SwiftVets.com

[rexstrickland3]

Hi, My name is Rex Strickland III. My father, Rex E Strickland Jr, served in Vietnam for 3-tours. He has since died, but I want to learn more about his service; good or bad. He committed suicide on Aug-18, 2001, largely due to PTSD from Nam.

What I know is that he served as a crew chief on river boats. Brown Water Navy possibly? I know little more than that.

He grew up in Powellton WV.

If anyone has any information about him or his service or can direct me in a better direction, I would really appreciate it.

BTW- I agree with everything you guys are doing with Kerry. Keep on Keeping on!

Thanks,
Rex Strickland III

[Navy_Navy_Navy]

Hello, Rex,

I'm very sorry about the loss of your father.

Have you tried http://www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs/ to request his records? As surviving next of kin, you are eligible to receive copies of any of his service records that they may have.

There was a fire in the Saint Louis facility that wiped out large portions of the archives, so all I was able to get was a "Certificate in Lieu of" discharge, showing my father's entry and exit dates, honorable discharge and rank upon discharge.

Your father's records are much more recent and it's possible that VetRecs might be able to piece together a service record for you, even if his service jacket was destroyed. It can take up to eight months to receive the information requested.

You might want to check in with this forum, too:
Brown Water Navy - Army/Navy Mobile Riverine Force
http://p197.ezboard.com/bbrownwaternavyanddeltaarmyvietnamveterans

I've never participated, there, but I'm sure that you could post your request for information and be welcomed.

Best of luck to you!
_________________
~ Echo Juliet ~
Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
Navy woman, Navy wife, Navy mother

[rexstrickland3]

Thanks for your help, I will definatley follow up on the brown water navy forum. I have all his paper work when I cleaned his house.
Thanks again!
Rex