The Complexities of Military Service in Vietnam: A Personal Perspective

Reflecting on my experiences and those of my fellow veterans, the question of positive aspects of serving in the Vietnam War might come as a surprise to many. Many view the conflict as nothing but a disastrous chapter in history, filled with sorrow and tragedy. However, for some, there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Adverse Effects of the Conflict

As a concerned observer and a neighbor to several veterans of the Vietnam War, the negative impacts of the conflict are abundantly clear. Trauma, both physical and psychological, has left a lasting mark on many lives. One individual I knew was so profoundly affected by the sights of the Vietnam War, such as the unexpected resemblance of a rice paddy to a viewed field, that it nearly led to a complete breakdown. Another veteran, who endured immense guilt over his wartime actions, likely never led a normal life.

A painful example of the human cost includes my acquaintance, whose seven-year-old son suffered from a rare birth defect almost certainly caused by exposure to Agent Orange. The last I heard, this man was in a wheelchair, likely due to the same exposure. These are the harrowing realities faced by many who served during the war.

Positive Aspects: The Unspoken Brotherhood

Despite the grim atmosphere, there were some positive elements to the experience, particularly the brotherhood among fellow soldiers. One aspect that often goes unspoken is the powerful human connection that forms in the face of shared adversity. Soldiers who endured the hardships of war together would sacrifice their lives for each other, embodying the noble message of unity and support. This is a legacy that transcends the horrors of war.

Take, for example, the teachings of Jesus, often referred to as the Son of Man, who counseled us that the greatest love is to give one's life for another. This profound human bond and the sense of purpose that comes from such camaraderie is something that is often underappreciated or overlooked in discussions about the Vietnam War.

Broader Implications and Personal Reflections

While the war itself had many adverse consequences, its participants were directly or indirectly influenced to travel to places they could only dream of as children. This journey could be seen as a positive outcome of the conflict, though it is often overshadowed by the more tragic aspects. Some veterans did return with more material gains, such as duffle bags full of cash from the black market and the dope trade, but these gains are not typically associated with personal or professional fulfillment.

A personal struggle often associated with war service is the impact on one's personal and family life. For instance, post-war life involving a career driven by burying oneself in work, sometimes to the detriment of family relationships, is not without its costs. My own life trajectory included a career success built on my work ethic and a life filled with regrets over personal drinking and outbursts. Family members left me, and now I have grandchildren I never met and children who are barely communicative with me.

Though I still sometimes have nightmares, the only positive outcome for me, and for some of my peers, seems to be the opportunity to travel to distant lands and gain some measure of worldly experience. In theory, the draft was meant to ensure military diversity, but in practice, many evaded it, with one person claiming to have a heel spur through a doctor's letter. Personal sacrifices and experiences are what shaped the reality of those who served, and the legacy of service, though marred by many negative impacts, remains significant.

Thank you to all those who served during this tumultuous chapter of history, ensuring the diversity and resilience of our nation.