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Royal777

(29 posts)
Tue Sep 3, 2013, 02:21 PM Sep 2013

An Introduction

It is suggested that I tell you something about myself before I make any posts.
What brought me here? I served with MACVSOG in Vietnam. Because of this service I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer caused by agent orange.
The chemo treatments, while saving my life, caused sever respiratory problems. My life is filled with can'ts. I can't take my wife on an anniversary cruse she has wanted for years. I can't attend the WSOP, a long time wish. I can't help with the heavy yard maintenance. I can't even help with grocery shopping without a zippy cart.
So in a small town tucked away on the Oregon coast, in a small house, sitting on a couch where he has been for most of the past 18 months sits an old man. It is said that all he has is a laptop so he can see all that his friends can do.
Maybe I can use this computer to help my fellow vets. Maybe I CAN do something.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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An Introduction (Original Post) Royal777 Sep 2013 OP
Welcome to DU! hrmjustin Sep 2013 #1
Thank you for your service ismnotwasm Sep 2013 #2
Welcome to DU, Royal777! pacalo Sep 2013 #3
Thank You Royal777 Sep 2013 #4
Thank you so much for serving, also! JustanAngel Sep 2013 #5
I am trying to do something Royal777 Sep 2013 #6
Hello MarcPierre Sep 2013 #7

pacalo

(24,721 posts)
3. Welcome to DU, Royal777!
Wed Sep 4, 2013, 04:41 PM
Sep 2013


I didn't know what MACVSOG was, so I looked it up:

Separate from "conventional," unconventional operations of the 5th Special Forces Group were the clandestine operations of Military Assistance Command Vietnam/Studies and Observations Group (MACV/SOG). The Studies and Observation Group (SOG) was a cover name to disguise SOG's real function, and the name "Special Operations Group," as it was sometimes called, described its real mission more accurately. Activated in January of 1964, SOG was a joint services unit composed of members from all four branches of the armed forces, including Navy SEALs, Marine Recons, Air Force Special Operations pilots of the 90th Special Operations Wing, but predominantly Army Special Forces.

MACV/SOG's missions included: cross border operations into Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam to carry out intelligence gathering or raiding missions on the enemy's 'home ground'; gathering intelligence about POWs and carrying out rescue missions when possible; rescuing downed aircrews in enemy territory ("Bright Light" missions); training, inserting, and controlling agents in North Vietnam to gather intelligence or form resistance groups; carrying out 'black' Psy Ops such as operating fake broadcasting stations inside North Vietnam; kidnapping or assassinating key enemy personnel; retrieving sensitive document so equipment lost in enemy territory or in enemy hands; and inserting rigged mortar rounds or other booby-trapped ordnance in enemy arms caches (OPERATION ELDEST SON).

http://www.sogknives.com/macv-history.html



Your sacrifices in serving our country have been enormous. I have a feeling your wife understands this & appreciates having you with her over a taking a cruise any day.

Thank you for serving the country in such a dangerous role. I'm glad you found DU.

Royal777

(29 posts)
4. Thank You
Wed Sep 4, 2013, 05:20 PM
Sep 2013

Thank you for taking the time to look my unit up. While I am proud of the men I served with I don't normally talk about it.

JustanAngel

(44 posts)
5. Thank you so much for serving, also!
Wed Sep 4, 2013, 11:55 PM
Sep 2013

Perhaps, in some small way, there is something we can do to help encourage you. I pray for your healing, strength, and hope. it also sounds like you have awesome love in your life. I am glad you are not alone with your health issues. I have been advised to write an intro, as well. Perhaps, I'll have time tomorrow nite. Take care.
.

Royal777

(29 posts)
6. I am trying to do something
Thu Sep 5, 2013, 01:51 AM
Sep 2013

Under Politics 2013 I have started a post concerning Military PTSD victims deserving a Purple Heart. If you have time it would be great if you could look it up and read it. Thanks Jim

 

MarcPierre

(8 posts)
7. Hello
Tue Sep 10, 2013, 03:27 AM
Sep 2013

Hello! I am following the forum for two months and now recently joined the forum because it seems me interesting * informative.

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