When I see photos of myself in a Navy uniform I can’t believe that over 50 years have past. I get a lot of “Thank you for your service” comments when I wear my Vietnam Veteran ball cap. It’s nice to hear that and it certainly wasn’t the case after the end of that war.
I use those “Thank You” moments to strike up a conversation and ask if they have served. If they have, I ask about their health. In many cases if they were exposed to Agent Orange I hear stories of illnesses. I’ve had people tell me of suicides and problems with the VA. It is a constant reminder about cost of war. The subsequent wars introduce new problems, exposure to toxins in burn pits and traumatic brain injury from IUD attacks.
I know little of the WWII service of my father and uncles, except in fragments of letters. My uncle lost his life in the Battle of Peleliu, ironically codenamed Operation Stalemate II.
Thank you Uncle Ed, Uncle Fran, Aunt Adeline and Dad (Tony Poltrack) for your service.
