We Were Soldiers: September 2012

Doc8

Tribute by Jeff "Doc" Dentice
Medic - CuChi,Vietnam - 67/68

"Special" Military Nurses Story
Featured by Doc
From the VFW Military Woman Edition

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Doc Dentice & Diane Carlson Evans (Founder of the Vietnam Womens Memorial)
Best Friends Forever............................
Doc & Diane worked together on many events leading to the
dedication of the Vietnam Womens Memorial in Wisconsin & Wash .D.C.
He supported Diane with the 1st edition of the Vietnam Womens Memorial

Looking For Women Vietnam Vets
Doc, I encountered your wonderful website in research to build a list of Women
who would be interested in a 2011 Veterans Day Cruise.
I am a retired Army Nurse Corps Officer living in Denver Colorado.
I was on active duty from '69-'91 and
spent a tour at the 95th Evac in Danang from '71-'72.
I am putting together a cruise for Women Vietnam Vets that will leave
Ft Lauderdale on Nov 5th, 2011 on Holland America.
Donna Sylvester
303-618-3455

LIFE IN THE ARMY NURSE CORPS

Diane Carlson Evans at the opening ceremony for the parade commemorating the
25th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial November 10th, 2007
We've had an extraordinary journey together since Vietnam.
265,000 women served around the world during the Vietnam Era. Some of us went to Vietnam.
All of us went when we were needed and where we were needed.
After Vietnam, we entered a minefield of challenges and were tested again. The wounds of Vietnam,
national and privatebecame another battle for us to face -
men and women, out of uniform, linked forever.

Doc7

"10 Years of Honoring Women's Service to America:

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation (formerly the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project)
is continuing its effort to educate the country about the vital services provided by over 265,000 women, military
and civilian, during the Vietnam war and to provide a network of healing and hope. Your donation, large or small,
will help ensure that an important chapter in America's history continues to be told.
Mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, Inc.
1735 Connecticut Ave. NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20009
Toll Free 1.866.822.VWMF (8963)

In Honor Of Women Patriots: KIA/POW/MIA Vietnam War

Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran
population. There are approximately 1.7 million women veterans. They
comprise 6.5 percent of the total veteran population and 6 percent of
all veterans who use VA health care services. VA estimates that by 2010
women veterans will comprise 10 percent of veterans using VA health care services.

The Last Breath

WHERE AM I?…I am afraid
Your in the hospital…it's okay…I will stay right here for you
I don't hurt anymore but it is hard to breathe
I have given you something to take care of the pain
Promise me you will stay until I go
Don't worry…I am here just for you…you're my date tonight

Your hair looks like my moms when she pulls her back
I bet she is very proud of you
You smell just like the lemon trees back home
I am Kathleen, my friends call me Kath
My name is Tom but the guys call me Sunshine cause I am from Florida

Kath, you're so beautiful
Thanks, you ain't so bad yourself, you got a girl back home
No one special, just friends, I am only 19
Kath…does it hurt to die? I am seeing a bright light…Kath I don't want to go
Tommy, it's wonderful where you are going

Tommy go in peace my friend
I am sure am glad I got to know you
That's it let it all out, I am here for you, helping you cross over
Close your eyes follow the light
I love you Tommy, you are my Sunshine

Kerry "Doc" Pardue
June 16, 2004

In The

SHARON LANE,
The All-American Girl
She came to Vietnam not to fight or warrior to be
but to serve a higher purpose across the sea.
She knew the hurt, the pain, the dying
Sharon came to heal them and to stop the crying.
With purpose in her steps, she made her rounds
To give hope to soldier and to turn his frown upside down.
Whether it be the boy from back home or the Viet Cong
She did her job with care--she knew this is where she belonged.
She was cut down in the middle of the night
A piece of flying metal took her life.
She died alone
So far from home.
Her life was taken from us
Sharon's presence we still miss.
Let us never forget that freedom has a cost
Sharon became our hero-our hearts are empty by her loss.
Sharon was the All-American girl
She was perfection in an imperfect world.
©Copyright 2001 by Kerry "Doc" Pardue
The Sharon Ann Lane Foundation
www.sharonannlanefoundation.org

WW1 NURSES
From the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

A group photograph of Nurses at Base 22 Hospital taken in France in 1917
Base Hospital 22 was formed from Milwaukee County Hospital personal.

During World War I, the entire nation was mobilized for service. As in the Civil War and other previous conflicts,
women answered the call by volunteering as nurses.

Helen Bulovsky was born in Madison in 1895, of immigrant parents. She trained at Madison General Hospital, and after her graduation in October
of 1917 practiced as a registered nurse. Bulovsky had a heart defect, which it seems she was aware of, at the point
of her enlistment in April 1918. She was assigned to Base Hospital 22.

The doctors became officers, but nurses were not given military ranks at this time.
The staff was then supplemented with soldiers from regular Army sanitation units.

Aimee O'Keefe was born on a small farm in St. Croix County in 1889. She trained as a nurse in St. Paul, Minnesota. After being certified she
practiced in Los Angeles, California; Lewiston, Montana; and Seattle, Washington. O'Keefe was called to active duty in April, 1917. She was assigned
to Base Hospital 50, organized through the University of Washington Hospital.

As of the declaration of war on April 16, 1917 the Army Nursing Corps consisted of a mere 235 regulars and 165 reserve members.
By the end of the war, the ranks of the Nursing Corps would swell to 21,480. The U.S. Army made the decision to employ sanitary personnel
at a rate of 7.65%, lower than the recommended 10% of total troop strength. By these calculations, this number of nurses was adequate for an
army of 1,000,000 men. The U.S. drafted 4,000,000 men, creating a serious shortage of medical personnel

A page from the Base Hospital 22 scrapbook showing the nurses' daily lives. At the upper left, nurses indulge in some sweets.
At upper right, two nurses pose in the nurses office, where the scheduling and administration was done. At lower left, Nurse
Hoyt assists Dr. Senn in one of the wards. At lower right, nurses make the daily rounds, changing patients' dressings.

Some nurses died during service, usually of illnesses such as influenza. Nurse Florence Kimball died on
October 21st, 1918 and was buried in the military cemetery at Base Hospital 22. She was 24 years old.

The nurses enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Base Hospital 22.

"Today a bunch got newspapers and they think the war will end in a couple of weeks. It certainly won't end any too soon to suit me."
– Helen Bulovsky in a letter to her parents, November 9th, 1918. The war ended on November 11th, 1918, a mere two days later.
A page from the Base Hospital 22 scrapbook, showing the nurses assembled and the trucks moving out when the unit departed for the U.S.

Doc5

EMILY (Milwaukee,Wisconsin)
From one of your guys..
In the midst of the 60's
She found herself confused
She was challenged to come see and do her part
So instead of becoming a part of the problem
She became part of the solution instead
She came to make a difference
The odd thing about the Vietnam War
It makes no difference if your male or female
Soldier or civilian it impacts your soul
She bore the risks of combat
Same as you and me
She served us all with fidelity
Some will say she didn't serve
I will tell them that they are wrong
She is as much a Veteran -as us all
Emily, raised in Atlanta
With her charm and her grace
Became a Donut Dollie in a far away place
She became a beacon of light. she brought us hope
With her smile and round-eyes
She took us to another time and place - away from the war
She didn't carry a weapon
She came with fun and games - she did her part
More importantly she became a part of the soldiers heart
As I look back on memories of the past
I recall with a certain fondness
Her beauty with a southern voice
Thanks for doing your part
You are not forgotten
You became part of our heart
The gal from Georgia-our Donut Dolly
A soldier's friend indeed
WELCOME HOME EMILY-my sister.
WELCOME HOME indeed
©Kerry "Doc" Pardue 2003

WELCOME HOME MY SISTERS
(Written to honor the 10th anniversary of the Women's Memorial)
We are standing here behind the WALL on the other side of life. It has been a long time since we have seen you.
We are here today to say Thank you once again.
It is your time today that we stand here waving, cheering, and so proud that you came.
The time is short so some of us have been selected to say what we all feel.
Thank you for caring and loving us and most of all for just being there.
My name is Mike; I was a Marine, stepped on a mine, during Operation Allenbrook. I lost both legs.
You were my nurse who told me I was going home.
You bathed me, kept me out of pain; you talked to me about beginning a new.
It was not easy but you gave me hope. Today, I just retired; I have thought of you often…
I don't even remember your name.
I remember your face… thank you for being there for me, giving me that hope.
My name is Roger; I was killed during a mortar attack, in Plieku. You worked in graves registration.
You made sure all my personal effects made it home to my wife. I was there at night when you cried over all of us.
I know it is hard my sister. Thanks for the prayer for my family and me. Yes, God does care and He remembers you.
My name is Tan, I was a little child in Ban Me Thout, and you cared for me and helped me. I have leprosy.
I was there when they took you away in the middle of the night. I missed your singing to me.
You were my missionary. My daughter has your name.
My name is Tony; my helicopter was shot down in the Plain of Reeds. I was on your burn ward.
You were the Red Cross worker that wrote letters home for me.
I told you that I loved you and you said all the guys said that to you.
You don't understand I still do. It was love at first sight.
I didn't mean to die in my sleep. I miss your smile.
My name is Wayne; I was killed when our base camp got over run at Bihn Phouc.
I remember the times when you came to play games with us. You were our Donut Dolly.
You took my mind off the war, you made me forget. I was from Indiana.
I told you that you reminded me of my girlfriend.
My name is Susan, I was a nurse on Operation Baby lift and we are still caring for the Children.
Thank you for your help in getting the children out and caring for them.
I tried to save them; they took two little ones out of my arms who made it. I am forever thankful.
My name is Johnny, they called me "lucky" 'cause you pointed to me to come dance with you on stage
of the Bob Hope Show in Dong Tam. Thanks Ann Margaret, thanks for letting me be your leading man.
I died during a firefight in the Delta with the Mobile Riverine Force. Thanks for the kiss on the cheek.
My name is Joe, and I am from Memphis. I rode on your plane coming over to the Nam.
You told me it was okay to be scared and you were going to pray for all of us.
You took my last letter I wrote to my mom and mailed it for me. I remember your perfume and your beautiful green eyes.
I was killed by a mine that blew up my truck my first day.
My name is Sharon; I am from Ohio. I was a nurse at the 312th Evac. Mom, it's okay.
I have missed you all. Thank you for helping build the Clinic in Vietnam.
The people are needy and they don't hate us.
I did the right thing and I am so proud of you. Daddy is here and he misses you so very much.
My name is Jimmy, I was a medic and taken as a POW,
you were the unit clerk that typed up the letter telling my parents that I was
Missing In Action and told them that all that could be done was being done.
I died 12 years later in Laos. No medicine, there were others. I know you think of all of us
but just know; some of us are still alive and waiting to be found. Please keep searching.
My name is Stan and I flew Phatoms. I was shot down over Hanoi.
You were the Air Traffic Controller who marked my location and sent in the teams to get me out.
But the NVA shot and killed me. It is not your fault—I took the risk… it was worth it.
Hello Dusty my name is David. I never got to tell you thanks for being there for me. For holding
my hand and telling me I was going to be okay. Thanks for writing the letter to my mom;
she told me she so appreciated it when she got up here last year. Dusty… thank you for staying
with me when I passed over. It is so beautiful here. I will be there for you when it is your time to come.
I will call your name and I will hold your hand. I love you.
So our sisters, one and all, you all did a job well done. Please be easy on yourselves.
Do you realized how many of us you saved, do you realize how many of us still have legs and
arms that should have been removed. You helped ease our pain. You took our minds off the war.
Do you realize that you are the best and we appreciate all that you did we love you so very much…
thank you, WELCOME HOME MY SISTERS.

©Copyright November 2, 2003 by Kerry "Doc" Pardue
755TH Medical Detachment, 170th Assault Helicopter Company, Pleiku, Vietnam
8th Medical Detachment, 155th Assault Helicopter Company, Ban Me Thout, Vietnam
HHC, Scouts, 2/47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Bihn Phouc, Vietnam