The Viet Nam War (Ken Burns - Lynn Novick)

[sls.stormyrider]

Out of curiosity where was that pic of your dad published?

[Buffalo Budd]

Curious--I'll watch eventually, but did this image pop up yet?

That is badass sunrise.

[birdman]

2 episodes in. My father spent a lovely year there 68-69. I can't imagine the hell those kids went through

I'm sure we covered this sometime before now, but what branch & job?

My old man was USMC, rotary wing pilot, flew H-34s in Vietnam 1965-68. Got out of the Corps in early 69 right after marrying my mom.

My dad was drafted and served in the army. Apparently he was intelligent enough or valuable enough not to end up in the infantry. He ended up in the Engineers building and maintaining roads and bridges for the first half of his tour. the second half of his tour  he spent driving officers around in a jeep. Keep your head down and keep your mouth shut, the army loves that. thats his take on it anyway. He rarely talked about or references the war. My uncle (his brother) tells me  the war dramatically changed my father. He came back, focused and determined, went to business school and never looked back. 

[VA $l!m]

Watched the whole series. I especially enjoyed the private recordings between the presidents and their advisors- JFK, LBJ, Mcnamarra, Nixon, Kissinger, etc. - Crazy stuff they'd talk about behind the scenes.

my dad was drafted in 68 too, but as he was just telling me -every other graduating class from his basic training was sent to Vietnam , and he was lucky enough to be in an off week that was sent to Europe instead. SPent his tour in Germany.

[sunrisevt]

I'll try & do a 'paug-worthy brief on the old man tomorrow morning. But Wen, your dad's story sounds *exactly* like those  of friends of my dad's & mine 5-10 years younger than him. One,in particular, who was another nursing school Husband @ UNC around 2002-05.

[sunrisevt]

Out of curiosity where was that pic of your dad published?

Hm--publication I'm not sure, but it's been floating around since 1970. That was *when* the photo was taken--the protest on the mall walked to the Pentagon & a bunch of vets tossed their ribbons/medals. John Kerry got some heat for it in the 2004 POTUScampaign.

ETA: I think it was taken in 1970, but might have been 71.

[sls.stormyrider]

oh yeah
I actually remember that protest

Cool story Wen. Glad your dad got out of there OK

[mattstick]

Finished this tonight. So powerful. Should be mandatory viewing.

[blatboom]

this is fascinating and painful and thorough. Ken Burns is sick

2 episodes in. My father spent a lovely year there 68-69. I can't imagine the hell those kids went through

think my dad was there 69-70, marines. doesn't talk much about it naturally but always answered any questions I asked

[blatboom]

yeah good stuff birdman. my dad became a homicide detective

[ph92]

I watched this a few weeks back. This show was so amazing. Really eye opening on what a cluster that whole situation was.

Apparently my roommate's Grandpa helped make the show in some way. My roommate mentioned it when we were talking about the show.  His grandpa is a somewhat famous historian/author and specializes in American history.