Hi again,

Thanks for serving. Regardless of the political statements and "reasons" for war, I appreciate all the men and women who give their lives to be on the frontline.

Regards,
mj

Regarding the video - amazing vision, spinetingling music, beautiful circles, the awe of mother nature, the perfection of it all. Thank you Bob.

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[size=12]Back in Viet Nam ( Tan Son Nhut Air Base  )  I had no interest in the politics of this war because both sides had good arguments to justify their position.  In my own strange sick way, I was glad to be over there for the adventure and excitement it provided.

I got it in spades and then some .   It’s really strange, living day to day knowing that you may die very suddenly without warning, especially at night.  Got a sick rush out of that. 

   Somewhere along the line, I knew that I was going to be around for a long time, that I was in this scene for the experience.     With it, I felt “INVINCIBLE”  and knew I was bullet proof.    Felt a strange light detached feeling, at peace with the world.  No fear, happy and content.    Knew this was not real. It was only a dream. At least that was they way it felt for lack of a better term.  My perception of "reality" was very different from my peers.  Always suspected that I might be a little crazy. Was OK with that too if that was the case.

I was not into drugs either, except for free Olympia beer, compliments of the Olympia brewery in Washington State. Thank you Oly.

This strange feeling usually became strong during an attack with incoming rockets hitting our base.    I was still into shooting movies and photos back then.  Always had at least one movie camera and a still camera with me all the time.        Whenever we had a raid, we would get out of  our hootches and dive into our bunkers.    There was a lot of fear, explosions, and sometimes death.       When this happened, I became detached from the event, watched all of the beautiful rockets racing in the sky in slow motion and hitting us with loud explosions.  Felt the blast & heat and heard the shrapnel whistling past me, got stung every once in awhile. Minor !  It’ felt like  like bee sting.

I stood outside shooting movies and taking photos as this was happening. Knew this was not real in my mind.   Was completely detached from the scene even though I was in the middle of it.

The guys would yell at me, get back  you crazy nut.   

There was no fear.    This  attitude used to scare me, but not anymore.     I had to be a psycho case.    That was OK  too.

As soon as the attacks were over, made it to the dispensary to start setting up blood for transfusions and helping the other medics with their patients, recovering bodies and body parts.

This was a phase where another aspect kicked in. Jumped back into the current reality.  Worked like a demon with no time for rest,
yelling out orders,saving lives.  Calming some of the ones that freaked out ,and kicking ass to wake up a clueless sleeper now and then.   Had a few interesting experiences in that area that I will add  later on.

While in this  altered “state”, which frequently happened, one person stands out, A young Airman just knew he was going  to die and scared to death of dying.  Also knew he would be checking out tonight. Felt very sorry for him because of his fear.

Around 2 AM,  the VC  launched another beautiful “fireworks display”    Could not believe that something so beautiful could kill people.    We headed for the bunkers.   Had my super 8 mm camera running.   Those rockets were close this time.  They had us well targeted.  One of the bunkers by the mess tent was hit. No one there thank goodness.

I stepped out of the bunker into the field with my movie camera running oblivious that this may  be it.  Just had to be there. Don’t know why.  This scared young Airman ran out into the field yelling “ Mommy, mommy” !!  Knew the poor kid was gone.  A rocket hit about ten feet from him, blowing him in half showering me with his remains, along with the blast of hot air and being stung by more  shrapnel from the rocket.  No penetration.  On that particular attack, a rocket hit our hootch, his bunk bed took a direct hit. The mans number was up no matter what.   

  That experience brought  me back to reality for awhile.  Knew this ride was almost over.  The war calmed down.   Spent a lot of time interacting with the locals until I returned to the states.

There is a powerful movie that came out many years ago about a medics perspective of the VN war.    “DON’T CRY, ITS ONLY THUNDER”     I flipped over this movie because it is exactly what I went through as an Air Force Medic in VN  Love Bob .



Have always been very intuitive most of my life, and sometimes downright psychic. Not by choice.   Just watched a video that provided a classic example of the two realities as they merge and the music to match which impressed me.  This is one of the most powerful videos that I have ever seen.  Turned 70 last year and still surf.

To get a look at your self, which part of the video are you most attuned to ? The waves, music, or the surfer ? The answer to that may provide you with some insight to your current perspective.
For the record. it was the waves and music for me.  Love Bob

http://video.mpora.com/watch/5Pgs2slxu/hd/



  Bob. Did you use the personal "imagination" system during your Vietnam exploits?