I have been looking at this thread for awhile and I'll finally put something there. Just to say this I am a Vietnam Era vet from the 1st Infantry Division. I enlisted for the infantry in 1972 after my name was not drafted and I found myself with no interest in college and no prospects.
I have to tell you all it was hell. Full Metal Jacket was the closest movie to what the real army was like at that time. And that was about the Marines LOL. Just so you know I just did my job. Nothing more or less. The real heroes were the other guys. Luckily everyone in my company came back alive.
I can tell you it was no boy scout expedition. I was really scared a lot of the time. I hope everyone who considers the military really think hard about it as it is no picnic. I'm lucky to be alive now and hope to stay this way and live my life out in peace.
Thanks you guys you were great soldiers.

A lot of vets became shattered people because of their service. Any real help in any area would be welcome. If there are any suggestions as to what to do I'm all ears. Well ok I'll listen LOL.

absolutely.

it's too bad that the best of us have to suffer in order to bring peace to jackasses. the least we can do is to show our thanks whenever we can.