Rosary Beads
I was Only 19
My First Guardian Angel
The Day I Almost Gave Up
While serving with Charlie Company, I would be assigned to a patrol or ambush at least three times per week. Neither one was something we looked forward to because you never knew if this would be the day a bullet, hand grenade or booby trap would have your name on it.
The Pearl Handle 45 Caliber Handgun
While serving at Khe Sahn, I would try and stay in touch with my West Warwick friends and cousin, serving in the Navy, Army and Air Force, at least once every couple of months. I wrote letters to Ron, Fran, John and Richard just to make sure they were okay. We always had stories to tell and we would always try to keep our sense of humor alive by busting each other up before we sealed the envelope.
The Booze Battle
Ulepon returning from Viet Nam, I was a proud, fearless Sergeant in the Marine Corps. I expected all of my friends and family to look upon me, as the hero I had envisioned myself. I guess I watched too many war movies.
As you read in my Homecoming Story, instead of cheers and banners, hugs and kisses, there was not a soul at the airport to greet me. When I did meet with friends and relatives the next day, they looked at me with fear. Usually, the first comment was not Welcome Home, but rather, “Hey Mike, how many did you kill?” “How were the women over there?” Nobody really cared about how I felt, or what I had endured or achieved. I found this to be a horrible experience, for a man twenty one years of age to deal with.
My Father’s Hidden War Chest
Once I wrote my book “A Few Good Angels” and had it published in 2016 I have been asked to speak to various Veteran’s groups, Book Clubs, High Schools and to many other organizations. I tell my story which takes about 45 minutes, answer questions, and then conduct a book signing with the help of my wife Sandy.
While I am speaking and relating one story of the personal homecoming I experienced. I observe attendees whispering to each other or nodding agree with their heads or begin to cry when they hear how passengers threatened to leave the plane, if I was permitted to sit in first class, when the pilot requested I sit there in order to honor me for my service.
