Vietnam Draft

I didn't watch but was drafted in 68. Nam 69-70 including Cambodia.

My "number" came up in 1966 long before there was any Lottery!

My class was 1A and my number was 4. Didn’t really have a chance.

My number was 10 in 68 -- I still won't play the lottery

1966-1970 before the lottery. The worst thing that ever happened to the U.S. was getting rid of the draft. Then, if the boy was drafted you could not pay him to move back in with mama when he got out of service. Now you cannot get them off of mama's tit and out of the house.

I was in school in Houston in late ‘67 when the letter arrived at the house in El Paso. Greeting from the President...

The local board decided I was 1/2 hour short of a deferment. I huddled down to the AF Recruiter and started the process.

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I took the oath on a Wednesday for the Navy, the draft lady (a friend) called Friday night to let us know the draft notice would be in the mail on Monday

In 1968, I tried to enlist. All three services and the Guard. My first choice was Air Force.

I was married and we had a son. Married was OK. Add another dependent, and the recruiters just said "Goodbye".

I lost a couple of classmates. One died just days after he got there. He left a young bride. Over 60 years, and I can still see his see his face. Class clown.

A couple of others are gone because of their service to us. One was my best friend thru 13 years of school. He was a State Wrestling champion. In school, he was in better shape than anyone I ever knew. Died because of the chemicals he encountered. I still miss him. I walk by his house twice a day walking our dog. His wife comes out to talk to us. I always figured he would sing at my funeral.

JUST NOT RIGHT.

Hate the War, Love the Warrior.

66 and I lost my college deferment and called the draft board and asked when I would be going. They said in the next 5 days. I hassled down to the recruiters that day and they were all full couldn't get in anything but the army . Went back to the navy guy and he said will I can get you in if you don't mind waiting 180 days as a reserve and you will get paid for that time. I said sign me up. Told everyone I would stay 20 years till retirement if I liked it. I didn't didn't but ended up with 21.5 years. Two tours in VN in country. 5 Air Metals. Shot at several times but thank goodness they were a bad shot.

Graduated high school in 1971, the year they abolished the 4 year college deferment. The war was being wound down, they weren't calling many people from the lottery. Luckily my number was over 200, and I was not called. In those days, the National Guards remained mostly stateside, so I probably would have weasled my way into the MA guard. It totally amazes me how people that avoided that war are now considered unpatriotic (which included Trump), which is complete revisionist history. Anybody, and I mean everybody I knew, and I knew hundreds, did whatever they could to avoid fighting in that war. For sure there were volunteers, I just didn't know them. In those days, you were even unpopular for NOT trying your best to avoid service. No returning veteran EVER heard a "thank you for your service" greeting. You took your uniform off at the airport and didn't talk about your experience. The most unappreciated draftees in American history. I agree with Ed, they deserve more.

I'm a veteran myself. Served 20 years in the Army. Was in for Desert Shield/ Desert Storm and Iraq. My hat is off to anyone that served Vietnam. You folks were treated like s**t when you returned. So much is owed to you and again thanks for your service. It will always be remembered and never forgotten.

Another classmate died two days ago. He was in Vietnam for 2 tours. Two years.

His health has been going downhill for at least 10 years. GEE, wonder what he died of?

I turned 18 in Dec of 72. Lottery number was 1. They already had there numbers for 72 though. In 73 there was no more draft, my number was 250, and I joined the Air Force. Spent a year in tech school in Denver then they sent me to Blytheville, AR. One of the worst places you could go to in 74!

Quote from openair

Another classmate died two days ago. He was in Vietnam for 2 tours. Two years.

His health has been going downhill for at least 10 years. GEE, wonder what he died of?

I would bet the farm on "Agent Orange", but "Uncle Sam" would say IMPOSSIBLE!

Quote from kyslingshot

I would bet the farm on "Agent Orange", but "Uncle Sam" would say IMPOSSIBLE!

The Orange crush is taking a lot of us.

I saw this and thought it was appropriate for this thread, not sure if it's true or not. I do appreciate the service of all our service men/women and even more when that service is recognized by others as you all deserve it!

Richard, (my husband), never really talked a lot about his time in Viet Nam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.

A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to Sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.

When I got there after work, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage. Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.

Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.. Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.

He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it."

She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.'' With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he were the only one there.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet. I'll never forget Ann Margaret for her graciousness and how much that small act of kindness meant to my husband.

Later at dinner, Richard was very quiet. When I asked if he'd like to talk about it, my big, strong husband broke down in tears.. ''That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.

I now make it a point to say 'Thank you' to every person I come across who served in our Armed Forces. Freedom does not come cheap and I am grateful for all those who have served their country.

If you'd like to pass on this story, feel free to do so. Perhaps it will help others to become aware of how important it is to acknowledge the contribution our service people make.

A True Patriot Will Pass This On. A Foreigner In This Country Might Not.

^^^^^
Class act. A world apart from this American traitor bitch...