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McCOOK Neb. - In a reflective interview, Dave Eaton, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his experience of being drafted at 19 years old—when many young men found themselves thrust into a conflict they barely understood. Drafted in 1966 from Rapid City, S.D., Eaton's journey began with basic training at Fort Bliss, Tex., followed by advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, informally known as "Tiger Land." This training was designed to simulate the challenging conditions American troops would face in Vietnam.

Eaton deployed to Vietnam in March 1967 as part of the First Infantry Division, initially serving as a rifleman and ammunition bearer for a machine gunner. His deployment was marked by harrowing moments, including being wounded just weeks after his arrival when artillery rounds struck near his position. The injury led to a month-and-a-half hospital stay, during which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Despite this ordeal, Eaton returned to his platoon and transitioned to the role of radio operator for his company commander. He reflected on the challenges faced by his commander, who was only 26 years old and responsible for 200 soldiers' safety.

Reflecting on his experiences, Eaton spoke poignantly about the harsh realities of war. "Nobody wins in a war," he stated, emphasizing that both sides suffer deeply. Eaton recalled the resilience of the Vietnamese people, who, despite living in poverty and facing devastation, exhibited remarkable strength. "These people had absolutely nothing," he said. "They didn't want the war; they just wanted to survive."

Eaton contrasted life in Vietnam with conditions in the United States, urging younger generations to appreciate what they often take for granted. "We cannot take for granted what is offered to us—the streets we drive on, the schools we go to," he remarked, noting the simplicity of life for many in Vietnam, where water buffalo were essential for agriculture. The war had devastating effects not only on soldiers but also on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Upon returning home to Rapid City, Eaton faced the unfortunate reality of being shunned. "When I got off the plane, we were immediately shunned," he recounted, recalling how veterans were often met with hostility and resentment, unfairly labeled as "baby killers" amidst the anti-war sentiment of the era. He described the difficult adjustment back to civilian life after experiencing such trauma and disengagement from society.

"The truth is, most of us didn't even realize what Communism was; we were just kids," Eaton explained, highlighting how young recruits were often unaware of the broader political context surrounding the conflict they were drawn into.

A significant turning point came in 2010 when a fellow soldier called Eaton to attend a reunion in Indianapolis, Ind., where he and 28 unit members gathered after nearly five decades apart. With only eight days' notice, he and his wife made their way to reconnect with those who shared the harrowing war experiences. "It was amazing," he reflected. "It felt as though no time had passed at all. We all understood what the others had endured, even if we hadn't been there at the same time." Conversations that had long remained silent began to flow freely as stories of courage and resilience were exchanged, breaking down barriers that had kept these experiences locked away.

In 2017, Eaton participated in a profound trip to Washington, D.C., as part of a group of 650 Vietnam veterans from Nebraska. This journey included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, stirring memories of sacrifice and the collective struggle that defined their service. "Walking among those memorials, surrounded by fellow veterans from every branch of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force—was powerful," he said. "It was like we were finally receiving the recognition we had long been denied." Unlike their counterparts from World War II and Korea, Vietnam veterans often returned to indifference or hostility. "We took off our uniforms as soon as we could, trying to blend into civilian life. We didn't talk about what happened, not unless we ran into someone who understood," he recalled.

Upon returning to Nebraska, the 650 veterans were greeted by friends and family, marking a welcome home that had eluded them for so long. Through these reunions and experiences, Eaton found solace in the understanding and camaraderie of those who lived through similar challenges. Each gathering is not just a recollection of the past; it's a step toward reconciling the pain and trauma that have lingered for decades. In sharing their stories, he and his brothers create a collective narrative of healing—one that reminds them that they are not alone in their journey and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

These moments are vital reminders of the importance of connection, community, and honoring the past. For many veterans, recognizing each other's struggles provides a pathway toward healing they had been searching for long after the battlefields fell silent.