Wow, what a story and thanks for the healing heart. When I was 16 yrs old- 1966, my oldest brother went to Vietnam. Then my 2nd & 3rd brother. In 1968- On his 2nd tour, my bro died in DaNang. He was 19 yrs old & my love of my Life. We didnt understand why he went- Just so the Vietnam people could have freedom. This is what we were told. Living in Philadelphia, at least 100 of my classmates & neighborhood area men went to Vietnam. My second brother came home after his 2X. He died 3 years ago of Agent Orange cancer at 53 yrs old. I resisted allot about this war, trying to help our soldiers regain themselves after there returns, I served/voleenter at the USO and Military hospitals for 4 yrs. I would never vote, after all none of my brother could. So in 1996, I moved into a new huse in Florida & next door neighbors were Vietnam immigrants. Some just coming to this country within the year. These Fine people showed me the most respect & caring hearts I have ever experience. I realized then that my brother’s heart and LIFE for FREEDOM was served. I am a full military wife, serving 28 yrs with my husband, who is also a Vet. I am voting now because I truly believe, the soldier’s heart is true, but is the government true when they go to war. So, if I ever spoke out about my feeling as I am today, I should VOTE, as I do now. The people of Vietnam now have the right to leave if they wish to. To me That is FREEDOM! Watching this movie has enriched my heart & Thank You for taking me back 44 yrs to where my brother died. I also found some closer, it’s been a longtime coming. Many Thanks to the person(s) that made this possible & this great technogy today. Thanks Mr. Ransom S Coppage your writting is well spoken!  Many Thanks to our Military, May Our Country never forget any of our MEN & WOMAN who served. When watching this movie, I just made one of the gentlemen on the bike my brothers Phillip (D. 1968) & John (D. 2006) they would have been this kind nature people as I saw in the movie. GOD BLESS THEM BOTH> NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! A Sister’s View From HomeFront back in 1968.

God Bless them...each and all. Hero not by name , but by character. Survivng on two battle fronts...one in the Nam, the other in the US. God Bless them...each and all.

I am Ransom Shudell Coppage, the fourth child and first son of Ransom and Lula Coppage of Hollister, North Carolina. One of two children to serve time in the military and the only child to serve in a foreign war. I served two terms of military duty in the United States Army to include one tour of combat duty in Vietnam. In response to a mandate by the Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs initiated the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study in 1984. Utilizing a unique, nationally representative sample of male and female veterans, this study was considered a landmark in psychiatric conerstone of public health study and moved VA to the forefront of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) research and public policy. This investigation has had a major influence on the scientific study of war and its consequences, and it continues to do so more than twenty years after its completion. Throughout our history, the United States military has been home to some of the greatest warriors found anywhere in the world. Story after story can be found of men who distinguished themselves on the battlefield, their actions a testament to the bravery and sacrifice that has made and kept our nation free. All one needs to do is read the National Archives, the military websites, the award citations of men like me that have unselfishly stepped forward, answering the call of duty to carry the torch of our country’s defense. Vietnam was no exception. In the midst of a world that had seemingly gone mad, in the thick of humid jungles and against an enemy with no uniforms, we fought bravely and with honor. For many, the honor came not in exemplary deeds, but for simply having the courage to step into jungles sprayed with chemicals not knowing the long term effect the chemicals would have on us and our families later on in life, to go out on patrol and keep fighting the fight. We must never forget the Men and Women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. On behalf of Vietnam Veterans of America, our Prayers go out to Veterans everywhere on this Memorial Day and may God Bless America!!!

Mr. Ransom S. Coppage
05-23-2009