VIETNAM WAR STORIES: SURVIVING EXTREME CONDITIONS AND GOVERNMENT BETRAYAL

THE idea the battlefields of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia posed severe existential threats did not escape us. However, our training in the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force indoctrinated us to understand and resist misery, injury, and death.

In the grand scheme of things, it was all temporary. “Suck it up!” would often come if we complained and we did.

 Of all the things in our lexicon of survival, quitting was not an option — survival was. Let’s face it: by the very nature of occupying a war zone equated with the concept, everything would pose challenges, injury, and mortal threats.

 We needed to find a way of returning to that mythical place called the U.S.A. Our lives depended on proving our metal daily. Of course, we could not know of our government’s duplicity and disregard for our lives.

 Equally, we would never understand their failure to orchestrate a just peace when the enemy came to negotiate or for their total dismissal in breaking all promises that would signal an end to the slaughter of more than 58,000 American boys and three million Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Laotians.

 But that was Vietnam, and for as long as I live, I will write about an era in American history where all logic found itself thrown to the wind and replaced with arrogance and, for lack of using expletives, incompetence bordering on insanity.

 I invite you to read the sordid history of the conflict and what our unit did to survive in the upcoming November book launch of Vietnam Uncensored. You will receive the first chapter, the radio broadcast of Corporal Cummings’ ghost story, and become eligible for fantastic discounts, giveaways, and prizes.

 All proceeds will go to the Kaufman Fund to help veterans in need. So, join the Vietnam Jerry community and become part of this campaign. You’ll be glad you did. Thanks.