MY R&R & OTHER SOCIAL ACTIVIES IN VIETNAM

A very important part of enduring a year from home came with the befriending of Australian medics. It was wonderful. For a whole year the Aussies would visit me at work. We socialized.. enjoyed a meal at the Pacific Hotel and traded supplies as needed.

I was mesmerized by their friendship and stories told. Rod Bryar, Geoff Andrews and Dallas Mulhall, in particular, were a very important part of my enduring a year away from home. We drank together.. we laughed together and we learned about each others countries. The capstone was my traveling to Sydney in October for a week. I did Sydney and Melbourne where I stayed at Rod Bryar's mom's home. This respite made my year plausible.

R & R in Australia was awesome. The R & R Center gave us soldiers options. I chose to date an Australian Lassie - Diana Brooke. I asked Diana what she wanted to do: "I would like going to my first night club." We checked out the shows and landed a spot at Checquers Club. That night DUSTY SPRINGFIELD was playing. Dusty was at the top of her musical game and we enjoyed her songs. "Wishing & Hoping," "You don't have to say you love me." Etc.

In-Country R&R was located in Vung Tau. We were not allowed to visit the quarters although I did with visiting Larry Bauml and Mike Flanagan

 War is much more than killing the enemy. My Vietnam service was a very sophisticated endeavor so it seems. I have a 23 page narrative  of my entire 1 year 9 months and 2 days available for $10.00 + Postage of $3.00. Box 11, West Brookfield, MA 01535.

Dusty Springfield