Private Schlink's Musings On the Vietnam War

Gawd! I awoke this morning wondering what I'm doing in this miserable place! I thought the oath I took was to defend America's shores, not a foreign race! The French made a mess and ran, now, America has to straighten things out. It's a civil war and personally I don't give a damn what the politicians tout! The president and his minions are making millions off my miserable back, While I wade through these gawd-forsaken paddies dodging shells and flak! Maybe I should've gone to Canada but I would have let my father down, Who fought in another war and returned with honor to his hometown. Colonels and generals sit on their butts in Saigon adding medals to their collection, Enjoying air conditioning, steak, ice cream and the finest whiskey selection. I dine on C-rations, get a shower once a month and a warm beer now and then. I hear the screams of wounded buddies and weep at the agony of dying men. I hear back home that peaceniks call us baby killers and spit on returning heroes! If I ever get back home and that happens to me, I'll punch the SOBs in the nose! Nams don't appreciate what we're doing and its a shame our people have to die, While a lot of their young guys avoid the gore of war hoping it'll pass them by. As I sit here in this filthy foxhole with water up to my knees, I fervently pray, I can make it through my tour without a scratch and get home to a better day. Will America ever learn from history and stay out of other people's wars, And learn from the futility of war while the loss of our blood and treasure soars? Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF © All Rights Reserved Honorable Mention in Miranda Lambert's "World of War: Vietnam" Contest Apr 2011