38yrs. Ago Today

[frisco-kid]

DEC67 I'm a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. I've been there since I returned from my tour in VN with the 101st Airborne Division in JUN67. The first week of DEC I get home to start a 30 day Christmas leave.

Just before I left to go home I was supposed to get paid, but didn't. Some how, payroll has my records screwed up. Typical military bullshit. I'm told that I can hang out until it's straightened out, or take care of it when I get back. Well, I'm not having my first Christmas back from Nam not being spent at home. Just before I leave, my platoon sergeant tells me that when I get home, I can go to the nearest military base and try to get a draw on my pay.

After a couple of days at home, 7DEC, I put on my dress greens and go across the bay to the Oakland Army Base to see about getting some bucks. Ah, the memories. About 90% of everybody that went to VN went through Oakland, including me. I report into Payroll and tell them my story. They tell me to give them a couple of hours and they'll see what they can do for me. Typical Army hurry-up-and-wait.

It's about lunch time, so I decide to go to the chow hall. I flash my military ID card and get in line. There's a couple of WACS in front of me. One of them turns around and looks at me. She's a cute looking PFC. I start talking to them, and get invited to sit at their table. She tells me her name is Kath and she works in the AWOL dept. as a clerk-typist. I ask her if she wants to go out that night. After dating for a week or 10 days, we decide to get married. We have a church wedding in Redwood City on 23DEC67. My leave is up 2JAN68, but I'm able to get a week extension.

I return to Bragg to find out we're on alert because of the North Koreans snatching the spy ship PUEBLO. On 10FEB68, we're told we're being deployed. But not to N. Korea; we're going to Nam for the Tet Offensive. A couple days later, Kath tells me she's pregnant. On 15FEB68, I'm on a C-141 headed for VN. I have a little less than 11mos. left in the army.

Here it is 38yrs. later. Still married to Kath, and what a long, strange trip it's been.

[billyguns]

Congratulations Frisco, sounds like you two are doing something right! Here's to another 38. Kinda remind me of the ole billygun you fast mover you .

[Packo]

Frisco...your lucky she didn't see me there getting ready to ship before she saw you! Of course, she would have ended up in the nut house trying to be married to me for 38 years.....so guess you both lucked out!

Merry Christmas to you and our dear friend Kath!

Airborne Bro!

Packo....the battling bastard of beaufort

[Bill Farnie]

Great story Tom of what had to be love at first sight ... here's to 38 more wonderful years

[rotorwash]

Fantastic story Tom. Congratulations! If she would have been there in Jan 67 my name may have crossed her desk. I spent two days in San Francisco past my reporting date. Hey, what's the worst they could do to me? Send me to Viet Nam??

[DMZ-LT]

Great Story Tom.Welcome Home Brother

[SuperScout]

Did I ever tell you that your bride has to be one of my heroes? Sounds you're both blessed. Thanks for sharing a great story with us!

[exlrrp]

Happy anniversary ol bud and a very merry Christmas to the both of you. You have indeed been blessed
That was the Army for you: we're not payingyou for some reason thats our fault. Tough shit but go away knowing that no ones going to lose any sleeep over your problem and that it won't be resolved untill we feel like it.
Thats the way it was for me in Panama. I went there with 6 other guys from jump school ( all 17) they lost the records for all of us and we didn't get paid for the first 3 months we were there.
and nobody gave a shit or did anything about it. Its not like paying someone is a major miracle that takes an act of congress. 3 months are a long time to go without getting paid but just bacause we weren't getting paid didn't mean we didn't have to work. We got a "flying 20" per month from the company fund, which had to be paid back.Merry Christmas 1966
On this date 38 years ago, me and my pals were lyin g on top of a hill watching a leper camp in Qui Nhon. They were using this for a supply base but at a very low level. We were supposed to be out over Christmas but we got into a firefight and had to be extracted in time for Chrismas Dinner. What a stroke of "luck" that was.
Merry Christmas, Tom and Kath
Stay good
James

[b3196]

Great story Tom but like Paco said.....Good thing she didnt see me first. The only thing different is, she wouldnt end up in a nut house she would end up with a new house, new car, all the furniture, bank accounts and a fat alimoney check
Bob K

[1CAVCCO15MED]

Great stories guys. Knowing how we are and were Kath deserves at least a Soldier's Medal. You know, saving a guy in a non-combat situation