SwiftVets.com

[Larry K. Cole]

Have just found your forum and wanted to join in. I'm retired Army. I was an ARVN Cav adviser out of My Tho, just east (I think) of Dong Tam, in the Delta. I was there from Sep 67 to Aug 68 with one month in Japan recovering from a wound in the butt. My second tour during that period was to Korea. I stayed in the Army and retired at the end of Dec 86. I retired in Killeen, Texas next to Fort Hood and now appraise real estate. I have two Army, retired sons. I guess I best say I have a daughter, four granddaughts, a grandson, and two great granddaughters. If I didn't add that in the wife of 47 years would hit on my head.

I just wanted y'all to know that my sons and I fully support y'all. Actually, all my family and friends support you and are greatful to you for your efforts in this Kerry matter.

One item or question that keeps coming up is why should we be concerned about what happened 35 years ago. My answer is that Kerry's actions during and after the war give us a great deal of insight into the man's character. Anyone who would betray his bubby's and the service in general is not worthy of U.S. citizenship much less to be Commander in chief of our armed services. Thanks to John O'Neill and the rest of you for informing the nation. You are still serving.

I have read Unfit for Command and believe John O'Neill's version. I had a few questions of which I can't recall now, so they was not very important. Having been in combat, I can understand how there can be two different versions of an action. I also believe that in the Army that many awards were given that were not deserved. As well, many actions deserving an award were over looked. So, what happened in Nam is of little concern to me. But I was back in the States and saw Kerry on TV and listened to what he had to say after his return from Nam. His actions were treasonous in my opinion.

Please excuse the spelling, I could not figure out the spell ckeck system.

Larry K. Cole
LTC, Armor (Ret)
Killeen, Texas, Home of the 1st Cav Div (Armor) & the 4th Inf Div (Mech)

[four-niner delta]

Colonel- Welcome home, sir! We were in Dong Tam at just about the same- Jan. 1967 to Dec. 1967 with 9th Div. Mobile Riverine Force from July to the middle of October of that year. My son is now with the 1/5, 1st Cav as a medic in Najaf. We should have him home by Thanksgiving. He is the reason why I dread Kerry as CinC. The troops need a strong-willed leader as Bush is.
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV

[Larry K. Cole]

Gray, thanks for the reply. May the good Lord watch over your son and bring him home save. Please think him for me for his service. If he needs anything, let me know. I have a few connections on Post and through Rotary, etc. We have managed to get a few items over to the troops during the past year. When he gets home have him look me up. If he needs anything in getting settled, I try to help him out.

Larry K. Cole
LTC, Armor (Ret)
Killeen, Texas, Home of the 1st Cav Div (Armor) & The 4th Inf Div (Mech)

[four-niner delta]

Yes sir, I will let him know. Thank you.
_________________
Gary Armitstead
Burbank, CA
U.S. Army Vietnam 1966-67 Mekong Delta
Mobile Riverine Force
A Co. 3/60 9th INF DIV