My name is Victor Michael Garcia.
I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran who served with the USAF between 1968 – 1972. I was stationed at Bien Hoa Vietnam in 1970.
I was a Fuels Specialist and maintained Aircraft refueling and worked in the Fuel tank farm. I also was assigned to the Barge Crew, unloading fuel barges on the Dong Nai River at Bien Hoa City.
I also volunteered for Augmentee duties with base security.
I was a kid and only 16 years old, knowing full well that I was going to be drafted. The Vietnam War was all over the TV. My oldest brother was in the 82nd Airborne as a Combat Medic. He told me about all that was going on and what to expect. So, I jumped from graduating High School right into going to the Military at 18 yrs old and in Vietnam by 19 years old. I was not yet quite a man, but old enough to do the unthinkable. But, I grew up quick and I learned fast. When I finally discharged in 1972, I had problems getting a job, as NO ONE liked Vietnam Vets. There were no jobs, nothing. All I have is a High school degree, and what I learned in the Military. I Value what I learned in the Military, the brotherhood, and the understanding between Vets. I don’t dislike the Military. I just have a hard time forgetting the war and things that occurred.
I suffer from such guilt, because I’m home and so many of us are not. It hurts inside, and I knew some of the fellas that did not make it home… With PTSD, I have trust issues. I only want to tell the story that is truth with the facts as they happened. I want to help, to pay it forward. I want to somehow let God know that I’m not a bad man and only did what was expected of me during this conflict. I want to help whomever I can however I can.
Truth and trust mean everything to me…
~ Victor Michael Garcia, Vietnam Veteran
We are very grateful to Victor for his story and invite you to share your family photos of those who served, so we may feature and honor them on Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we are all connected.
Facebook Veteran Tributes : www.facebook.com/ComesASoldierswhisper
Book, Interviews, Reviews: www.VietnamAndBeyond.com
Follow us on Twitter: @Jennylas
#SupportOurTroops #Military #ComesASoldiersWhisper
