A Word from Shenk
by John W. Shenkaruk
Dear Rangers/LRRPs,
Before I begin, let me say that I sat down and wrote this letter
in July of 1998, but never got around to sending it. It has been
quite some time since we shared a few thoughts with each other
and after reading the last issue of Sua Sponte, I've decided
to sit down and let some of you know how I feel. I've wanted to
say these things since the first reunion at Chief's house in
Sacramento, California.
I feel that for some reason or other, there is a lot of disagreement
among our brother LRRPs and Rangers. Many of you know exactly
what I am talking about but most don't want to discuss the problem
with anyone.
I'll admit that I've had a couple of things bother me during the
last several years pass along. Well, it's too late for that now.
After reading our newsletter, we had better get things straightened
out right now. Time passes faster with each coming year and before
you realize it, you've missed the chance to set things right.
I am not writing this letter to gripe about anything, nor to embarrass
anyone. We are all adults and should be able to discuss our problems
with each other. If we don't do it now, we never will. I believe
that the Association is in trouble, and it's up to US to straighten it out.
I admit that I've missed as many reunions as most others and I
give my word that from this moment I'll try in every way to make
each and every reunion held. We must all try to make the reunions.
Of course not everyone can do this, but if we all try and make
as many as we can there will be extremely good attendance at most.
This is the only way we can discuss the organization and let others
know how we feel, and what changes we think should be made.
Nearly thirty years ago, I departed Vietnam and like the rest
of you, I did not know if I would ever have the chance to see
you guys again. I must admit, I never agreed with the way the
Army notifies you that you have ten minutes to grab all the belongings
you have accumulated for the last two years and head over to the
Chopper Pad to get a ride to the Big Bird for Home! They don't
even give you a chance to say good-bye to your friends. And when
I say friends, I mean the guys you lived with for the last two
years or so. They are really your brothers. Then you leave and
get home, and if you're like me, you try to forget because most
people back in the World don't have the slightest clue as to
what you've been doing in Nam. You get home and realize that the
whole world has been doing just fine without you, just as if you
never left. So you fall into the regular routine with a regular
job in a regular community living a regular day-to-day existence.
What a blow it was to you and the way of life that we were used
to back in Nam.
So, time just passed along and I never said anything about my
experiences over there to anyone. But now, I say TO HELL WITH
THAT SHIT!! We have all waited too long to let this organization
go down the piss tube! We must all pull together and once again
become the strong unit that we once were and that we became known
as. We have, in the past, conducted some of the most remarkable
work that anyone could ever ask of any Army Unit. Through the
years I have been absolutely amazed at the number of people who
know about our unit, what it was and what we did in Vietnam. You
can't imagine how many people have come up to me in my travels
and shook my hand saying, Thanks for what you did for our Country.
I will be the first to admit that it has on occasion brought tears
to my eyes. I'm sure that all of you have had a Vet walk up to
you and say as he extended his hand, Welcome home, Brother.
I will never deny that both my wife and I have cried.
I must apologize for rattling on and on, but I realize that this
is the time we must once again pull together and save Our Unit!
If all of us don't do our part, then we will surely fail. And
if we fail to keep this unit alive, then we have failed in the
memory of George T. Olsen, Bobby Pruden, Larry White, and all
of the others who made the ultimate sacrifice! And I know in my
heart that as the Rangers and LRRPs we are, we will never let
that happen. I love all of you, and you are forever in my heart!
Sincerely,
John W. Shenkaruk