I have chosen to interview my good friend and coworker, Bill Horne. Bill is a Vietnam veteran, and was enlisted in the Army as an Engineer. His tour lasted for 13 months. The most controversial issue recalled was the Vietnam War was the first war that had TV coverage. All of the people back home could see live footage of what was going on over there, even though it was a day later. The media coverage in other wars was available via newsprint; which was reported a week later. Therefore, there was immediate news to be learned by all of America and Bill felt this is why when the troops came back home, it is not like it is today. The troops get a big welcome and lots of attention, when he and his company arrived home they had to do so on QT. Once they were back in their towns, it was then that all the town people realized they were home safely. Due to the violence and issues of the Vietnam War, the troops were labeled as “baby killers”.
The other controversial issue that Bill discussed was from a G.I. standpoint. The G.I.’s were not allowed to do operations they were trained to do. They had boundaries that they were not allowed to cross. The slogan was “win the heart and mind of the people”. These same people were the ones out to kill American troops the very next day. Bill strongly feels the U.S. troops were not allowed to win the war.
I also went a step further to inquire if there was anything from home that he carried with him. A big smile went across his face and he said “a picture of my wife”. Bill stated that he was 21-years-old, married in March and left for Vietnam in July. Looking at the picture gave him hope, and comfort needed to continue on. The days were long and the nights were longer. The VC would hide in all the tunnels and not matter what operations they followed through on, the VC would still be there. There were so many underground tunnels and escape routes that it was most times next to impossible to plan the next move.
During the course of the interview, I asked if he still had flashbacks or dreams about all that he encountered. The response was that there are times when he may have a dream; which usually happens if he has seen a movie or read a book related to the war. Other than that, there were no lasting effects on his life. I asked if he could today, would he do it all over again. ”Absolutely, but now I’m too old”. We also discussed the veterans, some of which Bill states uses the war as a “crutch” for never holding down a job or having any ambition. He states that there are factors of the war that would affect the soldiers who truly have PTSD; such as being out in the field the whole tour without a break from the scenario. He was fortunate enough to have been chosen to go to an R&R campsite for three months during his tour. This, he feels is what may have helped with his experience of those times.
I do believe that there are any aggressive or depressive characteristics regarding Bill. For this I am thankful. He is a kind and loving gentleman with a blessed family. The only feeling I get from Bill regarding Vietnam is that he was a proud solider and he loves to tell his story.
The other controversial issue that Bill discussed was from a G.I. standpoint. The G.I.’s were not allowed to do operations they were trained to do. They had boundaries that they were not allowed to cross. The slogan was “win the heart and mind of the people”. These same people were the ones out to kill American troops the very next day. Bill strongly feels the U.S. troops were not allowed to win the war.
I also went a step further to inquire if there was anything from home that he carried with him. A big smile went across his face and he said “a picture of my wife”. Bill stated that he was 21-years-old, married in March and left for Vietnam in July. Looking at the picture gave him hope, and comfort needed to continue on. The days were long and the nights were longer. The VC would hide in all the tunnels and not matter what operations they followed through on, the VC would still be there. There were so many underground tunnels and escape routes that it was most times next to impossible to plan the next move.
During the course of the interview, I asked if he still had flashbacks or dreams about all that he encountered. The response was that there are times when he may have a dream; which usually happens if he has seen a movie or read a book related to the war. Other than that, there were no lasting effects on his life. I asked if he could today, would he do it all over again. ”Absolutely, but now I’m too old”. We also discussed the veterans, some of which Bill states uses the war as a “crutch” for never holding down a job or having any ambition. He states that there are factors of the war that would affect the soldiers who truly have PTSD; such as being out in the field the whole tour without a break from the scenario. He was fortunate enough to have been chosen to go to an R&R campsite for three months during his tour. This, he feels is what may have helped with his experience of those times.
I do believe that there are any aggressive or depressive characteristics regarding Bill. For this I am thankful. He is a kind and loving gentleman with a blessed family. The only feeling I get from Bill regarding Vietnam is that he was a proud solider and he loves to tell his story.
