His Vietnam Vet Dad Never Got Over The War

As my subscribers know I get many emails and phone calls from people who feel they have a story to tell. I have a particular soft spot for Vietnam veterans and their children. I interviewed Ken, who has done wonderfully in his own life I grew up with a Vietnam vet dad who challenged him and at the end of the day, gave him great tools to live a good life. So many Vietnam veterans carry stories in them, often untold, that continue to haunt them and make their lives more difficult. I feel for each and every one of them. I did not go to Vietnam but colleagues and friends did and so many of them came back, unlike apparently so many of the World War II veterans, with challenges and troubles they spent their lives trying to overcome. Depression. Anxiety. Sleeplessness. Silence. And so many physical ailments from Agent Orange etc. I hope that all those that see this video benefit in some way from Ken's story and from his dad's life as Ken describes it.

[@MaxBright4]

My PTSD husband was asked to head up the BURIAL DETAIL after the Jan 1968 Tet Offensive at Bien Hoa, Vietnam for health reasons of the base. 670 enemy bodies in a mass grave, and he had just turned 19 years old! He finally gets Disabled Status at 73, but won't get backpay...to the first date, due to errors in the medical record. All gave some, some gave all. "Welcome home soldier", means more than you know, to a Vietnam Vet...they never got a hero's welcome....or proper compensation.

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

My dad would be 73. He received two Purple Hearts and died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma which the VA agreed was likely due to exposure to Agent Orange. He was battling the VA for his disability status his entire life. Your husband is a hero. Please tell him thank you.

[@wealthonthego]

Saundra Counce that was common along Vietnam vets - not getting the help they needed. My father was in his 50s before he started receiving treatment for his PTSD.

[@PattyDalmau]

Saundra, your husband is an unsung HERO to me. I thank him for his service and sacrifice 💪🙏🥰

[@petermartin9494]

Does the army take care of it's own? Guess not...

[@Ye.Ye._Hunter]

​@@petermartin9494 why would you even bother. Do you have the slightest clue what those Vets and their families had to go through? Clearly Rhetorical given your obtuse reply. You need to learn lots of useless thoughts can stay in your head, and not only can but should.

[@buzzmessinger4510]

I'm a retired Paramedic, I also remember the ones I lost, more than the ones I saved. R.I.P. Sir!

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you Buzz. That was my father's mindset indeed.

[@SkipinlLA]

thank you for telling the story, my dad killed himself in 1985. He had PTSD, Jungle Rot on his foot, hearing loss, Milaria and wounded.

[@wealthonthego]

Skip, I'm sorry to know that your father ended his own pain. However, that was not uncommon for war vets then or now. Sure hope you got the chance to know your dad. I appreciate your comment.

[@alexandraasbury9974]

So sorry!! I hope the best for your family.

[@fangdanian]

I was a Marine grunt in Vietnam. I was wounded in February, 1969 and I owe my life to our corpsman! We Marines took care of our corpsmen and.welcomed them into our units as brothers. Only my family and very close friends even knew I served - let alone served as a combat Marine. I have never gone shirtless nor have I worn shorts in public so that my scars would be hidden. We Vietnam veterans were not made to feel very welcomed when we came back from the war.

[@wealthonthego]

Fang, your comment gave me chills!

[@fangdanian]

@@wealthonthego Our Corpsman saved my life. I remember him in my prayers every night before I sleep. I have had a wonderful life all because of him. Much respect for your Dad. All Marines owe him a debt of gratitude; for he is our Brother!

[@fangdanian]

@nhà độc tài Yang Wen Li Thank you. The true hero is the Navy Corpsman who saved my life. I'm an old man now can only hope that I have lived a good, a charitable and an honorable enough of a life in honor his bravery.

[@neverfinding2703]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@MrMatt-cm6do]

Welcome home Fang. I am glad you made it back.

[@AJW-ho9vc]

My father is a Vietnam Veteran. He never talks about the war and gets very defensive and almost angry if you ask him about the war. I remember after the First Gulf War there was a big parade that was shown on the news. My dad watched that parade and jokingly said, " Hey, I didnt get a parade", and then laughed...although we all knew that deep down inside he wasn really joking or laughing. It was really a very telling moment about my dad's true feelings. As i said he doesnt talk about the war, but on rare occassions something will trigger a memory and he might share something out of the blue...very rare. He has been to the Wall one time. He walked the Wall, my mom helped find some names and then he said, "Ok, Ive seen it snd I dont need to come back", and we left. Although he doesnt talk about it and doesnt tell people that he is a Vietnam Vet I am very proud of him and grateful to all who served in Vietnam. Welcome Home and thank you all for you service and sacrifice.

[@karendalsadik7119]

AJW 1054 My father and my spouse were in Vietnam. Both have passed away in the last decade. Your understanding and compassion is healing for him. Good for you I miss them so much. They were every thing to me, my world!

[@AJW-ho9vc]

@@karendalsadik7119 I am truly sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing and your kind response.

[@frankgaccione799]

I'm a VIETNAM VETERAN. I WATCHED FRIENDS GET KILLED AND HAD TO CLEAN UP AFTER.! 😨😨😨😨

[@frankgaccione799]

We Truly Care.

[@frankgaccione799]

We Truly Care.

[@rongfn247]

Ken is one of my best friends in life. We've spent hours over the past 35 years discussing our upbringing and the impact on us. This interview is packed with so many life lessons. Great interview!

[@wealthonthego]

Hey Ronnie, good to see you here. It was you bro that first made me realize what a great man I had as a father. You checked me on the spot after complaining about how tough on me my father was. I forever thank you!

[@BobTex01]

Glad 2 friends are able to reconnect Ken, our fathers were very much the same. My Father, a Marine rifleman. I graduated from Lejeune High School, many friends had similar experiences, though it was never discussed.

[@lindacrawley7648]

I am the little girl on the beach and in most pictures with Ken (my brother) ...What we didn't know until later in life. To all Veterans, thank you❣️

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

You are welcome Linda. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@wealthonthego]

@LindaCrawkey thank you Sissy! (My nickname for my big sister and longest friend ;)

[@lindacrawley7648]

Ken Williams Experience ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@reedmorris6559]

Your mother in that picture is very happy

[@johnwales4214]

Your Father had one of the toughest jobs saving lives. You should be proud. He was a hero. I grew up 50 miles south west of Pittsburgh, born in 1960. I can relate to everything that your brother says about growing up.

[@jasonarcher7268]

I did three tours in these last silly wars of ours. Thinking of returning to a nation as deeply ungrateful, as the vietnam vets did, breaks my heart. Huge amounts of respect for this man and his father. Thank you for sharing, and god bless.

[@psychedelicpython]

My husband is retired air force and when I met him he was talkative and laughed a lot, but now he's quit and doesn't laugh much. The military changed him. I remember the Iraq war being the time when I married him. I'm sure he feels similar as you do Jason, doing what he did for a lot of people who are ungrateful for what the unlisted did for our freedom in the U.S., and I agree with you too.

[@pixseedustaerialimaging8191]

There were many that were grateful. I was and still am very grateful. My whole neighborhood was. I try to remember that.

[@joeanonymous1834]

They are no more grateful today. Perhaps less so. They have just mastered the art of the "Thank you for your service" virtue signaling bullshit illusion of grattitude. They wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire. Then they go vote for domestic enemies that promise to give them things and allow them to copulate with anything, anytime. Oh yeah, and you're a racist and America needs to be destroyed.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you for your service. More of us than you imagine are grateful for your sacrifices. Guys like you and my father are silent heroes.

[@jasonarcher7268]

Joe Anonymous there are a lot of disingenuous pricks out there for sure, but ill tske that over the 'baby killer' bullshit the vietnam guys faced any day. While i do feel many of the thank yous are disingenuous, i recognize that all are not. I feel that between the VA's reforms lately, and the interwebs being what they are, we have it quite a bit easier than previous generations. My infantry company from our 2005 afghan deployment has an annual reunion/camping trip that probably wouldn't be nearly as successful w/out social media. Most vietnam vets i know didnt seem to have the same support structures in place, and the nation seemed to want to forget vietnam ever happened. the vets then didnt proudly display their veteran status, like many do today.

[@morganhetherington6906]

I’m 21 and this reminds me of how my grandfather talks about his experiences in Vietnam

[@wealthonthego]

Morgan, your comment reads like your grandfather is still alive. Lucky you!

[@charlesputnam9370]

My father was Navy pilot on his third your in March 1967 he was shot down over North Vietnam he was missing for 20 years they returned his remains in 1987. He is buried in Arlington . Captain Charles L Putnam USN.

[@seosamhfiannachta434]

Charles Putnam 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@752brickie]

Capt. Bud Hetrick from Brookville Pennsylvania was the same . Bud was missing up to just a couple years ago when he was returned and interred into that hallowed ground. Everyone in America needs to walk through Arlington and see all the graves of those real hero’s who paid it all for us. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns is a real honor to witness. GOD BLESS YOU ! I was fortunate because I had my wonderful dad till I was 58. I cannot imagine all you have missed with yours. GOD BLESS YOU CHARLES!

[@wealthonthego]

Charles Putnam, I was at the Arlington Cemetary the last week of August visiting my late father on his birthday. Something I do every year. May your honorable father rest in peace.

[@jimmyjimo1708]

Those pilots in Vietnam were awesome, I watched a couple of fighters flying in perfect unison so close to the sea the slightest dip would take em out. They then proceeded to do the same kinda thing up a jungle covered mountain and disappeared from sight. I'd just turned 16 working on a British tanker delivering fuel to various often named places so those few 3 months were quite an eye opener. Nothing we did was heroic, saw a lot but with a certain amount of detachment. Just wanna say thank you to all those brave boys/men who protected us so well when all they wanted to do was go home. Thank you

[@alexandraasbury9974]

@@jimmyjimo1708 Nice to hear. Thank you for that!!! I'm sure you make many realize we respect and love them more than they know.

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

My father lived a similar experience to this gentleman’s. My dad was an infantry medic. He also died in 2012. I’m actually getting chills listening to this story. I can relate with EVERYTHING he shares in this video. It took me years to understand and appreciate everything he did for me. He was wounded twice and received two Purple Hearts. He ultimately died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma which the VA acknowledged was likely due to exposure to Agent Orange. This made my day. Thank you so much to both of you for this.

[@davidisrael4018]

my dad too...and he married a Jew and i was raised Jewish, then i came to Jesus too as my Lord savior and best friend, after i got out of the service in Vietnam era...amazing grace...thanks :)

[@tenbroeck1958]

Thanks to your father's courage beyond courage. I know he's resting in well-deserved peace.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you David from the bottom of my heart for this interview. Never in a million years did I ever imagine you'd offer me and my family the chance to document a vital part of my late father's life on video. You made the most out of a very brief interview. The more time that goes by my sisters and I appreciate more the sacrifices made our dad, for us and for this great country of ours.

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

Your interview gave me chills, Ken. My old man was an infantry medic. I could relate to every single word you shared. He died in 2012 as well. I remember asking my wife the day he died “who am I supposed to prove myself to now?” Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your story is very much my story and this made my day. Thank you both for your service!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you Ken. I was honored to do it.

[@wealthonthego]

@@jesuschristsuperczar1224 wow! Reading your comment gave me 'chills.' God bless you sir and your late, great father. May he rest in peace.

[@robertbates6057]

Your Dad was a hero and I wish people could have appreciated our Nam Vets more back then. The sacrifices they made should have been viewed separate from the issues with the war. I've known many Nam Vets over the years. Most had a lot of issues afterwards. You and I are about the same age. That tough old man of yours did a fine job of raising you. Thank you for your service too Sir!

[@tranqluan]

Ken Williams Experience Thank you for sharing your story.

[@JS-jn8ku]

Thank you. My brother, was a Marine.. Recon....I remember him coming home, and dumping all of his medals in my youngest brother's lap, and my lap (I was maybe five) and walking away...my mom scooped them up to be given back, many years later. I also recall living in Pearl River and they were having a Memorial Day Parade. At first, the vets marching from this war....their shoulders were slumped, while trying to look straight ahead. Then the clapping started. More clapping. To see these great men stand a little taller, to finally be acknowleged. I can't express the emotion from both crowd and vets. You rock, Mr. Hoffman. Great story.

[@alexandraasbury9974]

I love what you said. FTR, not everyone treated VN vets like dirt. Many families mourned when any one of them was lost and celebrated those who returned home (in our town, anyway).

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

MUCH RESPECT powerful story and film.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you!

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Ken Williams Experience Are you really the man in the interview? If so has anyone done screenplay on your father’s experience & life? He was a hero. This story resonates through time.

[@fabricioJiuJitsu]

Im not crying, you are.

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

@@fabricioJiuJitsu thank you for your concern shihan. COMPASSION IS GREATER THAN ANY TRADITION.

[@missneonholic4517]

Thank you for this. My dad is a Vietnam war vet, and I feel awful for the way I treated him when I was a teenager. He never talked about his time there and I wasn’t allowed to bring it up, so it was really hard for me to understand when I was younger. He’s always been really closed off and as if his mind is always somewhere else. He started showing signs of schizophrenia in his 50s, thinking there was someone in the bushes watching him and saying that the government was coming to get him. He finally got help recently but our relationship was very strained for a long time because he thought I was “one of them” for trying to get him help. I didn’t understand at the time, but listening to other people’s stories like this one helps me a lot. Thank you.

[@wealthonthego]

Missneonholic I'm so ashamed now about how we as teenagers dismissed our father. It was only by chance years later I drove dad to his VA PTSD therapy appointments did I really understand his sacrifices. I felt two feet tall!

[@casteroner4483]

All this hits so hard... fuck war...

[@alexandraasbury9974]

Wow, I hope and pray all the best for you. I really hope things are going good for you, now, missneonholic!!!

[@alexandraasbury9974]

@@wealthonthego I'm sure your dad knew you loved him!! Even if he had some PTSD, he knew. And he knew you respected him, too. Have peace, Ken.

[@ShortbusMooner]

Wow. That brought tears to my eyes. We *must* cherish, respect, and *care* for Our Vets..

[@marcuswhite3628]

Me too! I was tearing up through the whole video until he spoke of his dad putting his arm around him & saying what he said... I lost it 😭 This man is great & his dad was greater❣️ I wish we were close friends.

[@wealthonthego]

ShortbusMooner it was a long time before I could tell that story without tearing up myself.

[@wealthonthego]

@@marcuswhite3628 that's a powerful statement. Thank you

[@leoslusher4932]

That was my father, right down to the last detail. My father was a ww2 combat veteran who fought in Sicily and Italy. The war never left him

[@Emy53]

This mans dad was a hard worker. He didn't take life for granted. He understood what integrity was and respect and pride for what you have earned on your own merit. He taught his son a valuable lesson.

[@ncautoman57]

This man just described my childhood to the letter. My Father was a Korean War Vet. If anyone was raised by a man who saw fighting in any war this story is real to them also. Ken thank you for your service and your Father as well. Thank you for sharing this with us David.

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

Mine too. My dad was an infantry medic. I could relate to everything he had share.

[@wealthonthego]

Was my pleasure. Happy you could relate.

[@buzzmessinger4510]

Ken, you've done your father proud. This Navy Veteran salutes you. "Calm seas and following winds my friend. "

[@alexandraasbury9974]

@@buzzmessinger4510 that's beautiful!!

[@michaelrivera9822]

I can relate to this story with my Father. I never understood his short fuse, and strict upbringing of myself or siblings. It wasn't until years later, that I realized he was in Vietnam at 18, experienced the worst of mankind, and lost any youth or innocence while he was there. I found a photo of him, with a baby face in green fatigue uniform, even younger than my son today. It puts things in perspective when you become a father. Thanks Dad and all Vietnam vets that gave so much.

[@AndrewsArcade]

What a noble father & a noble son! Uplifting once again. Another great interview. Love all these stories from real people. Thanks again David!

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@johnsmith9660]

nothing noble about burning villages and killing poor farmers

[@johnwales4214]

Ken's father was a medic. Enough said. He has my respect.

[@philwestberry6755]

My father was a Vietnam veteran too, and he never said he loved me but I understood that men back in the day didn’t show their feelings like they do now. But I could tell he was proud of me when I joined the Army after high school. He died of cancer from agent orange in 2013.

[@wealthonthego]

Yes Phil, they didn't say it much back in the day, but if it was there you could feel dad's love. Thanks for commenting.

[@Metal-13]

Hey Phil.. my father died in 2010 from agent orange cancer of the lung. He was 27 years Army CSM. 4 tours of Nam. Was at LZ X-ray Ia Drang valley Nov 14 1965. I was born a week later. He never told me he loved me until he was in his death bed.. He said “ I love you and I’m proud of you “ I tried not to break down crying but I did after I shut the door to his room.. I miss him

[@nakana_212]

Navy brat here. Didn’t even think I was going to stay for the whole video but your story was gripping. I was able to relate to so much of this.

[@wealthonthego]

Nathan, thank you for staying for the whole thing.

[@gotgames304]

Right! Such a good story & storyteller

[@roderichroby6236]

All the guys that got to come home because of your dad is something you should be proud of! Thank you for sharing your story and your fathers!

[@Hobbis187]

Your father sounds like a good man! I wish we had more people like him nowadays!

[@glennw.4570]

My dad was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. The way Ken describes his relationship growing up with his dad is so like my own. Yes sir, no sir, no excuse sir. The 'L' word was never used. I was 43 when my mom passed after a brutal fight with malignant melanoma, and I had stayed bedside with her during the at home hospice . The night when mom passed my dad put his hand on my shoulder and said to me, "Son, I could not have gotten through this without you." That was it. But, that was all I needed. RIP Mom and Dad.

[@tedd1091]

I'm a former Marine Vietnam Vet and would shout for all who can hear: "God Bless our Navy Corpsmen"!

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

WOW!!! This was awesome. To Ken, your father sounds exactly like my father. My father was WW2 era, served with the CCC as a young man, went into the Army late 1944. His parents were strict disciplinary parents. From an early childhood, he lived with rules. Hard rules at times. I can't remember dad ever saying he loved any of his six children, mom was the one that heaped praises upon us. Mom told us that dad's parents never showed love and affection to their 8 children except for the youngest. Later in life, after mom passed, dad started showing and voicing his love for us. A child needs to hear the love from their earliest time. Thank you Sir, for your service and, for sharing your story about your father. May he Rest In Peace.

[@nickharley2344]

My stepfather served 13 years in the military even in Afghanistan and he's a lot like how this man's father was..

[@wealthonthego]

Nick Harley, good to know. I tell many that there's still men like my father around today, only not many know about them. It was the same in my father's day. Those men mostly kept their stories to themselves.

[@PelvicBust]

Thank you is all I can say. My father was a WWII fighter pilot in the south pacific and was the hardest person on the planet, or I thought growing up. The day I graduated boot camp it all changed. As I have gotten older and my kids are all raised, I realized what he had done for me. And yes like you. it wasn't until I was in my 40's and about a week before he died. he called me to tell me he loved me and was proud of the man I became.

[@lg316]

This is one of my favorite interviews. This gentleman is a great story teller. Thank you.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you!

[@roberttoews2775]

The emotion in his voice while he told his stories brought a tear to my eye. Priceless.

[@jamesmoore3346]

My utmost respect to these men who served. My story is a bit different. My father was born in 1888, full blood of the Osage tribe. He served in WW1, was a POW. Was liberared by American forces. Pop never spoke about his past, after he got older and his health was failing him he would sit on the porch in his old rocking chair and talk to hisself, I would hide around the corner of the house and just listen, pop had a hard life. I remember the last words he ever spoke to me, never will I forget. My biggest disappointment is the fact dad never shared his past with us, we really knew very little about him. So many times I wish he would of told us of his past, the stories he never told. R.I.P. dad.

[@alexandraasbury9974]

I'm sorry to hear that, and hope you are doing well.

[@Storieswithwill]

Thank you for this interview. I can relate to a lot of Ken's thoughts on his father. My dad was a Cobra pilot and died from Agent Orange exposure. I was 19 years old. I wish I could've have my dad around much longer. I wish I could have him here now. However, like Ken, I can only visit his grave and talk to him. From one son to another, thank you, Ken, for sharing your dad with all of us.

[@billymule961]

This interview really opened my eyes to my own father. My father behaved in a like manner and my thoughts as a kid were much like Ken's. It's amazing how much alike my father was to Ken's. My father was in the medical corps in WW11 and he never spoke about his service unless he had been drinking. It wasn't until I was grown up that he told me he loved me and displayed pride in his son. My sisters were treated much differently, but I had to be tough. It wasn't easy but I learned perseverance, fortitude and compassion for children growing up in a difficult situation. War takes it's toll in many ways.

[@wealthonthego]

Billy, it seems the war medics were most haunted by their memories. Thank you for sharing.

[@jimmcgettigan1326]

No words can sufficiently describe what a combat medic went through and how much gratitude we owe them.

[@firefighting.responder]

Those two men are what make America great.Thank You for your service.....

[@alohatraveler]

Reminds me of my father. Difficult to understand and never showed me much love but later in life I began to appreciate his ways. Great interview and this man certainly is someone his father should be proud of.

[@kevintyrer45]

I lost my father in the Rhodesian bush war. When I was at the age of 13. I served in the South Africa military also in the bush war. But I often wonder if he was around for a day. What sort of conversations we'd have. Fortunately I have a great relationship with his brother who is 82 years old. Thank you for shearing your journey & experience :)

[@texasted73]

God bless this man God bless all the men that served and bled and died for one another may God give them peace and may we honor them and never forget there sacrifices!!!!

[@psychedelicpython]

I'm a military wife and my husband was U.S. air force and I'm very blessed to have him. Though my husband was a career person in the military I remember the Iraq war being the time for us. I'm not exactly what my husband has seen or learned but the military changed him and he's more quiet and different than when I met him, but I love him no matter what and a couple of weeks ago we celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary.

[@texasted73]

@@psychedelicpython ♥️♥️♥️

[@wealthonthego]

@TexasTed73 thank you!

[@wealthonthego]

@@psychedelicpython keep loving him. One day he may open up to you.

[@texasted73]

@@wealthonthego your very welcome sir

[@carlosmendizabal1059]

Beautifully old school!!! How times have changed. Kids these days do not respond to the kind of discipline and life lessons taught the way our fathers and grandfathers mentored us. In the end you realize everything was done for a reason or to teach you something. We were mentored in a tougher way so we would not have to hold someone’s hand walking through life. You run into a problem.....”fix it”. I’ve tried the tough love with all my kids and it’s just not the same and anyone I mention it to says the same thing. They just don’t respond like we did. Your father sounds like he was a great man and am sure he loved you to the bone and are lucky to have had him.

[@debbieobryan8734]

His father really taught him respect, great storie , Thankyou so much David.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you Debbie.

[@davidkiser5206]

Wow, this story brought tears 😢 to my eyes. I myself was an 0311 Grunt Rifleman with Hotel company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Vietnam 1968/69, later a 5th Marine Scoutsniper, wounded twice with two Purple Hearts 💜s. I remember our naval corpsmen, Docs, has the most heroic people on the Battlefield field, they were always everywhere at once taken care of the wounded and dying.

[@michaelowens3353]

This country owes your dad a great deal, he was a true hero!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Sir for your service and RIP.

[@miltmarhoffer729]

The bike story was an exact copy of my father, a Korean era vet of the military police in bremerhaven Germany.

[@wealthonthego]

That's my favorite story to share. Glad you can relate.

[@johnmoyer5515]

My dad was also in korea & he sailed on ship after ww2 in relief effort to poland took care of cattle being shipped The Menonite Cowboys there are videos

[@michaelheery6303]

I was only son, my father was annoying he build me a LONG JUMP RUN AND A HIGH JUMP IN BACK GARDEN HE WAS TRYING HIS BEST...TKS

[@Chuck24510]

Hello Ken. I was in the Marine Corps in Vietnam in 1969. I was with Mike company. Third Battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine division. I was an 0331 machine gunner. I can tell you that every Marine in my unit loved their docs. When the shit hit the fan. There were two things that were yelled for. Corpsman up and Guns up. I have personally seen Doc’s do extremely dangerous heroic things to help their Marines who were wounded. Your father fits that mold. Thank you for sharing his story. I would have loved to have met him. He also sounds like he did a wonderful job raising his family.

[@pbrucpaul]

His Dad was what a Father does best. Good man!

[@sbc8861]

Wow. It's amazing his father was able to continue living after what he went through. He helped raise a wonderful son. Very generous of Ken to share these wonderful stories with the world. Thank you.

[@wealthonthego]

@SBC good of you to say that. Thank you!

[@ididyermom3273]

Another fantastic interview Mr. Hoffman! My father is a Vietnam Vet, 68-69 Special Forces. I was expected to do all of the chores and was excited when I finally got to mow the lawn using our new riding mower! When I went to visit my grandparents in Massachusetts, I mowed their lawn because it was also expected as my grandfather was a WWII vet. My father used to talk a lot about Vietnam to me when I was a kid, possibly because he might have thought it wouldn't resonate with someone so young, but I remember everything. His stories changed me, changed how I view the world and how I fondly look up to him as a brave hero .

[@joshx022]

Great story. My father was a marine in nam in 68-70. I wish he was mentally well enough and had a bond with me (only kid) that would have continued the legacy. As a 40 year old father of 1 daughter, I certainly regret not serving my country and also miss not pushing my father harder as an adult to get that father son bond before he passed away. Phenomenal Man his father was. I wish mine were half the man yours was. God bless.

[@gowman813]

Your story is exactly how I was raised. I’m very proud of how I was raised. As a young child, youngest of 5, my Father was a tyrant in my mind. As I aged & became a young Man, his leadership helped me become the man I am today. I’m very proud of his Leadership . Hats off to you.

[@Fretless99]

This man's love for his father comes shining through...I think it's beautiful

[@Gpacharlie]

We need men like Ken and his father right now in our Country. Men need to reclaim some of what has been lost in our most recent culture revolution. To stand tall, and be proud of being a man of honor. Kens dad is a true American hero. Ken has also served his Country with pride and honor. We as a nation have much to be proud of. Men like Ken and his father make us proud.

[@jugghead-1975]

What a powerful story ! I have 3 sons and that really hit home with all the noise coming at them from every angle it is hard to get through to em nowadays. What a lucky man you are to have such a MAN as your father to show you the way ! Lord knows we need a bunch of em just like him right now! Thank you sir for sharing your life and hard noes dad ! From an ole marine corps vet... SALUTE and Semper Fi !

[@Spectacularhuman]

My father was there. Thx a million Dad and fellow soldiers also. You are true heroes.

[@badmonkey3866]

Thank you very much for your story! My father talked little about being in country, he was transferred to a secured site and began working on intelligence. He talked .ore about that than out on patrol. The couple stories he has told me, I was 16 helping him out a water pump in a old chevy wagon. Pita! I asked him a few questions and he answered one. Thank you, and father for your service. Thank you

[@elijahdean1862]

Thank you for sharing your story, Sir. And thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

[@wealthonthego]

Elijah, thank you!

[@HickoryBritches]

This is a interview all young men need to see! I'm in my 50s and i can totally relate to this man. Thanks

[@chucklehead2000]

Im working @ my VA right now. Im watching these guys and their families come through all day long. Its an honor.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you for your service Chris

[@EyeLean5280]

Thank you for this. His dad is a true hero. As someone whose father served in Germany, I take respect for our veterans very seriously. I deeply wish you-know-who did, as well.

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you!

[@victorcsodapok5298]

Thank you Ken, thank you David, God Bless. Now as a father and a retired military veteran, I grok the message and am deeply moved by the shared story. My own fathers message (Korean War veteran) to me, one of the many and kindred in meaning but nevertheless first messages that ring with me over time (and I will share them with my own children as they grow) is, "Sound travels slow." I would then ask what he meant and he would say, "By the time you get the message it's too late." His words accompanied the importance of focusing with a task whether it be studying, fixing, building, cleaning, etc.

[@lisahinton9682]

David, I could listen to Mr Ken Williams all day. He's quite the storyteller and I enjoyed listening to him speak of his father, and how his perspective changed as he grew up and got further down life's path. Thank you for inviting him to speak.

[@larrycassanoiii4533]

What a great show of appreciation from a confused child to a grateful & wise MAN!!! well done

[@mikemichaels271]

I can't believe how much our fathers are so much alike... Pops , com.sarg.maj. was nothing but the truth ! And hell yes ! I remember my first rake and lawnmower !!! To this day he is my hero !!! ... I couldn't watch your video all the way through the first time because I haven't got over my heroes passing , Christmas eve 1999... But I'm a spiting imagine of my dad too !!! And I'm told this all the time by every one . but to be short , thanks for your story that made me reflect growing up with a Vietnam active solder 3 tours before I was 12 years old !!! Thanks...

[@kasfranzese8645]

I cant even describe or put into words how powerful this mans experiences in life have been. His father is a hero. This is a man to sit down and talk with he can teach our young people a thing or two. GOD BLESS....

[@VietNameseBoyz6192]

As a young Vietnamese. Tks so much to all America Soldiers was fight for South VietNam. RESPECT!

[@kathyyoung7348]

Thank you for your service. Your father’s too. I remember Vietnam Vets coming home from that war all throughout my childhood and teen years. I remember the scorn, the ignorance, the abuse they faced. My own Father (too old to be drafted for Vietnam although he had served in the Army) told me that, regardless of a person’s stance on the war, he expected me to understand the veterans perspective and duty and lack of choice in terms of the politics behind that war. To respect the soldiers and save my scorn, if scorn was what I felt, for the people responsible for the war )he supported the war). Excellent advice that I subsequently applied to so many issues. I never supported the Vietnam War, but I sure did, and do, support our soldiers and veterans, all of them regardless of where and when they served.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

What an insightful interview. The love and respect he has for his dad is palpable and really admirable. I'm of the gereration where all my buddies had WWII vets for dads and man was it a tough, different era. My dad was very much like this guy's father minus ever being told I love you. I never heard those words but his actions told me he loved and respected me. My dad was a vet of the US Navy, South Pacific and he was in some horrific battles from the Solomans, the Phillipines and Okinawa and I know now with hind sight that he was a damaged soul. I wish I had that perspective when he was still alive. I love and miss my dad every day. Thank you for this wonderful interview.

[@Tom-bm7mm]

Ken has a great voice. He should've been a news anchor.

[@pennykitty1]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. My sisters husband, my brother in law, was a sniper for 2 tours in Vietnam. Bless you my friend.

[@bobtetreault4461]

With so much crazy shit in our world going on today, this was the best thing I've seen in a long time. Thank you!

[@wealthonthego]

Bob, thanks for saying that. I often wonder what my father's take on this current upheaval would be. He had a way of simplifying any situation down to its basic core. A true stoic my father was.

[@danyanfish8850]

My grandfather was a forward observer in the Vietnam war and fought in the battle of La Drang. This story told by the son of a veteran so closely mimics the story and attitude of my own father. I am 20 years old currently and it is a shame to see that my generation has no capacity for "tough love," which the man in the video described here. I see my own father in the man here; it is almost comforting for myself to hear people who have similar stories to my own father. I cannot even begin to imagine the atrocities of war, but I do know that the men who served made a huge sacrifice in the way of their own mental health (the ones who survived) by fighting in Vietnam. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jeannemarie3704]

Oh bless this man and his dad. His dad had PTSD and no one really knew about all this then. ..the family suffered too. We need to keep all of our veterans in our 🙏 prayers!! Another great interview. Thank you!

[@wealthonthego]

Yes Jeannie, it PTSD and you're right that no one knew much about back then.

[@rockstarJDP]

I'm not sure why this came up in my recommended vids, but I'm very glad it did. I'm not a military man (closest I got was being an ATC cadet), but I have the utmost respect for those that serve, and keeping their memories, stories and advice alive is so important. Thank you for sharing!

[@doomsday9973]

Endless respect for this man and his father who is a true hero. Thank you both for your service!

[@Metonymy1979]

Incredible... and heart wrenching

[@wealthonthego]

Thank you!

[@doccallum6061]

Wow that one was a tear jerker!!

[@wealthonthego]

Hi Doc. That's what the servicemen called my dad. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ErikaMayX]

I got comfortable with my mom's aggressiveness and forgot about my dad. He was an army man and when I lived with him, there were rules that I had to follow.... Or else. I had tremendous respect for him.

[@seosamhfiannachta434]

Thank you David for sharing your story. My dad was a WW2 veteran and lost one of his brothers in the war. He lost a third of his shipmates when his ship was sunk. Your fathers story is similar. I think my father probably suffered fro PSTD. Later in his life I saw a drastic change in him and peace come into his life. It came after a ships reunion of the survivors of the ship sinking. Talking with his shipmates and his faith brought total peace in his life. That same faith my fathers life has brought me peace as well.

[@vietmostwanted]

My grandfather was a combat medic in Vietnam helping wounded American soldiers. This might sound strange but i look up to these men.

[@mk9127]

Really good interview

[@rman52]

What a great interview. He reminds me of a favorite actor of mine Carl Weathers a bit in mannerisms and looks. This interview should win an a academy award. It's better than most full length Hollywood movies.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

best story of the last 6 months of unending divisiveness.. very well spoken

[@HaveAGoodDayFk.U]

Great story . Much respect to this man and his father.. it's to bad most men don't raise their children like this anymore.

[@kimkelley9269]

What an amazing story. Thank you to Ken, and all Veterans for your service. You are all Heroes!

[@rebeccahawkins2328]

Thank you David for helping share just a wonderful story. As the daughter of a Vietnam vet, I am so grateful. GOD BLESS Ken's father and God bless Ken. We are lucky to have such men in our world.

[@johnnyekztyeparwa2107]

His eyes tells he is very,very,very proud of his Dad.

[@wealthonthego]

It shows, doesn't it! 🙂 Thanks Johnny for noticing

[@jerrywatson1958]

Thank you for this, he tells my story with my father to a tee. I too later in life got that moment when he showed true pride and love, it was a long time coming but so welcomed by me. I miss him to this day. Life is so short, you just don't realize how little time we all really have together. I hope some of us have done better by our children, as we all want our kids to do better than we did. A tall order in the world, in these days of the pandemic.

[@donegalchick09]

Wonderful interview, im crying at the similarities to my dad. Im the daughter of a Vietnam vet us airforce, same morals and all. My father passed in 2012 aswel. Thankyou, you really helped me remember him. They were great men rest in peace x

[@davidkohler7454]

Thank you for sharing Ken. Your story is a lot like mine. I had a tough Dad who served in Korea, he told me the same things about learn how to fix it yourself. He always let me help him work. On cars and the farm. It made me what I am. You mentioned your Dad saying that when he made you he really did something right. It made me think about when my Dad finally told me very late in his life,( If I ever had another Son, I would want him to be just like you.) That is the very best thing I ever heard him say.. I'm still very proud of that. R.I.P Dad. I Love You.

[@williambly8005]

Thank you for your story. Much respect and appreciation. Many of your situations with your Dad happened to have been a lot of my experiences from my Dad. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to find out how much my father admired and thought of me until after he was gone. One of my brothers had to enlighten me. He never served, but he loved watching, recording, loads of military stuff. To include telling stories about my service. Thanks Again for your service and sharing. USMC Ret. 1977 - 2007

[@kevinnewman3511]

I work as a nurse, at a VA Medical Center. As we are the mental health facility for the VISN, I see PTSD daily. I think all of us could gain some knowledge from viewing this video. God Bless this man & his family!

[@subterfusion4005]

Thanks to both you and your dad for serving and sacrificing for our country.

[@talanast.germain2607]

Thank you for the service of your father who you so eloquently and lovingly spoke about. Also, Thank You too, Sir for your wonderful stories and for your service.

[@AS-zd9my]

Even thou we come from different backgrounds this man love for his father is universal. My father never knew his parents or his parents love. Yet he loved us (his kids) until some unnamed bullets robbed him of his life.

[@mr.skipper4544]

Your father was a very brave man, and if I could say one thing to him it would be Thank You Sir for your service to this great country 👍🇺🇸

[@pamwineinger2764]

Wow that is an amazing testimony to his father. If only we could have the discipline back in our homes. Thank you so much for sharing your father with us.

[@wealthonthego]

Hello Pam, discipline was right. Twas my pleasure to share my father's story with the world. Thanks to David Hoffman for having the idea to do this interview

[@low-keyrighteous9575]

Thank you David ... This man and his father kind of brought tears to my eyes . I truly appreciate and I'm so thankful for these men and many others who commit their time and effort in keeping out country safe. But the way this man describes his relationship with his pops and his story is so interesting .... Your father had all the reasons to be proud of you sir, you grew into what I can see to be a man of character . Quality individual indeed and it was obviously inherited from your dad ... Thank you for sharing your father's stories and my heart goes out to our Vietnam Vets . I'd love to shake each one of their hands and tell them how much they are appreciated. God bless you brother and thank you David for this wonderful film

[@haz1554]

Awesome. RESPECT!! 🇺🇲 Thank you both for your service. My Dad was also in Vietnam, he was a kid as well. In the 82nd Airborne.