Hello all.
I run a site for Vietnam Reenacting and Living History, so this sort of thing has been in my blood for a while. One of my largest problems though is getting first hand info. I must admit that the reference books I have always provide excellent sources for technical information, but I often find myself wondering more about what actual soldiers did, felt, and experienced.
I don't have a problem finding email addresses for Vets, but it seems that breaking the ice with them is extremely difficult.
I always ensure that I am respectful of their wishes to not discuss their time in country. I always include the fact that I'll understand if they do not wish to revisit the past, but I thought that at least one may be willing to share some experiences with me and answer some questions.
By nature, so far, I've found VN vets to be highly suspicious. As one told me, it has a lot to do with the government and the society at the time. And although I can reassure them to the point that they are willing to talk to me, they never really wish to get into it.
I'll understand if this is the way it's going to be, and I'll do my best to extrapolate the info from books, but I really want to make sure that I do these guys justice when I get my uniform on. Believe in the war or not. They fought and many died, for things they felt they should do. In the least, it deserves our respect. And normally, deserves our praise.
Thanks for the help ladies and gentlemen.
I run a site for Vietnam Reenacting and Living History, so this sort of thing has been in my blood for a while. One of my largest problems though is getting first hand info. I must admit that the reference books I have always provide excellent sources for technical information, but I often find myself wondering more about what actual soldiers did, felt, and experienced.
I don't have a problem finding email addresses for Vets, but it seems that breaking the ice with them is extremely difficult.
I always ensure that I am respectful of their wishes to not discuss their time in country. I always include the fact that I'll understand if they do not wish to revisit the past, but I thought that at least one may be willing to share some experiences with me and answer some questions.
By nature, so far, I've found VN vets to be highly suspicious. As one told me, it has a lot to do with the government and the society at the time. And although I can reassure them to the point that they are willing to talk to me, they never really wish to get into it.
I'll understand if this is the way it's going to be, and I'll do my best to extrapolate the info from books, but I really want to make sure that I do these guys justice when I get my uniform on. Believe in the war or not. They fought and many died, for things they felt they should do. In the least, it deserves our respect. And normally, deserves our praise.
Thanks for the help ladies and gentlemen.