I was stationed at George in the Egress shop after 1 and 1/2 at Clark, when I got a call to get to the shop. I stuffed crap into a duffel, thinking this another mobility alert practice. Next thing I know is I am strapped into a C-130 webbing with a box lunch and my toolbox, and heading west. I am near certain we stopped at Travis, then Hickum, Yakota, Wake, Guam, and Clark, and I THINK Tan Son Nhut before Takhli. Does anyone else remember that flight? It was before the 111s came in because they scared the hell out of us when they came in out of nowhere using TFR. We worked F-4s at first, and we were all over the flight line. We did no phase maintenance that I recall, and we were doing 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week, which means we basically lived on the flightline, ate at the Airman's club (first time I had seen topless dancing girls at 7:30 in the morning on base!)and slept in the screened in hootch. No water 'cept the big bags. Cold showers unless you when 'down town.'
Anyway, I am trying to establish boots on the ground, but my memory is horrible now. Further, I am trying to determine if the 'near the AO' applies to us Egress troops, since there was no where on the flightline we didn't work. We drove those damn Explosive A trucks all over the place, and I sure remember getting more than a faceful of insecticide of one type or another. That, and getting wacked in the head by rice bugs fleeing for their lives. Wrote to get my records, they said no TDY records, but MAYBE at another storage shelter. Hope someone has a similar tale.
Dennis, the VA is very tough on Thailand Vets. everything you stated has to have proof to back it up. You can state what ever you want but the VA will require proof of it, plain and simple. Research this website and others on the net before you file. Be well prepared with all the info you will need to back up your claim. You will need proof of boots on ground in Vietnam and working near the perimeter at Takhli. Good luck
I understand that they are tough. I understand that they want documentation. I have read the website, VA regs and most every post on nearly every site and website. My understanding is that it is preferable to file even if you DON'T have all the 'ducks in order'.You may disagree.
I am looking for someone who made that flight, AND might have a copy of their orders. I understand what proof I need.