January through February 2002
I served on the maxillofacial surgical with Don Osbon and
Bob Lamay. We were infamous for our long operating time and
large head dressings. We worked hard and we played hard, I
for one enjoyed every minute of my tour at the 24th. We
went through the transition from tents to Adams huts. I lived in AH #2, We
had quite a crew.
Thu Feb 28 18:45:25 2002
Probably like many of you, when I first learned I was going to Viet Nam
my heart sank. I had a pretty nice life going as an instructor of OR techs
at Fort Sam Houston. But what a life-changing experience Viet Nam would turn
out to be. I learned so much from that amazing crew of docs and nurses (and
patients) that I decided to become a doc myself. And I even eventually
leaned to fly a helicopter. To be fully immersed in that atmosphere and be
allowed to do so many things medical was a wonder to me. (Except maybe
having to "police" up the cigarette butts of smokers every day!)
As so many have beautifully expressed here, the comradeship and memories
are indelible. It's quite amazing to see how almost the whole staff changed
every 12 months but the heart of the 24th. remained constant. I'm looking
forward to the reunion.
Wed Feb 27 20:30:11 2002
The friendships developed there were outstanding. Saw some
mighty fantastic miracles and developed some superb teamwork.
Thoroughly enjoyed the reunion in 93 as well as seeing more
at the dedication of the Women's memorial. Hope to attend;
however, that is also derby weekend so air travel may be a
problem.
Mon Feb 25 21:56:10 2002
Richard L. Martinez
PO Box 224
Fine, NY 13639
(315) 848-2651
Please sign me into the guest book. I was wounded on April 19, 1968 and
admitted to 24th Evac with multiple gunshot wounds. When the nurse cut off
my boots a spent bullet round dropped to the floor. In the Time-Life book
volume Combat Photographers there is a picture of a nurse holding a
Vietnamese baby. That same nurse is one who cut off my boots and clothing.
I remember her with the baby a few beds away from me.
My unit was A Co 1/26 1st Inf. Div. I was in the 24th Evac approximately one
week then sent to the 106th Gen. Hosp., Japan then to Walter Reed. I was
hospitalized a total of eight months.
The treatment I was given was exceptional and I will never forget. I would
sure like to hear from some of the personnel from April 19, 1968 especially
the nurse who cut off my boots and any others who remember that day.
Mon Feb 25 16:16:16 2002
Just looking and saw your site and thought I would say hello tillett
charles s. Long Binh Nov. 1969-Nov. 1970
Sat Feb 23 20:14:26 2002
I was a platoon leader with Co A of the 9th Division of the 2/60th and
was shot on may 25th during the cambodia border sweeps. The bullet went thru
my helmet and hit me below my right eye, going thru my mouth, throat and
out my upper left back. I was in an intensive care unit there for about
a week I
guess, and would like to find those who cared for me then,
I do remember being in a room with a fellow patient who had lost his legs.
My other email address is Quixote389@aol.com
Thank You , John Raubar
Sat Feb 23 20:14:18 2002
I worked on PO#3 and the medical ward. As I said at my "Hail and
Farewell"--"It was an experience!"
Sat Feb 23 14:34:56 2002
PL&X forever! Over the years I have often thought of the 24th Evac
and the great gang I served with in '67. Those memories are the best. Thank
you Ken for tracking me down.
I look forward to the Reunion.
Thu Feb 21 7:31:58 2002
Retired in 1987 as LTC. Married Diane Ankerson (ANC) 1975. Diane
retired (COL) 1991. Attended 1993 reunion.
Tue Feb 19 20:00:42 2002
I was originally assigned to the 16th Med. Det. where I ran the Shot Room,
a lot of penicillin, and ended up as the Colonel's driver for the last half
of my tour.
Mon Feb 18 23:35:06 2002
I was in the advance party with Ltc Al Donoho, Cpt George Brown, and CWO
Gomez. There were about 20 EM with us. We all flew in a C130 from San
Antonio to Bien Hoa. It took about three days and four stops. The main body
came a few weeks later by ship.
Mon Feb 18 12:46:26 2002
Thank you for taking the time to construct this web site.
I did not know it was here until Mike Punzell told me about it.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio in May.
Barbara
Sun Feb 17 11:25:40 2002
I served under the name of Timothy Tucker (my adoptive name): Richard
Rogers is my birth name which I took back in 1976.
Sun Feb 17 8:22:58 2002
In March 1970 while serving with Army Special Services in Phuoc Vinh with
the 1st Cav, I came down with some mysterious aliment. I had been bitten by
a tick on my ankle in January and it had become very infected. I started
running a continuous low grade fever soon after. By March I was very sick
and the doctors at the Cav's unit sent me to the 24th. Over several days
there they took lots of blood to try to determine what I had. Initially I
was in this tiny cubicle - they weren't used to female patients. Luckily I
was changed to a larger room that actually had air-conditioning. My fever
finally spiked at 105 and they figured that I probably had scrub typhus from
the tick bite. As I started feeling better I wanted to get up and maybe take
a shower. The nurse I remember was very nervous about me walking through the
ward with all the GI's. I didn't care, I wanted a shower. Other than having
my blood drawn every four hours for two or three days, my time at the 24th
was good. I'm sure it caused problems being a female in an all male
hospital. Thank you for your care.
Sat Feb 16 21:05:54 2002
I remember Arriving to the hospital early morning on May 7th
after dust off. I would like to thank all the hospital personnel who made
sure all the wounded soldiers were taken
care of. A special thanks to the ones that took care of me.
I was with CO. D. 4th /12th 199th. LIB. Am looking for E-5
by last name or first name Grover got there on the night of
May 6 1968 when he was wounded. Can you help? Did not find
him through your search engine, Thanks
Sat Feb 16 11:21:14 2002
John Bell, You signed this guest book and I tried to email you,
comes back
unmailable. Could you email me or recheck it. Thanks. HELLO
ALL--SAN ANTONIO IN MAY
Mon Feb 11 19:21:30 2002
199th inf. gun shoot wound left shoulder while there two others in unit
at end of room nurse came and told me they know me they were badly injured
in face and were sent to DC. I am looking for this girl to tell her
that they are alive and doing good.
Sun Feb 10 11:56:26 2002
I want to commend you on the efforts you have made with this web site.
It brings back a lot of memories. I'm looking forward to going back to
San
Antonio to see some old buddies.
Sat Feb 9 21:31:56 2002
MY TIME AT THE 24TH EVAC WAS MEMORABLE IN MANY WAS. IT WAS THE FOUNDATION
FOR MY LIFE AS IT IS TODAY, AND A PLACE WHERE I MET SO MANY FRIENDS AND
ACQUAINTANCES OF WHICH I FOUND A BOUND OF FRIENDSHIP OF WHICH I CHERISH. I
AM STILL BOUNDED WITH ALL THAT SERVED, AND WILL BE FOREVER. I AM STILL IN
CONTACT WITH MANY OF THE NURSES, CORPSMEN, DOCTORS THAT I SERVED WITH AND
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE THAT WAS AT THE 24TH EVAC DURING THE TIME I
WAS THERE. MY MAILING ADDRESS: 1819 GOLDEN GATE, APT 9, SAN FRANCISCO CA.
94115. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT REUNION-SAN ANTONIO-MAY 02
Fri Feb 8 11:31:39 2002
An unforgettable year! Arrived just before Tet Offensive and the
experience was such that I resolved to never be in a position to have to do
war surgery again. However, my specialty involved numerous similar cases
which I took care from start to finish and highway injuries, knife and gun
club injuries kept me busy until retirement.
Fri Feb 8 2:04:54 2002
I would like to pass on the sad news that Dan Boren, an OR Tech at the
24th in 1971, passed away suddenly on January 10, 2002. He is survived by
his wife, and 2 daughters.
Thu Feb 7 18:11:44 2002
I was a gunner with the 135th AHC. Was hit in the leg 2-8-68 near My Tho.
Went to Aid station at Dong Tam, then later that night was flown up to the
24th. Still remember the great care that I received. Just wanted to say
thanks. God bless and keep you!
Thu Feb 7 16:59:14 2002
Please forward John Baldwin's e-mail address to me if you have it.
Thu Feb 7 11:21:11 2002
I am looking for any vet that was at Vally Forge Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Army hospital that is. I was a Red Cross volunteer there for five years.
Don't
no if this the right place to be looking, but if it is not thanks to all
of
you guys for helping to keep us free. Thanks for you help on this matter
also
1964 to 1969
Tue Feb 5 19:50:05 2002
What a wonderful group of people to spend a year with. Wish I could
remember everyone's name. It's been a long time. Friday nights in the nurses
rec room were the best. The most memorable time was when the Long Bien ammo
dump blew in August of '66 and then again when we moved to our own place.
Tue Feb 5 18:09:04 2002
Hope to make the reunion in San Antonio
Tue Feb 5 17:14:06 2002
Echo Recon 2nd Bn. 39th Infantry 9th Infantry Dvn.
Thu Jan 31 9:12:42 2002
Can't forget Loon Foons Chinese Restaurant sitting out in the middle of
the jungle. When sitting in the place, eating, one could almost forget what
awaited outside the doors.
Sat Jan 26 12:10:58 2002
I helped the biomed sarge put the first x-ray machine together. I liked
the old canvas/screen Hooch better than the new prefab aluminum bldgs we
later put up. Thanks, Major Veach, for for letting a Private run your x-ray
department and get to work with a great bunch of guys.
Fri Jan 25 23:00:12 2002
It is wonderful to see some familiar names here. For everyone that I see
several more come to mind. That intense and powerful year changed me more
than anything else has . Although a good part was very difficult I wouldn't
trade it for anything.
Thu Jan 24 1:45:51 2002
I was med-evac'd in with malaria. I had a temp of 104.3 and I remember a
guy named Posey (a doctor?) making me take a cold shower. Then when I got in
bed and covered up he pulled the blanket off me. Then he made me take another
cold shower.
Wed Jan 23 14:39:31 2002
Would love to touch base with any and all. have lived in WA state for
25+ years - married to Brant - 2 sons Lael and Logan - work as an ARNP
(family
px)
- still keep in touch with several friends from RVN, 2 corpsmen, Ted Baker
and JD Bell. Think of many of you a lot- Baldwins -hi we met last reunion.
You had just adopted your babe- we are going to Tx for the next reunion -
am anxious to see any and all of you- do you think that we will look old?
I am
into blue rinses. who cares? Love you, Helen
Wed Jan 23 0:44:25 2002
LOUIS DOES NOT HAVE A E-MAIL ADDRESS BUT HE IS GOING TO ATTEND THE
REUNION. MY E-MAIL IS BJ78216@AOL.COM I WILL
KEEP INFORMED OR WRITE HIM AT 5910 KEPLER DR. SA, TX 78228
Mon Jan 21 16:43:33 2002
Looking forward to the reunion in May. I am looking for a nurse that I worked with in the ER, his name was Tom Beeman. If anybody out there knows of his whereabouts please let me know. Thanks to Tom Holland I have found several friends that we used to work with. It's been great hearing from our lost friends. Thank God for the 24th Web Site. Sun Jan 20 19:41:58 2002
I'm now a crna, working in Ft. Myers Fl. Left the army in '74 and lived
in VA until 2001. I can't remember many of your names...help jog my old
brain!!!
Sun Jan 20 11:39:21 2002
Hello all. This is for Matt Knieriem who signed this on Jan 10. I emailed
you with info on Mary-Lou Knaebel, but it came back "unrouteable".
Get
in touch and I'll give you some info. See you all in San Antonio.
Sat Jan 19 10:30:57 2002
I am looking for the unit name and motto of the 24th Evac. Does anyone
have it??? Thank you,
MARC R WELDE
MS, 1LT
Tue Jan 15 20:48:25 2002
Still seems like yesterday, an unforgettable medical and life experience
Sun Jan 13 21:16:38 2002
On ward 12,13, 14 and then Ward 4 for most of year.
Sun Jan 13 18:53:09 2002
pre vietnam experience
Fri Jan 11 10:21:46 2002
Dr. Mathis performed the operation and the nurse who watched over me was
Mary Lou Knaebel..not sure of the spelling. They both have a very special
place in my heart. I hope that they will be at the reunion. I know that Mary
Lou is married but I don't know her married name or address. If someone has
this information, I would be very grateful if they would let me know how I
can get in touch with both of them. I could not have received better care
anywhere at any hospital than I received at the 24th! Thanks to all.
Thu Jan 10 12:30:54 2002
These were the worse of times and the best of times.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity and the friends
made during this year. Although difficult at times, it was
still best medical education one could have. It gave each
of us a chance to see what we were made of and grow emotionally.
I learned a great deal about dying and have continued to do
work in the field of Near Death Experiences.
I am very interested in soldiers who had these experiences during combat.
Look forward to seeing everybody in May.
Wed Jan 9 12:51:32 2002
I HAVE STAYED IN CONTACT WITH CAROLYN TANAKA, CHERRY
WIEGAND-TAYLOR, LYNN KERR-KELLIHER, TED BAKER, BARBRA GALLIGHER, DR. JOHN
BALDWIN, DR. BOB GRANT, ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ARE THE BEST THERE ARE. MY TIME IN THE
E.R. WAS THE BEST
EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD. IN SOME WAY I MISS NOT BEING THERE. I REMEMBER IT LIKE IT WAS THIS MORNING.
Wed Jan 9 12:51:21 2002
Keep up the good work. My best memory; great people.
Tue Jan 8 15:21:33 2002
As stated, the 133rd Medical Detachment was attached to the 24th Evac. We were located at Bearcat, a base containing American support Units, including Assault Helicopter Battalions, and artillery and transportation units. I made several trips into Long
Binh, when time permitted, to go to the 24th Evac.
Sun Jan 6 8:13:59 2002
I believe I watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon on the 24th officer's club TV.
Sat Jan 5 11:40:22 2002
Memories of VN are both horrendous, wondrous and surreal. Over the past years
I have had opportunities to catch up with some colleagues from VN and hope
that the reunion in Texas in May brings comrades together again. Thank you
for providing this format to connect with
colleagues lost in memories and resurrected in the guest book.
Fri Jan 4 18:23:37 2002
I was an operating room technician with orders for the 24th Evac, but got "diverted" to the 3rd Surg when I arrived in country. I knew some of the OR techs at the 24th, used to visit at times.
Thu Jan 3 22:03:52 2002
I am am trying to find out more about my father (Dr. Lynn Whelchel, Jr.) during his time in
Vietnam. I have never really been able to get much out of him as many of you can relate I am sure. The picture on Tom
Holland's page of him assisting my dad really has encouraged my to go around the "old man" and reach out for him. So if anyone has some stories (good, bad, or indifferent) please send them along. If any of you wish to reach my dad I will be happy pass it along as well and let him respond in his way.
I truly believe that this period in my father's life was a defining moment. That's
why I am driven to find out more.
Thanks and all the best.
Adam Whelchel
Thu Jan 3 17:15:07 2002
I was transferred from the 2nd Surg in Lai Khe in response to the Vietnamization
process. The 24th was a great unit as far as the people are concerned. What
else is important? I remember some of the names I've seen on the web site.
I hope everyone is well. I am scheduled to attend the reunion in May. Hope
to see some of you.
Thu Jan 3 9:46:03 2002
Looking for BOO!!!!! Contact me
Wed Jan 2 20:38:25 2002
I was a Spec 5 Corpsman on wards 7 and 8. Worked for SFC Emil Nordquist. Cpt Donald V. Barnett was Company Commander
Wed Jan 2 18:38:32 2002
I was assigned to the 284th MP Co., which operated the LBJ prison. I had to occasionally escort prisoners to LBJ for treatment of Heroin withdrawal, or injuries of one sort or another. I was an MP in the 18th MP Brigade, 1971.
I have met a former Army nurse here in Alabama as I worked with Vietnam vets in
VVA. Her name is Sharon Boyer, and I believe that she was assigned to the 24th at one time or another. If anyone needs to contact her, I can locate her within a few days. Thanks for the great job all of you guys did for the troops! I used to lie beside the pool across the road from the helipad on my day off and watch injured or dead carried from choppers. I felt very fortunate to be stationed on the large Long Binh base, instead of out in the bush.
Welcome home, and God bless!
Tue Jan 1 23:37:45 2002
Cheryl and I went to the last reunion in Washington. The experience was memorable. We laughed and cried, but most of all, we renewed relationships.
Tue Jan 1 19:38:07 2002
Upon arrival at the 24th, I was assigned to bunker detail...Iwas then assigned
to work on the POW ward... I was there for about six months... received transfer
to Pre-Op and Recovery... worked there for about five months then worked on
post-op wards 2 and 4...I have kept in contact with three people from the 24th
--John D. Bell, Mike Punzell, and Helen Walsh. Looking forward to the reunion!
Tue Jan 1 11:34:23 2002
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Updated: November 5, 2003