Vietnam Vet

That sticker gave me some pause. I actually mulled it over in my mind for some time. Try it! What does it do for you?

I must agree that, like everything else, it is in the eyes of the beholder. As a WW II Navy combat veteran, (four combat stars) and survivor of the sinking of the USS OMMANEY BAY – CVE –79 on January 4, 1945. I found it offensive. As the first Chicano graduate of West Point, I found it offensive. As an Air Force combat veteran of the Korean Conflict (Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals) I found it offensive.

So what is it with the Vietnam vet? When they returned from Nam, most would not wear their uniform on home leave; American society wanted little to do with them. Baby and women killers they were called! Then they built Memorials in their honor. Has one been built yet for The Greatest Generation, of veterans, the World War II Vet? Or the Korean War Vet?

I had just encountered the Viet bumper sticker a few days earlier. Then on July 13, 2003 Presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) was in Albuquerque at the DAV Post # 3. I am a life member of the post. The Director of the NM Veterans Service Commission, John Garcia, introduced him. Garcia lauded the Vietnam vet, there was nary a word about WW II and Korean War vets. There was a footnote about the Baatan Death March. When Senator Kerry went on to emphasize fairness in his speech, I had to grasp the moment and, like we say in Spanish, “Jalar pa me lado.” How about us World War II and Korean War vets? Hey, we won our wars! Don’t we deserve some mention? Since we are dying at the rate of a thousand a month, should we not have priority? Specifically, in the area of Veterans Administration benefits.

To his credit, John Garcia apologized to me, and added, “It won’t happen again!” This 79-year old WW II & Korean combat vet would like to spark some debate.

WW II and Korean War vets - isn't time we speak up? A Vet is a Vet! ¿E Vato?

Bumper Stickers do convey a message. I am going to start reading them.