"A few now and then around town. Why are you asking?"
"I want to get the old group back together for one last mission."
"Steve, I don't understand. What mission? What are you talking about?"
I told him my plan.
Three weeks later, twelve Viet Nam vets stood in the terminal of the Minneapolis International Airport along with fifteen members of V.F.W. Post #22. I had done my homework. Today there would be four planes coming in that would have returning soldiers on them. When the troops flew back from overseas, friends of mine notified us what airlines and flights they would be on.
We broke into smaller groups, making sure we had all three concourses covered. Twenty minutes later we saw eight men in uniform walking towards the baggage claim area. We walked up to the group, handed each a small American Flag, and shook their hands.
"I want to thank you for your service," I said, and saluted each. To a man they were taken aback. Some smiled, some eyes on both sides were wet, and a few hugs were exchanged. That day, every man and woman in uniform we saw was thanked for his or her service to our country. We began to meet every flight of returning warriors.
Word of what we were doing spread. Other V.F.W. posts and military groups joined in the effort. About three weeks after I started the campaign, Becky came with me to the airport. She watched from a distance, holding our inventory of American Flags.
When I ran out of flags, I went over to grab a few from her. The kiss I received reminded me of the picture taken in Times Square at the end of World War II, only in reverse.
"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
"Yes, but I never get tired of hearing it." I got another kiss.
"Stephen Moore, you can be a royal pain in the ass sometimes, but you're a good man. Never forget that."
I never did. And, my fellow vets and I never let another serviceman think he wasn't appreciated when he returned home from war.
The demons weren't gone, but I had finally put then to rest. I had won.
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great story, but the phone call bothers me
I'm a man and I know that if I overheard that conversation where she said that Jerry was better in bed then Steve, and that she liked being in control. When it comes to such things as the ability to please and fulfil the woman he loves sexually it destroys his self worth, when heard her say Jerry was a better lover. You don't forget that statement, it will eat at you every time you go to make love to her,you will hear those words, you will be thinking is she remembering how much better Jerry was. It is a very good story, but that phone conversation ruined the ending for me, no man can compete, or compete with a past lover that he has hear bested him. He recovered fought and defeated his demons, now get a lawyer start paying child support get visitation rights, and let her be with Jerry. Just one more observation many of the authors on this site have the wife having the best fuck of her life with someone other then her husband, so why is she so bent out if shape when he divorces her? you would think she'd be happy with all that good fucking coming her way. I'm not saying, just sayingmore...
Another great story....../
Some people still can't believe/see the truth. I have lived through all the conflicts including WWII and feel that we can never truly thank for their service those who served. Slirpuff you continue to boldly go..../ despite crappy criticism.more...
2 YEARS I WAS IN THAT HELL HOLE
Story is a Romantic Story! Please I joke about the comments it is a way to take my mind off things! What sticks in my claw is those Fucken Drugged up so called"The Movement " gutless excuse of human flesh. We were sent into harms way and I like to make it clear we killed NO CHILDREN"N.V.A. Did. They are spores of Satan. Please Forgive an old tired Dog . Also the story is Fantasti. Love you all! GREG. OH 100 % OF READING ENJOYMENT BYE.more...
Starting in 1966 I served 26 years in the USAF. I escorted several of my friends remains home from Southeast Asia. thank you for sharing your story!
Never welcomed back.
I was one of the troops that returned in 1969, I saw the damage that Vietnam done to me and others, I tried to drown in the bottle and almost made it. I really connected with this story and still have bad dreams. It did not hit me until I came into the airports in Calif, and was on the recieving end of the nasty comments and actions of the people there. Now the people telling me that they wanted to thank me for my service, I know that this is just an act to soothe their own mind. I will never forgive the public for their actions against the returning troops from Vietnam. May you suffer in hell, just like we have.more...
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