Reunion with "MADDOG"

[DMZ-LT]

Afew years ago Sid made contact with MADDOG, a guy he served with in SF in bitnam and bordering countries and had not seen in like 34 years. MADDOG planned to visit Sid at our favorite bar in a few weeks. Prior to the visit Sid told us of MADDOGS exploits, what a butcher he was, how much he enjoyed blowing people away, the smile he wore when he killed, his finger necklace and his skill at hunting folks down. Had us scared to death about the meeting, told us not to make sudden movements around him and don't look him in the eye. This guy was a killer.Finally the big day comes and I am sitting with Sid at the bar scared to death, when the doors blow open and in stalks MADDOG ......................... ALL 5FT. 4 IN.'S AND 280 pounds of him, bald head reflecting the bar lights, limping. One of the nicest guys I have ever met. Sid's" eye " in his mind had kept MADDOG as he was 34 years ago until that meeting. I want to thank all of you for helping my minds eye come more into focus through this site. Keeping it together, together. Welcome home bro's!!

[Keith_Hixson]

I'm sure we have all mellow a lot over the years. MADDOG!
Gotta Love that name. I'd been worried also.

My wife ask me the other day. "Do you remember when you use to play basketball and you could jump up and touch the rim?" I said "Yes" Then she looked me over said, "Can you even get off the ground these days?" Boy that hurt. I think it was one of her hints that I need to go on a diet.

We all change and for the most part the better.

Keith

[xgrunt]

Sid and you got together with MADDOG. I think ,like Sid, all of us still see the Nam and the memory of our bros[the quick and the dead] in our's minds eye as we last some them years ago. Like you and I talked about on the ride back from Ellijay; we all have our "Movies" in our head that are what we think is the truth but is actually just a "set" memory that we have come to belive is the way events occurred. Welcome Home MADDOG and Brothers. :cl:

[Boats]

DMZ-LT,

I can relate to that. It was 26 years later that I chased down an old Bud who lives in Lancaster, PA. I know I changed but I didn't know how much Jerry would have changed. His Dad had all his tatoos removed I kept mine. He was married but to another gal not the one we used to talk about in the service. He had two or three kids and just moved into a new home.

We had talked and still do to this day on the phone. He never calls but he sure is glad to hear from me when I do call him. Money must be tight or its an Amish thing?

He could drink a quart of liquor with the best of them in a sitting. Now he's dry and has been for a long long time. Me I still tip'm but only beer now the hard stuff puts me in a rage.

Other's I've found over the years won't call but I do and as usual everyone is happy to hear from each other. What's wrong with this picture!?

I like to stay in touch with those people that have impacted my life. There's a black guy I would love to find Jim Boykins was from Chicago (and I live here) but I can't find him anywhere. This man saved my life so I owe him big time. He would always cover my back and to this day I miss that protection.

Me I've changed put on the pounds but my character is the same. This is what the guys say about me all the time. They know its me before I say my name (if they didn't remember). So I feel like I've left an impression (good or bad its something).

Just got back from the Vets and had some check up for cancer. Got it about 6 years ago and they cut it out. Did 6 weeks of chemo and we so far so good. But two weeks ago they thought I had malenoma (skin cancer) so today was the day to find out if the knife had to come into play again. Status: Pending another 30 days. So that means I'm going to the Sox game tomorrow with the neighbor. He's x-Korea (Air Force) and a pretty good electrician.

Can you imagin how Maddog feels? But you and I don't know what his lifes been like since leaving the service. Many disorders come about from stress so his weight, balding and whatever else seems to be impacting him could all be related in one way or another.

I will remember Maddog both ways - Why? Because it makes him human just like the rest of us.

Good Health