A web site that shares the emotional and spiritual experiences of the Vietnam War through poetry, stories, and photos by combat veterans.

Hosted by Vietnam Veteran Bill McDonald

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GENTILE REMINDERS, BAD MEMORY

    Sometimes small things jog my mind,
Of thinks that should be left behind.
   I think this is important though, 
For we all experience this too,
Of small things that send us back
 to a place we all knew!

   In the yard mowing grass,
I hear above me rotors pop, hauling ass.
   A Flight from Ft. Benning, an OH-58,
Brings me back to Vietnam, a place I hate!

   I reach in my toolbox for a #2 Phillips,
I remember those softhead screw, curse words leave my lips.
   Darn things! Hundreds slip out a month on panels galore,
Makes me so mad! I pound the floor!

   I touch a pair of pliers ,and safety wire comes to mind,
hand twisted, cuts and scars on my hand today I find!
   Copper break away,.32 stainless,.64 stainless if I am right,
Safety wiring all types of parts ,hard to reach stuff, a real fight!!

   A boxed end wrench, brings back Dailys and Intermediate Inspections,
Must have done thousands, 
In quick reflection.
   Repair and replace was the name of the game,
For my ship was ALWAYS combat ready! 
MY bird wasn't lame.

   An Amber beer bottle reminds me of the oil sample bottles we used,
Getting those sample was hard to do, 
42 and 90 degree gear boxes, 
my body was abused!
   The improvising of special tools
 for the mag plug did the job,
Yet, I never stayed clean, was an oil soaked slob!

   Deer season, Gunshots ring out, I cringe at the sound,
Emergency Management sirens 
causes me to tense up, falling to the ground.
   I catch myself doing manual of ARMS with my broom,
I pull FOD police calls in my room!!

   Blood trickles from a paper cut,
I remember all the blood and gut!
   I weep at Memorial Day and can't face the WALL,
So many of my friends died, 
At duty call!

   I think maybe for a few, 
God has made us NOT FORGET,
Don't get me wrong, 
For I have no regret.
   I would do it again if my Country calls,
For this old CE has still got a set of balls!!
#
Copyright 2002  Marvin Camp

 EMail: cobra070@earthlink.net

Member VHCMA and Heli-vets
Army, 101st Abn Div. Vietnam 70-71
 4/77th ARA, HHB and Cbtry
Camp Evans I corps, Doorgunner and Crewchief

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