Starting my journey

I started writing my book about five years ago.  I spent the first year just planning and researching.
After I made my outline and defined my characters, I knew I had to start researching facts.

The first thing I studied was the Daily Staff  Journal from their unit. That alone was a challenge as I had to learn all the abbreviations used.  I also had to research exactly what they meant.  

Take this entry, for example: Fr C Co to TOC RTO:  C Co vic BT146108 has revd RR fire from vic BT144107. Neg cas at this time.  Arty will fire.
Ok.  Some of those words are obvious.  Some are not.  I learned it meant: From Charlie Company to Tactical Operation Center, Radio Telephone Operator:  Charlie Company in the vicinity of BT146108 has received Recoilless Rifle fire from the vicinity of BT144107.  Negative casualties at this time.  Artillery will fire.

Then I went through every day of the journal to find the activities of Charlie Company and decipher the entries. The battle was March 3 - 10, So I started on March 1 to get a little background.

That was a start, but only the tip of the iceberg.

Vietnam Veterans Day

Today I thank all who served in Vietnam. You are a special group of men.

Can you imagine that this seen is real and not just a movie background?  If you consider it seriously, imagine what it would be like to be living this life for a year.

This is from 1968 or 1969.

Book

Did you ever try writing a book?  I did!  It's really hard work.
I started writing a book on a specific battle in Vietnam.  But, before I go into that, let me give you a little background.
My husband is a Vietnam Veteran.  He was in the Army, Americal Division.  He was in Vietnam November 1968 to June 1969 when he was wounded.  He didn't talk a lot about the war to many people, but he shared some things we me.  He also had a couple of Army buddies who lived close enough that we got together occasionally.
So, around 2001 or 2002 he got a call from one of his buddies he had been in Vietnam with.  They had started a Charlie Company reunion, and they wanted him to go.  I encouraged him, and he went.  The next year I went with him. We still go every year.  I believe we have only missed one year since then.  Most men bring their wives along.
Well, this reunion changed both of our lives. I have never met such a wonderful group of people. It took only a couple of years before I realized how ignorant I had been about the war. The things they talked about were amazing. I wanted to know more.  No, I needed to know more.
A few years into the reunion I decided to start taping some accounts from these guys.  Their stories were incredible.  I was hooked.  I could only manage a couple per year.
I became especially interested in a battle that took place on Hill 283, know as Chop Vum Mountain.  Charlie Company was involved in that from March 3 - 10, 1969.  Alpha Company and Bravo Company were involved sooner.
This story came up frequently, and as they men began talking about it, I became obsessed with learning about it.
So, that brings me back to the book. For many years, I wanted to write a book about the battle at Chop Vum.  But, I was a nurse, not a writer.  How do you start?
So, after I retired I took a class at the Senior Center on writing.  There I met my mentor, Holly Martin.
She motivated me and helped me get started.  Without her, I could not have done it.
I am going to talk about my journey in writing on this blog.
Please follow my journey.
Peggy

Charlie Company Reunion

These men are my heroes!

I have learned so much about Vietnam, especially the Infantry. Until I attended  reunions with my husband I had no idea. No idea what it was like in Vietnam. No idea of the daily tragedies they faced. No idea of the bonds they formed.

Now I understand a piece of that. Of course, you cannot fully understand unless you have been there yourself. But, I have come a long way. 

It is an understatement to say that these men have changed my life.  My hope is that this blog can help everyone become more involved in the history of the Vietnam War. Talk to a veteran.  Follow my blog. I am writing a book on a battle in Vietnam.  

I have the greatest mentors in the world - Veterans.  I have been going through pictures and information and decided I would share it with the world on my blog.  If I can enlighten only a few, it will be well worth my time.

I encourage all veterans and their family to share pictures and/or stories, especially from Vietnam.

Two of my heroes

To the left is husband, Philip, and his buddy, Flip.
They were in Vietnam 1968-1969. 

My Veteran, My Hero, My Husband

This is my husband, Philip.  Of course, this picture was taken in 1968.

He is my hero, and my inspiration.  I dedicate this blog to him.