When we got there in Dec. 1971, every building in the area was totally deserted. Totally intact, but no Americans within 100 miles, except a hand full of us American Advisors. All hell broke lose on March 30, 1972, when the NVA surprised us, and the World, by coming across the DMZ only 2-3 miles away. We held out for 2 days, and got orders to escape and evade to the coast...but thank God the choppers came at the last minute and saved us.

For the few months we were there, we enjoyed everything you left behind. We surrounded the small compound with wire/bunkers/watch towers, etc...and sweated blood everything night waiting for an attack. When we found out the choppers were coming to take us out, Col. Metcalf gave the order to destroy everything we could. We had been under constant artillery fire for two days and took several hits, so there was not much to destroy. We mainly use thermite gernades to burn everything down. We put sand in the tanks of the generators and turned them on high and ran like hell.

I remember using my M16 to shoot up the Officer/EM combined Club....bottles were flying every where. The mess hall had taken a direct hit and food was every where.I just remember the syrup...it was everywhere and we where cleaning our boots off when the choppers came in. What a heck of way to leave your beautiful hospital.

We lost two advisors, one came in by chopper from Camp Evans. We placed him in the operating room...but we did not have any medics and he died from his wounds. Two weeks later, I went with a small team and walk thru the compound to check things out and look for any bodies of Americans. The entire place had been sacked by the NVA Army looking for loot. To make sure they got nothing of value, our higher headquarters had a B52 bombing raid over the entire base a week later.

I got to see some of the aerial photos of the raid....bad news, but there in the middle of the mess was the helo-pad with the big red cross.....saying "We came, We Served." It is now December 10, 2002....and I thank all of you that served at Quang Tri..... God speed!
Robert J. Wells, Major, US Army Retired <robert@pebble-pointe.com>
Daytona Beach, FL USA - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 21:01:15 (CST)

I have belonged to a Vietnam Veterans Group (Called Freedom Birds) here in Id.Falls since 1984, I am a past President of the group. Even though this group was made up of all ex- military men, they asked me to join because of my affliation with Vietnam and the soldiers.

We just published a 300+ page book honoring the Idaho's 45,000 Vietnam Veterans who served and the state 251 causalities.

We have been told by our U.S. State Sentor that our book is the nation's first comprehensive, statewide account of the veterans'stories from Vietnam. I worked on this book since 1990 and am honored to have been able to pay tribute to these brave men. Name of this book is "Reasons to Remember".

Would love to hear from other flight attendants who flew in and out of Vietnam. Keep up the good work in recognizing the Women Civilian Vietnam Veterans.
Nancy (Wood) Shamel <shamel@srv.net>
IdahoFalls, Id. USA - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 18:37:29 (CST)

I seek contact with any ex-service personnel, entertainers, journalists or others from that period in Vietnam who remember having seen me on stage or in person. This is for my own healing as well as for the book and my play, "This is a War Zone, Baby -- Improvise!".

I am a member of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia, South Australian Branch Inc. and the Returned and Services League (RSL). Since coming out of the woodwork in October 1995, I have had some very moving encounters with Australian ex-servicemen. Some have told me that it was having contact with entertainers in Vietnam that raised their spirits and in some cases, kept them from committing suicide. Many Americans I've met on the net and in person have expressed the same feelings.

I am one of the numerous entertainers who experienced Vietnam and the war very differently from what is portrayed in the media. This book is an as yet untold account of part of the war. Some people I met in Vietnam have had a significantly positive influence over various aspects of my life.

As I don’t have any photographs of my time in ‘Nam (I burned the few I did have in the erroneous belief that my memories would vanish with the photos), I am also seeking copies of photos of me that anybody may have. It’s a long time ago, but there were thousands of photos taken of me there – some must have survived.

My name is now Aviva Sheb’a. On my passport (and on my in-country ID), my name was Vivienne Miriam Marsh. My stage name was Aviva, which is actually the name I was given at birth. Date of Birth: 21 May, 1952. I was with the group, The Sydney-Siders. I also did some shows with the group, The King’s Cross Capers. These troupes were both Australian, but we were employed by the agency, The Douglas Wolf Organisation, to entertain at the US military bases. We also performed for the Australians. We were not with the USO shows or those organised by the Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF). I went to Thailand with the King’s Cross Capers on June 7, touring the US bases. I'd REALLY love to find a woman by the name of Dianne. Alas, I have no idea what her surname was, but she was also a dancer with the same groups. Other members of the Sydney-Siders -- Bruce Furney, (guitar, trumpet, vocals) Ralph Graham (guitar, vocals) Denise Cooper (singer) and I all met up in Sydney on Australian Vietnam Veterans' Day, August 18 this year! We all want to know how/where Dianne is -- WE LOVE YOU, DEE! What a blast that was!

Helen Nolan, who spent two years in Vietnam during the war (and who introduced me to this site), organised for us to lay a wreath at the Sydney Cenotaph for the Non-Combatants who died in VN, or who have died since due to their service there.

Others in the Sydney-Siders were Grahame Furney (he's living in London) and Jim Crowley. Very sadly, Jim passed away on St. Patrick's Day this year. Other members of the King's Cross Capers: Ron Blaskett, (ventriloquist -- his dolls were Gerry Gee and Adolphus Twirk), Ron McMurray (guitar, vocals), Paul Trevi (vocalist), George Gauci (drums), Sam D'Angelo (bass).

Some of my letters home to my parents actually arrived(!) and my mother kept them. Therefore I have some details of places I visited in Vietnam and approximate dates. At some bases, we did several shows.

Arrived in Vietnam March 12, 1970.
26-31 March: Vinh Long, Can Tho, returned to Saigon.
2 April: Da Nang. We were based there for several weeks.
5,6 May: Dong Ha
12 May: Qui Nhon
13 May: Phu Bai (or Phu Tai?) collapsed after one of the shows, was driven some kilometres away for treatment at a base infirmary. This may have been Can Tho, but I don’t have exact details. I was treated for diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration.
14 May: L.Z. English and Phu Cat (could have been Phuket, not sure of spelling)
15 May L.Z. English and North English
16-18 May: Bong Son, Cam Ranh Bay
18 May: returned to Da Nang
30 May: Saigon
31 May: Vung Tau

We also did several shows at Pleiku, around Quong Tri, Phuoc Tui province, Nui Dat and other areas, although I do not have details of these.

Some letters I wrote to my parents were posted by service personnel with their addresses:

Lt. J.L FORGER 0349-48-0012
HHC, 3 BN/503 INF.
173rd ABN NDE
A.P.O. SAN FRANCISCO 96250

CPL R.F. KELLER - 2377776
1st M.T. BN. HQS PO
1st MAR DIV
KPO SAN FRANCISCO 96602

Other people mentioned by name in my letters are: Staff Sargeant Earl (Freddie) Walker, Bob Golling, whose birthday was also on May 21st. He was from Cleveland, Ohio. (Believe it or not, he actually knew my uncle in Cleveland.) Other names I remember are Staff Sgt. Farmer (from Pleiku), Raoul Rodriguez, a Medic/Captain, if I remember rightly in Saigon.

There are many people I remember, but not their names. I often wonder what happened to them. Some I would like to include in my book, with permission and by name, if possible.

I appreciate any assistance.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone in Vietnam and whom I've met since, who saved my sanity in any way – even if it I didn’t realise it at the time!

Love and peace to you all,

Aviva Sheb’a
Aviva Sheb'a <aviva@chariot.net.au>
Adelaide, South Australia Australia - Monday, October 07, 2002 at 00:38:09 (CDT)

Several people have brought to our attention that many of the original sites that carried some of the above information on the National HCV March on DC on June 23, 2002, still have the old url address. Please update to: http://hcvets.com/forum_public/hma/disc.htm

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tricia, Natl. Coordinator at HMAwareness@aol.com

Thank you, GOD BLESS, and will see you at the march: Norm Seiff
Norm Seiff <normseiff@attbi.com>
Chicago, Illinois USA - Monday, May 13, 2002 at 13:38:52 (CDT)

Today, at the age of 40, I have often read about the 39-45 war. With time, I discovered another war, the Vietnam War and since then, I just cannot break away from it!!! But what i discovered the most is, a lost, American youth, destroyed and so profoundly touched by the events. And over the years, i realized the extend of this desaster, leaving behind some indelible scars... they are painful, fragile and touchy.

Although i collect all kinds of documentaries on the Vietnam War, there are two of them that I keep preciously and carefuly because I need them. They, in fact, allow me to share with you some emotion... Your emotion. These documents are : "Platoon Anderson" and "Dear America". I watch them as often as I can and some names, like Padilla the ranchero, Kevin Macauley and the very young Keaveney of New York, are carved in my mind. But of course, there is also William Reed Stock. His mother wrote a letter that moved me tremendously. Nevertheless, i do not and will never forget the others, the heroes without any names.

With Internet, I was able to find many veterans. Unfortunatly, since I am a French speaking man, and do not master the English language very well, I have some difficulties to understand what i am discovering and most of all what i want to express. But I know that whatever I understand touches me deeply. For this reason, I promised myself to take some intensive English courses. These lessons will also be an asset for me when, one day,

In a very near future, I will finally go to this Big Black Wall, where 50.000 names are engraved. There, I will quietly meditate. I would certainly love to offer a flower for the memories of Padilla, John Wilson, William Reed Stock, without forgetting Sharon Ann Lane... this beautiful young nurse. I am also planning on visiting the Brooklyn's Cemetery in order to put a bouquet of flowers on Keaveney's grave...this young boy whose face I was able to discover through the documents I have seen and read... Somehow, I miss him so much!

It is about all for now. In front of all of you, Veterans, I bow with the upmost respect. And I would like you to know that I will always have some thoughts and feelings for you.

God bless you. Peace Yvan Leriche
Yvan Leriche (In your memory.) <yvan.leriche@b-rail.be>
Belgium (Europe) - Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 07:15:47 (CDT)

What is needed: Readers; People to read poetry for 15 to 30 min. Poetry; The poems needed should be written by vets, families and friends of vets. The poems should range from before the war to the after effects. Researchers; to assist in finding poetry on the internet and published books. Web page design; Data entry; and much much more. CONTACT: e-mail warpoets@poetic.com ground mail J.D.Wilson 176 Lester, web page: warpoets.homestead.com
John D. Wilson <warpoets@poetic.com>
Park Forest, IL United States - Saturday, March 23, 2002 at 00:12:07 (CST)

Send me an email message for more information.
Bob Pries <rpries@cinci.rr.com>
West Chester, oh USA - Friday, March 22, 2002 at 19:36:13 (CST)

I know I should have written much sooner. I can't say why I did not. Out of fear of admitting to myself, you were there, fighting a war. Or maybe ashamed. Ashamed that I never accepted the things you felt you had to do.

Whatever it is, I know how it must hurt. Believe me when I say it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own. The pain of not being able to show my true feeling towards you.

I am not writing this for the months you served in Vietnam, but for the many years, you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly and it went unmentioned.

For a long time, I've wanted to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear. For a long time, I've wanted to hold you during your times of pain.

God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I use to say; maybe I do not want to remember. All I know is I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now.

For years you tried to be part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding...

I look back and see the demands I placed on your shoulders when you were young. "Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you."

Who was I to make such a demand? I sit here with tears in my heart; finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you.

"Welcome Home." You served your country honorably.

Please hear these words now, from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now. The world I should have been part of long ago. Love, America Copy rights 1984 2002

Jack Cunningham

Patriotic Americans Working Together www.CapVeterans.com
Jack (John) Cunningham <proudvietnamveteran@earthlink.net>
Sussex, NJ USA - Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 22:54:49 (CST)

Contact me for more information
Bob Pries <rpries@cinci.rr.com>
West Chester, OH USA - Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 11:41:32 (CST)