Vietnam Veterans of America Southwest Montana
Helping Veterans, Communities, & Those Serving In Harm's Way
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THE VVA VETERAN MARCH/APRIL 2022
SPEAK OUT! AM I A REAL VIETNAM VETERAN?
Bob Kuhn served in Vietnam with B Company of 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment.
Speak Out! Am I a Real Vietnam Veteran?
BY BOB KUHN
Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I a real Vietnam vet?” I certainly have, and I’ve struggled with the answer ever since I returned home from my 1971 Vietnam tour of duty.
That seems an odd statement. Of course, I am a Vietnam veteran if I served in Vietnam. Right? Yeah, I was there, but the question is: “Am I a real Vietnam veteran?”
I don’t think there is any doubt that receiving military orders to report to Vietnam was traumatic for everyone, no matter what year it was. The big unknowns were: Is it going to be bad or really bad? Will I ever come home again? Will I live or die?
So, to all of my fellow Vietnam veterans, if you can relate to this story in some way or if you were ever unsure or doubted your veteran status as I frequently have: Yes, we all served. Yes, it all counts.
Welcome home and may God’s grace be with you all.
