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| Title | Houstonian, 1989 |
| Contributor (LCNAF) |
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| Date | 1989 |
| Description | This edition of the Houstonian, published by the students of the university in 1989, is the official yearbook of the University of Houston. |
| Subject.Topical (LCSH) |
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| Subject.Name (LCNAF) |
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| Subject.Geographic (TGN) |
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| Genre (AAT) |
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| Language | English |
| Type (DCMI) |
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| Original Item Location | LD2281.H745 H6 v. 55 1989 |
| Original Item URL | http://library.uh.edu/record=b1158762~S11 |
| Digital Collection | Houstonian Yearbook Collection |
| Digital Collection URL | http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/yearb |
| Repository | Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries |
| Repository URL | http://info.lib.uh.edu/about/campus-libraries-collections/special-collections |
| Use and Reproduction | In Copyright |
| File Name | index.cpd |
| Title | Issues |
| Format (IMT) |
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| File Name | yearb_1989_245.jpg |
| Transcript | During the 60's and 70's Americans watched news broadcasts for "body counts" and "casualty lists", but what we got was a lot more graphic. ABOVE: viewers witness an actual Vietnam funeral. The Vietnam exprience is not one easly ex- plained, but in this special to the Houstonian we hope it is better understood. One can never see, much less understand the twists and turns on the path they must follow thourgh life. Little did I know seventeen years ago that I would finaly be within reach of a college degree. A dream that evolved out of guilt, pain, rage and a sense of responsibility to a special group of men. The events which distorted my views on life, its problems, joys and sorrows now seem a life time away. Its lessons, images and sounds have served, however, as a reminder of how tentative life can be. Raised as the son of a career soldier it was ex- pected taht I would without question assume my duties in defense of my country. With visions of God, country, mom's applie pie, and the girl I left behind; I volunteered not once but three times; once for active, once for airborne school and once for special forces. I was to be the best thearmy had to offer. A professional soldier beyond reproach. At a young ange I had surpassed my father's accom- plishments and in his eyes became a success. After receiving my green beret I volunteered for Vietnam. As a soldier my duty was to defend my country, its constitution and to battle for Democ- racy around the world. While "in country" I per- formed as a professional accepting without ques- tion the moral right and responsibility of my actions never thinking of its consequences on the balance of my life. It was understood that the only claim to life we had were the moments that had already past. Out of the twelve man "A" team only four men returned from Vietnam. Within eighteen months only one man remained alive. Two were killed on the streets of their hometown while serv- ing as policemen and the other died of a massive heart attack. I was spared the initial shock of how America viewed Vietnam Veterans because I returned from Vietnam and remained on active duty through 1979. Only then did I find out that my experience and sacrifice meant nothing in the eyes of my con- temporaries. With a family to support I was ready to enter the job market and assume my place as a productive member of the American work force. After thirty days of being told that I was not qual- ified for the job or over qualified for the job the reality of my situation became painfully clear. I was told by a company that they did not hire my type. When I ask why I would not be considered for their job sweeping their floors, the reply came I would not be considered an asset to the organization. All I wanted to do was feed my family and work but because I was a Vietnmam Vet I could not get a job. |