Good morning,

Thanks for everyone who sent in their Iraq stories, we will feature them in upcoming newsletters. While one anniversary passes, another is upon us, as last week marked 50 years since US combat troops pulled out of South Vietnam. So we wanted to share stories we have received, and ask if you have any from your self or a relative we would love to hear about them.

My thoughts have been with all Vietnam veterans this week.

On this day in 2003

Central command said there was “increasing evidence” that Saddam Hussein’s regime had lost control of its fighting forces. US troop casualty totalled: 51 dead, 16 missing and 7 captured. A lot of these casualties were from the Battle of Nasiriyah.

In todays newsletter we honor some of our readers who sent in stories…

We have been sitting on some stories sent in from the Vietnam war to coincide with this week. Please let us know your stories, and how you have found life post war, as sadly we often have to fight twice, once abroad and then our internal battle once home.

If you have a story you wish to share then please send it through to us. I hope you enjoy some reflections of other readers ⬇️

Si’s Story:

“One of my favorite people on this planet happens to be a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Sergeant Major Bill Hartley, USMC (Ret), enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968 and served as a Machine Gunner in the Vietnam War. He continued to serve for over thirty years before retiring as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Sergeant Major in 2001.

Today he lives in a small town just down the road from the University of Idaho. He may have retired twenty years ago, but that doesn't mean he stopped training future Navy and Marine Corps officers.

He regularly volunteers to speak at public events on campus and mentors our students in smaller settings, sharing his experience and preparing them for what comes next.

His humility and sincerity are unmatched, and we are all better for knowing him.” Si

Alberts Story:

“We aim to acknowledge the often-overlooked contributions of the United States Army Women in Vietnam, who served as unsung heroes during the Vietnam War. The majority of the military women who served were nurses, ranging from recent college graduates in their early 20s to seasoned career women in their 40s, all of whom were volunteers. The Army Nurse Corps arrived in Vietnam as early as 1956, and by March 1973, around 5,000 had served in the conflict.”

“Sadly, five female Army nurses lost their lives during the war, including Lieutenant Colonel Annie Ruth Graham, who had previously served in both World War II and Korea. First Lieutenant Sharon Ann Lane, who passed away in June 1969 from shrapnel wounds after an attack on the hospital where she worked, was awarded the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Bronze Star for Heroism posthumously. Colonel Graham is also one of eight women whose names are listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, designed by Maya Lin, a 21-year-old female college student.”

“In 1993, the Vietnam Women's Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., honoring the service of women in the Vietnam War. The centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze statue by Glenna Goodacre depicting three female nurses assisting a wounded soldier.” Albert

Adams story:

“I'll take every opportunity I can to remember, honor, and recognize my dad. This image was taken for graduation from jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1967, not long before being sent to Vietnam.”

“A wide-eyed boy of just 18 years and newly able to claim legal adulthood, he had only recently graduated from Santa Cruz High School in California. Most previous summers he spent his time surfing, cruising the popular beach and boardwalk scene, and doing commonly what carefree young people of his time did.”

“And then, just like that, he answered the call of his country, enlisted in the US Army, and was off to training for a foreign war. Of course, the innocent naivete of youth would quickly fade amidst the heavy weight and exacting toll of violent armed conflict.”

“This became the leading bookend of a military career and service that started in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam and ended decades later in the mountains and high-plateau deserts of Afghanistan.”

“I am grateful for his legacy of love, service, and reverence for God, family, and country. So much of his experience has colored my perspective and life expectations and experiences for the better.”

“As I honor him, so too do I honor and "tip my hat" today to each veteran of the Vietnam War and who served during that time. You were scarcely seen or respected when you came home back then. I'm resolved to do and be better than that. Thank you, one and all from me and so many today who are resolute in not repeating that ingratitude. You are deserving of so much better--the best in fact.”

“Here's to you, Dad. I love and miss you and know I'll see you again.” Adam

Gift ideas

I was looking for a gift for a friend this week and came across this present which I ordered from Amazon. Thought I would share as its quite unique, and I know he will love it! If you have any unique items let me know and where you got them please.

From our YouTube Channel

Check out our YouTube Channel which tells the story of the Navy SEALS rescuing hostages Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted. 

In the news this week

So each week I share news stories that I found interesting and I hope you do to.

• I was saddened to hear about the Blackhawk down crash that killed 9 service personnel this week.

• Apparently 10,000 US Army soldiers are obese due to the pandemic. What’s your thoughts on this? Email me back.

Did you know?

After being asked in a bar what you did by a girl, I am sure we all knew someone who said “I am a dolphin trainer”. Well it turns out it could have been true!

The Marine Mammal Program is a specialized unit within the US Navy that uses trained dolphins to assist with various military tasks. The program was established in the 1960s and has since become an important part of the US military's operations.

Dolphins are particularly useful for detecting underwater mines, which can pose a significant threat to military vessels. The Marine Mammal Program trains dolphins to detect and mark the location of mines, allowing the military to safely navigate through areas that may be otherwise dangerous.

Picture of the Week

Sponsor this newsletter

If your business or company is interested in reaching an audience of veterans, serving military personnel, or supporters of our brave men and women who keep us safe, you may want to advertise with us.

With the world taking about Artificial intelligence (AI) I have started researching this for the military and what this means. Warfare is constantly changing as we have seen in Ukraine, but I believe the AI race is really starting to take off now. I will share what I learn on this fascinating topic.

Rob 🫡