My Pal and My Sergeant in the Nam

Well, this is suppose to be site for advocacy, yet I cannot help reporting to you the pure joy I have tonight for my pal and my former Sgt. in the Marine Corps; Bob Boytor. After 5 years of tugging with the VA he was awarded his long overdue 100% disability rating today. Two tours in the Nam, one at Khe Sahn and 14 Operations. We met on Operation Meade River; the largest Helicopter assault in the War. And then did not hook up again until one night in 1999, when I was putszin’Vets for Us around with my new and first email address, and there popped up Bob on an instant message.

“Is that you Brewer?” I about fell off my chair. I had been trying to find him for 30 years.

Vietnam Veterans all rotated home alone you know, never in a Unit, so we were all pretty dispersed for years. Some say it was planned that way, so as to never be able to tell the truth of Vietnam in mass.

You always think you are in charge when you are looking for someone. Seldom does one think that someone is looking for you! So there we were on AOL IM in the middle of the night getting acquainted. It was 10 years ago this week. 41 years ago this week, we had just completed Operation Meade River. 41 years ago this week I was knocked unconscious with a blast injury. 42 years ago this week I joined the Marine Corps. 8 years ago this week, I completed a PTSD program at the VA, ending years of repression. 28 years ago this week I got the best job of my life running La Placita Village. And now this week in December my very close battle buddy gets his due.

Merry Christmas Bob Boytor! And may the peace of the season be as permanent as you wish.

And yes Bob, we do wonder why claims take so long in California.

8 thoughts on “My Pal and My Sergeant in the Nam”

  1. Merry Christmas! and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
    I just want to thank all of the Viet Nam Vets for their service to our country!
    My dad, R.I.P. joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and retired in 1970. He was in training at the end of  WWII, stationed in Guam during the Korean conflict, served in Thailand as part of project Rapid Roger during Viet Nam.
     If if wasn’t for those of you who have served, my kid might be speaking german, japanese, vietnamese or some other language.
    Thank you and bless you all!

    Cindy Carbiener

  2. Connie,
    There are several law firms that may be able to help you. If your husband was in the process of being adjudicated and there was no need for additional evidence, you may be entitled to your spousal benefits. Here are 3 law firms to call. KazanLaw.com 1-877-995-6372.
    “www.vetlawyers.com” 1-877-838-2889
    Thoedore Jarvi in Tempe 480-838-6566 a former JAG lawyer.

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