Honoring a Veteran
Vet's Pride
Did you know that my dad served in Vietnam? He is very proud of his time. He worked as a Communications guy… ended up a Sergeant before he left. There are alot of things around the house to remind us. His license plate was notated, we bought him books about it, he watched a ton of shows about it and is a life-long member of the American Legion. We found some of his old photos from when he served. Amazing shots into such a different part of my dad’s life.
He’s been waking up lately talking about it. Most of the conversation isn’t real. We think that he is seeing things related to his experience. His nurse specifically asked us if he was and said that this is common.
Did you know that Agent Orange can cause Lung Cancer? Now, my dad also smoked for years. But, to think that we have people who serve our country and might end up not being served by it? My dad applied for benefits from the VA when he found out. It was his final way to try and set up something to help take care of the family.
We have still yet to hear. Every day we get the mail, he asks if we heard. Every day, we say no.
Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 50mm f/1.8
DAVID'S PHOTOGRAPHS 
I graduated with Tom in 1964 at Copley High. I also went to Vietnam in 1971, and was later diagnosed with Agent Orange related Prostate Cancer in 1999. I was fortunate to have weathered that storm.
Tom was a great classmate and a lot of fun. I am so sorry that he is having such a struggle, but know he is looking forward to being in God’s loving arms. Your Dad was and is a great American! May God richly bless all of the family.