Another VN vet gone

[Mobuck]

Got a call yesterday that a neighbor up the road had passed. I think he was drafted about the same time my older Brother was(65-66). Survived that ordeal, came home and married a local girl, built a house on a corner of her Dad's farm, and lived there since 1971. Just got a new house last year after a storm damaged the original and they found it mold ridden beyond recovery. He didn't get to enjoy it long.
Although we weren't "close friends", we were neighbors and I've known his wife since childhood so we had contact for decades. He wasn't well last winter and I made an effort to keep their driveway clear so they could get out if needed and several times they called to thank me. I'd just talked to him a couple weeks ago and he commented that he wasn't doing well and hoped I'd be able to manage the snow removal again this coming winter. I assured him that would be done so that was one concern off his mind for a while anyway.
Life goes on but the supply of old men is running out. Four in the early 70 age group gone in the last 1 1/2 years makes me somewhere in the oldest 5 men in the local area. No need to worry about it so time to go do chores.
Make it a point to visit with a veteran or just any geezer when you have a chance, there may not be another chance.

 

[bobski]

now im feeling old. im a vn vet. my goal is to be the last one alive. i have a good chance. i came in at frequent wind.
its now my lifes goal to outlive all of you warriors.

 

[Johnnu2]

"Make it a point to visit with a veteran or just any geezer when you have a chance, there may not be another chance."

I AM AN OLD VET/GEEZER.... )))))))))))

J

 

[graygun]

I'm 70 (VN 70-71) and visit the neighbor across the street;he's a 94 y.o. WWll combat vet.

 

[ronto]

After coming home from Vietnam in '68, every day since has been a gift to be cherished.

 

[Heliman]

My cousin survived the Tet offensive only to be taken down by the affects of agent orange at the age of 54, some 19 years ago. My heart goes out your neighbor’s family and all others who have gone too soon.

 

[bogus bill]

78.5 here. I fell and busted a hip this may. That made me realize I now am a genuine geezer. Just now getting off the stroller and using a cane. I have a great neighbor that winterized the roof cooler etc. Also I am lucky I married a seventeen year younger wife that takes good care of me and our house in my waning years.

 

[jimbo1096]

Just had #72. My mind doesn't think I'm that old but my body does. I marvel at how the younger ones just spring to their feet when they come over to help my outta my chair-----
BTW-drafted in 68 but never went "in country", I just floated out there in a big old flattop.

 

[Heliman]

Just had #72. My mind doesn't think I'm that old but my body does. I marvel at how the younger ones just spring to their feet when they come over to help my outta my chair-----
BTW-drafted in 68 but never went "in country", I just floated out there in a big old flattop.

Went in country for a few weeks, but I too mostly floated around in the gulf on a flattop (USS Midway).

 

[Jeepnik]

I remember as a kid hearing that WWI vets were disappearing. Then it was my dad's generation of WWII and Korea vets. I know my contemporaries from Vietnam are passing yet somehow it just doesn't seem like it should be happening so soon. We just aren't that old yet.

Or are we. My kids went to Iraq in 2003. That's closer to twenty years ago than ten. How can this be?

 

[Big Old Boy]

In country 69-70 and lately I am discovering getting old is not for sissies or the faint of heart.

 

[Merle1948]

Got a call yesterday that a neighbor up the road had passed. I think he was drafted about the same time my older Brother was(65-66). Survived that ordeal, came home and married a local girl, built a house on a corner of her Dad's farm, and lived there since 1971. Just got a new house last year after a storm damaged the original and they found it mold ridden beyond recovery. He didn't get to enjoy it long.
Although we weren't "close friends", we were neighbors and I've known his wife since childhood so we had contact for decades. He wasn't well last winter and I made an effort to keep their driveway clear so they could get out if needed and several times they called to thank me. I'd just talked to him a couple weeks ago and he commented that he wasn't doing well and hoped I'd be able to manage the snow removal again this coming winter. I assured him that would be done so that was one concern off his mind for a while anyway.
Life goes on but the supply of old men is running out. Four in the early 70 age group gone in the last 1 1/2 years makes me somewhere in the oldest 5 men in the local area. No need to worry about it so time to go do chores.
Make it a point to visit with a veteran or just any geezer when you have a chance, there may not be another chance.

very good advice! I missed seeing several relatives (and old friends) because I was short on time and had to get back to work in another state. Next time turned out to be for their funeral!

 

[OVERLOADDED]

Six months, in country. USN. Overloadded

 

[Rick Courtright]

JBTW-drafted in 68 but never went "in country", I just floated out there in a big old flattop.

Hi,

Which one, jimbo? I lost my closest HS buddy last year. Just short of 70. He was on the Enterprise some time in '69-'70.

Rick C

 

[Rancher Will]

I may have mentioned this on this forum a while back, but I will mention it again here. I believe long life is based on planning.

I remember that about 80 years or so ago, I, like every other kid, planned to live forever. That's how we lived then. I am Korean war Vet, 90 years old next spring. So far my plan from decades ago is still working.

Every year here in Northern Colorado, around Veteran's Day, a dinner and meeting is held for veterans. The dinner is always in Fort Collins. I attended again this year. The guest speaker this year was a retired AirForce General who came all the way from his home in Florida to be with us. Nearly 1,000 vets were in attendance including 4 from WWII, 72 from Korean War. I remember the oldest WWII vet was 103 years old, One of the 4 WWII vets was a female Army Officer nurse who was 97 this year.

 

[Tommyhof]

I'll join in, Coral Sea, Tonkin Gulf Dec 71 - Jul 72

 

[Mobuck]

We attended the visitation this evening. It was a bit difficult since we knew so many of the family. As we approached the widow, she gave Grouch Attack the obligatory "she hug" and then as I reached to take her hand, the widow gave me a very uncharacteristic full on hug. I was surprised but accepted her hug as she offered. No harm, no foul. Maybe she just needed that comforting contact and I was the one she felt comfortable with???
As I passed through the growing crowd, I was amazed to see all the "OLD" people whom I'd gone to school with.