Vietnam Vet from my home town passes

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hittman

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Nobody here would know him but he had one memorable honor very early in his career.

He served in the Army from 1962 to 1983 and retired as a First Sergeant. In 1963, he was selected to be stationed with the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment Old Guard Soldiers. That same year he rode the lead horse of the horse drawn caisson that carried President John F. Kennedy to Arlington Cemetery.

RIP Sgt. Pace.
 
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RIP
I read 2/3rds of the Nam vets that served from from 63-73 are deceased! I think this to be much higher than the general male population for that age group. Could be wrong. I haven't researched this myself.

Don't know why I'm printing in "bold"-not intentional
 

hittman

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I just looked up U S Army ranks. Speaking as someone who never had the pleasure of serving …. Looks to me like First Sgt was fairly high up the enlisted ranks.
 

JBP

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RIP
I read 2/3rds of the Nam vets that served from from 63-73 are deceased! I think this to be much higher than the general male population for that age group. Could be wrong. I haven't researched this myself.

Don't know why I'm printing in "bold"-not intentional
That's about right. Of the 2.7 million that served in Nam approximately 850,000 of us are still around. A 2004 study put Vietnam veteran mortality at 7% higher than the same age non Vietnam veteran cohort. It's probably higher now with the long term cumulative effect of Agent Orange exposure. The PACT Act added a number of presumptive medical conditions to Agent Orange and burn pit exposure. I get yearly scans for lung and thyroid nodules plus I have Type 2 diabetes. Just turned 77 and recent VA check up found me in good health. As long as I can get to the range once a week I'm doing well.
 
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JBP I was lucky. I served from March of 68-70. Dual MOS- infantry and intelligence. For three years (ROTC and active duty) I was told I was going to Nam. My first duty station was Philly and they told me not to unpack as I wouldn't be long in Philly before going. The Army in it's wisdom decided the nation was far safer leaving me in Philly than terrorizing South East Asia. Probably a good call for all :) I have great respect for all of you who served in that crappy war.
RIP Sgt. Pace
 
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