Dads

[DMZ-LT]

Four years ago , in Nov. , my Dad died. I guess I have been thinking about him , just a few moments ago I thought " I wonder what he was doing at my age ( 55) " so I did the math and he was 55 in 1971. In 1971 he had been out of a job,after 33 years , for a few months cause the brewery closed. The only money coming in was from my mothers part time factory joband the money he got sent home from his oldest son, who was in Vietnam. Got to thinking how I would feel if my daughter was in a combat zone and I was out of a job after working so long at one spot - it wasn't a good feeling. I am not a big talker and I know I should have said it more but .. Thanks Dad and Welcome Home ! Frank give your Dad a hug from me the next time you see him. I wish now I would have when I met him , but we were manly , and shook hands - tell him he's getting a hug next time. Sorry to ramble.

[Packo]

I think of my dad all the time. It will be 3 years this coming July and he's always in my thoughts. We started hugging instead of shakin' hands about the mid 80's when we found out he had cancer. I'd pay any amount to give him one last hug. Your advice is right on.....if ya'll got em', HUG EM'!

Hang in there Lt........we will love em till we pass ourselves. (well, you maybe.....I'm livin' forever!)


Packo, the eternal one.

[Boats]

DMZ-LT;

My Dad's gone too I think he's been gone almost two years now. Though we didn't always see eye to eye and he was always testing me I know he's gone and I'd rather have him back then not to have him anymore.

Lost a brother too to agent orange he's been gone now about 5 or is it 6 years now. They are dropping like fly's and I'm the oldest so I know by rights I'm next in the food chain.

I'm not worried about cause there ain't crap I can do about it. My only thoughts now is to out live the wife. She's struggling of late with all sorts of problems and won't go to the doctor.

Let's face it guys we aren't getting any younger! But I do enjoy my grand-daughter and she makes my laugh. So life is good even when it shouldn't be.

God watch us all - Peace be with you to

[xgrunt]

I went to my folk's place yesterday and called in all my Dad's prescription refills from The VAMC and then sat and talked to both for awhile . When I leave I give both of the hugs and tell them I love them. At their ages it might be the last time. John next time I see my Dad I'll geve a double hug and tell one was from you. Frank

[Tina]

I thank god everyday for letting me still have my dad in my life..
My dad is a big part of my life.. I hug him and tell him I love him all the time.. I don't even want to think about the time in my life when I will not have him or my mom in my life anymore..
My dad is 62 years old.. He is not getting any younger for sure..
My thoughts are with you all that no longer have your dads..
love ya all
Your Friend and God Bless,
Tina Catena

[DMZ-LT]

I am sooo blessed to have the Lt. as my father & friend! I am the luckiest midget to have you to talk to, to argue w/, and to have your love that you show me everyday! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART- NEVER FORGET NOR DOUBT!!!!

" If I don't see you through the week I'll see you through the window"


I LOVE YOU DADDY! Today, Tomorrow, & ALWAYS!

Hug your daughter everyday, espically this month! Got something in my eye- see you when you get home!

[Sgt_Tropo]

My Dad was 40 years old when I went to Vietnam as a 19 year-old E-4. My Dad 11 years ago this month, at the age of 59 years, 6 months. I never stop missing him, either LT. I don't think any of us ever get over losing a parent. When I think about my Dad, I think about all the times we missed being together because of that stupid war, but then I also think about how glad we both were when I returned. Then my thoughts shift to those that didn't come back and my sweet memories turn bitter-sweet. I wish I could give each of the parents of my lost friends a hug that never got from their sons any more.
LT, Xgrunt, Paco, Boats and all you others, love your parents, cherish the memories and remember those who never had the opportunity to hug their sons that "one last time."

[Arrow]

Drive (For Daddy Gene)

It was painted red the stripe was white
It was eighteen feet from the bow to the stern light
Second-hand from a dealer in Atlanta
I rode up with daddy when he went there to get her
We put on a shine; put on a motor
Built out of love, made for the water
Ran her for years 'til the transom got rotten
A piece of my childhood will never be forgotten

It was just an old plywood boat
With a '75 Johnson with electric choke
A young boy two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And I would turn her sharp
And I would make her whine
He'd say, "you can't bet the way an old wood boat rides"
Just a little lake across the Alabama line
But was king of the ocean
When daddy let me drive

Just an old half ton shortbed Ford
My uncle bought new in '64
Daddy got it right 'cause the engine was smoking
A couple of burnt valves and he had it going
He let me drive her when we'd haul off a load
Down a dirt strip where we'd dump trash off of Thigpen Road
I'd sit up in the seat and stretch my feet out on the pedals
Smiling like a hero that just received his medal

It was just and old hand-me-down Ford
With a three-speed on the column and a dent in the door
A young boy, two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And I would press that clutch
And I would keep it right
And he'd say, "a little slower son you're doing just fine"
Just a dirt road with trash on each side
But I was Mario Andretti
When my daddy let me drive

I'm grown up now, three daughters of my own
I let them drive my old Jeep across the pasture at our home
Maybe one day they'll reach back in their file
And pull out that old memory
And think of me and smile and say

It was just an old worn out Jeep
Rusty old floorboard, hot on my feet
A young girl, two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And he'd say, "turn it left and steer it right,
Straighten up girl you're doing just fine"
Just a little valley by the river where we'd ride
But I was high on a mountain
When daddy let me drive

When daddy let me drive

Oh he let me drive

Daddy let me drive

It was just an old plywood boat
With a '75 Johnson with electric choke

For all my brothers and sisters in memory of their precious Dads

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