I was drafted into the United States Army on May 6, 1968 at the ripe old age of 19 years, 6 months and 2 days.
Government policy at the time was to draft all men into the military at 19 ½ years of age if they hadn’t already joined or had a deferment of some kind. I almost joined earlier that year, but backed out to take my chances with the draft. I graduated high school in 1966. I was drafted in 1968 and sent to Vietnam. I was a ammo bearer for the M60 gunner. When I was wounded, I was medevaced, spent a month in Japan and finally sent sent to St Albans before returning home to Smithtown, New York.
I am just one of the many young men that was drafted into the military during the 1960’s for service in Vietnam. I decided to write the entire story after I had posted a few short stories on my regular blog about some of my experiences in Vietnam. Many people that read my stories told me they appreciated my service to my country and for telling my stories. It seems that many of them knew someone that had served in Vietnam, but that these people never shared their experiences in any real detail. They felt like they had left a void in their lives and appreciated me helping to fill that void that so many seem to need filled.
That’s when I decided I would write down everything I could remember and share it with them. As I continued to publish my stories on my blog, I received more and more appreciation for serving and compliments from my fellow bloggers for sharing my story. So if it weren’t for all of the kind words I received from my good friends on line, I probably would have never gone as far as I did with writing my story.
Therefore, I want to dedicate this story to all those that encouraged me.
~ Tony Chliek, Vietnam Veteran and Writer
Please follow Tony’s blog for his wonderful writings @ my-vietnam-stories.blogspot.com
We invite you to share your family member’s service pictures and a brief story to be shared on our timeline for all to honor.
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