Jerry Glazer’s Post

VIETNAM UNCENSORED: FROM NIGHTMARES TO NARRATIVES I remember the battlefield. The anxiety was a weight. It was not fear that gripped us but the act of overcoming it. We did not see ourselves as brave. We had a task. We got on with it. When the enemy was close, it was not about killing them. It was about getting everyone out safely. We wanted to come home. That was the wish before every fight. Even when the odds were against us, we stood tall. Perhaps it was the loyalty that drove us. Maybe it was the training, the spirit of the team. But in those moments, something strange happened. Defeat turned into victory. I do not know why we won when the situation seemed lost. Avoiding the daily horrors was not an option. I planned and plotted with my team until the moment we moved in. We knelt in the mud, heavy with gear, waiting for the fight. My heart raced, sweat ran down my face. I had to push down the anxiety. There was no other choice. I cannot remember when I stopped thinking of home. For those who came back, the nightmares lingered. "Vietnam Uncensored" will launch in nine days. It took long time to write this memoir. You will find the events that shaped my life. Each person who lived through that hell has their own story. I wrote of the worst moments, but every day was a nightmare that changed me. On November 11, Veteran’s Day, stand with me to launch "Vietnam Uncensored." Check the platforms for links as the date nears. Take advantage of the 50% discount on launch day. Sign up at the Vietnam Jerry site—https://vietnamjerry.com—to enter for a chance at genuine Army Vietnam War memorabilia. All proceeds go to the Kaufman Fund to aid veterans in need. Many still struggle to adjust after combat. So, you can enjoy a good read, get that discount, and help a worthy cause. With the holidays approaching, it makes for a meaningful gift. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #veteransday #vitnamuncensored #lessonslearned Jake Suggs Jill L. TOM SMITH Lindsey Asselin Jessica Glazer

VIETNAM UNCENSORED: FROM NIGHTMARES TO NARRATIVES I remember the battlefield. The anxiety was a weight. It was not fear that gripped us but the act of overcoming it. We did not see ourselves as brave. We had a task. We got on with it. When the enemy was close, it was not about killing them. It was about getting everyone out safely. We wanted to come home. That was the wish before every fight. Even when the odds were against us, we stood tall. Perhaps it was the loyalty that drove us. Maybe it was the training, the spirit of the team. But in those moments, something strange happened. Defeat turned into victory. I do not know why we won when the situation seemed lost. Avoiding the daily horrors was not an option. I planned and plotted with my team until the moment we moved in. We knelt in the mud, heavy with gear, waiting for the fight. My heart raced, sweat ran down my face. I had to push down the anxiety. There was no other choice. I cannot remember when I stopped thinking of home. For those who came back, the nightmares lingered. "Vietnam Uncensored" will launch in nine days. It took long time to write this memoir. You will find the events that shaped my life. Each person who lived through that hell has their own story. I wrote of the worst moments, but every day was a nightmare that changed me. On November 11, Veteran’s Day, stand with me to launch "Vietnam Uncensored." Check the platforms for links as the date nears. Take advantage of the 50% discount on launch day. Sign up at the Vietnam Jerry site—https://vietnamjerry.com—to enter for a chance at genuine Army Vietnam War memorabilia. All proceeds go to the Kaufman Fund to aid veterans in need. Many still struggle to adjust after combat. So, you can enjoy a good read, get that discount, and help a worthy cause. With the holidays approaching, it makes for a meaningful gift. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #veteransday #vitnamuncensored #lessonslearned Yonatan Hernandez Margarita Fernández Hiram Figueroa David Kugelmas Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk

VIETNAM UNCENSORED: FROM NIGHTMARES TO NARRATIVES I remember the battlefield. The anxiety was a weight. It was not fear that gripped us but the act of overcoming it. We did not see ourselves as brave. We had a task. We got on with it. When the enemy was close, it was not about killing them. It was about getting everyone out safely. We wanted to come home. That was the wish before every fight. Even when the odds were against us, we stood tall. Perhaps it was the loyalty that drove us. Maybe it was the training, the spirit of the team. But in those moments, something strange happened. Defeat turned into victory. I do not know why we won when the situation seemed lost. Avoiding the daily horrors was not an option. I planned and plotted with my team until the moment we moved in. We knelt in the mud, heavy with gear, waiting for the fight. My heart raced, sweat ran down my face. I had to push down the anxiety. There was no other choice. I cannot remember when I stopped thinking of home. For those who came back, the nightmares lingered. "Vietnam Uncensored" will launch in nine days. It took long time to write this memoir. You will find the events that shaped my life. Each person who lived through that hell has their own story. I wrote of the worst moments, but every day was a nightmare that changed me. On November 11, Veteran’s Day, stand with me to launch "Vietnam Uncensored." Check the platforms for links as the date nears. Take advantage of the 50% discount on launch day. Sign up at the Vietnam Jerry site—https://vietnamjerry.com—to enter for a chance at genuine Army Vietnam War memorabilia. All proceeds go to the Kaufman Fund to aid veterans in need. Many still struggle to adjust after combat. So, you can enjoy a good read, get that discount, and help a worthy cause. With the holidays approaching, it makes for a meaningful gift. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #veteransday #vitnamuncensored #lessonslearned Wayne Kaufman Shelia Schneider Steve Rosenblum Rick Bava George Cavanaugh

VIETNAM UNCENSORED: A VETERAN’S STORY The Vietnam War left deep scars on its veterans, with lasting effects echoing in American life for decades. Imagine the haunting memories of a humid jungle filled with the acrid smell of gunpowder. Each day felt like a waking nightmare, where gunfire and cries of the wounded pierced the air. The once-vibrant landscape became a backdrop for terror, hiding not only enemy soldiers but also the echoes of lost innocence. In the evenings, we gathered around flickering campfires, sharing stories that became confessions. Each tale of survival carried the weight of loss. We spoke of friends turned shadows, lost to chaos. Our camaraderie felt strong, yet despair flowed through our words, revealing deep trauma. The sights were gruesome: villages reduced to ashes and innocent faces marked by fear. I remember a child approaching as a mortar struck, obliterating innocence in an instant. These moments highlighted life's fragility, overshadowing joy with brutality. Returning home, my buddies and I carried these memories. We walked familiar streets yet felt worlds apart, observing the laughter and chatter as if from a distance. I often wrote during quiet moments, trying to make sense of my experiences. The stark images in my mind captured both panic and beauty, as I interlaced my memories into narratives. I grappled with the paradox of war: loyalty forged in battle, nightmares lingering long after, and the quest for redemption in an indifferent world. This is the essence of “Vietnam Uncensored.” The book launch is scheduled for November 11th, Veteran’s Day, with net proceeds benefiting veterans through the Kaufman Fund. On launch day, I’m offering a 50% discount. Join me in making November 11th a success for a worthy cause. Learn more at the Vietnam Jerry site: https://vietnamjerry.com. You can read the first chapter, listen to NPR's broadcast of Corporal Cummings' ghost story, and enter for authentic Vietnam memorabilia. Enjoy a great read at a fantastic price while giving back on Veteran’s Day. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #veteransday #lessonslearned #veteranssupport

FORGED IN FIRE: THE BROTHERHOOD OF VIETNAM Of everything that followed me home from Vietnam, I am grateful for the brotherhood forged in combat. It is a bond more profound than mere friendship, one that few can understand unless they have lived it. The terrain was harsh in the jungles, and the weather was relentless. We faced not only the enemy but the weight of fear and uncertainty. Each day would bring its challenges—ambushes, the elements. In those dark moments, the camaraderie of my brothers gave us the strength to carry on. Our brotherhood was built on shared moments—terror, triumph, laughter, and sorrow. It represented the soldier beside you, ready to face danger, willing to risk everything for your safety. Trust becomes the glue that held us together. We learned we were not alone; we had each other, a family formed in the fire. This brotherhood means more than the battlefield. It gives purpose and a sense of belonging. It teaches sacrifice, loyalty, and the need to look after one another. These lessons stayed with us long after the guns fell silent. My buddies and I took this bond into civilian life, finding others who shared our struggles. Combat brotherhood is a testament to the human spirit. It demonstrates the capacity for empathy, even in darkness. We leaned on each other, shared our burdens, consoled losses, and celebrated victories—no matter how small. We built a support system that would last a lifetime, offering solace in despair and joy in reunion. Stand with me for the book launch of Vietnam Uncensored on November 11, Veteran’s Day. Register at the Vietnam Jerry site – https://vietnamjerry.com to take advantage of the 50% launch day discount, become eligible for authentic Vietnam memorabilia, and contribute to the proceeds to help veterans in need through the Kaufman Fund. You’ll be glad you did. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #brotherhood #lessonslearned #veteransday Wayne Kaufman Rick Bava Shelia Schneider Steve Rosenblum George Cavanaugh

ECHOES OF WAR: THE LASTING IMPACT ON VETERANS In Vietnam, no one I met thought of themselves as a hero or a patriot. We all shared a complex and dangerous life. We didn’t talk about our missions, wins, or losses. Instead, we complained about the military and our leaders. It was easier to grumble than to face the daily threats to our lives. Maybe one day, if we survived, we’d share stories of battles, brothers, and medals. But for most of us, it was enough to live in the moment, not to relive the past. We felt the weight of our impermanence in a place where danger lurked everywhere. Safety was a dream. Montrose died in a rocket attack while eating in the mess tent. We didn’t see ourselves as tough guys, but there were times when our missions turned us into cold killers. I faced moments where taking a life felt like the only choice. I recount these experiences in Vietnam Uncensored. Direct combat changed us, but even minor incidents left scars. The war turned everything into instinct. This would follow us home as PTSD or even madness. You can read about the history of Vietnam, our unit, and how we survived in Vietnam Uncensored. Stand with me for the book launch on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. Learn more at the Vietnam Jerry site: https://vietnamjerry.com. You’ll get the first chapter, listen to Corporal Cummings’ ghost story from NPR, and receive a newsletter with exclusive content. All net proceeds from book sales go to the Kaufman Fund, which helps veterans in need. The book will be 50% off on launch day. You’ll get a great read and help support our veterans. Thank you. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #lessonslearned #mentalhealth #supportveteran

ECHOES OF WAR: THE LASTING IMPACT ON VETERANS In Vietnam, no one I met thought of themselves as a hero or a patriot. We all shared a complex and dangerous life. We didn’t talk about our missions, wins, or losses. Instead, we complained about the military and our leaders. It was easier to grumble than to face the daily threats to our lives. Maybe one day, if we survived, we’d share stories of battles, brothers, and medals. But for most of us, it was enough to live in the moment, not to relive the past. We felt the weight of our impermanence in a place where danger lurked everywhere. Safety was a dream. Montrose died in a rocket attack while eating in the mess tent. We didn’t see ourselves as tough guys, but there were times when our missions turned us into cold killers. I faced moments where taking a life felt like the only choice. I recount these experiences in Vietnam Uncensored. Direct combat changed us, but even minor incidents left scars. The war turned everything into instinct. This would follow us home as PTSD or even madness. You can read about the history of Vietnam, our unit, and how we survived in Vietnam Uncensored. Stand with me for the book launch on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. Learn more at the Vietnam Jerry site: https://vietnamjerry.com. You’ll get the first chapter, listen to Corporal Cummings’ ghost story from NPR, and receive a newsletter with exclusive content. All net proceeds from book sales go to the Kaufman Fund, which helps veterans in need. The book will be 50% off on launch day. You’ll get a great read and help support our veterans. Thank you. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #lessonslearned #mentalhealth #supportveterans Matt Laddin Rebecca Hollingsworth Charles de Kovachich Neil Wank Stacey Glazer

ECHOES OF WAR: THE LASTING IMPACT ON VETERANS In Vietnam, no one I met thought of themselves as a hero or a patriot. We all shared a complex and dangerous life. We didn’t talk about our missions, wins, or losses. Instead, we complained about the military and our leaders. It was easier to grumble than to face the daily threats to our lives. Maybe one day, if we survived, we’d share stories of battles, brothers, and medals. But for most of us, it was enough to live in the moment, not to relive the past. We felt the weight of our impermanence in a place where danger lurked everywhere. Safety was a dream. Montrose died in a rocket attack while eating in the mess tent. We didn’t see ourselves as tough guys, but there were times when our missions turned us into cold killers. I faced moments where taking a life felt like the only choice. I recount these experiences in Vietnam Uncensored. Direct combat changed us, but even minor incidents left scars. The war turned everything into instinct. This would follow us home as PTSD or even madness. You can read about the history of Vietnam, our unit, and how we survived in Vietnam Uncensored. Stand with me for the book launch on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. Learn more at the Vietnam Jerry site: https://vietnamjerry.com. You’ll get the first chapter, listen to Corporal Cummings’ ghost story from NPR, and receive a newsletter with exclusive content. All net proceeds from book sales go to the Kaufman Fund, which helps veterans in need. The book will be 50% off on launch day. You’ll get a great read and help support our veterans. Thank you. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #lessonslearned #mentalhealth #supportveterans

ECHOES OF WAR: THE LASTING IMPACT ON VETERANS In Vietnam, no one I met thought of themselves as a hero or a patriot. We all shared a complex and dangerous life. We didn’t talk about our missions, wins, or losses. Instead, we complained about the military and our leaders. It was easier to grumble than to face the daily threats to our lives. Maybe one day, if we survived, we’d share stories of battles, brothers, and medals. But for most of us, it was enough to live in the moment, not to relive the past. We felt the weight of our impermanence in a place where danger lurked everywhere. Safety was a dream. Montrose died in a rocket attack while eating in the mess tent. We didn’t see ourselves as tough guys, but there were times when our missions turned us into cold killers. I faced moments where taking a life felt like the only choice. I recount these experiences in Vietnam Uncensored. Direct combat changed us, but even minor incidents left scars. The war turned everything into instinct. This would follow us home as PTSD or even madness. You can read about the history of Vietnam, our unit, and how we survived in Vietnam Uncensored. Stand with me for the book launch on Nov 11, Veteran’s Day. Learn more at the Vietnam Jerry site: https://vietnamjerry.com. You’ll get the first chapter, listen to Corporal Cummings’ ghost story from NPR, and receive a newsletter with exclusive content. All net proceeds from book sales go to the Kaufman Fund, which helps veterans in need. The book will be 50% off on launch day. You’ll get a great read and help support our veterans. Thank you. #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #lessonslearned #mentalhealth #supportveterans Dom Einhorn Jason Wills David Kugelmas Herb M. Marcus Shields

This post is a bit overdue, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the difference between intelligence and wisdom—and our sense of internal relativity as we grow. As a young sailor, I was given a fair number of challenge coins. I was quick to raise my hand whenever the dreaded "I need four volunteers" call came out. Looking back, I lost plenty of sleep over that habit, but it also led to some lifelong experiences—like the time I foolishly admitted I knew a thing or two about goats and ended up handling livestock at a Navy football game in my dress whites. But I digress. Challenge coins are tokens of recognition for a job well done, whether for official duties or personal favors. There’s a lot of mythos around their use in bars for free drinks, but that’s not the focus here. At 18, I didn’t give these coins much thought. I’d say thanks, toss them in the “junk pile” back in the barracks, and move on. Fast forward 11 years, and I began to understand why some traditions matter. By then, I had lost most of those keepsakes and tried, in vain, to recapture them. Now, I’m well past retirement; the old chariot has been rolling along without me for years. But sometimes, I find myself back in the community, where those still serving keep these traditions alive. Recently, a few gracious Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) at Ft. Detrick, who know me only for the work I continue to do for the military community, gifted me a coin—the first one I’ve received since I transitioned out. At 18, I may have been smart, but it’s the wisdom gained over years of experience that truly matters. This coin won’t end up in a junk pile; it’s meaningful, as they all should have been. #ChallengeCoin #MilitaryTradition #NavyLife #OldChariotRollingAlong #WisdomOverTime #VeteranLife #ChiefPettyOfficer #FtDetrick #MilitaryCommunity #LifeLessons #SeaShanty #MilitaryHeritage #DHA #NAVMEDLOGCOM