We are reminding readers to never forget our veterans’ courage and sacrifices they made to protect and defend our country. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Editor's note: This story was recently told to Sandy Evans, a registered nurse and a Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center volunteer, by Skip. Skip is one of thousands of veterans who returned home from war facing challenges in his future. Many nurses returned with the same challenges. In honor of Memorial Day, we’re running Skip’s story and we are reminding readers to never forget our veterans’ courage and sacrifices they made to protect and defend our country.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – U.S. nurses who served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1973 did heroic things that most people have never heard occurred. The war ended with no one wanting to hear what went on in an undeclared war. Thanks to military men in all branches of service, many of the frontline casualties had a chance to survive.

One of these men who helped in the cause was Skip, today a Citrus Heights resident. Skip was in the Army, D Troop, 1st Regiment, 1st Squadron of Dragoons, Air Calvary.

He was only 17, eager to serve and, with his parents' permission, enlisted. His training took him to Fort Lewis, Washington; helicopters in Eustis, Virginia and USA Rotor School in Fort Rucker, Alabama.

By 18 years old, Skip was sent to Chun Lai, Vietnam as a Huey mechanic and eventually crew chief.

Like many war-torn vets, he returned with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), something nurses saw on a regular basis in Vietnam. Nurses also regularly saw catastrophic injuries and death. The hospitals were temporary with everyone hoping the war would quickly end and all be able to safely return home.

Skip and crew would provide medi-vac operations daily and often multiple times a day. Medics and nurses airlifted in helicopters with door gunners their only protection. Radio communications were a help with safe landing sites but often snipers or hostile ambush occurred.

Medi-vac missions often required "duck and run" tactics running toward the injured on stretchers while the helicopter provided cover fire and held fast until the wounded were aboard.

Skip would watch the nurses do their job with admiration. A nurse could look into a dying man's eyes and hold his hand so he would know he was not alone. It was touching. It was standard practice for the medical staff to use the "patch and save" method until they returned to base. The critical cases were expedited and given top priority.

The helicopter, huge and noisy, would lift off quickly as other helicopters were coming in to do the same work. The helicopter crew hours could be grueling. No time off for months. Special runs for needed supplies, transport surgeons or medical personnel.  It was grabbing sleep when they could.

A new offensive required more troops and helicopters. The jungle terrain prohibited trucks or planes.

Skip survived being shot down twice and saw many of his friends die. You learn not to make personal attachments, become numb to the horrors of war. "Do your job," "move forward," "get the job done."

Skip served 23 months before his return to the U.S.

Returning home was disappointing. Lack of respect, being spat on and being called "baby killlers" by the general public was debilitating. Family who didn't understand or want to talk about his life-saving endeavors or good work "in country" made it more difficult to cope with returning to the U.S. This all led to depression for him.

He was a young man when he returned home and for the rest of his life, Skip will have to deal with the Vietnam memories.

Many nurses had the same experience. The diagnosis of PTSD was prevalent for returning soldiers. It is real and devastating for most who serve in a war. 

PTSD can lead to alcohol abuse, drugs and uncontrolled anger. It has now been determined that suicide is the leading cause of Vietnam veterans' deaths.

The U.S. now accepts Vietnam vets for their service. They have been given a memorial wall and some benefits for what they endured, although not enough. No amount of recognition will heal the scarred lives or the unending anguish of a Vietnam veteran.

Visit the Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center on Memorial Day

The nonprofit Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center, open since 2013 and run completely on donations, is a gathering place for all Sacramento County vets. The center helps all Sacramento County veterans and their families gain access to free services and programs for disabilities as well as provide a safe place for them to gather, enjoy a meal and share their stories. 

The center is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 6921 Sylvan Road. For more information, call 916-806-4852 or go online to veteranscommunitycenterch.com or facebook.com/VeteransCommunityCenter.

The Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center will hold its free annual Memorial Day concert from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, May 26, Memorial Day, featuring the Citrus Heights Marching Band. The concert is open to the public and to all ages.