I was over there from 1970 to 1971.  It wasn’t that bad, but wasn’t a picnic either.  It was better than boot camp.  Looking back on it, I think I was too young to be over there fighting.  I really didn’t have a lot of sense.  I was lucky to make it out alive.  I can truly say God was watching out for me.  I had so many close calls—bullets flying near me; a guy stepped on a land mine right in front of me; and I could have died from hook worms, twice. 

About four months into my tour I applied for a transfer into a village.  I wanted to get to know the Vietnamese people better and help protect them from the constant raids of the VC. Thinking back on it, I think I just wanted more action.  I was like that—stupid!  Well about a week or so…