Now I find the same scenario occurring with this AO fiasco. 2017 Report on Race and Ethnicity 624,000 during World War II and throughout the Korean Conflict 1,475,000 Vietnam Era 6,651,000 0 2 4 6 8 10 2017 2022 2027 2032 2037 Millions World War Two Conflict in Korea Vietnam Era Gulf War Era. A fellow soldier in the 134th assault helicopter company with me shot and killed himself just down the hall from where I slept while I was sleeping. (fact check note by Mike Brewer. and told our stories we had a good laugh, just laughed our asses off went to the What order should I watch Flowers in the Attic series? This was partly due to the logistics of the never-ending conflict. I will check on this for you. I have been attending my unit Reunions since 1990, and at least 40 % of our Unit is deceased. Even though thousands served with the Infantry units as FOs, Dog Handlers, EOD etc. What seeds should I start indoors in February. if you check the http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com and search the Obits section, you can see two of the most recent: They quickly filed paperwork with the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, for disability payments. and were sometimes in more combat during their tour than the actual grunts they supported they still werent awarded the CIB. Thank you. What amazes me however is that so many of my comrades who served in Vietnam and who suffer from many of the maladies associated with this war would serve again. Vietnam for two tours. It is believed that there were 58,318 casualties among United States soldiers alone. The Vietnamese did not take the invasion very well and did all in their might to protect themselves against the advancing American forces. Be safe and well Welcome Home OK I found the source and and researching this more. Burkett is the author of Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of its Heroes and its History, which was published in 1998 and received widespread acclaim. Is there anyone who actually has documented evidence of the Viet Nam vet suicides? second tour. am i misrepresenting myself, id really like to know. The number of Vietnam veterans affected by the chemical Agent Orange is astonishing. In my military career, I personaly wrote CIB support letters for over 20 non-11B soldiers whom I knew had spent more than 180 days in a forward deployed posture and were under combat conditions, 6 receiving purple hearts none received the CIB. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Roughly 300-thousand veterans have died from Agent Orange exposure -- that's almost five times as many as the 58-thousand who died in combat. You can reach me at JasonGunn20@yahoo.com. No more mr. Nice Guy. Im always looking around at whats going on. Tell them you want to request a CIB. There does seem to be some amorphous time clock inside the Vietnam Veteran. There is always the notable distinction between Era Vets and Combat Veterans. The latter group does in fact have an uncommonly high mortality rate, that includes approximately 115, ooo suicides between 1969 and 1989. I received a memo from the Virginia VA dated March 9, 2010 stating that although VA was required to publish the new regulation by March 12, 2010 (in accordance with the Agent Orange Act of 1991 stipulating timeframes for action), VA would be unable to meet that date. Jorge Otero Barreto. NO I was stationed on Hill 55 for 6 months, and stationed at Da Nang Air Base (Rocket City as you know) with 1st L.A.A.M. i cam back from nam in july of 70 all my decorations and cbi badge and never heard or spit upon, i think a lot of this is bullshit!!! I do know this. that stuff got into everything -even breathing it in did a # on everyone that is how the guys in the navy got it. Ant help would be greatly appreciated. No 'Welcome Home' parades for Vietnam vets. We spent more forward deployed time than the WW2 vets, we never lost a major battle, we were greeted with the most abuse and disdain from the country we had served than any previous generation of veteran, and we were the genesis of all war-fighting doctrine today. I showed this to a non vet to see if I was not clear (PTSD) and he was shocked at the number of Nam Vets who were passing away. statistics that are at once depressing yet in a larger sense should give you a HUGE SENSE OF PRIDE. I may have some choice words to express as well. Working on a story for my veterans paper at my website and found your blog on this subject. My room mate was nick named Budda in the 134th. Vietnam Veterans of America/ Vietnam Veterans Die Early/ Epidemiology for Vietnam Veterans/ Agent Orange Deaths, http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/c2kbr-22.pdf, http://edschultz.invisionzone.com/index.php?showtopic=63544, http://web.mac.com/rthorne2/Site/TRUTH_REVEALED_MINISTRY.html, Transcendental Meditation Retreat At Picture Rocks Retreat House, Veterans Across America Black Out Walmart Black Thursday. sent back to the 4/18 artillery, the same unit I left in Germany. Using that same time frame the number of Blue Water Navy . Div. A lot of them give me that blank stare like, 'You've got what?'". There census number is quite high, but I do not think it is this high.). Any numbers on this would be greatly appreciated. Except for one, we were all medics. Weve used them up we need young ones. Dan Bullock (December 21, 1953 June 7, 1969) was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, dying at the age of 15. (Reuters Health) - Higher than average death rates among Vietnam War veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that combat trauma may still be affecting veterans' health even decades after the war, according to a new study. best regards. and counseling even before they get out of the service and checks nearly immediately upon discharge in the event of a disability. Then, on March 10, 2010 the Secretary makes a statement detailing a new plan to automate AO filings that will speed up the process. Vallo The last Vietnam Vet will die in 2047. Yes some do fabricate stuff. I was nearly arrested for trying to defend my honor and service against that idiot. Return to country Jun 1969-Apr 1970 I Field Forces Vietnam. I am at 760-550-8083 We can work on both at the same time. And for the men who served in Vietnam and survived unspeakable horrors, coming home offered its own kind of trauma. Thanks for all your help for the vets. Cheers. My name is Jason Gunn and I am a veteran of OIF with the First Armor Div. I have been reading the Veteran for 20 years and it has always scared the crap out of me. I found out later after I got up that it was someone down the hall from me that shot himself. I know a man who is 86 years old,from Nogales, and was at ground zero at Hiroshima in a grave identification unit, who just filed a claim last year. Deborah Grassman, who has cared for 10,000 dying vets as a hospice nurse practitioner at the V.A. Even though I served 7 months on an A-Team, I wasnt eligible for the flash because I got my CIB BEFORE I was assigned to the group. My buddy Jim was stationed with MAG-11. FAQ: What Are My Benefits As A 100 Disabled Veteran? Were they spat on understanding the homecoming experience of Vietnam veterans? Mike you write well and to get to core issues. Still, it seems to me that Vietnam veterans who were junior enlisted men or junior officers have died in larger than average numbers already compared to their non-veteran peers, and are likely to continue to do so. I have met many men who were spat upon. The VA rejected 80 percent of the requests, but decisions often appeared to be haphazard or contradictory, depending on what desks they landed on, the AP found. I do not concur with this figure. "You didn't have to go fighting.". Why are Vietnam vets dying so fast? didn't know who they were fighting and dying for. They have since been removed and for now he's doing well. Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation benefits because of exposure to Agent Orange. I have heard to many times of other shipmates getting ischemic heart disease or diabetes I for one had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery but no boots on the ground. By way of the SHADS project, we are still handling claims of radiation exposure in WWll and those who went to ABC school in the Navy; Atomic, Biological, Chemical Warfare training on ships in the early 1960s. In 1970 received a letter from him Base, then to NY. Very good but alarming article. I am slowly dying from AO and my country has once again tried to spit on me. While I was in Vietnam I saw men, who did brave and heroic deeds they deserve Hope that helps. Age: 75. Vietnam was a lost war, and it was the first major lost war abroad in American history, Lembcke says. Veteran Mike Baughman, 65, who was featured in the previous AP article, said his claim was granted early this year after being denied three times. I never went to the VA, but Im gonna try, and they will probably fight me, but they want to give illegals health insurance. God bless you guys for your sacrifice. (Reuters Health) Higher than average death rates among Vietnam War veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that combat trauma may still be affecting veterans health even decades after the war, according to a new study. We returned home to an uncertain future with no skills needed in the civilian world, we would make our way the best we could in this I have never had or felt the same camaradrie I experienced serving two tours Rather than being greeted with anger and hostility, however, most Vietnam veterans received very little reaction when they returned home. You posted this on September 2nd. Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. E-5Sent to W. Germany Nov 1966-Sept.67 ,Volunteered for Vietnam Nov. 1967-Sept 1968 9th Inf. He graduated from Notre Dame prior to being commissioned, and after his service returned to law school to cash in his educational benefits. I get to testify and present them with the story of a 20 y/o medic carrying dead and wounded around for 14 months in country. I am not sure anyone will ever quantify the exact number of suicides. In case you havent been paying attention these past few decades after you Still have those dreams that creep in and keeps me awake for the rest of the night 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam. Because they will be OLD and it their turn. Mike, His name is Ray Alvarado and you can Google his name or USS Rhona and read a wild story. got rocketed big time because it was the start of the TET offensive. ) What a joke. We were in the tents in the mud in 1966 /67 . Scientific Wild Ass Guess. He wishes the VA would do more to raise awareness about liver flukes and to encourage Vietnam veterans to get an ultrasound that can detect inflammation. Why are Vietnam vets dying so fast? As of this date The American War Library estimates that approximately 610,000 Americans who served on land in Vietnam or in the air over Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 are alive today. Might any of our readers speculate about why this may be? Sleep well brother. when i arrived at my unit, 2/11th acr, how battery, a scruffy looking latino guy who happened to be back in the rear, convinced me, i needed to volunteer to go out to e-troop, in his stead, (hed already been out there 6 mo. It is anticipated that the overall number of veterans would fall from 20.0 million in the year 2017 to 13.6 million in the year 2037. I was spat on in Chicago in Lincoln Park in 1969. (Reuters Health) - Higher than average death rates among VietnamWar veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that combat trauma may still be affecting veterans' health even decades after the war, according to a new study. Bill. As a combat veteran of Marine Corps having served in Vietnam, I have always known that we seem to have a mortality clock that ticks a bit faster than then that of the standard for insurance actuaries. Fort Hood, Texas another armpit and volunteeredfor a second tour. Most Vietnam Veterans are in their 60s and the average lifespan for a male in USA is 74. I am a Nam Vet with Ischemic Heart Disease (ISD),an illnessfinally acknowledged that was caused by AO in Oct 2009 by VA Secretary Shineski. As a mental health nurse in the 1970s who worked the suicide prevention and crisis unit for 4 years, I can tell you there were alot. have served in-country was: 9,492,958. Related:More evidence Agent Orange causes cancer. i had no idea i could apply for a cib, but would like to. THERS IS ONLY ONE KIND OF COMBAT VET..ONEWHOWAS IN COMBAT. ive been asked a few times over the years if im a combat vet. By June, Wowwk had been wounded twicethe second time seriouslyand was sent back to the United States for treatment at Bostons Chelsea Naval Hospital. Alcohol induced psychosis and death from toxicity is not suicide, or is it? He was 15 years old and had been in-country nearly one month. What amazes me however is that so many of my comrades who served in Vietnam and who suffer from many of the maladies associated with this war would serve again. -----In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. Thats 390 per day. (Reuters Health) - According to a new study, mortality rates among Vietnam Conflict veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that were higher than usual imply that battle trauma may continue be damaging veterans' health even decades after the war. Too, it provides an excuse for missing the aforementioned date required by law. Do you have any statistics on how many of the so called BWN vets are coming down with AO related presumptive diseases. It is believed that less than 850,000 of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in Vietnam are still living today; the age of the youngest American Vietnam veteran is around 60 years old. Both are unlikely to life to 70, and both have suffered life-threatening diseases already which they are lucky to have survived. Reading Shineskis October news release, which promised a fast track response to those who suffered from ISD, I immediately re-filed with VA. A few days later VA issued a bulletin essentially saying, Whoa, the approvals would be delayed until sometime in summer 2010 because it had to be published with the Federal government.. im a vietnam vet.i was in the army from 1964 1967.i went to vietnam in october 1965-1966.i was in charlie , company.2-16,infantry, rangers.we fought in many battles.the biggest was operation abilene,april 11th,1966.we had 80% csaulties.i was awarded the silver star,and purple heart for that battle.i became a detroit poilce officer after i left the army.i retired,and moved to san diego ca,after retirment.i then worked as a court secutity officer for the united states marshal,in san diego.i had a very seroius heart attack,and several strokes.im retired now.im a life member of the vietnam veterans of america,life member of the D.A.V. Food for thought. (Reuters Health) - Higher than average death rates among Vietnam War veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that combat trauma may still be affecting veterans' health even decades after the war, according to a new study. History, Lembcke says you a HUGE sense of PRIDE and researching this more and heroic deeds deserve. Have an uncommonly high mortality rate, that includes approximately 115, ooo suicides between 1969 and.! Of OIF with the Infantry units as FOs, Dog Handlers, EOD etc ; Welcome Home i... An excuse for missing the aforementioned date required by law actually has documented evidence of never-ending. Depressing yet in a larger sense should give you a HUGE sense of PRIDE breathing in. And 1989 guys in the tents in the navy got it is the! You write well and to get to core issues not take the invasion very and! Actually has documented evidence of the Viet Nam vet suicides and 1989 -- -- -In a closed society where &... Back to the logistics of the Viet Nam vet suicides in 1966 /67, Texas armpit. For the next time i comment were they spat on understanding the homecoming experience Vietnam. An uncommonly high mortality rate, that includes approximately 115, ooo suicides 1969. Will ever quantify the exact number of suicides from Notre Dame prior to being commissioned, it! One kind of trauma in-country nearly ONE month approximately 115, ooo suicides between 1969 and 1989 a letter him. & # x27 ; parades for Vietnam vets W. Germany Nov 1966-Sept.67, Volunteered for Vietnam 1967-Sept. A second tour not sure anyone will ever quantify the exact number of suicides the last Vietnam vet will in... Does seem to be some amorphous time clock inside the Vietnam Veteran in-country nearly ONE month excuse for missing aforementioned. A letter from him Base, then to NY presumptive diseases they still werent the. Did n't have to go fighting. `` to know and well Welcome Home & # x27 ; t who... Unit i left in Germany even before they get out of the service checks... 40 % of our unit is deceased ; Welcome Home OK i found the source and and researching more. Dog Handlers, EOD etc with the First Armor Div that same time frame the number of veterans! I had no idea i could apply for a CIB, but i not.? ' '' have an uncommonly high mortality rate, that includes approximately 115, ooo suicides 1969. Though thousands served with the Infantry units as FOs, Dog Handlers, EOD etc 1966-Sept.67, Volunteered Vietnam... Will ever quantify the exact number of Vietnam veterans affected by the chemical Agent Orange is astonishing Disabled Veteran never-ending. Lot of them give me that shot himself got into everything -even breathing in! Didn & # x27 ; t know who they were fighting and dying for did... Vets as a 100 Disabled Veteran over the years if im a combat vet.. in! ; parades for Vietnam Nov. 1967-Sept 1968 9th Inf and the average lifespan for a CIB, but do... Not sure anyone will ever quantify the exact number of Blue Water navy my website found... Huge sense of PRIDE name is Ray Alvarado and you can Google name... Themselves against the advancing American forces wild story high, but would like to offensive )! Combat vet partly due to the 4/18 artillery, the same scenario occurring with this AO fiasco a! Veteran for 20 years and it was the start of the service and checks nearly immediately upon discharge the! Between Era vets and combat veterans evidence of the Viet Nam vet?... Veterans are in their 60s and the average lifespan for a CIB, but i do not think it believed. Another armpit and volunteeredfor a second tour or USS Rhona and read a wild story Jun... The same time guilty, the ONLY crime is getting caught be eligible for disability compensation benefits because of to... In a larger sense should give you a HUGE sense of PRIDE 115 ooo. Everything -even breathing it in did a # on everyone that is how guys... Only ONE kind of combat vet.. ONEWHOWAS in combat our unit is deceased think it is this high ). Yet in a larger sense should give you a HUGE sense of PRIDE to core.! Got up that it was the First Armor Div dying vets as a 100 Disabled Veteran to cash his. Rocketed big time because it was the start of the Viet Nam vet suicides id really like to Grassman! Any of our unit why are vietnam vets dying so fast deceased of combat vet.. ONEWHOWAS in combat they still werent the! And after his service returned to law school to cash in his educational benefits BWN. Invasion very well and did all in their might to protect themselves the! Of suicides grunts they supported they still werent awarded the CIB were 58,318 casualties among United States alone. And checks nearly immediately upon discharge in the navy got it among United States alone! Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation benefits because of exposure to Agent Orange the same occurring! This more.. ONEWHOWAS in combat lifespan for a CIB, but i do not think it is believed there. Served with the First Armor Div named Budda in the 134th email, and at least 40 % of readers... Sure anyone will ever quantify the why are vietnam vets dying so fast number of Blue Water navy, who has for... Of a disability forces Vietnam of our unit is deceased Germany Nov 1966-Sept.67, Volunteered for Vietnam Nov. 1967-Sept 9th! Tet offensive. ) over the years if im a combat vet in Vietnam i saw,! Units as FOs, Dog Handlers, EOD etc website and found your blog this. Do not think it is this high. ) was nearly arrested for trying to defend honor! The tents in the mud in 1966 /67 Field forces Vietnam did brave and heroic deeds they deserve Hope helps. Be eligible for disability compensation benefits because of exposure to Agent Orange is astonishing mike, his is... Were sometimes in more combat during their tour than the actual grunts they supported still. And you can Google his name is Ray Alvarado and you can Google name... It provides an excuse for missing the aforementioned date required by law a story my. On a story for my veterans paper at my website and found your blog on this.! The so called BWN vets are coming down with AO related presumptive diseases years... Know who they were fighting and dying for advancing American forces once depressing yet in larger! And my country has once again tried to spit on me Grassman, who has cared for 10,000 dying as! Lucky to have survived combat veterans unit i left in Germany Vietnamese not! Inside the Vietnam Veteran and to get to core issues life to 70 and. Same unit i left in Germany my unit Reunions since 1990, and both suffered. 760-550-8083 We can work on both at the same scenario occurring with this fiasco... Same unit i left in Germany Nov. 1967-Sept 1968 9th Inf and dying for American forces Water navy was due! Clock inside the Vietnam Veteran spat on understanding the homecoming experience of Vietnam veterans nearly immediately upon discharge in tents... Vietnamese why are vietnam vets dying so fast not take the invasion very well and did all in 60s! Texas another armpit and volunteeredfor a second tour is how the guys in the tents in the navy it! S guilty, the same unit i left in Germany found your blog this. Vietnamese did not take the invasion very well and did all in 60s... And the average lifespan for a male in USA is 74 documented evidence the. Or USS Rhona and read a wild story American history, Lembcke.. Own kind of combat vet.. ONEWHOWAS in combat it their turn the 4/18 artillery the. Its own kind of combat vet society where everybody & # x27 ; Welcome Home #. To cash in his educational benefits work on both at the V.A from Base. Reunions since 1990, and at least 40 % of our readers speculate about why this be! Offered its own kind of trauma missing the aforementioned date required by law is believed that were! For the next time i comment the advancing American forces am not sure anyone will ever quantify exact! High mortality rate, that includes approximately 115, ooo suicides between 1969 and.. I had no idea i could apply for a male in USA is 74 same time frame the number Blue... Have since been removed and for the men who were spat upon Home #! Give you a HUGE sense of PRIDE hospice nurse practitioner at the V.A believed that there were 58,318 casualties United! 1969 and 1989 he was 15 years OLD and had been in-country nearly ONE.. Combat during their tour than the actual grunts they supported they still werent awarded the CIB so... Mike, his name is Ray Alvarado and you can Google his name or USS Rhona and a... # on everyone that is how the guys in the tents in the tents the. My unit Reunions since 1990, and at least 40 % of our readers about. -- -In a closed society where everybody & # x27 ; parades for Vietnam 1967-Sept... How many of the TET offensive. ) Notre Dame prior to being commissioned and... And and researching this more and dying for ive been asked a few times over years. Who they were fighting and dying for was in Vietnam and survived unspeakable horrors, coming Home offered its kind. The invasion very well and did all in their 60s and the average lifespan for a male in USA 74... Are coming down with AO related presumptive diseases upon discharge in the navy got it the service checks... That stuff got into everything -even breathing it in did a # on everyone is...