In reading Congressman Tipton’s column (
I want to thank every DHS graduate who is a Vietnam vet, with a special shout out to VNVs from the DHS Class Of ’66: Tom Moreno, Wayne Dale, Phil Hazen and Steve Glover. There are others, just as brave, whose names escape me now – my profound apologies. True heroes all. The deceased: Mike Dunaway (underground tunnel fighter), Bill Higgins (multiple tours), Ray Lammons and Mike Myers.
One other deserves an extra thanks. Go back 52 years to late May Durango. Everyone except one in the class of ’66 is at the MJHS gym, boys in red graduation robes, girls in white. A valedictory speech tells us that we live in times “not of black and white, but shades of gray.” The missing one is on a bus going to Basic Training Camp with the U.S. Army, and when his training is completed, he will go to Vietnam and fight. When his Vietnam time is up, he will stay in Vietnam longer, not for promotions nor medals but for his family and for our country. Thanks, Joe Aragon.
A belated happy Vietnam Vets Day to all of you readers, thank you for your undying support. To the over 52,000 and to those who still suffer: You are not forgotten.
David Watkins
Redington Shores, Mo.
