Came home and expected a certain reception when I went to the local bar. Did not happen and drank next to a passed out nam vet that night. Just me and him for a couple of hours with very little conversation. He knew the story and how it was working. Nobody came over to us. No one bought me a beer.
But I did adjust the next day and went to California. Moved on, put it behind me. Just the way it was for me back then.
Today it is thanks for your service, and I find now I do miss the welcome home statement with the pride and gratitude it would have bought at that time. I guess I was expecting it, but it just did not happen. Now I feel I missed out on something, and I believe I know what it is. Too late IMHO now to correct what did not happen.
I did get hurt over there and did apply for help after coming home. That help came 40 years later. Overall, the VA has been great. Not sure what they should be doing or should have done. I came home with all my body parts, did what i was trained to do and I served my country for 10 months in the bush.
A lot of people have not had that opportunity. It is a great feeling, grateful for the draft, going to nam with its lifetime experiences. db