidents Day". My point being there are appropriate holidays for many reasons and the meaning do change but it shouldn't create division on a football board. If anyone is wondering I am a vet and served in the USAF from '77 thru '81. Thank YOU for your military service. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProcessYaDigg Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 15 hours ago, Radar said: Not being a stick in the mud at all. I served in the Navy from '61-65 and was aboard a carrier in the war zone. Always refer to myself as serving in the Vietnam war era and not a Vietnam veteran. Memorial Day indeed should be for honoring those who have lost their lives in service. I'll go one step further. I see no need for a veterans day. If we're going that far how about police officers, firefighters and first responders day. Many of those were and are at greater risk than I was aboard a carrier. Thank you for your Naval Service. I definitely honor all services, but am more biased towards seeing Sailors who served. I'm currently a Chief in the Navy. "Navy Chief! Navy Pride!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bopper2 Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 I was there in 70-71. I followed the Bills with my subscription to Pro Football Weekly. Some weeks I actually got it. Many times it was appropriated by someone in the mail chain. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts