Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 | 2 a.m.
I met my late husband, Eugene (Ike), 30 years after he returned from his second tour in Vietnam. He was a member of a crew called “Red Horse,” maintaining air fields at Pleiku and at Bien Hoa.
Like many of other Vietnam veterans returning home, he and his group were cursed, had things thrown at them and were generally treated badly by many of Americans. He didn’t say much except that on returning to the States, service members would change from uniforms to civilian clothing due to the behavior of their fellow citizens.
I am sure while operating heavy equipment, carrying a rifle and being showered by Agent Orange daily, he saw a lot with the planes flying in and out of those bases. I can just image the carnage passing through.
Ike left the Air Force in 1973, and the first time he was recognized for his service in 2007, he had tears in his eyes. He had a lot of exposure to Agent Orange and had many medical issues during the 18 years we were married. All that time he maintained a good spirit, and my worst moments were when he told me he was dying just two months before his passing. His ashes are interred at the Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, where they were placed 10 years ago.
I continue to thank all veterans, regardless of when and where they may have served.