During the Civil War if a soldier was caught sleeping on guard the punishment was death by firing squad. How many of us would never have made it through Vietnam? For at one time or another Im sure we all nodded off once or twice. I do recall a particular insodent, early on in my tour in 1966, on a night ambush in the Macon Delta. One of our guys lay on his back snoring, as I nudged him for the third time to lay on his side and quite snoring he was quite adamant he wasn't snoring. It was no longer an ambush, it was a mere listening post now, or a target to draw enemy motar fire! It was dark in an instant we heard noise, we pitched a grenade, the sound of a water buffalo bellering split the darkness. Probably being herded down the dirt road by the V.C. to find out where we where, the VC version af a mine sweeper. Our bedfellow was wide awake now, could have cost us dearly. I wonder if he ever hears cows bellering in his sleep? I pray he made it through Vietnam.

This story is about a 18 year old Civil War boy who fell asleep on guard and was sentenced to death by firing squad for that. His father went to Washington to get a pardon from President Lincoln, and tried as he may could not get to see the President. As he sat outside with head in hands crying, at his wits end, he felt a hand on his shoulder, it was a young boy who asked what was the matter? The man explained to the boy the situation and the boy said to wait 15 minutes and he would see what he could do. After 15 minutes the man was about to leave giving up when he felt a hand on his shoulder, as he turned it was Abe Lincoln himself, the man's son was sparred from the firing squad. The lesson being the Father can be best reached through the Son. A lot to be thankful for.

My father is 93 now, still drives a car and plays a lot of cards. I have alot to be thankful for Mr. Jack Vessey now also about 93 years was out there with us at Soui Tre 40 plus years ago. This man, at 51 years like a father to all of us young guys about 20 years old, stood as a man among men at Soui Tre. I didn't know three years ago at the Richmond reunion if I really thanked him for being there for me, but at this thanksgiving time of year I reflect back to the Hero's of that battlefield, my comrades both living and gone.

My daughter Michelle, a teacher of 3rd graders has been sending out vets cards for some years now, off of our address list at random. Some guys respond to the kids, General Jack Vessey did this year with a beautiful card and response. I unknowingly reached a great father through my daughter, I am blessed and honored to have served with such a caring man!!

I at age 20 didn't know what a beehive round was, but seeing balls of red, orange, and yellow fire go by my fox hole within a few feet made me fight harder for I then knew I had a chance to live. A memory burned into many of our minds for ever, but remember hell would be even worse so live your life here on earth accordingly. John 3.16 for God loved the world so much He gave His only Son so that everyone that believes in Him may hot die but have eternal life"

On Thanksgiving day our youngest daughter Maria gave birth to a beautiful little 7lb. girl, Macy Nikole, a cute little turkey I must admit, I am so blessed. I owe alot to Mr. Jack Vessey and the brave men of the 77th artillery both living and deceased. I would say the 77th artillery suffered the most Kia's at Soui Tre or Bamboo Creek. When I walked back to the guns after the battle those brave men were laying all around those guns, it brought me to tears. John 15.13 Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends, Such Great Friends!!!!

At this special Christmas time of year I get on my knees and thank God for all my blessings. To all you guys my comrades a Christmas Thank you for all you did for me. Such Great Friends!!

With God's blessings to all!!
Your Chaplan
Ted

Come share under the tree with me
We'll talk about the things that are meant to be.
We need to share with each other after all these years
There is nothing wrong with sharing a few tears.
A healing thing for all of us, you see
A special time to give thanks to Thee.
The Spirit will be there, morale will be high, too
I'm sure looking forward to seeing all of you!!
May the light of the Holy Spirit shine upon you all!

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