Veteran’s Day
I’m a Vietnam veteran. I served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade (SEP). What does (SEP) mean? We were a combat brigade comprising the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Battalions. The 3rd Battalion was still forming on the Island of Okinawa. They arrived in early Oct. 1967.
What was the significance of being assigned to a Combat Brigade? I had just been given a special Top Secret codeword clearance to serve with the Army Security Agency. ASA was known for intercepting enemy communications and trying to break their codes.
My family was patriotic; we observed and always thanked veterans for their service. Now, I’m in an unpopular war that caused the American public to show dislike and hatred towards men who were signed up to give their support and maybe their lives for this great nation.
For many years, I worked alongside coworkers and friends, and they never knew I had served in an Airborne unit or even Vietnam. You never knew how someone would react, but this never stopped us from having our private celebration with family and friends. I was quiet about my service, yet I was always proud that I served and fought to preserve our way of life and the freedoms we enjoyed.
People began to thank this old vet for his service. War wounds were healing, and we felt grateful we had served. About six years ago, I got involved in Ancestry. Through this medium, I found countless ancestors who fought before and during the Revolutionary War. I’m talking about ancestors who entered as privates, officers, or non-commissioned officers.
The most prominent is Dr./Major General Joseph Warren III. He started as an understudy with John Adams. Warren worked tirelessly to lead this nation in a war against the British.
Another prominent figure is Daniel Boon, my 1st Cousin 5 times removed. He and his brothers fought, and some died while pursuing freedom from the United Kingdom.
In every war before and after the Revolutionary War for independence, my ancestors were in the fight.
Today, I celebrate Veteran’s Day in remembrance of my ancestors and other soldiers who fought for our independence. I’m proud to be a Veteran and so happy to be listed among truly great American heroes. Thanks to those who survived the war, I am able to live in a country that takes pride in its veterans.
I salute every veteran. Every day, I remember in my heart and prayers those who sacrificed and gave their lives for this nation.
Thanks, our Lord, for the re-election of Donald Trump to the Presidency. We need someone to lead this nation out of chaos, return to a god-fearing nation, and return to God’s law.
Van W. Walter
173rd Airborne Brigade (SEP)
Bien Hoa AFB, Vn. May 1966-67
Oklahoma State Veterans Director.
