Honoring Veterans of the Vietnam War 50 Year Anniversary

  • Vietnam War Veteran and feature writer for the View, Jerry Collins (L), with friend Dieter Herbstler and a bus driver on the right. The Greenhorn Valley View would like to continue a series of interviews with Vietnam Veterans in the Colorado City and Rye areas, in honor of the 50 Year Anniversary of the end of that war. Photo Courtesy of Jerry Collins
    Vietnam War Veteran and feature writer for the View, Jerry Collins (L), with friend Dieter Herbstler and a bus driver on the right. The Greenhorn Valley View would like to continue a series of interviews with Vietnam Veterans in the Colorado City and Rye areas, in honor of the 50 Year Anniversary of the end of that war. Photo Courtesy of Jerry Collins

    The picture above was taken in February, 1971, on a hot day when we stopped at a Vietnam shrine along a mountain road for a break. I am on the left, and my good buddy, Dieter Herbstler, is on the right. The third person, with the rifle, was our driver. This was one of the better times while I was in Vietnam.

    I completed two tours “in country”. On my first tour I was able to see a Bob Hope Christmas show.

    Also, while I was stationed at Dian, 30 miles north of Siagon, President Richard Nixon visited. I didn’t get to see him as I was on perimeter guard, typical Army.

    On my second tour I was able to go on R&R to Sidney, Australia, what a wonderful place.

    I most remember the guys I was stationed with. Two of which I still stay in contact with. I also, belong to VFW in Colorado City which is predominantly Vietnam Veterans.