1964 Vietnam 1975

Becky Peters wrote on December 31st, 2020
I feel for all that have served a country that we soon will see America differently and sad that some have been injured or lost there lives
I really appreciate the ones that have served to Mae lives better for all the American people
Thank all that have served !!!
Donald J Sterba wrote on October 18th, 2020
Hack, I am proud to call you brother. Thank you for your service, your sacrifices and this site. May God continue to Bless you and your family. Again, my sincerest Respect and Thanks!
Lance 0. Lollini wrote on October 16th, 2020
Hey Hacksaw, I see your photo on the fishing stage site. Brings back memory’s of Nam every time I see you. I was in the.5th SFG 68 and 69. On occasion I was an extra gun an set of eyes on sniffer missions, low Huey of course. Always was happy to have choppers supporting us; insertions and extractions we often hairy but it beat walking, riding a McGuire rig was very exciting, Strabo wasn’t as difficult and safer. Gun ship support saved many of us. So a tip of the beret to you for your service. Lance
Tom Smith wrote on April 4th, 2020
4/12 cav 5Th infantry division, Ft Carson Colorado 1965 to 1967
Trying to fight this invisible war now be safe Hak see you on the fishing stage tight lines.🎣
Alice Arnold wrote on March 29th, 2020
My dear friend Norman R “ Andy” Anderson was killed on his second deployment to Vietnam January 1, 1968. He will never bebfirgotten.
clarence hooper wrote on March 27th, 2020
I served during TET 1967- 1968 in Qui Nhon I came back and served 1969 - 1970 in Tay Nhin. My hats off to all my BROTHERS & SISTERS who served. May GOD BLESS & KEEP YOU ALL SAFE!
Jimmy McFarland. AKA Fish Dancer wrote on January 27th, 2020
Thanks for your service and your sacrifice. You are appreciated.
Gordon Murray (Gordon on Fishing Stage) wrote on January 27th, 2020
Thanks for all you have done for your country. Your a good man Hack.
Steve Walters wrote on January 17th, 2020
Thank you for your service in Viet Nam. I served in the Air Force from 71 to 75. Never had to go to Nam but we were always on a 24/ 7 alert. We had to be ready to go at any minute. Was a long 4 years to be that way, but nothing compared to you guys actually in country. Thank you for your web site and God bless you.
Paul R. Humphries (Spiritof27) wrote on January 16th, 2020
USN 1968 - 1989. Thank you for this brother. Honored to call you Shipmate.
Brian Schaffer wrote on November 30th, 2019
What a great tribute to those who serve and have served! Your poem is very moving and well written. As I was reading this page I couldn’t help myself and think of those kneeling during our National anthem and the disgrace and disrespect it shows to all who’ve served. We can talk about rights and doing that for a cause but I believe that’s not the time or place for it ever!!!
Jessica McLain wrote on November 13th, 2019
This is such a solid, wonderfully written and moving page, awesome work!
Al Tandy wrote on November 13th, 2019
God Bless all the men and women who served in uniform for this nation. Those who served are the true heroes and deserve more than they receive. God Bless the United States of America and protect our men and women serving in harms way.
Bill Byrd wrote on November 12th, 2019
I am not a veteran due to my health. My dad, brother and brother in laws along with most of my nephews have served. I want to Thank Each and Everyone of you for the Freedom you have given us. You all have sacrificed so much for us. Thank You Again.
Chuck "MadMac" McKinney wrote on November 12th, 2019
I was first automatic riflrman, first squad, first platoon, Charlie Company MCB5. GREAT site. You tell it like it was and still is. I'm gonna read some more when my eyes stop leaking. So many memories rushing back.
Marc Bothne wrote on November 2nd, 2019
Fire Control Gunnery, USS Leary, DD-879, Home Run call sign. Gun line from DMV down to the south. End of Nov. we went up and said "Hello to Hanio", our Destroyer Squadron.
I will tell you the one thing that they never told us, "Welcome Home". Aug, 1964-Aug 1968. PO 3rd Class at the end. They declared Vietnam the day I got to Boot camp in San Diego.
Bob Blackert wrote on October 24th, 2019
I almost feel like I should not be among so many brave ones on this site, for I only supported many of Vietnam bound aircraft from overseas quite the distance away from any harm. The war in 69 to 73 for me was in a land that one did not want to venture, but yet those that I encountered on the flight line were proud to acknowledge they had been there. My duties required me to repair state bound aircraft for their mission was top priority. However my eyes came upon the flag draped caskets and realization doesn't take long to appreciate that what I was seeing was that all gave some, and some gave all. Thanks to so many never seems like enough for what you volunteered to do, but I do feel like we all are brothers and sisters and will never forget.
Joseph (Jim) Beran wrote on October 10th, 2019
Thanks & God Bless all who served past & present. This has brought many good and some not so good memories of my two RVN tours. My heart goes out to the current troops spending repetitive tours in harms way-my Prayers go out to them!,
keith hawkins wrote on September 9th, 2019
I am Keith Hawkins, I served with A/Co 229 Av Bn, ! Cav Div. from Feb 68 to Feb 69 . I was a Crew Chief/Door Gunner/Maintenance. Was at Camp Evans for a short time then moved to LZ Sharon and yes, watched the ammo dump blow up from Sharon. Thanks Keith for your emails and invite to your web site. tried to make last reunion at Ft. worth but couldn't. I'll try for the next. Glad you survived that "hard landing" take care and we'll talk soon.
Robert Wagner wrote on July 24th, 2019
I was a machine gunner with A co 5th Bn 7 th Cav 1966-1967 served the same unit as Joe did . Glad you made back home ,now take care of your self and get the PTSD and other health problems taken care of !! God Bless Brother !!
JOE SANCHEZ wrote on July 24th, 2019
GOD KEEP WATCHING OVER YOU, KEITH. YOUR FRIEND, -JOE WWW.BLUEWALLNYPD.COM
Dave Fischer wrote on July 24th, 2019
May GOD bless all our military.........both active & retired. Everyone of them are, and have been, HEROES. Besides fighting for all our freedoms, they are PATRIOTIC......perhaps it is time to bring back the draft, to instill patriotism in all our youth.
Amanda McCaughey wrote on March 11th, 2019
Hello Mr. Bodine. Somehow, I ended up on your website earlier. My Daddy was there. He didn't really talk about it, and I guess I thought I wasn't supposed to ask. I do remember him talking about the sound of that chopper coming for you. Thank you, glad you're home. Amanda Mc, Vinton, Louisiana.
victor Castle wrote on October 29th, 2018
Thanks for your service and your website, also for doing the art work for our website A-co 1/8th Jumping Mustangs. I liked your poems, some hit home closer than others.
Like you and others , we thought coming home with our Combat Medals , we would be treated different than we were in 1968. What a wake up call !
I am old and tired now. I'm still fighting Agent Orange, but lucky to be, I guess as most half passed who were sprayed.
'68-'68 A-co, 1st plt. wpns. squad.
Michael Pruitt wrote on October 10th, 2018
Uncle Keith! whats going on man! long time no see, im Mike, you proudly did my Dads honors in your Memorial section of your site SPC4 Jimmy D Pruitt 1st Cav Aerial Rocket Artillery {maybe that refreshes yer memory}, ya man, just wanted to check in with you & see how yer doing? iv been ok, as you may or may not remember, my Melanoma is back with a vengence, its now in Both Lungs! imagine that! iv already done 3 types of Immunal Therapies {simular to Chemo not as rough, but still an ass kicker} i do surgery on Right Lower Lobe {in lung} in a few weeks...so anyways, oh! forget his last name, met a dude on FaceBooks site called UH1-Hueys, all Huey pics & posts, nothing else allowed, met a dude Michael {last name???} from the mighty 229th 1Cav, after Nam he flew for the city of Los Angeles as a pilot {go figure right?} i told him about you but havnt gotten reply yet, i gave him your web address here Hack1966 one...take care man, you freakin Rock! im so appreciative you keeping my Dads name alive here, means alot!..take it easy, ... Michael Pruitt
steve wilbanks wrote on August 8th, 2018
Keith thank you this sight and your poem thanks for sharing this with us god bless you an all our troops
Thomas potochick wrote on July 19th, 2018
1st air cav airborne Vietnam 65 66 never forget
John B. Lehrter wrote on May 18th, 2018
Keith -You were a great door gunner and are a great poet. Your writings stir the heart and memory of all who served. Peace to you and your family. Serving with soldiers like you produced something good out of a bad situation. Hope to see you soon.
Michelle Waters wrote on November 25th, 2017
Keith - God Bless You 🙏❤️🇺🇸 Thank you for your service for our great Country. Thank you for speaking truth and putting this wonderful website together. You are a true hero.
William E Bodine wrote on November 18th, 2017
U.S.A.F. Mar 1965 to Mar 1969 in SAC.
Great website and glad you're doing this. It means a lot to many people. I"m proud to have you as my brother.
Eugene A. Beyer wrote on November 8th, 2017
Keith, what a wonderful reunion 16-19 Oct. 2017 we had in Ft. Worth. Some 50 yrs. after coming home from that God awful war. To see so many faces that were so young in Nam and and to see them today as mature productive citizens makes me very proud. You are the ultimate patriot and your web site reflects same. So little credit was given to you and the rest of our door gunners but let me assure you that you were an important cog in our daily activities and we never left home without you. Thanks to you and so many veterans like you that the Vietnam War will be remembered as we saw it firsthand and not from those weak and cowardly numbers that did not welcome us home.
Tim Griggs wrote on October 26th, 2017
Keith, your website is a beautiful testament to the spirit of the American Soldier. Fifty years ago in Vietnam, you were one of the guys we could count on the most. That hasn't changed and remains true to this day. I hope someday we can revisit our conversations Tuesday night at the reunion. You speak from the heart and continue to be an inspiration to us all. A/229th AHB. First Air Cav, 1967.
Danielle McGuire wrote on October 24th, 2017
Welcome home, Mr. Bodine. Thank you for your service. It's been a pleasure to speak with you.
Kathy wrote on October 7th, 2017
Hi. USAF 1996-2002, Mental Health Technician.
Family of Vietnam Vet wrote on October 5th, 2017
I am the cousin of PFC Philip A McNinch - KIA 3/21/1967, He was in the 1st Cav, B Co, 1 Bat/8th Cav, I'm trying to find more info on where in Binh Dinh Provence his death occurred. Wonderful site, God Bless you for your Service.
Brian Beasley wrote on October 2nd, 2017
Desert Shield/ Desert Storm Veteran, 1st Civil Engineering Squadron. Langley AFB, VA.
Keith- this is a great site! Thank you! My mom would have been proud! She was an AF nurse in Vietnam. We were extremely close. She loved to help people. Thank you- for your service...but, most of all- Welcome Home!
- Best Regards
Brian Beasley
Rich Rios wrote on September 16th, 2017
Excellent site Keith...good to visit and know. Always looked forward to resupply days...Army aviation...a boonie rat's
best friend. Take care brother.
Rich Simmons wrote on September 12th, 2017
Homepage: http://www.berdansharpshooter.org

Vietnam Vet: 54th Inf Det - 1st Cav
City/Country: Gettysburg, PA
Comments: served in country 1968
Joe Sanchez Picon wrote on September 12th, 2017
Vietnam Vet? Yes
City/Country: Deltona, Fl. Puerto Rico & NYC
Comments: Keith, just stopping by again and checking out your great Website, brother. Once again thank you for your service to our country. God bless, -Joe
john perelli wrote on September 12th, 2017
Vietnam Vet? yes 1966-67
City/Country: south windsor ct 06074
Comments: april 66-sept 67 c-130a gun ship spooky outa tachikawa japan 120 day tdys to cam ranh bay 3 such tours spent last 3 weeks of tour shot down at khe sanh we did gun runs and re supply da nang qui nhon an khe pleiku ben hoa so many places those herks landed i cant recall now work for pratt whitney ill have 45 years this coming oct 2012 welcome home
Bernie Weisz wrote on September 12th, 2017
I am a historian and professional book reviewer specializing in the Vietnam War. Hailing from Pembroke Pines, Florida, I am originally from Forest Hills, Queens, N.Y. My wife, Natalia, originally from Nicaragua, assists me in my research. I have 2 cultured, athletic and intelligent sons, David & Michael aged 21 and 19. David is a Freshman @ FSU Law School and Michael a Sophmore at FSU. I have a bachelor's degree in both American History and English (B.A. 1984 S.U.N.Y. @ Albany, N.Y.). My father was a pilot in the Royal Air Force in England, flying a Spitfire during the defense of England, a B-24 bomber, and a veteran of close to 100 missions over Axis skies. My cousin is a wounded and disabled Iraqi War Veteran, who lives in Arizona. I missed the Vietnam War, as I was 15 when it ended, however I have lost many close friends and associates and know friends with PTSD from that horrible war. I am an avid historian, wordsmith, book reviewer and weightlifter, but find times to divide myself from "gym rat" to "Father"to "Inspirationalist" and finally to friend to all those in need. To me, history is the crux of life! Those that do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat it!
John P. Mihal wrote on September 12th, 2017
new boston mi. USA
11th avn 1st cav 67-68
Chuck Wedge wrote on September 12th, 2017
Sharon Mercer
Served with ds5 15th TC and 227
Arthur C. Bonevich wrote on September 12th, 2017
1965--Shotgun XI.25th ID TDY..Door Gunner.Co A 1st Avn Bn (155th AHC)
Stagecoach / Falcons
1969/70--C & A Trp 3/17 Air Cav..1st Avn Bde..Charliehorse & Silverspur Scout's
Great site, Thanks...Artie, Scout's Out
John P. Mihal wrote on September 12th, 2017
new boston mi. USA
11th avn 1st cav 67-68
Kevin Dutton wrote on September 12th, 2017
http://hueyfanclubuk.weebly.com/index.html
Manchester United Kingdom
Great website,I'm only 10 years old, but found it of great interest. "Thank You".
http://Sons and Daughters of Vietnam [email protected] wrote on September 12th, 2017
Hi guys, first of all, Welcome Home to you Vietnam Vets, to all, but especially you guys...Im a son of a Vietnam Vet, Jimmy Pruitt, US Army B Btry, 2nd Bn 20ThArty "{Aerial Rocket"}and was attatched to the mighty 1st Cav. Dec65 to Jan67. Pleiku, Bong Son & PleiMe to name a few towns i still remember him talking about. In 1993, PTSD& alcoholism would destroy him, and he would make that ultimate choice, suicide. Im ever so proud of him, as i approach his age when he died, "45", im overwhelmed with love for him, and honor his efforts as well as ALL you folks who fought there.I do my best to get my Dads much needed recognition, for maybe if he didnt stay in the closet for so long, he would be here today.So any of you men who arnt feeling right in yer head, and you havnt already sought help, get into the VA!!! That day he died was the worst day in my life, for i was the one who found him. As a son, that hurt me bad. But, on a lighter note, Welcome Home Soldiers, and thanks to "Ken Coe" my new buddy who referred me to this cool site!!..visit my Facebook club "Sons and Daughters of Vietnam Vets"....Take care guys, Mike Pruitt...Sonofavietnamvet6567ARA
Mike Pruitt behalf of Jimmy D. Pruitt wrote on September 12th, 2017
Son of a Vietnam Veteran
Bill Kee wrote on September 12th, 2017
Mercer ,PA
member of B Co.228th 1st Cav Div F.E
member of Guns A GoGo ,1st Cav.1 avn. Det.
member 1st Avn.BN.71-72 Big windy ,hooks
Larry L Martin wrote on September 12th, 2017
Astoria , Or
While I was in the 101st - 501st infantry , charlie company I recived the Bronz Star & two purple Hearts and the Air Medal for flying in Hellocopters . You Have a very good Web site , and I injoyed it very much , Live Long
Russel G. Bird wrote on September 12th, 2017
Served 6/68 to 6/70 but not in country. Utmost respect for those who were there.
Jim Mitschke wrote on September 12th, 2017
Yes 4/77 ARA, 101st ABN DIV
Tulsa, OK
Peter T Tomaras wrote on September 12th, 2017
Hi, I have published a novel that prominently features the 229th Av Bn (AH), although the book is not about the Vietnam war. Johnny Hubbs helped me immensely, but has not answered my emails notifying him that the book is finally published...hope he is ok. Also helped: Don Zennie, Robert Peatross, John Pecha, Butch Lottman, Dan Tyler--and I can no longer reach any of them. Can you help notify people, esp. Skytrooper?? The book is Resistors, available at https://www.createspace.com/3741543, and also as an ebook at Amazon.com. I was NOT in-oountry and only hope my rendition does honor to the men of the 229th; did the best I could. Please let me know that you received this. Thanks for your service on my behalf (I did 8 yrs in USA Reserve, no combat). Peter T
Estella E. De La Fuente wrote on September 12th, 2017
Comments: Thank you for your wonderful web site. With much sadness I search websides that pertain to Viet Nam. My only brother Henry Escalera, served in Viet Nam. He was in the Army.A crew chief and a door gunner. My brother passed away in Oct 12,1999. 52 years old.I took care of him at home for three months. I did not want him in a nursing home. He had cancer all over his body. all he talked about was that he was going to see his buddies in heaven. Thank you with all my heart for this wonderful website where I can see comments of other soldiers who have been there. God bless you all. Estella
Estella E. De La Fuente wrote on September 11th, 2017
My brother was. Henry Escalera
Bob %22Jolly Green%22 Howland wrote on September 11th, 2017
Life Member of VVA Chapter 803.We have one of the few Vietnam War Museums in the country,dedicated to all Veterans of the Vietnam Era and their families.All other Veterans are welcomed.Welcome Home,Brothers.
James Massman wrote on September 11th, 2017
Enjoyed Website! Not enough like this one around if you ask me.
Hank Llewellyn wrote on August 28th, 2017
Keith, It's been 50 years since we walked the same ground and flew the same sky. Looking forward to the reunion next month and joining our brothers once again, A/229th AHB. 1st Air Cav.
Samuel Avalos wrote on July 20th, 2017
I was a late comer to the Nam, (1970-1971) 91B20 medical corpsman assigned to an infantry unit 23rd Infantry Division(Formerly Americal) assigned to a small hamlet, Duc Pho in Quang Nhai province and ended up in Dong Ha near the DMZ in the last 45 days in country. Saw too much death, more than was ever reported officially regarding GIs. A sad fact our government felt necessary to obscure and later hide all together. Coming back was hard having left good buddies behind in hell. It took me years to get over surviving. Today I am proud that l served and a very defensive and proud patriot. Welcome back all you war heroes!!!
Don (Wally) Payne wrote on July 15th, 2017
Keith - - You continue to amaze me with your website, poem and what I admire most you were a darn good soldier & continue to be a positive influence on all of us.

Don
Emi Wilkie wrote on July 15th, 2017
Keith, thank you for posting Gene's pictures. I learned lots of things about the Vietnam war from your website. I wasn't born yet when you and Gene were there.
Lanny Julian wrote on July 14th, 2017
My Cav Brother, your website is something to behold. Over the years, you have made many changes and improvements. This is truly a tribute to you and all the veterans who fought for their country during the Vietnam War. Well done, my friend, well done!
Keith Bodine wrote on July 14th, 2017
Thank you for Visiting my Website and Signing my Guest Book. Please Come Back. Hacksaw