A Vietnam Nurse's Story at the Wall

[@elizabethstenhouse4763]

My husband hunted for years to find and thank the nurse who saved him and took such good care of him.He passed away and never found her . My thanks to all the nurses that took care of all the veterans in such turmoil time in history .My husband survived from his wounds and was 100% disabled but became a wonderful husband ,father. He accomplished my things but couldn't fight Hep C from blood transfusions he recieved any longer. He is on the wall now which helps some. He was greatly loved and missed. Thank you Mrs John Stenhouse

[@DungNguyen-yi9fs]

I am a Vietnamese and I am grateful for those young Americans who had come and fought and shed their blood in my country . They were so young ( same as my age ) and yet more than fifty thousands of these heroes lost their lives in jungle, on the paddy field and everywhere of my country . I always admired and pray for their souls and their families . THEY ARE HEROES !!!!

[@felixmadison5736]

As a 74 year-old disabled Vietnam Vet who served there with the army in 1969, when I was only 20, I thank you. The South Vietnamese people are some of the nicest people I have ever met. God bless you.

[@Nam-id7kj]

I served in combat Army 67/68. After a lengthy fire fight, as I was watching over the 26 KIA, a Vietnamese man got out of his car on a road nearby & thanked me. This was the 1st & only time. Your kind reply means a lot to those of us who were once young warriors thousands of miles away from home. Thank you. God bless all the RN's that cared, saved & held my brothers hand when they died. They will never be forgotten.

[@roberfaubus3455]

I am so proud of all the veterans without you I won’t enjoy the freedom I have my dad was in World War Two and my grandpa and in World War One I had two brothers in the Vietnam war I miss the Vietnam war.

[@airbrushken5339]

When I was wounded in Vietnam, I was flown to 327 evac and from there to 95th evac in Da Nang. The white phosphorous explosion caused temporary blindness. ..among other things. I was given morphine a couple times (I think) and when they pulled me off the bird this soft hand touched my face and said; "you've got nothing to worry about, we'll take care of you".... I smelt a slight whiff of perfume... I thought I had died and this was an angle in heaven. How they had the strength to deal with all us wounded and sick men. Years later I learned from a VN nurse that it was against regulations but they found the perfume calmed the men down a bit. They were so kind to me back then...thank you..

[@felixmadison5736]

As a disabled vet of the Vietnam War, those nurses were right.

[@airbrushken5339]

@@felixmadison5736 So very true. Both my Mother and two sisters were RNs and also expressed how brave they must have been. I told them the VC believed that Red Cross on the hospital roof was a "Bull's Eye" for mortars.

[@felixmadison5736]

@@airbrushken5339 A mortar round was what ended my tour of duty in Vietnam. From then on for just under a year it was army hospitals and army nurses, and surgeries for me. My 21st year on the planet in 1970, was not what I had hoped for, to say the least. Thank God for the many army nurses who helped me get through it all. It's often said that we must never forget. Well, I can never forget because the scars are there every day when I look in the mirror. And those are only the physical scars. BTW...my eldest daughter has been a RN for about 25 years, and I never forget to tell her how proud I am of her and the work she does.

[@airbrushken5339]

@@felixmadison5736 I was there in 1970 and was 21....the last Hospital was 95th EVAC in DaNang .... I got a compassionate re-assignment to an Army Unit 43 miles from my home town... I was flown to Wright Patterson AF Base for all my operations....my Mum and my sister were RNs... be safe .... and thank you so much for your Service ...I mean that from my heart.

[@edrobertson8304]

They were and are Angel's. God Bless them one and all

[@2098elk]

Brings tears to my eyes. Vietnam Era Veteran and Life Member VVA.. God Bless those who take care of others.

[@plindsey3939]

These are angels from heaven there were a lot of heros during the viet nam war but no one can compare to the nurses. P.Lindsey 82nd Airborne Viet Nam 68/69

[@Scrapper202]

I hardly ever cry,now I’m choking up,listening to this ANGEL speak about her experiences 🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@fastsetinthewest]

As a RVN vet, God bless this nurse. She describes it as it was!

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Edie, make no mistake we wives of Vietnam Combat Vets are angry as well. So much respect, I salute you and all the nurses that served. Welcome home!

[@felixmadison5736]

And you have every right to be angry.

[@carolecarr5210]

Edie, yes you are. Thank you for being a "first stringers". At Tachikawa AFB, Japan & later as a Flighter Nurse bringing our guys on their last leg home to Dover AFB, I saw the work, skill & dedication all of you Nam Nurses, Dustoff Crews, Corpmen, Medics & Doctors provided. I am proud of all of you. Your speech was wonderful.

[@ray1965ify]

a veteran myself would like to thank edie meeks and all the nursed without them there would a lot more names on the wall.they deserve much more than they have gotten.when you spoke about the wonded and dying you made me cry.so to you and all of the viet nam veterans welcome home.

[@Naturegirl1976]

Same here, shame on our govt for the damage caused to all those brave people who served our country

[@bobjackson4720]

Great speech, straight from the heart.

[@gavinpuli9052]

most of us have no idea of what these brave women have been through, and/or seen.

[@obssed]

I served as Chief Clerk, Unit Hqtrs 93rd Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh. I met and knew many of the nurses that did what they did so well. God bless them all. And, Welcome Home!

[@123andme]

Thanks for your story Mary. I appreciate you. As a vet I can understand how our country's decisions impact our troops.

[@thomasharrell6545]

made it through field Hospitals twice. Not sure if I met you but I know I loved you for what you did and the smiles I always saw when a nurse came to check on me or assist me. Thank you for being there...

[@tomterreri6364]

Here it is 50 years later, and I still do not have an intelligent response whenever someone asks me, "What was it like in Vietnam?" I never bring up the subject and I try not to get into conversations about it because I can't count on my composure to stand strong. I honestly believe the words necessary for conveying simply do not exist. The only constant is the bond I will always hold dear for those that I served with, those that make it back and those that didn't.

[@paulzammataro7185]

From a lowly civilian, I truly do appreciate and thank you for your service, Sir.

[@proudnavyveteran]

Thank you. No other words necessary.

[@c5back9]

Tom Terreri: thank you Sir! I and thousands my age were right behind you and next in line to go. Because you and others served, endured, and did what you did, we didn’t have to. There are millions of us who understand this, and who thank you more than you’ll probably ever know. God bless you all!

[@gunsaway1]

Great speech. You said everything I have been feeling. Thank you for what you did for all of us. Know that in every combat soldier in RVN you and your sisters will always have a very special place in our hearts. We love you for eternity. 3/17 Air Cav

[@chrismorgan9154]

Very touching, thank you for your service, you are the best!

[@williammoeglin6191]

There is a special place in Heaven for the nurses that served in Vietnam. As a Vietnam Veteran, I want to thank each and every one of you for what you did for the wounded men in that war. Hand Salute to you and may God Bless You!

[@PutDownTheBunny]

As you stepped up to the podium, I saw that you are beautiful on the outside. Hearing your account and experience of Vietnam and your life after, I knew that are beautiful inside, too. From an Army veteran from the 80s. May the Lord bless you, Linda.

[@robertlytle9752]

I have never visited the Wall and even though I am a Vietnam veteran and marine, I don't think I could ever visit the Wall. I have friends on the wall.

[@amandawhisnant622]

Thank you for your service. Although I never served, I've walked by the wall twice and I can't describe the feeling that blankets you as you walk past the wall. It really feels like 58, 000 are looking back at you. It's overwhelming.

[@edrobertson8304]

You girls are cherished ladies. I've seen the statue but there will never be enough Thanks Love and Honor for what you did and what you suffered through. Blessings and Much Love. Eddy

[@billhensel8419]

Thank you for your service, Edie Meeks!! I was a road construction surveyor while over there '70-'71. Out every day putting stakes in the ground for the construction of a By-Pass Road, providing a road for heavy truck convoys around a small town, Bein Thuy. Our 93rd Engineer Battalion was stationed on the north side of Can Tho. We lived in 8-man army tents, about 50-60 or them throughout our compound! Our tent had only SP5's or 3 stripe sergeants and was directly across from the Captain and Major, who were the commanders of our 93rd Engineer Battalion!! The Battalion had 'three' extremely important buildings, which were built with 6x6 and wooden sidings. First = offices for the captain and major of the 93rd Engineers Second = personnel office space for the entire HQ company (the typers and fillers) Third = the surgical building, which had the 'most important area in the world'!! Just a few yards from the surgical building were the nurses and doctors in their tents, separately, of course! One day while starting up a 'generator trailer', one of the side door panels fell down on my head and gashed my crown wide open and needed 12 stitches to fix it up. A gorgeous nurse sewed up my head.... just maybe was a 'gorgeous Edie Meeks'! Was never put in for a 'purple heart' ...... but really...... never deserved it and never asked for one!!

[@tinaveneable6127]

This story made me cry a little. Our nurses were also heroes, along with Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen, Air Force Medics!! I knew an Army Medic. I was so young at the time, and didn’t realize what a hero he was. Love all my fellow Veterans!!♥️🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jackmartin8630]

I was one of the lucky ones who did not need the services of the Army nurses during my 12 months in country, 1968-69. However, I have the greatest respect for every woman who served in Vietnam and suffered what ever in country and later for 20 or more years in the country by the anger and disrespect for us veterans.

[@drewpall2598]

@jackmartin8630... Thanks, you for your service and sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict and welcome home Sir. I dedicate these two songs from SSgt Barry Sadler 1966 record album "Ballad of the Green Beret." to you and all of our Vietnam Vets. 🙏 "I'm a Lucky One" SSgt Barry Sadler I'm going home my tour is done. I'm going home I'm a lucky one. But I left friends behind me. who won't come home no more. Yes many friends remain forever. On that bloody shore. But at night when I sleep I know my dreams will be. About my friends I left across the sea. I'll hear verbal young men harn laugh again out loud. We'll all be together in a happy crowd. But then I hear the sound of bullets whining overhead. Feel the crash of morters and all my firends are dead. My friends they fought and gave their all. My friends they died for freedoms call. As my dream is ending they'll come and say goodbye. Though I'm sound asleep a tear I'll cry And they say something which fills my heart with pain. Tell them about us Sadler don't let us die in vain. I'm going home my tour is done. I'm going home I'm a lucky one "Salute to the Nurses" SSgt Barry Sadler After the battle after the fight many owe their lives to the ladies and men in white And all of the men in this war torn land salute the nurses of Vietnam They know the awful toll of war each day they know more than any the price we pay A soldier his hands too burned to write a nurse takes down his words through the lonely night They have gone to the front where men fought in the night from Pleiku to Qui Nhon where war these men fight Many a wounded soldier pain is eased for a while by opening his eyes to see a nurses smile To each of the wounded on the operating shelf these nurses give a part of themselves I know every soldier to the last man will sometimes say a prayer for the nurses of Vietnam After the battle after the fight many owe their lives to the ladies and men in white And all of the men in this war torn land salute the nurses of Vietnam

[@drewpall2598]

@jackmartin8630... If you haven't seen this 2006 documentary Vietnam Nurses With Dana Delany it offers viewers a brief but powerful glimpse into nursing during the Vietnam War. The film combines provocative interviews with eight nurses-Maureen Adduci, Diane Carlson Evans, Dorothy Harris, Judy Herrington, Susan O'Neill, Candice Sullivan, Donna White, and Sharon Zimpher-with captivating film footage and photographs to produce an intellectually and visually compelling narrative that follows the women from their decision to become military nurses, through their wartime experiences, and their postwar recovery. Funded by Johnson & Johnson and Women's Entertainment Television, the documentary has won critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for editing. The title of the video "Vietnam Nurses - Vietnam Women's Memorial - Documentary With Dana Delany" it's worth searching out. running 44:41 minutes in length Reply

[@GregorsOutdoors]

No words can fully express my gratitude to you and the others who took care of our fighting men in Vietnam. Thank you and God bless you for what you did for our soldiers and what your mind had to endure for all these years. As a Spooky aerial gunner once shared with me, some of my brothers paid the price in full upfront...I will pay for the rest of my life. The casualties of war are not always memorialized on a wall. There is no way to pay your generation back for what you were put through.

[@PacoOtis]

I was a Huey pilot in 1969 and saw so much ugliness of mankind. This lady is something to be revered! Thanks for sharing.

[@ianbuchan1793]

My Sister was a battle Nurse In The Iran/Iraq War by the time she retired she was running a 500 bed Hospital

[@ejsocci2630]

Welcome home and thank you so so much for your service.🙏🏻🇺🇸 And thank you so much for sharing

[@sr.sylviaanne5262]

Thank you for caring for so many of men and welcome home!

[@S62bhas]

God Bless Mrs Meeks McCoy Thank You for Your Service

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN UNIFORM OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY. WELCOME HOME !. MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

[@tayninh69]

Thank you for your story. You are truly a hero in the purist sense of the word. Welcome home and God bless you.

[@davidallen4552]

We still to this day LOVE YOU GIRLS.

[@ejsocci2630]

Welcome home and thank you so so much for your service.🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@lorettabrail7806]

God bless all who served in Viet Nam! I remember. I lost friends there. And here in Alaska, we welcomed our men home! And I am so happy to watch these videos to hear what the veterans have to say about their experiences. Thank-you all for your service. It does not go unnoticed!❤️

[@traveltrailerlife]

I remember in 1970 taking one soldier to a Medevac Hospital who got hit by 105 booby trap.He had one hand blowed off and one hand okay but his legs are all messed up, his face was all messed up he had a tracheostomy so he could breathe.I held his hand very tightly and he with comfort.I was praying for this man.After we landed they come and pick him up but I never seen him again....I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .

[@S62bhas]

God Bless You Mary McCoy Meeks & Family Remember You Forever Amen

[@edwardmartinleemartin6181]

AMEN. You couldn't say it any better. God bless you.

[@beveryveryquietiamhuntingr7009]

My guys and my gals really hit home for me. Not sure why, but it did.

[@sjlung]

All the soldiers served in Vietnam should be regarded as heroes forever. I salute to all of you.

[@russellranda]

God bless all the nurses that served in Vietnam

[@jeffdrake770]

Thanks "Edie!"

[@jw4620]

Respect! Such a powerful speaker.

[@multitieredinvestor183]

I was a patient at the 3d Field hospital 1966. My first tour. All I had was a fever. My second tour 1969-70 I came home with damaged lungs. I am VA rated 100% plus SMC housebound.

[@donatchinson8438]

Thank you my Nurses at 312th Evac/27th Surg.

[@MrLeeb60]

Thank you for being there. God bless you and those that were lost.

[@SuperBobcat64]

Welcome home, sister; Bien Hoa 1965-66.

[@johnknorr1140]

❤❤❤ Love you guys thank you for everything you did for us.🎖🇺🇸

[@TheGypsyHook]

Not sure the "suits" expected the rawness of your presentation but thanks for speaking for so many of us. RVN 70-71

[@BillyGreen1920]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@harveydecker6381]

I am also proud of you . Thank you

[@MrSTOUT73]

Bless you!

[@jefree6960]

I was with the 101th Airborne at Camp Eagle in 71&72. When when you talked of agent orange I still don't see much change. You have to jump through hoops to get compensation. I have diabetes and hypertension and pain in the feet and legs and buzzing 24/7 in the head. So far I'm only 10 percent. It really sucks. I also have a picture video called (Vietnam 1971 & 72 101th Airborne Camp Eagle). And thank you for your service because you helped so many boy's. I just wish I would of taken more pictures.

[@seamonkey41]

Thank you

[@josephkondrat7084]

When you touch Death every day it is difficult to come back to the World and act as if nothing had ever happened. Since I came back in 1971 I have asked nothing from the country that I live in. This country did not care nor respect me for anything that I accomplished.

[@robertlytle9752]

This country turned its back on us returning vets. Even the government turned its back on us. I made a vow shortly after I got back that since our government turned its back on us, I would never ask anything from it and it should never ask me for anything. I cannot say how many times I threw away requests from the government for jury duty. I pay taxes as I feel it is rent for living and working in this country but I do not participate in anything patriotic and have never worn my uniform since I got out. It's been 50 years since I served and the anger and bitterness still burns in me. Its just that now it is a little deeper. Before it was on the outside. USMC1969-1971

[@peter58peter]

@@robertlytle9752 U are a real man. Exactly! Ignore ignorant...

[@santhawhite4755]

thank you so very much for your service. God bless you.

[@airbrushken5339]

@@robertlytle9752 I know the feeling, in the late 70's I gave up and moved to Australia. 2/502 Inf 101st Airborne Vietnam 1970-71.

[@topgeardel]

Sorry buddy. I was a Draft & Vietnam resistor. What exactly did you "accomplish" in regards to your tour in Vietnam that your country should have cared and respected you for?

[@namvet6970bd]

Nurses took great care of me twice under rough circum

[@patriot03062]

Brought tears to my eyes Nam 71/72

[@polbru]

Welcme home and thank you for your service!!

[@gavinpuli9052]

most of us have no id3a what these modern day saints have either seen, or been through. I am seaking of the nurses and the doctors that served in war

[@multitieredinvestor183]

My first tour 65-66, I was a patient at the 3d Field hospital. I was not wounded, but had a 102 fever. Not malaria, but called a fever of unknown Origen.

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

Loved hearing that! What a healing...🙋❤️🇺🇸🛐🗽

[@olderolderman4603]

Thank you angel you safe my life . but the night mares continue . my Country is now being overrun . my wounds .

[@multitieredinvestor5246]

I was hospitalized at the 3d Field Hospital near Ton Son Nhut. That was 1966.

[@danielduncan4420]

Thank you.. too ALL who fought the battle of Vietnam... infront or behind the lines ... i was a young man when the veterans of Vietnam returned back home to U.S. soil again.. i seen there fight and struggles in there eye's daily... as a full grown man now myself.. i believe the true enemy is within us all as human beings... greed ..money.. power over another.. are common traits of human beings.. without the Lord Jesus Christ we would never have true inner peace or understanding of our struggles around us all... God bless ALL of the extremely Brave Women and Men who fought and experienced the Vietnam war.. May the Lord hold you in a special place in his heart and soul forever!!!!! ... you have my blessings always and i pray the world learns to forgive what they do not understand or never experienced before.. 💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏🙏🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊👼

[@davecollins3837]

God bless love you all !!

[@lnefouse]

I was a platoon sergeant with GRAVES REGISTRATION..we recovered,recieved and sent to Saigon KIA'S.....Talk about death..I've lived everyday since getting back...I'vebeen successful despite all of this..but I still see those men...and yes, the Govt. screwed us royally..and so did the people..I've given to THE WALL..been there several times..GOD REST THEIR SOULS

[@ninemilliondollars]

Unreal. I can't fathom the anguish you experienced. Thank you for your service. (US. Army - 1970 draftee)

[@beckycottrellbabazam3]

Lonnie Nefouse How sad. I’m so sorry that whole experience had to be a part of your life. I’m dreadfully ill prepared to say anything that might be comforting to you, because I was only 10 yrs old when that whole mess started. I started writing letters to friends who were there when I was 13 and they always wrote back to me... honestly at 13 I didn’t understand any of it. I did however understand that the people who held demonstrations added to all the stress all of our service men and women, and those Americans were the kind of ugliness in this world I hope to never see again... I’m so glad you made it back🙏 Thank you for your service

[@nunnallybrunson2672]

Thank You!!! as well as the other NURSE'S, you all ment so much to all of us. If you are reading this and were not there " It ain't about NOTHING". Please See the dedication page in the Boo "All Quiet On The Western Front, about WWI" the trusest word.! This is Dedicated to the VICTOMS of WAR , The survivers. Thanks Again LADIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gavinpuli9052]

not many people know what these modern day saints have seen, they have seen death, injuries, and many other trauma that war gives. Health, strength, and life to edie wells and the thousands like her

[@jeffreycrawford9096]

God bless you

[@gavinpuli9052]

God bless her.

[@waynebrumley2315]

sorry for the delay , but welcome from one that served aboard USS Kitty Hawk 71-74

[@meow1990_2]

This made Philip cry :'(

[@ninemilliondollars]

You're not alone.

[@DVincentW]

All this conflgration of pain for unasking human beings. Mrs Meeks God in your heart. Welcome home.

[@OpusBuddly]

God bless the nurses.

[@wolfmother8719]

Let me be the second, I'm proud of you.

[@jbman413]

GOD Bless you!

[@jojigeorgewakamyia767]

Welcome home My Sister

[@richardsierra9884]

Welcome home "Angel" 🙏

[@dstorm7752]

Our generation of veterans were treated like trash back home in America. None of the famous politicians, from Mrs. LBJ to Nixon to Reagan to Carter, even bothered to show up for the dedication of The Wall. The Legion and VFW, dominated by WW II vets, did nothing for Viet vets.

[@jeffn.918]

"How are my men? Treat them first" said the Captain who died 4 hrs later...

[@dickclough1168]

Would love to find Nancy Lepez (as I remember her name) a nurse who cared for me in either the 95th or 85th EVAC. I can't remember which. I was at both at different times.

[@borisyelp5195]

People thought that the grunts we're the only ones who go PTSD wrong! Alot of these woman got it too

[@doc1029]

GOD BLESS YOU EDIE, YOU ARE WHAT MADE FIGHTING A WAY SANE. THE LOVE THE MEDICAL STAFF GAVE SO UNSELFISHLY. AND MOST VOLUNTEERED TO BE THERE. I DID NOT SERVE IN VIETNAM, NOT SURE I COULD HAVE. BUT I DID SERVE IN THE DESERT. AGAINST THE ISIS ANIMALS. BUT BEING AN OFFICER I DID NOT SEE MUCH ACTION, BUT I SAW WHAT CAME OUT OF THE ACTION. GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS. AND THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. REST IN PEACE. GOOD JOB SOLDIER.

[@2Oldcoots]

Precisely.

[@davidstaudohar6733]

🦅🇺🇲🦅 God Bless our veterans , Semper Fidelis , Semper Paratus 3/3/3 1st Radio Battlion 31 MAU 2 nd Recon battalion Delta special Forces including Lancers air tactical command and Navy seals 🦅❤️🇺🇸❤️🦅‼️ ♦️♦️♦️‼️

[@pninaa1635]

Omg...😢

[@ubaldolopez2784]

Mi respeto y admiracion a todas las enfermeras del mundo que son las que directamente están en todo momento están con el enfermo.a la enfermera militar mujer valiente

[@MrSilver261]

it takes a very very special kind of women to do that kind of job !

[@gavinpuli9052]

does anyone know if Mary Meeks is still with us?

[@gavinpuli9052]

No body knows the things that these women have seen. The trauma, the misery, the death. Any other person would go crazy, but not you American nurses, you just get on with the job👍

[@megatronv4101]

👍👍👍

[@fredreader1114]

Welcome Home!

[@barbaramanning8856]

what a sad story.

[@FernandoFernandes-et8xw]

👏👏👏❤❤❤

[@woodscw50]

MY BOOTS A BROTHER 55 YEARS OUR LADY IN OUR HOUSE A BRO6HER MY WALK A TEAM A ( FATHER A War brother )

[@exenrontexas]

Apology accepted with gratitude. And I hope that my strong anti-war feelings did not send the wrong message. I DO appreciate all who serve and also especially the medical staff who save lives. My point is that this all would not be necessary if America was not led by warmongers who were making millions FROM war. In a broader sense, this is the MOST appropriate place to discuss war policy because these wondeful folks see the end result of unbridled warmongering.

[@scottfreeman727]

Made this old man weep again-what happens when the Lord is not in the worlds hearts

[@ejaws1720]

Me too, I worked with them (woman) in 1968 & they deserve as much respect as anyone- even a Male direct combatant.

[@robertolopez2282]

The best wall

[@johnburman966]

"It's ok to live".