A couple weeks ago I helped bury a squad leader from the platoon I served with in Nam. I still feel down about his loss. He was one of the few I trusted not to get us KIA.
Seems like each week I read of another Marine from our unit (I/3/3) going to guard the streets of heaven. I know it is inevitable but it makes me angry because we survived that war therefore we should live forever.

Tom sorry for your lose....
Yes VN vets are getting up there in years.
   Not a lot of Korean Vet's either.
Not long ago I met a WW2 Vet that was on the Canal and Iwo....

Yep. One of my buddies passed in December. Some have gone before and getting fewer and fewer left. Seems that we stay closer the last few years after meeting up again at funerals and such.  Even started having some reunions.

I'm sorry for your loss.
I just found out the other day that my uncle (a Vietnam Vet) is going to be passing away soon. Largely as a result of negligence on the part of the VA. Apparently, what should've been a fairly easily treated Colon-Rectal cancer has advanced to a rapidly moving, fatal Liver and Kidney cancer. Due to the slow start to treatment and excessive delays mid-treatment, he will now be in excruciating pain until death provides him with relief.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss. And I agree that there should be some reward for not only surviving the war, but the treatment that you all received when you got home.

We are all getting long in the tooth. All the better reason to enjoy life to the fullest while we are able.

Amen, Pat.  When you think that it's been 50 years or so, you better believe we need to enjoy life to the fullest.
Shick

My grandfather passed away in October of '15, 2 tours that I know of for sure. I miss him dearly. I've always tried to thank you guys every time I see you with you hats on, but it takes on special meaning now. I find that it helps me to remember him. To be honest I'm  trying not to cry typing this. It wasn't until just now that I realized that for both my grandfathers I've never really grieved, the other a navy reserve vet whom passed last June.
You gentleman deserve our utmost respect and love. Peace and  be safe.