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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Honolulu Dick, post: 980492, member: 24745&quot;]Be advised that all Nam Vets are not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] basket cases.&nbsp; We also were not the baby killers as reported by the then dishonest press.&nbsp; And, the majority of us were not the stoned druggies as portrayed by the film industry.&nbsp; When arriving home, we were met with screaming crowds of anti-war protesters.&nbsp; We left the land of flying bullets to arrive home to flying rocks.&nbsp; These hostile receptions resulted in many vets regretting and/or deeply burying their in-country experiences.&nbsp; Once buried, they continued to fester in angry silence and, for the unfortunate, that silence continues.</p><p><br /></p><p>If uncle Nam Vet was in the Infantry, he probably had a tough tour.&nbsp; The Infantry comprises only 12% of the Army, but accounts for over 87% of the casualties.&nbsp; The Marines share the same cruel plight.&nbsp; The &#039;sister&#039; services get three hot meals a day, showered daily and sleep on clean sheets.&nbsp; [jesting, just jesting.]&nbsp; Not certain what branch or service your uncle was in.&nbsp; He may have been fortunate and served in a supporting role, avoiding the hazards of living in the boonies.</p><p>&nbsp; </p><p>In most instances, vets are proud of their service and of the unit they served with.&nbsp; Many don&#039;t talk about their experiences because they find that others aren&#039;t interested or are put-off by the untidiness of &#039;war stories.&#039;&nbsp; Yet, when they get together with other &#039;been there, done that&#039; vets, they open up with a flood of stories.&nbsp; It&#039;s a kind of therapy not understood by others.&nbsp; We shared many of the same hardships, the same dangers and have an unspoken appreciation for each other.&nbsp; Simply put, it&#039;s a Nam thing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Your interest in MPCs offers an excellent approach for initiating a conversation, and doing so without being a direct reference to something he would prefer not to discuss.&nbsp; Tell him about the notes you have and your affection for them.&nbsp; You may consider suggesting to him that his service is a source of family pride and that you would appreciate knowing about his experiences to pass on to future generations.&nbsp; Gene pool pride, so to speak.&nbsp; Show interest in him and see how he responds.&nbsp; He survived the Nam, he&#039;s not fragile.</p><p><br /></p><p>Above all, keep us informed.&nbsp; Let us know how the situation is or has developed.&nbsp; Tell us what you learned about him using MPC and about his in-country unit, job, duties and/or experiences.</p><p><br /></p><p>May Lady Luck be your close companion.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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