Aubrey Fowler talked of his Vietnam experiences, the effects of war on those who serve, and that families, too, deserve credit for their loved ones’ service.
Fowler served as a Corps of Engineers platoon leader in Vietnam from September 1969 until December 1972, then went on to serve in the Army Reserves.
He recounted several experiences for the Veterans Day Memorial Service at Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge.
Fowler told of one young man who “did not have to be there” when he was killed by an enemy bullet.
“Jimmy” was a member of a unit that had been disbanded, and because of his length of service, was offered the opportunity to “rotate home.” He stayed instead.
He was part of a squad that found itself in a terrible firefight. He made it to an evacuation helicopter and was inside. As Jimmy’s buddy ran to get on the helicopter, he was shot. Jimmy jumped out and, as he was helping his friend into the helicopter, was hit by a bullet that claimed his life.
A Marine Corps brain surgeon who had been captured continued to escape. Each time, he was recaptured. On his fifth time, his hands were tied in front of him and stomped by enemy soldiers. When he was finally freed and returned home, he could never operate again. He had no feeling in his hands.
But combat was not the only situation claiming the well being and lives of others recalled Fowler.
As Officer of the Day, he was called to the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) club for a disturbance. A sergeant was extremely drunk and belligerent. When Fowler asked what was wrong, the sergeant put his .45 caliber pistol to Fowler’s forehead and told him to get out, officers were not allowed in the club.
Fowler said he had many options. He chose to slowly move the gun from his forehead and take it to his side. The sergeant fell to his knees and wept.
Fowler learned the sergeant’s best friend had been killed in action that day. The sergeant had been drowning his pain with alcohol.
While the sergeant could have faced court martial and jail, Fowler said he took all the circumstances into consideration and recommended a far lesser punishment.
There was Tom, a lone survivor of a mission disavowed by the United States. He couldn’t stand having lost his buddies who received no recognition for their bravery. Tom took his own life after leaving Vietnam.
These were just a few of the stories Fowler told after saying to the crowd a veteran is more than just a man or woman who has served their country. He or she is, “Someone who made a decision to honor an obligation to this country. What matters is their decision to serve,” he said.
Fowler said his opinion is family members should be honorary veterans. “They’ve served the risks, the hardships, the uncertainties of those who served on active duty,” he told the crowd.