Posted: 2/8/2017 2:12:27 PM EDT
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Not sure why I'm posting this but I woke up this morning turned on the tube and the Vietnam War series is on the history channel. Back in late November my neighbor Mike passed away.
He lived alone was on oxygen and we were friends & neighbors for 7 years, he was a Vietnam Vet. His daughter would visit every few weeks so he had family. Bonus she's a cutie too. No pics sorry. I'm married but always nice to see her and the kids. Mike was a quite reserved guy, I remember the first time he invited me in his home. Guns everywhere, pics everywhere, guns mounted on every wall. I knew we were going to be good friends right away. We had the same trucks, 78 K10 4X4's, I never saw him drive it and always teased him I would wrestle that truck from him. I took it upon myself for the last 7 years to kinda watch over him, take his garbage cans to the curb, fall I would do our yards every week until all the leaves were gone, general up keep. Take him plates of food on the holidays etc. One day I took one of my all USGI M1A's over for him to have a look, he snatched it so quickly and held it like an old friend, I could just "TELL" Mike was a badass. I think you know what I mean. He spoke very limited of his service, fighting with the hill people is about all I know and agent orange had ruined his health. Every Christmas he'd get me something in Thanks for all I did. To which I told him it was never necessary. I truly enjoyed doing things for him, in some odd way it gave me a sense of pride, giving back to someone who gave so much for us. I've really noticed how much I miss him, not seeing his truck in the driveway, no longer doing what I used to do and being able to go over and say Hi and Chat, the house is empty and going up for sale soon. Somehow I doubt whoever buys it is going to be as cool as Mike was. Just thought I'd share, if you get a chance to meet one of these old guys and spend some time. Do so it's worth every minute. |
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I love talking to vets, they know shit and have seen everything. I feel for you OP. I volunteer at the Orting Soldiers home here in WA, and damn, to have seen what they have seen, and when then finding out someone passed that I was just talking to last month..it ..sucks..
but, you still broke the rules. |
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Quoted:
Mike was blessed to spend his final years with a great neighbor to watch over him.  being an old guy and living alone you'd be surprised how much those occasional visits are appreciated...God bless you for watching out for the old guy...My UPS driver has become my friend, to the point I've asked he assist my daughter with my crap when I die as there's a bunch of stuff she's no clue of value. I've grown to trust him enough to insure she's not burned.. |
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Thanks Man.
On the flip side of that we've been dealing with my BIL for 26 years, he was in the Air Force back in the 70's. 4 years never saw combat etc. I love him he was a brilliant guy. But an extreme alcoholic. Pissed away millions of dollars. Last year with no where to go and the family tired of dealing with all the BS, we let him move in with us and take a room. He blames PTSD is why. We've exhausted every avenue with the VA and private help. He's drinking himself to death in my home and it's unbelievably hard on us. My wife.....the pain I see. It sucks. |
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OK, this is weird. I had a neighbor like that, WWII, Korea, Vietnam. Pic below. How the hell did Photobucket (my account) attach his name to the image? I know his name is Duane, but the last name I never knew. WTF?
duane_zpsenbujvhq.jpg 
ETA: Maybe I labeled it Duane and the rest is gobleygook. 
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