It was my pleasure

[koalabear]

to have known you all, and I am to the better for having met you.
Sixteen Draftees who did not want to go but did.

Chuck, Bob, Tallman and Head Hunter never set foot on USA soil again, but became a part of it.

Rat, Johnny Walker, Tom died within three years of returning.

Shorty, Yoyo, Sam, Lawman, Preacher, Fish, Leon, Chuckie all died off over the years from various cancers. Last Thursday December 20, 2001, Soul Man danced his last step.

And then there was one, I owed my life to these Gentlemen more then once. We laughed, loved, lived and died with each other, yet those were some of the most glorious times of my life. Each one of these soldiers was killed in Viet Nam, some just didn't realize it till the cancer set in.

To you Gentlman I lift this glass in a final toast. I loved you all and you are sorely missed, God Rest their souls, they spent their time in Hell.


"Here I am send me"

 

[p_p_man]

As someone who always gives tribute...

to the Unknown Soldier everywhere and anywhere...

I, too, raise my glass to sixteen named ones.

ppman

 

[LRC]

Gone, but never forgotten!

{{{{{{{{{{ Hugs Honey }}}}}}}}

 

[T.H. Oughts]

We shall never forget those that gave us freedom.........

 

[Shylady]

I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you all for serving.

 

[Cheyenne]

A fine tribute to your friends, Koalabear. It seems too soon for all of you but one to be gone though. You must be a true survivor. Thank you for your time serving your country.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Chuckus]

Having lost friends in the Gulf and Somalia......I too toast them.

*raising his glass in toast of ALL who have and are serving our nation in the Armed Forces*

Thank You.

 

[morninggirl5]

Koala,

I wish I could find the words to express my appreciation for you and your brethren. Although you are the one still here from your company, you are not alone. My father is finally dealing with his time in Vietnam and reconnecting with the men from his company has helped tremendously.


mg


"All gave some, Some gave all"

 

[erosman]

A toast to your memories...

and to your positive, I'm-the-better-for-it outlook.


Your friends are not forgotten.
They live on through your memories...
but mostly in your gratitude.
Thank-you for the gift of your courage.

 

[koalabear]

Thank You................

 

[Problem Child]

K-bear

From an ex-sergeant who was lucky enough to serve during peacetime...

Thanks to you and all the others who get the call and do their duty.

 

[Guest]

others have said that words cannot express their feelings and i am no different . we all owe you a debt that cannot be repaid

 

[pabloback]

others have said that words cannot express their feelings and i am no different . we all owe you a debt that cannot be repaid

that was me

 

[girl]

Please add my gratitude and well wishes to all those who have spoken before me.

Freedom is not built on a flag, but on the blood, sweat and tears of the men and women who answer the summons to serve.

My great thanks,
girl

 

[patient1]

I toast the people that made my freedom& security possible.

 

[StondTmplPilot]

I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who served to protect our freedom. Thank you all very much.

 

[Ladybird]

I hardly know what to say.

Friends of mine were conscripted and sent to Vietnam. None are the same.

Perth, Western Australia (where I live) was a popular R&R destination for many soldiers, Australian and American alike.

They all came here with one mission.. to live as hard as they could, knowing the hell they were returning too.

And now I watch these same men march on ANZAC day, and they're old. Old way beyond their years.

And every time I see them, I cry. I cry for them, their mothers, their girfirends, wives, children.

Boys were sent away to war, and old men returned.

It breaks my heart just to think of it.

My love and understanding is with you koalabear, along with my admiration for surving that you saw and had to do during this terrible war.

Sharon x

 

[stargazer]

Sometimes "Thank You" doesn't seem to be near enough. For your friends and for you, I am eternally grateful.