“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

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