Charles Leo Sullivan - Vietnam Veteran - 2012
"Charles was born in Purvis Lamar, Mississippi. Charles graduated from high school and soon after enlisted in 1965 in Ft. Rucker, Alabama at the age of 20 years old. After serving basic training, he attended aviation school and became a pilot. He served in Germany for a time and then was deployed to Vietnam. In Vietnam he was a pilot; he flew Hughes and fixed wing aircraft. He would pick up wounded soldiers and medevac these soldiers out of Vietnam. Charles would fly them to safe areas to get treatment or to hospitals. He loved flying and more so loved his job in Vietnam. Charles was a true warrior, very patriotic and a very charismatic man. He was most kind and charitable. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. His laughter and his jokes were impressionable. He was also very witty when it came to discussing politics. He always had an answer or comment for all political issues. He was very passionate about his political views. He would say he was not going to heaven because he hated Obama and the Clintons. He loved serving his country and being in the military. He was a very smart and intelligent person. He knew how to cook, sew, mechanics, and fly airplanes. He had been a self - employed contractor at one time. He did not like to dance and did not care to learn but was most supportive of his wife's professional Spanish dancing. He served three tours in Vietnam before coming home. He arrived at Fort Bliss around 1980, and was a helicopter instructor at Fort Bliss. Charles met his soon to be wife, Consueto, nine years later in El Paso, Texas. Charles and Consuelo married in the Fort Bliss Chapel. Charles retired from the Military in Fort Bliss, Texas, loved his retirement and traveled all over the United States supporting his wife, Consuelo's dancing engagements. Charles suffered from the effects of Agent Orange and as a result suffered an extremely painful death in 2013. His death was attributed to the effects of Agent Orange. Despite not wanting to talk about his experiences in Vietnam, he was always happy to come home. Charles proudly served 24 years, and he would do it again; he said he would still fight for our country. Charles earned many awards that included the Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, ATR Medal, 17 QWD Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.
After retiring from the Army, Charles resided in El Paso, Texas with his wife, Consuelo, before succumbing to the effects of Agent Orange in 2013. Charles is survived by his wife Consuelo Sullivan, Chaplain of the Military Officers Association of American who still resides in El Paso, Texas. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Priscilla Wiekel, residing in Germany, his step-son Casey Neil Vanderpool, from Fayetteville, Arkansas, his stepdaughter, Cynthia Vanderpool Garcia from Silver Spring, Maryland, and his son David Sullivan who lives in Texas. Veteran Charles Sullivan's story as told by his wife, Consuelo Garcia Sullivan to Sally Fierro, faculty University of Phoenix."
Area:
Far Eastside / Sun Ridge
Source:
Connie Sullivan
Uploaded by:
El Paso Museum of History
Ismael Enriquez - Vietnam 1967
Ismael Enriquez Vietnam Veteran Story.
Ismael Enriquez, Sgt. Marine Corps.
In 1967, Ismael Enriquez, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), at the young age of 17. Having just graduated from high school, Enriquez was looking to fulfill a childhood dream of becoming a member of the USMC.
Requiring parental permission, he moved to California and successfully enlisted in the Marine Corps without his parent’s signature. He remembers his first experience when a friend dropped him off at the Physical Test Center. Never regretting his choice to enlist, Enriquez was quickly promoted to Sargent.
Enriquez began his military service in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, as a member of the Artillery Unit; he was also a member of the Motor pool, and a truck driver. He was assigned to transport Artillery. Before joining the Artillery unit, Enriquez was responsible for sand bags, sand pits, helping the wounded and occasional “beer runs”. As part of the Artillery Unit, Enriquez was in charge of the Vietnam Prison area in Quang Tri Province. He secured and protected the Landing Zone (LZ), where Naval helicopters delivered artillery; he also served on Fire Missions. The LZ is where he experienced the most action during his enlistment. One of the most significant experiences occurred in 1968, Quang Tri Landing Zone According to Enriquez, The North Vietnamese soldiers could be seen coming over the hill. “This is where it actually hit me; this is where realization set in, we were all frightened.” After leaving the Landing Zone, he was assigned to become part of the coastal patrol along the Philippines, Taiwan, and Okinawa.
Arriving home along with other soldiers at the Los Angeles Airport, Enriquez was welcomed with protestors Who spit and hurled water at them. Enriquez stated that he noted “a lot of anger towards them”. His thought was, “That’s how Uncle Sam receives us?” He continues, “the majority of the servicemen coming back from Vietnam were welcomed like this. It is way too late to actually thank them, as many are not here with us. That’s the thanks they gave us because we did what we were told.” The “coming home” experience turned Enriquez against the military for a short time, the airport experience made him angry, especially because he really wanted to make the military a career.
The effects of the war caused issues that no one person should experience Enriquez states. It took Enriquez many months to overcome his struggles; it made him realize that moving on was dependent on each individual. He was very grateful he was no longer going to Viet Nam and that he served his time. Enriquez expresses that he never regrets his decision to serve his country and the Marines and would do it all over again.
“Serving in the military is a good place to learn discipline”, this is what I would say to youngsters. I do believe that “every individual should be able to serve in the military; they should take advantage of the opportunity.”
Enriquez’ perspective on the war is that everyone should appreciate the soldiers and what they do, “do not question them”. Soldiers should perform their duties without questions also. “Many times you wish you could dig a hole and live in it, but you can’t, you must move on. I speak for the Marines; this is my opinion.”
Enriquez successfully served his country and the Marines from 1966 to 1971, to be exact, “four years, eight months, fifteen days; twenty two of those months in Vietnam.”
Veteran Sgt. Ismael Enriquez lives in El Paso Texas and attended El Paso High School, EPCC, and Park University.
Area:
Out of Area / Out of Area
Source:
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
Uploaded by:
Vietnam Veterans
Ismael Enriquez Vietnam Veteran
Ismael Enriquez Vietnam Veteran
Ismael Enriquez, Sgt. Marine Corps.
In 1967, Ismael Enriquez, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), at the young age of 17. Having just graduated from high school, Enriquez was looking to fulfill a childhood dream of becoming a member of the USMC.
Requiring parental permission, he moved to California and successfully enlisted in the Marine Corps without his parent’s signature. He remembers his first experience when a friend dropped him off at the Physical Test Center. Never regretting his choice to enlist, Enriquez was quickly promoted to Sargent.
Enriquez began his military service in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, as a member of the Artillery Unit; he was also a member of the Motor pool, and a truck driver. He was assigned to transport Artillery. Before joining the Artillery unit, Enriquez was responsible for sand bags, sand pits, helping the wounded and occasional “beer runs”. As part of the Artillery Unit, Enriquez was in charge of the Vietnam Prison area in Quang Tri Province. He secured and protected the Landing Zone (LZ), where Naval helicopters delivered artillery; he also served on Fire Missions. The LZ is where he experienced the most action during his enlistment. One of the most significant experiences occurred in 1968, Quang Tri Landing Zone According to Enriquez, The North Vietnamese soldiers could be seen coming over the hill. “This is where it actually hit me; this is where realization set in, we were all frightened.” After leaving the Landing Zone, he was assigned to become part of the coastal patrol along the Philippines, Taiwan, and Okinawa.
Arriving home along with other soldiers at the Los Angeles Airport, Enriquez was welcomed with protestors Who spit and hurled water at them. Enriquez stated that he noted “a lot of anger towards them”. His thought was, “That’s how Uncle Sam receives us?” He continues, “the majority of the servicemen coming back from Vietnam were welcomed like this. It is way too late to actually thank them, as many are not here with us. That’s the thanks they gave us because we did what we were told.” The “coming home” experience turned Enriquez against the military for a short time, the airport experience made him angry, especially because he really wanted to make the military a career.
The effects of the war caused issues that no one person should experience Enriquez states. It took Enriquez many months to overcome his struggles; it made him realize that moving on was dependent on each individual. He was very grateful he was no longer going to Viet Nam and that he served his time. Enriquez expresses that he never regrets his decision to serve his country and the Marines and would do it all over again.
“Serving in the military is a good place to learn discipline”, this is what I would say to youngsters. I do believe that “every individual should be able to serve in the military; they should take advantage of the opportunity.”
Enriquez’ perspective on the war is that everyone should appreciate the soldiers and what they do, “do not question them”. Soldiers should perform their duties without questions also. “Many times you wish you could dig a hole and live in it, but you can’t, you must move on. I speak for the Marines; this is my opinion.”
Enriquez successfully served his country and the Marines from 1966 to 1971, to be exact, “four years, eight months, fifteen days; twenty two of those months in Vietnam.”
Veteran Sgt. Ismael Enriquez lives in El Paso Texas and attended El Paso High School, EPCC, and Park University.
Area:
Central / El Paso High
Source:
Welcome Home El Paso Vietnam Veterans
Uploaded by:
Vietnam Veterans
Cpl. Victor A. Flores - Vietnam - 1969
"I graduated from Bel Air High School and was 19 years old, when I received the military draft letter, a letter I was expecting, to serve my country in the US Marines on May 29, 1969. My mother was very much concerned and my father as well, because, as a WWII veteran, he knew a war was no place to be.
I deployed in December 1969 to the Marines main base in Chu Lai, Vietnam for 13 months. I was an Infantry Riffle Man and part of the squadron that took over the Americal Division right after the so called “Mi Lai” incident.
I have many recollections of my time in Vietnam. I remember patrolling for three dud bombs, out of 12 rounds of 500 pound bombs we were to send out. We found two, but the third was booby-trapped and detonated about 70 yards from us wounding three soldiers and killing two others, one being Captain Saxton. I also recall the time we raided a village habited by Viet Cong. When we swept the village, there were several dead, several wounded, and this 3-4 year old girl in shock. I picked her up to take her to an older woman and she grabbed me and began me holding on to my neck really hard. I could feel her shaking but she seemed unable to make any noise. I had a hard time putting her down as she would not let go of my neck.
My homecoming was unpleasant and unexpected, although unlike other vets, I did not encounter any demonstrators as I came back and landed in California. I was in full dress uniform, and while I was at the directory, a woman maybe late 70s, early 80s approached me. She asked, “Have I been to Vietnam?” I said, “I just touched American soil, it has been13 months, yes I did my share.” She stared at me for few seconds and said, “So you are another one of those baby killers that came back so proud,” her words left me speechless. A young Lieutenant, who was near come up me to asked, “What did the lady tell you?” and when I told him, he said, “From now on don't even mention that you went to Vietnam. People are very bitter about the war. When you get home take off that uniform and not mention you were in the service, or you will have problems”.
I am currently receiving the help I need from the VA due to my combat experiences. However, I believe, PTSD and Agent Orange took over most of our lives up to now; if the government had recognized all the effects, most of us would have survived the illnesses related to them.
Back then, we all knew we had to serve our country and most of us did it with pride and willingness. We felt our country call and we stepped up to the plate, but never in our wildest dreams did we believe, we would be treated with anger and discord for our service. I think because of what we experienced, Vietnam veterans are the most cohesive group of vets.
For my service, I received the National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Unit Citation), Presidential Unit Citation, Combat of Action, and Vietnam Citation Medals.
Victor is retired from the El Paso County Tax Office after 43 years, is married, has two sons, one is deceased and was also a veteran also, two daughters-in-law, four beautiful grandchildren. By Victor Flores as told to Maribel Bobadilla-Heredia, Student, University of Phoenix".
Area:
Out of Area / Out of Area
Source:
Victor A. Flores
Uploaded by:
El Paso Museum of History
Rodolfo "Rudy" Escajeda - 1965
After graduating from Bowie High School in 1964, I decided to voluntarily enter the Vietnam draft at the age of eighteen. I had made this important decision after seeing four of my cousins being drafted and sent to battle. Two of them were sent to Vietnam, the other was stationed at Okinawa, and the fourth to Germany. I did not want to be the only one left behind in El Paso, so I enlisted in the United States Army in 1965.
As I left El Paso to Fort Polk, Louisiana, for two months of basic Army training, it felt strange. I had never traveled out of El Paso my entire young life. After finishing my basic training, I was sent to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, for approximately another two more months. At Aberdeen, I had more advanced training that would be useful for me in Vietnam. Roughly four months after enlisting, I was deployed to Long Binh, Vietnam, which is about 30 miles north from Ho Chi Ming City Known as Saigon. There I was given the responsibility of supply specialist. As a supply specialist, I had the duty of receiving and passing out the supplies to almost all U.S. Armed Forces. Such as, the Army, the Marines, and Air Force, even sometimes we would supply the Vietnamese with parts.
The fourteen months and four days I was deployed at Long Binh, I saw and experienced many things. I clearly remember going into the village on a weekend to get something to eat with some guys; in the restaurant, we noticed it was filled with smoke and we did not like how it looked. So we made the decision to leave that place; as soon as we left that restaurant it blew up. We did not know what caused it, or who did it, but we were just grateful we left just in time. I also remember the day the ammo dump blew up. As a supply specialist on of my responsibilities was guarding it, and I am fortunate and thankful, I was not on guard duty during the explosion.
Coming back home I felt relieved because all of that was now behind me. I considered myself as being one of the lucky ones and felt that God had a plan for me after surviving many of those small events. Even now that I am 70 years old, I still believe God has a plan for me because I am alive, have my family, and still working.
Rodolfo retired from The United States Army, as an E-4; he has two sons and one daughter from his first marriage, and two daughters from his current marriage. He has grandchildren. He has been married for 40 years. By Rodolfo “Rudy” Escajeda as told to Daniel Villanueva, Student, University of Phoenix.
Area:
Out of Area / Out of Area
Source:
Rodolfo "Rudy" Escajeda
Uploaded by:
El Paso Museum of History
Robert Lewis Hall - Vietnam - 1966
SP4 Hall, Robert Lewis
Robert (Bob-o) Lewis Hall was born and raised in Illinois, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 at the age of 19. He deployed to Vietnam this same year, serving a total of two tours (1966 and 1968) as a Forward Observer (Artillery Observer) with the Headquarters Battery 6th Battalion 27th Field Artillery Regiment. Mr. Robert L. Hall’s active duty service ended in 1972.
As an Artillery Observer Robert L. Hall was responsible for directing artillery fire and air support onto enemy positions. Due to his commendable reconnaissance skills he received the following awards and decorations: Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 1960 device), National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge, M14 Sharp Shooter, and two Overseas Ribbons.
Robert L. Hall never talked about his time in Vietnam but was a very proud Veteran. Despite suffering from PTSD and hearing loss due to his Vietnam service time, he lived a fulfilling life up to his passing in February 15, 2015 in Joliet, Illinois. He was surrounded by his loving family which includes his eldest son Jerry Michael Hall (U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Retired) who served his last four active service years at Fort Bliss Texas with the B Co 127th Aviation Battalion. Robert L. Hall visited El Paso, TX in 2013 and enjoyed the change of scenery and serenity of the city. He enjoyed woodworking and was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, especially of driver, Jeff Gordon.
Robert L. Hall is survived by his two sons: Jerry M. Hall of Santa Teresa, NM and David L. Hall of Cullman, AL; five grandchildren: Serena Marie Hall, Shane Michael Hall, Erin Hall, Spencer Mitchell Hall, Anthony Robert Hall; one brother, William Hall of Colorado Springs, CO; sisters, Patricia Keith of Pontiac, IL; Shirley Willis of Decatur, IL; Joanne Lapikas of Braidwood, IL, Kathy Hall of Braidwood, IL, Gerry Sikic (deceased 2015) of Braidwood, IL; Judy Olson of Minonk, IL; Phylis Hunt of Craig, CO; Karen Couch of Flanagan, IL. Preceding him in death were his parents William and Evalyne Hall, a son, Bobby Hall and daughter, Serena Hall.
As told by Robert Lewis’ son, Jerry Michael Hall, to Maribel Bobadilla-Heredia, student at University of Phoenix.
Area:
Out of Area / Out of Area
Source:
Robert Lewis Hall
Uploaded by:
El Paso Museum of History
Raymond Guerra - Vietnam - 1964
Raymond Guerra, E6 Petty Officer First Class
During my free time in high school, I would go to the library to read books and research all military branches. From all the branches, The US Navy had the most ports throughout the US. On June 6, 1960, I enlisted in the US Navy right after graduating from Ysleta High School with my father's permission as I was still under age.
My first deployment was on April 1, 1963, to January 1964 and served in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. During my first deployment, I enrolled in the short duty Mobile Construction Battalion program. As a member of the Fleet Navy transfer Mobile Construction Battalion Unit, I remained in the reserve until February 1968, when I became active and deployed to Vietnam for the second time. My second deployment was on May 13, 1968, to April 23, 1969, sent to the Home Base in Da Nang, Vietnam. I was a member of the Navy Mobile Battalion 22nd Construction detachment attachment 35th to 3rd Marines for nine and half months. Being attach to the Marines, I traveled back and forth from Shau Valley, Vietnam, to Vinh Dai, Vietnam. Being incorporated to the Marines I was supposed to build bunkers and repair battle damage, but ended up considered part of the Marines unit. I was constantly moving, standing guard and running patrol doing what actually Marines job were. It was a very hard nine and half months, we moved place to place, was attacked, attacked back, never still, always on the move. I had trained with the Marines in the Jungle Warfare training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Once we attached with Marines we live, eat, breath Marines.
Coming back to the United States it felt like I had to sneak into my county, I flew in a military plane to a Military base, I was fortunate I was not subject to ridicule or all the shouting as other did. Coming back home to El Paso, I flew in a commercial aircraft I did worn uniform but no one cause any problems made fun , or said anything to me, I did not experience what other did coming back home from serving our country. I received the Vietnam Service with Marine Corps Combination patch; Navy CB Combat; Purple Heard; Armed Force Expedition; Navy Expedition; Navy Unit Combination and Armed Force Service Medal.
I attended Texas Western College earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Retired from Texas DOT, taught at UTEP for three years and in Houston for seven years. In 2005, I finally sought the help I need from the VA, I have several illness related to Agent Orange and suffer from many mental problems due to the combat experiences. Back then asking for help was seen as a sign of weakness, like if we were looking for sympathy, that is why I did not seek help but now I am grateful I am getting all the help I need.
I would like to tell the service man and women I know what you are going through, I been there, it will be a long life lasting experience, will never forget or get over it, learn to live with it, If they need help get it do not wait like I did. I am proud to have served my country and finally being recognized for it. I am glad I do not need to feel I am hiding in the shadows and ashamed. Content that the military these days are being welcomed home properly and not rejected like the Vietnam Veterans did.
Raymond is married, has two sons, one daughter-in-law, two handsome grandsons and lives in Clint, Texas. By Raymond Guerra as told to Maribel Bobadilla-Heredia, Student, University of Phoenix.
Area:
Mission Valley / Ysleta
Source:
Raymond Guerra
Uploaded by:
El Paso Museum of History
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