[September 18, 2025] It’s easy for me to sit back in my easy chair and ask a simple question, one that has gnawed at my mind for many years. Today’s Vietnam Veteran is seeking something. I could not answer what it was.
Today, we begin the third day of five, during which a small group of volunteers put together a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Just imagine that. Fifty years ago, these Veterans were young men and women. Most of them are now at least 75 years old, many are much older and an occasional WWII Vet as well.
While I usually write my articles the day before, this one, I’m putting my pen to paper early: 5 AM. My wife and dog are still asleep, and that knowledge is essential in answering my own question. I think the Vietnam War Veteran is seeking something that all of us are seeking, but they are more visible and present to ask for it.
No, they don’t verbalize that need because it is something inherent in all humans, and that is “comradeship.” I can see it in their eyes. When I speak to these Vietnam Veterans, I wear my black 1st Cavalry Stetson so that I’m readily identifiable as a Vet myself. I don’t think that is why these Vets speak to me, but their words come out easier knowing I’ve also been there, done that.
It wasn’t that long ago, maybe ten years ago, when we had many WWII Veterans, and I spoke to hundreds. Today, they are nearly all gone. The WWII Vet was different from the Vietnam Vet. While it’s hard to put my finger on it, I think the WWII Vets came to closure on that greatest of wars. Not so for the Vietnam War Vet.
I’ll be back today, talking to many more and looking them in the eyes. I will just let them talk. I’ll welcome them home and thank them for their service, but those are shallow words. I intend to get them to speak and know they are in the company of someone like them. For a short while, I will be a comrade to them.
The Vietnam War Veteran is seeking comradeship; we all do.
A friend snapped a picture of me with a man called “Gus.” The image is my thumbnail for this article. I saw his Cav hat and went to welcome him and say “ First Cav!” It was early that morning, a few hours before the first ceremony. I should not be surprised how many showed up, during poor weather, often raining, just to seek that comradeship.
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Thank you, sir for being a part of this ceremony leadership. I heard from friends who were there that the weather didn’t cooperate but that every even on according to plans and were well atteneded. Certainly not September weather. Thanks again. For those visiting, thank you too.
As a Vietnam Vet myself, I think I see what you mean, Gen. Satterfield. However, if we look at today’s article, “The Virtue of Being a Monster,” I think we have the answer to your question. What do we seek? But, more importantly, we struggle with the idea that we have evil within us. And that is perfectly okay. We must control that evil and let it take us over. Deal with it. But keep it there, for there will be a time where than evil must come out to destroy another worse evil that has been allowed to escape.
COMRADSHIP or just the social company of others who have similar values and a culture of high moral standards.
Great point Bryan and that should be taken to heart. We cannot be close to those who are opposed to our values and country. Joe Biden importing illegal aliens from across the 3rd world has brought in nothing but misery, death and violence to our nation. Biden and his ilk will continue to haunt America for many decades to come. And Obama is no better. He is trash and is now realizing that his “transformation of America” has transformed it into a violent country and we are much more poor because of him. But they all had handlers which abetted this and shouild all be ashamed of themselves.
Biden is the worst president in American history, even surpassing clueless Jimmie Carter.
I’m just wondering how all that turned out yesterday, Gen. Satterfield. Did you get an opportunity to speak with more veterans?
You have to be a combat veteran to really and truly understand what Gen. Satterfield is saying here. What he says is not all written. When a combat vet says his “battlebuddy” or “men”, it means much more. It is all about those standing with you. Gen. Satterfield once wrote in his book “55 rules for a good life,” RULE 24 Share your foxhole with someone who can fight like the devil. https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/ That is also what Vietnam Vets are seeking.
Thank you, Army Vet.
The answer to the question —- “The Vietnam War Veteran is seeking comradeship; we all do.” 👏
Eduardo, good quote from Gen. Satterfield but, myself, I think it is much more and complex, and that is the reason that we are unable to articulate the “need.” Yes, social interactions are a necessary human inborn trait that drives us in ways that we do not yet fully understand. But we also have needs and wants that also impact us, also in ways we might not understand or understand completely. True, some folks are clueless and are driven by emotion. But this need for comradship is much deeper and I agree with Gen. Satterfield about that need.
For our combat vets, we do know.
… and much much more.
Praying for all our honorable Veterans. 🙏
🫡 Sir, you have hit on something much deeper that all us humans seek. We seek the company of others like ourselves. We don’t only seek “comradeship” or validation like others suggest, but we seek others with shared experiences so that we can be comfortable that they have our back. Like Gen. Satterfield says, protect your six and do that with some pone you can trust. 🫡
Good point.
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…… and a great snapshot of Gen. Satterfield and a Vietnam War veteran. 🕷🕷🕷🕷
Yeah, I noticed he has a cup of coffee in his hand. Classic.
We don’t usually get to see photos of Gen. Satterfield. Greta to see him with another Vietnam guy. Anytime we do, I’m sure most of us are glad to get an idea of the face behind these articles. More, please. Thank you, sir!!!!!