A Grateful Nation, true story, not Valk related

[solo1]

I receieved an Email from the Korean War Veterans Association today.  It brought tears to my eyes.

Background.  For over 30 years the Government of South Korea has shown their gratitude by inviting Korean War Vets to their country for 6 days, all expenses in country paid.

In the email was a notification of the first death of a Korean Vet while visiting South Korea under this program.

Victor Veith was a machine gunner in Korea. He was in the middle of heavy fighting and in one terrible night he wore out ten .30 cal machine gun barrels.  He suffered from PTS for over 30 years and indirectly influenced his son to become a psychologist.

He, along with his wife, finally took the tour last week.  According to his son, he wanted to get rid of his demons.

Near the DMZ, while walking up some stairs, he fell and died.  Ironically, the location was near where he fought many years ago.  All immediate help was unable to save him.

The Korean government called his son and wanted to rest of the family to join their mother in Korea. Only his son and one daughter could go, as they were the only ones with valid passports.  

HERE is the rest of the story.  The Korean government and the ROK Army paid for the son and daughter's cost to come to Korea.  Over $8,000.  The family was met with open arms and treated with respect and  welcomed.  Many young South Korean students, who were never even born those long years ago, overwhelmed the family with their love.

I've written this story based on some of the Email facts.  I'm not sure what branch of the service Victor was in, it doesn't matter.

What matters, in my humble opinion, is that South Korea shows its gratitude to Korea War vets, even after what soon will be next month, 56 years since the truth was signed.

The United States should never forget who our true allies are, especially now.

Wayne, Korean War Vet.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for sharing that story Wayne. Korea was the "forgotten War" as you know.  Many of those people have not forgotten our sacrifice there, though the younger generation have come close, as is the case everywhere.  The N. Korean leadership is as crazy as bedbugs (as usual).   

[buffalobill]

Wayne,
 I sure do appreciate you taking the time to share that story with us. As a vet myself, I am encouraged when I read this type of letter.  I look forward to meeting up with you on a ride in the future.
ride safe,
buffalobill

[DaveD(MI)]

Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[Skinhead]

France could take a lesson from the ROK.

Wayne.

Thanks for sharing and your service.

[Master Blaster]

In my two tours to Korea I met some great people, and made some good friends.  Its a beautiful country, full of some of the most industrious people I have ever met.  Good folks that have risen above some very bad things.  Hard to believe its been almost 50 years since my first tour, seems like just the other day.  It is a country of extremes, extremely hot, extremely cold, extremely wet in the rainy season, but a place I will always fondly remember.