May through September 2002
I am looking for anyone who might remember me. I was wounded in the face.
I took a bullet just below my left eye and it exited in front of right ear
and thru my right shoulder. I do not remember names of anyone there but have
never forgotten the care that I was given and all others around me were given.
Would love to hear from anyone just to say a great big THANK YOU and GOD BLESS
YOU! Please email me at the above email addy.
Tue Sep 10 19:31:46 2002
A warm hello to all those I knew at the 24th Evac. Just trying to let everyone
know that I have relocated to Florida and also have a new email address. I
certainly do not want to lose touch with the folks from this great organization!
Sorry I could not make it to the reunion in Texas, but please keep me informed
of any future reunions!
Wed Sep 4 13:42:12 2002
Hey I made a mistake I think we where next to the 93 evac hospital. Later
Dennis.
Thu Aug 29 2:22:41 2002
hey all, was next door at 45th dust off. still going on and on and on. taking
everyday as a gift.
Dennis
Thu Aug 29 1:56:58 2002
The mess hall was a friendly place where the chow, in any other setting, would
have been described as great. I remember eating mushrooms sauteed in butter
by the bowls full. While a lot of my compatriots complained about the chow,
I think they were really complaining about something else. I don't remember
any of the 24th Evac personnel, just that it was a good place to eat - one
of the few enjoyable memories I have of Long Binh and Vietnam.
Mon Aug 26 17:12:47 2002
I
JUST BECAME AWARE OF THE WEBSITE THIS WEEK.I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING
INFOMATION ABOUT THE REUNION NEXT YEAR.I VISITED THE WALL IN 1987 AND HAVE
BEEN THINKING ABOUT GOING AGAIN.I WAS ON THE PAINT CREW WHEN WE WERE BUILDING
THE HOSPITAL.IN THE 24TH HOME PAGE,HISTORY SECTION OCTOBER 1966 THERE IS A
PICTURE TITLE "PAINTING OUTSIDE".I THINK THAT PICTURE MAY BE OF ME.OBVIOUSLY
A SURPRISE.WHAT AN EXCITING WEEK THIS HAS BEEN.THOUGHTS OF SOME VERY GOOD FRIENDS,SOME
GOOD TIMES,SOME NOT SO GOOD TIMES.
Sun Aug 25 0:43:07 2002
I see a lot of entries about the Foon Loon Restaurant, which was a real nice
escape and morale-builder at the Long Binh Slums. But it was called The Mandarin
House when I was there.
Thu Aug 22 9:10:46 2002
Hi folks. I am back on line. Had a nice visit with Colonel Gerald Allgood
and his son at West Point ceremony on July 19.
Sat Aug 17 17:03:49 2002
Hello all, thought maybe the site
was down for a while but I read Cindy's explanation.
Joe Patawaran wrote he wanted a few opinions about the reunion in San Antonio.
Joe I am not sure if you were there or not. Hard to describe the feelings over
my brief 3 day stay.
From the pleasant meeting of Cindy and Doug and the hospitality they showed,
to meeting old acquaintances and new ones. Nice people there and many stories
were told. Unbelievable the memory we all had of the good and bad during Nam.
Meeting Freddie Fields ,courtesy of Linda T, was refreshing.
By the pool, very early in the mornings with a cup of coffee, was my time to
reflect .Quite peaceful for me.
All take care
Fri Aug 16 23:29:45 2002
Also, apologies around for lack of updates. Traveling for Christian mission (Honduras http://www.stpeterstpaul.org/Honduras_2002.htm and Vietnam) had tied up time this summer.
Full report on our week and a half in Da Nang City coming soon!
xoxo - cmy
Was one of the originals. Know I'm behind in contacting the people who were
at the 24th, but I'm ready to catch up.
Didn't know about the reunion this year until it was over.
Definitely want to be on the list for the next one. Anyone
from 66-67 who can remember me please give me a shout.
Tue Jul 30 0:09:22 2002
Please, if any one has anything that they would like to share about the reunion,
please put it on this web site.
Luv to hear from people that was there.
luv you all,Joe
Sun Jul 28 21:58:33 2002
I have signed in before but have changed my email address..I am so sorry that
I missed the reunion, but plan on attending the next one....Martha Has anyone
heard from Nancy Roberts Saenz?
Sat Jul 27 21:04:45 2002
I was with the 9th Inf. and was Medi-Vaced twice to 24th for basically superficial
wounds. Two days max stay. Was later transferred to Central Finance just down
the street from 24th Evac. The people at 24th Evac. were God sends in a time
of utter chaos. Thanks, you can't even see any scars now, probably because
they are covered with middle age fat.
Thu Jul 25 15:23:26 2002
My E-mail address was previously listed wrongly so I'm back to correct it.
Ya know Monday was my 52d birthday and every birthday I can't help but remember
that I was there and the things I saw and did in triage and the helipad then
got medevaced myself, back to Madigan. Then 4 weeks later I turned 19. I guess
a lot of us just never had a chance.
Thu Jul 18 14:12:08 2002
I arrived in Long Binh in February 1971 and was assigned to the 93rd Evac.
hospital which soon closed. I was then assigned to the 332nd Medical Detachment.
When that facility closed, I was assigned to the 24th where I finished out
my tour.
Mon Jul 15 0:14:41 2002
312th ADD Air Traffic Controllers
worked traffic in & out of 24th from
tower at Sandford AAF (visible at top of 1971 picture on this site) and from
small tower at 93rd Evac.
Thanks for all your good work!
Mon Jul 8 13:27:47 2002
Moved from Bien Hoa to Long Binh in November 1971 with
Officers Records, 357th Personnel Services Company.
Company stood down and went home April 1972.
Thanks 24th Evac for the great job on my butt.
Tue Jul 2 12:17:10 2002
Heartfelt thanks to you who helped me keep a little bit of sanity during chaos.
Seeing some of you smiling made being there much easier to take. I'm sorry
we missed Christmas Eve '70 but hope we made up for it other times we tryed
to entertain. If anyone remembers this, contact me?
Fri Jun 14 14:04:16 2002
Any info on Sp 4 Michael Dagostino C Btry, 3/16 ARTY wounded Aug 13, 1967
Medevac'd to Japan then Ft. Sam Houston, would be appreciated.
Mon Jun 10 15:06:55 2002
Just a thank you to Ken, Cindy, and all who made the reunion so great!. Enjoyed
the whole thing but perhaps the most touching and memorable is the honor guard
from Fort Sam Houston given for us. It touched me to see the young army of
today paying tribute to us. I went t o them and thanked them and told them
I was proud of them for what they are doing today. I missed those of you that
couldn't come but am on reunion committee for next time so will try to assure
you all make it. Jack Brown thinks we should have a west coast reunion . I
do too. Many want to go Back to DC. Let me know via e-mail.
I also was touched by the patient who found his neurosurgeon. Not during my
time but the feelings were the same. I know what we did there mattered. I am
just beginning to come to terms with some of my feelings about VN and how it
affected my life. Perhaps some of you have had that experience. I work with
Vets every day and am proud to do that but also see their suffering. Let's
not forget them. We have, or have tried to, move on but some of them have not
or still suffer the effects of war. They need our support. Looking forward
to next time!
Fri Jun 7 0:39:11 2002
Was a female civilian volunteer at HQ USARV Comptroller; became ill and was
admitted.
The nurses and doctors were kind to me.
Also, I did volunteer for a short time... My guilt to this day is that I was
not strong enough emotionally to continue.. my heart broke when looking into
the eyes of the young 18-19 year old men.... My heroines were the nurses. and
to this day.... I wish I could have been one of them.
Susan
Fri May 31 21:27:18 2002
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to return to the friends of the past.
Outstanding work by Ken, Cindy, Marty, and the SGT's. I only wish there had
been more time to enjoy the great gathering. Looking forward to the next reunion!
Please note new E-mail address.
Sat May 25 14:15:25 2002
Just like to thank all the guys from the 24th Evac Medical Equipment Repair
shop for taking care of me.
Fri May 24 16:24:03 2002
I am sorry I missed the reunion - I did revisit with others from the 24th
at the dedication of the VN Women's Memorial.
I have kept in touch with JD, corpsman on our ward, and would love to hear
from the other corpsmen-never would have made it without them. Does anyone
know where CPT Yvonne Holley, the 1st head nurse I had on Ward 2 is now?
I went back on a cruise in 1996 and revisited some old sites and saw beautiful
parts of the country I did not know existed. The trip was life-changing for
me.
Think of all those that I served with frequently and realize these were some
of the closest friends I've ever had
Have only begun to read the guestbook-already have seen the names of doctors
on our ward. Never forget.
Mon May 20 18:22:19 2002
I was medevac to 24th Evac by Huey from Tan An via the
downtown Saigon hospital, April 1969.
While serving as a U.S. Navy Advisor to a crew of Hai Quan
HQ sailors rigging antennas on a tile roof at the RAG/RAID
base at Tan An, the roof collapsed, taking me with it.
I had broken/dislocated bones left wrist, arm, elbow.
A U.S. Army doctor with a shaved head and a handlebar
mustache did the bone setting as far as I know. With
that description you'd probably know him.
I'd like to see any details that might be
found in 24th Evac log books.
Richard Rongstad
CWO2 USN (Ret.)
Republic of Vietnam 1969-1970
Phu Cat to Phu Quoc
Sat May 18 15:25:36 2002
Hello all--Just want to say thanks to Ken and Marti and the others that set
up the reunion that turned out great. Also without this website, this reunion
might not have come about, so a big THANKS to Cindy and Doug. Pleasure was
mine in meeting you all. Linda T, thanks for letting me know that Freddie Fields
was there. The pictures I have will refresh my eyes to the people I met, but
they don't show the tone of the words spoken.
Hopefully someday word will get out and there will be more people "found".
Thu May 16 7:38:48 2002
I served in Long Binh Vietnam during the 1969 tet counteroffense with the
624th Service and Supply Co. which I believe was next door to the 24th Evac.
Hospital.
I have a lot of vivid memories of Long Binh I served in Long Binh until 1970.
I am trying to locate anybody I served with in Long Binh from 1969 to 1970
with the 624th Service and Supply Co. which I believe was right next door to
the 24th Evac. unit. If you have any names or information about who might have
serve with me I would appreciate you emailing me as soon as possible. I have
been trying to locate some of my old Army buddies from Long Binh Vietnam 69-70
but haven't had any luck so far. Thanks Spec.4 Fred Bradley Harker
Thu May 16 2:00:38 2002
I apologize for not attending the reunion. I had intended to go, as the experience
at the 25th in DC was so incredible. I have no decent excuse, unless it be
that now that I am 68, getting to, on and from an airplane is a giant pain,
especially since Sept 11. I also did not come because I found only three or
four of the May 68-68 nurses and surgeons were attending. I am sure I missed
out making new friends from other years. My wife (Jean Mitchell 1st Lt 68-69)
and I have a 9 year old son, and if you do the math, the whole thing is incredible.
Suggestion: next reunion, update the website every week particularly featuring
folks who indicate they are coming...that is the draw that would get me out
next time. Congratulations to Ken and his staff for what, from the chat line,
looks like it was great fun. All that work paid off, and like the 25th in DC,
the only losers were the stay at homes, like me. All best to the best there
ever was...the 24th staff and patients...John Baldwin
Wed May 15 21:48:27 2002
Lots of memories of stories
from my father. He would send home tapes (the old reel-to-reel kind) and I
remember hearing the rain pour down & all
the frogs chirping. I was just a 7 year old kid, waiting at home for her father
to return. My heart is with the soldiers who fought, those who came home and
those who did not, and the doctors, nurses & support staff of the 24th
Evac who did their best to give care, love and first class medical treatment
under extraordinary circumstances. God Bless.
Tue May 14 21:51:53 2002
Hi to all who I met again or for the first time at the reunion this year!
It was great, warm, welcoming! The hotel was good and the weather co-operated
too. Sorry that many of you missed it but there will be a next time! Ken and
Cindy and Marti did a super job!
Sun May 12 21:48:23 2002
The reunion was absolutely wonderful and I wouldn't have missed it for the
world! Thanks Ken and all who helped to make it such a great success. Sooo
many stories and renewed experiences and friendships. It just warms my heart
to think about it. Looking forward to the next one! I love my 24th Evac pins
and bumper sticker and can't wait to see the pictures. Take care everyone and
do stay in touch! Bless you all!
Sun May 12 13:38:10 2002
just a visitor, never at wor with the 24th evac. sure the site warms the hearts
of those involved.
Sat May 11 17:18:07 2002
Today, one week after the reunion,
I'm savoring the warm memories Doug and I have of the reunion. I am so impressed
by the large number of caring people
and the affirmation we experienced. I felt it at the first reunion and Doug
experienced it at this reunion. I only wish that so many others who served
at the 24th could have been with us to experience it. It was/is what we all
need. I look forward to our "mini-reunion" in DC in Nov '93. Hopefully
we can connect to the folks from the 93rd. Thanks to Ken, Marti, Cindy, Doug
and all who made last week possible!
Sat May 11 16:10:37 2002
It was great to see a picture of Tom Hovey and be able to print a few others
for him. I was in the Marines outside Da Nang back then. Eleven years after
discharge, I joined the Army Reserve's local hospital unit and trained as a
91B. A year later, Tom arrived and was appointed chief of nursing service.
We soon became good friends, a relationship that continues to this day. Thanks
for your work on this web site.
Sat May 11 14:23:53 2002
I wish to thank all of you for accepting me as one of your own at the reunion
in SA. It was an honor meeting you and sharing a very special event with you.
I could not hold back the tears at the banquet ceremony. A lot of you were
also joining in with me. I met a lot of good people and hope to keep in touch
with some of you.
Fri May 10 11:00:46 2002
The reunion was FANTASTIC!!!!!
Met OR Tech friends that I haven't seen in 31 years, and Ralph, Ken, Tom, & Bob, I have to say, you guys look great!!!
It was so nice to see you and Ralph & Ken, I look forward to seeing you
in 2003 at the reunion of the 93rd Evac.
The most touching moment of the reunion, in my opinion, was the meeting of
doctor and the patient (1st Cav) whose life he saved so many years ago!! It
was heart-wrenching to say the least. Just wish that you could have all made
it, and keep this in mind when considering whether to attend the next reunion
or not. There is ALWAYS a moment such as that. Don't miss it!!!
Keep your eyes returning to this website for the posting of the piece that
I read to the group at the reunion. Cindy, I will be sending it to you soon.
And I'd like to personally thank Ken Bowen for the wonderful experience that
we all enjoyed!!! GREAT JOB KEN!!!!
Hope you all had a safe trip home, and I'm pleased to have met so many NEW
friends from other years as well as renewing acquaintances with those that
I knew when I was there.
Love you all!!! Jim
Mon May 6 8:06:38 2002
All of you lucky people that were at the reunion, I hope you will share it
with those of us that were not able to attend. If anyone would like to share
photos it would be great to see them on the web page. PLEASE!!!
Sun May 5 21:32:07 2002
It was great, guys ...
Sun May 5 20:43:53 2002
Dear 24th Evac Reunion attendees: I am unable to be there this year but God-willing
will be @ the next reunion! Wish all of you there a sweet remembrance of those
days long ago in our lives when we served together. You were a terrific and
dedicated group of people and I am so proud of all of you who served our country
so very well. Savor the moments of the past, enjoy one another, savor the memories
you are making now together @ this reunion. Thank-you everyone for the loving,
caring, patient care you gave and the support you gave to me when I needed
it. You were a wonderful group of people to work with and showed so many qualities
of greatness that it was an incredible life experience to share with all of
you in Vietnam. As I look back....we did the BEST work of our lives during
those times and established some wonderful relationships with those we worked
with. Thank-you everyone.....for making my experience such a memorable one.
Enjoy yourselves....savor the moments both past and present as you join together
in remembrance. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat Kuhn
Fri May 3 11:12:48 2002
Jim
- Clear the air space I'm right behind you. Be there Friday.
Thu May 2 12:45:07 2002
The website brings back many incredible memories. Thank you so much!
I'm still in the Reserves and belong to a combat support hospital.
I'm sorry I couldn't make the reunion. Best wishes to all.
Wed May 1 22:57:07 2002
"My
bags are packed, I'm ready to go. . . . I'm leavin, on a jet plane.
. . . . "
See ya in a few hours!!!
Wed May 1 21:21:09 2002
I started my tour in the central
highlands, RECON 4/3 198th 23rd Inf. When our unit stood down out of the bush
i was sent to the 24th Evac. I spent the
rest of my tour at the 24th Evac. I was also sent to Thu Duc TDY for a month
at the alamo as an ambulance driver on Highway one, plus serving as medic for
the combined police force there. (Thu Duc meat wagon.) Dam what an adventure
, Love and miss you all.
Wed May 1 0:33:45 2002
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Updated May 23, 2002