As a former military spouse I always appreciated the close bond of us all, especially during the Vietnam war.
This is a picture of my then husband, Gerald Pennington, from Vietnam. Gerald was a U.S. Army staff sergeant and courier with supply in 1967 with evacuation hospital in Vietnam. Some of his letter heads were labeled, Red beach 1970. I wrote 3 letters a day because I know the importance of mail to an deployed soldier. I was the post office’s best customer. What I wrote was not as important as the letter itself. What did I have to say in 3 letters a day? A whole lot of little things about the kids and family, but it didn’t matter as long as he knew that he was loved and thought of. He served with pride and as you see I saved all his letters in two big folders full. Gerald returned home safe, however passed away in the early nineties. Gerald is in the middle shown in the group photo.
I am very thankful for the sharing of family stories on this page. For many Vietnam Veterans, to step back in time can cause pain and anger, but for many others it can be a healing process. The battlefield always follows a warrior home. It was a country’s shame to treat them on their return with no dignity, no respect and no thank you. Yet these men and women served with honor and fought for our freedom through their fears, tears, anxieties and the nightmares.
To all the veterans past and present, please know that you did a great job. You are now held in the highest honor and respect from those who care about you. Dont feel that you are alone, because you are not. It is so sad that many are not interested in history good or bad, it is our history. War is always sad. Vietnam will always be with me, as my children’s father served there. You fought so hard in Nam. Keep fighting for happiness in your life.
May all the blessings be with our service men and women.
Best wishes to all.
~ Karin Pennignton
We wish to thank Karine for sharing her story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we are all connected…
God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.
Vietnam Letters: www.VietnamAndBeyond.com
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