Soldier says a stranger's Christmas card got him through the Vietnam War

[@Yourlibrarian]

Not gonna lie... but when he said: "You're real." I kind of broke down.

[@melissacoleman2973]

I just smile when I view this video. I lost my 2 older brothers in nam. I was 5.

[@melissacoleman2973]

@Norbero Fontanez hello , I lost my 2 older brother s , but, I'm still dealing with that.

[@Chase0420]

Me too. That part got me too

[@vladriot510]

Ye that moment was very strong. U cud just feel the joy and surprise comming from him

[@maggiemay5510]

tears fall down ....

[@MuzerlinaV]

And thank you to the teacher who gave Donna this assignment!

[@TheFrogfeeder]

These days, teachers and public school teach kids to hate and be offended, this story would never happen today :(

[@doop6769]

@@TheFrogfeeder not sure I agree with that totally. I think it was alot more against the grain back then. It seems years later there was alot of guilt, within Americans, as to how the returning vets were treated. Seems like people were trying to make up for that initially, however it does seem that sentiment is starting to shift back the other way. As a vet myself, I can't count the number of times someone has picked up the tab for lunch when we were out in uniform. Being retired now, not sure if that still occurs?

[@josefnagy4075]

@@doop6769 Even when I was in school in mid 2000s, this was a statewide event we did every year in schools for Veteran's Day, we decorate cards then our parents send in money to buy a care package to attach to it and send to veteran hospitals and warzones (And they always had like a fund to pay for poorer kids, so no one was left out of it, like we did for field trips), I'm sure not every state does it, but our state must make like a million of these every year.

[@dodgeplow]

@Blink Torch If it was a young teacher she could definitely still be alive. You do know people commonly live into their 80s and 90s right?

[@georgewashington6225]

Chances are that teacher grew up during the ww2 era and understood what it was like to go to war or have loved ones go to war

[@jadefire1814]

Door gunner, was one of *THE* most dangerous jobs there. They say that the average lifespan of a door gunner, was between 13 and 30 days. Thank you, Mr. Metzler for your service, and we're so glad you made it home.

[@sctr05]

Amen

[@stanlee3712]

Not to correct you or anything but the radio operator was the most dangerous.

[@jadefire1814]

@@stanlee3712 I did not say *THE* most dangerous. I said *ONE* of the most dangerous.

[@chokichocat3083]

I thought being a kekistani in Left Wing America was dangerous.

[@Joe-gy4sd]

Just be glad you live in a country that teaches you to land what you’re flying

[@mtz3843]

being a marine, crewchief an door gunner, i know how he feels, they told me my life was worth 7 minutes in combat, to get a letter like that from a little one means more than anyone will ever know, that they know what is going on and to thank someone who is putting their life on the line for others. really the letter means so much

[@anthonyt4311]

Nice Thank you for your service sir my grandfather was a crew chief and gunner as well

[@blueturtle1719]

To MTZ384, Thank You So Much Sir for serving our country and for the enormous sacrifices you made every day to put your life on the line. Thank You Again

[@dr.lobsta7104]

“It will never be cliche” damn straight

[@SkylarStJohn-mo4yi]

even the reporter looked like he was about to cry, what an amazing video

[@darthkermit8791]

When he said: "You're real....you're real!" I felt that ❤

[@hersheysfloyd]

Oh I'm in tears. June 2021

[@jonburrows2684]

@@hersheysfloyd I'm in like, HAWWWWWWWWW!!! Donnas HOT!

[@humbleebee]

Omg he is shaking, what a priceless reaction and expression 😭 sincere, pure, heartwarming and it's true tho, a very simple "thankyou" is really can change someones day or maybe life..

[@fpinzow]

It really can.

[@Brucev7]

God made us to care for one another, just as he knew us before we were born

[@michaelterry1000]

It is easy to forget that those students in 6th grade were only about 7 years younger than the average age of the soldiers that they were writing to.

[@SomebodySaveRap]

Crazy!

[@fliarshypocritestothebones5698]

And those young soldiers died for the intellectual cowards who love to spit on their country

[@rebeccawaid9323]

During the 1st Gulf War, my son was in 7th grade. Like many others, one of his classes wrote to soldiers. His soldier wrote back. Over the next few years, my son corresponded with his soldier (and his soldier's wife at holidays). My son is 42 now...and his soldier is long out of the Air Force. However, they still talk all the time. His soldier has been down to visit him several times...and will be back soon, if this virus settles down. People don't realize that these kids are important to some of the soldiers...and those soldiers are VERY important to the kids. I've thanked our soldier many times...and I still feel that it isn't enough.

[@aeqvl502]

Veitnam may be the worst but u survived brave man! Thank you for protecting our country!

[@ngynhenry]

Whats sad is I was born in Viet. But I still respect America!

[@5Aug23]

@@ngynhenry Sorry for the war

[@dcoing1907]

BellBottoms! What we forget is it’s in the past we as the new generations must get along with each other and thankfully we do .both sides had their faults it was a brutal and dark war but we both healed and made us wiser to prosper in our own borders . Cheers

[@iamredknot]

@@ngynhenry yeah man. I'm not from the US. But, I'm sorry for the war and what your people had to go through

[@ertobert3459]

You are saying that going to another country on the other side of the world and bombing them is "protecting you"?

[@ScarletIbis531]

To the one person who gave this a thumbs down, please give the laundry a call to ask if your soul is ready to be picked up.

[@annagraser5088]

AMEN. They must be crazy.

[@ThisWorldShallKnowPain.]

Sheldon Hicks 6

[@outdoorgames4230]

@Sheldon Hicks What do you mean? I disliked it because that fake tanned White lady whom he hugged was unnaturally muscular. No way her arms could get that buff, unless she took supplements. And White women don't just *naturally become that tan, unless they use tanning oil.

[@ScarletIbis531]

@@outdoorgames4230 wtf asked you?

[@sctr05]

@@outdoorgames4230 So you disliked the video not because you didn't enjoy it but because a girl didn't look like you wanted her to? May God have mercy on your poor soul.

[@Poet4Him]

My grandfather, Col. Fred Cherry, was the first black pow of the Vietnam War period as it was told to me he married his pen pal once he got back home from the war. I could just imagine being that young and away from everyone you know fighting a war that may not have made a lot of sense but to know one person care and the age did not matter. Thank you for your service. As a Army Veteran I'm very proud of you.

[@camillep3631]

Our Viet Nam veterans especially need to hear "thank you" AND "WELCOME HOME!" they were treated so horribly when they returned to this country

[@janetbrowning9089]

What a perfect, beautiful story. I lost my hubby in 1994, who was also a soldier in VietNam...he wound up with cancer, caused by the Agent Orange defoliant used over there. He had cancer 3 times, the third time taking his life, at just 51!! He was such a beautiful and perfect husband and father to our adopted baby daughter...I think of him and our baby daughter, every single day, who is also an Angel in Heaven, with her Daddy...I still miss them both so much and I am so thankful for the gifts they gave me, by being the most important and precious loves in the world to me...Once upon a time...I was the richest person in the world. I grew up feeling so unloved for the most part and for them to have loved me so much was a bigger blessing than I can possible explain or I could ever dare say I deserved. Thank you God...I thank Him still every day for them both. Love the people in your life and love the people that mean something to you, in this lifetime...for all too soon, it will be gone. Don't forget to be nice to others too...someone is out there that needs you smile or "hello" today...don't miss out...it could change your whole world. Blessings my friends💖🙏💖

[@MrWahooknows]

God holds them in his hands, Janet, just as he holds you.

[@janetbrowning9089]

@@MrWahooknows Yes, I pray for that every night...Please, God, keep them wrapped in your loving and comforting hands...thank you and Blessings to you!💖🙏💖

[@vlugovsky]

@Janet Browning - may peace and love guide you until you reunite.

[@janetbrowning9089]

@@vlugovsky Awe, that is so sweet of you...God Bless you💖🙏💖

[@kystars]

Sorry for your loss Janet.

[@stevenarmstrong2598]

I still have the letter I received in 2005. It came in a envelope full of other letters, no name, no class, no state and I don't even know if it was from a boy or a girl. Mine reads : Thank you for saving are country (are...not our). SO CUTE AND IT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME. THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I SEE IT EVERY DAY AND OFTEN THINK ABOUT YOU; FOR THINKING ABOUT ME!

[@boo-boolip7528]

Oh Steve.....you got me to cry again.

[@kevincobley4401]

My 2nd cousin was a door gunner. He didn't make it home. I'm glad this wonderful man did. This meeting must have meant the world to him.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

There are so many sad people out there that you have to remember to say a kind word to somebody. It might be just the thing they need to survive another day!

[@ajz2k]

You know, sometimes i visit random comments on the tube to just try and be nice to someone. Im from Sweden so it'd be weird if I were to thank a US veteran, I'll just wish you all a good day and thanks for such a touching story instead. Have a good one all of you reading this!

[@ajz2k]

@Panther mit 8 8 top kek

[@dinodimichele7789]

Thank you John. My dad was a marine in ww 2.

[@harrisongord2228]

I received a letter from a random student while I was in Iraq in 2003. Sadly I do not remember the student's name, but I am thankful for their kindness.

[@kristinamyslowski5193]

I wish I could put 1 million hearts on this. Selfless acts like this mean so much more than anyone can imagine. Clearly we learned that by watching this. Always take a moment to thank our Veterans, our Active Duty service members and those we have lost along the way. My children will always feel as I do, passionate about a group of people that deserve our love and respect.

[@dalastdefenderofvirgins7314]

My heart sank when he said, "You're real."

[@richt5742]

I just received my first thank you letter from a 10th grade girl, I am currently deployed overseas, I will see her after deployment and thank her, because the letter made a difference, I felt the sincerity and appreciation, I told my gf that we are flying and going to her school to thank her

[@vlugovsky]

@ rich t rich t - God Bless and thank you young man.

[@lanabarley4156]

Oh my, this just made me cry so hard. I've always thought of doing this; after watching, I'm going to do the research to find out how and when I can start. To be lonely out there while fighting for our rights is unspeakable. Kindness is free to give, but worth millions. :) PEACE!

[@1945Mrbubba]

I was in Nam and found out coming home was the hardest part. I am 74 years old now and still remember it all.

[@charurao6305]

I always wonder if servicemembers are okay w/me saying 'thank you for your service.' I get tongue-tied & then don't...but I appreciate every servicemembers who are selflessly working & protecting the world. So thank you. Sometimes we forget altruism exists.

[@bubbacole1657]

There are good people in this world who do good things. Thank you to both the serviceman and the young lady for writing the letter.

[@roberttrepagnier9149]

We still owe the Vietnam veterans a world of gratitude. They served with honor and were treated like crap when they got back.

[@smileforhiba]

"you are real" .... NOW WHO CUT ONIONS?????

[@libbymills4432]

That's funny! Me, too...

[@matthewshaugabayii8700]

Onion ninjas got me too...

[@NaturesChild67]

To ALL the Service Men n Women n Their families PAST N PRESENT, Thank you and I Salute you for your service to your country.

[@EMMMDs]

That's amazing. The way things were so tumultuous in U.S during/after Vietnam, I can't imagine what the soldiers were feeling/thinking @ that time. He must've really needed that letter

[@kekekeke2200]

This kinda stuff warms my heart so much, I remember being in service over in Russia and my unit received a "care package" by a fallen friend's family, we were glad for the condensed milk and crackers but their gratitude for being there with their son was on a whole different level, as he himself often said "just a smile can make someone happy for a day and a hug they will remember for long"

[@lizard3755]

I recently helped a veteran who lost half his brain while serving in Vietnam. Towards the end of our conversation was when he told me that, and he thanked me for being so kind to him when he was having trouble speaking. It broke my heart that a man who sacrificed so much to protect people he never knew would feel the need to thank someone just for being patient, especially when he deserves so much respect for his service.

[@cheesegyoza]

I got a couple of letters when I was overseas. During Thanksgiving you guys sent so many turkeys for my fellow Airmen and I that we almost had our own turkey! I was stuffed to the gills I was stationed at Misawa Airbase in Japan. Thank you!

[@WootTootZoot]

When I was overseas in 1972, I got a package one day close to Christmas, that had a Folgers Coffee can full of homemade chocolate chip cookies. All there was was a note that was written by a child, maybe in her early teens, that read, "To a hero, I may never meet you, but I hope you like these." -Darla. I swear, I'm no hero, but I enjoyed everyone of those cookies, and I still cry about it. Thank you Darla, where ever and whoever you are.

[@erikswenson1760]

God bless that woman who cares for own troops my dad and uncle served in Vietnam too God bless our troops

[@milenaralston5615]

This video made me cry. Mostly because I have family members who are in the military and friends as well, this hits home

[@susannaude8514]

Now I'm crying... A little sincererity and positivity, goes a very long way. What beautiful people they are!

[@waltermameli2026]

Steve Hartmans stories Rock.....because he does.....

[@sneakyzeke56]

Gracious then and now; thank you Donna Caye! Your kindness has comforted John Metzler from that day until now! God bless you both.

[@jasondamrau9943]

I can't relate on this level of a man that stared death in the face with one of the deadliest jobs in the Vietnam War, but I can tell you that letters like this can have a huge impact on members of the armed forces while deployed. For Christmas when I was deployed in the Navy they sent out letter to all the divisions from elementary school kids and we hung ours up in our shop to see every day. They were honestly an outlet to just go over and read and feel better when you become overwhelmed with being out to sea for nearly 8 months

[@jessieperez2138]

I served with the 5th special forces group in Viet nam. Proud,to say it.

[@cristalrodriguez2665]

Thank you so much for your service. ❤️ thank you

[@mattrowe9056]

I thank every Veteran every time I see them. I take off my hat and shake their hand and thank them for their service, hoping it will start a movement. Then I say God Bless you.

[@Raphsody86]

Love this. Simple things like a letter can mean so much. I’m so glad he made it home. And though I don’t support war, I do have the highest respect for ppl who put their lives on the line for others. Much appreciation and respect ✊

[@nouseforanamelucky13]

Thanking someone for their service will never be cliché.. it's always the right thing to do!

[@mwhitelaw8569]

I've watched this numerous times Still hits hard That it means more today than it did back then. Thanks brother for making it home And for putting it all out there for the people of Vietnam ....and us.

[@dallasgir]

And now she realizes what an impact the kindness of a child can make forever..🖤

[@TheRetirednavy92]

I got one like that. She put her name and address so I sent her several souvenirs and we kept in contact for almost 10 years.

[@armybeef68]

Same thing happened to me in Iraq, to us, "To Any Soldier" and "Soldiers' Angels" were a godsend, for those of you who donated, who filled the boxes, who sealed the boxes, who sent the boxes, you have no idea how much it meant to us, how much we looked forward to sharing a box, and it just wasn't the snacks or toiletries, it was the letters and the cards, and the pictures you drew for us, pictures drawn from elementary school kids, two pictures I still have, it's the little stuffed animals that were included, which I have two sitting right next to me right now, on behalf of all of us, THANK YOU!

[@pauljohanningmeier8005]

I cried so much watching this

[@Blakblooded]

This may be the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Truely, that you for your service. And thanks to a caring 6th grader almost 50 years ago.

[@dasephsmith7846]

Thanks to All Vets for Doing the job they do

[@thechubbsters7452]

I'm so happy for him. It made me tear up from how happy he was to meet her.

[@Squarehead45]

THIS is how you turn out when you are raised RIGHT. Thank you Donna

[@donmutchler939]

Thank you for your service!

[@tracylaurent4281]

Wow!! This is so beautiful. I felt that one. As an ex service member myself it really hits home. Thank you for your service Sir and to the lady wow. Thank you for doing what you did, two times. It's been a long time since a story made me feel this way. LOVE

[@donnawoodford6641]

Words can be life-saving. In addition to thanking service men and servicewomen, along with the families (spouses) who sacrificed, ask them what their service was like. ☮️

[@rogerwachal3718]

I love this story . I'm having a hard time ,seeing my keyboard through the tears of joy,while writing this . I try to tell a every soldier when I see them, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE . I was 10 years old in 1969 ,I don't remember seeing or hearing anything about the Vietnam , until much later in life . I have a ribbon shaped magnet that reads You Are Not Forgotten ,POW*MIA , on the back of my truck I display this with pride showing every soldier ,and there family's too ,that I care ,and I'm thinking about them every day ,also not just from the Vietnam war ,but all wars,every life is

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Very, very sweet!!

[@awddub]

Thank you, Mr. Metzler, for your service. Thank a Vet. Take a second of your time, make a moment cherished. To some of us, a simple thanks can mean more than silver and gold.

[@kellyanderson7624]

I always say thank you for your service whenever I see a Vietnam veteran. They appreciate it.

[@glorygracek.1841]

For me it is not "cliche" to thank a Serviceman, servicewomen, or vet for their service and sacrifices. When I say " Thank you for your Service" I mean it with my whole heart and admiration, Every-Single-Time I say it!! I don't say it because I have to, or I am made too. I do it because I want to. I was taught to respect those who have sacrificed for our flag whether it be firemen or police, EMS/paramedics to soldiers. (A lesson that is sadly not being taught today) THANK YOU for your sacrifice and for serving.

[@karensandovalflacaa7858]

Thank you to all military who had served or are serving our country now. THANK YOU!!!

[@THXx1138]

They serve Israel mostly. I know that is not what people want to hear but it's a fact. Americans are too easily duped.

[@erikamartin4675]

I'm so weak I can't stop crying. Stop chopping onions please.

[@ericaploof998]

I've done something similar in 5th grade when my swim class bounded together to make Christmas cards for a little girl who had gotten severely burned. I do not remember her name, but come across her story now and again. I hope she liked the reindeers I drew.

[@AndyArmstrong88]

Ngl this video had me in tears when he said “your real”. Regardless of how many years that have passed since this conflict, war creates wounds that’ll never be healed. I hope to one day we’re we can have world peace 🙏

[@lucasgalvan9737]

My brother had the same job while in Vietnam. Thanks for your service and pray you keep strong.

[@ronnieterry9275]

The letter and Christmas card was a very nice gift for a veteran away from home in a foreign country fighting a war. I too was in south vietnam starting in July 1968 and returned in 1969. I still remember returning home in 1969 returning home was so great.

[@micjam1986]

Two Americans separated by a generation but both served with honor.. love you John and you too Donna! God bless you both.

[@clancypool3160]

Wow so powerful Bless them both the way America treated our soldiers when they come home this is beautiful

[@MackMooreInc]

Such a strong story. Amazing to see..

[@sctr05]

I cried...

[@MaskHysteria]

Amazing the impact a little ray of hope can make on someone, even when it was a lifetime ago.

[@gregmartin1757]

With all the horrible stories we hear on the news daily nice to see this and know there are still good caring people.

[@tritile]

This Steve Hartman is such a great poet.

[@Zorn76]

Wow. The HEART & Gratitude On Both sides. Overwhelming.

[@futureking1138]

Why can I not be surrounded by stuff like this. Man life sucks at times.

[@lgarcia67]

Jeff emotional at the end… and rightfully so. What a great story. Say thank you to a veteran

[@sctr05]

This video got me tearing up. I am crying. God bless veterans and God bless America!

[@lifeinlimbo2186]

Man,this broke and warmed my heart. What a beautiful story. What a beautiful thing.

[@touchofevil516]

“You’re real!!! You’re real!!!” Oh my God! That is so beautiful!!! ❤️ Welcome home brother and thank you for your service! That 6th grade angel is real alright!!! 🙏🏼

[@joelgalvan8358]

A letter from a little girl during a war.warmed his heart. Now he got to hug ,his little girl.very touching to say the, least.

[@ocean386]

What a beautiful blessing 💙 This is a total act of God

[@tonyalafarr7943]

This was so heart felt. Thank you sir for your service, my dad is a Vietnam veteran who was in Vietnam for 4 years.

[@tdmj2812]

And this my folks is why manners are so important! He remembered her “Thank you”!

[@robduncan2816]

once a soldier always a soldier. at 2:02 he looked at the gentleman in uniform, looked him in the eye, checked his bars with his hands at his side preparing to stand at attention. impressive

[@mariamorgan9817]

This makes me want to have the kids in my class draw pictures or make something special for those deployed and those who have made it home. They're only 3, so they can't write a letter yet, but I'm sure they would love to make or draw something special for them! Thank you to everyone who has served! It doesn't feel like that's enough considering what y'all have been through and the struggles you deal with even after coming home, but I am truly grateful for everything you do to keep us safe and free. God Bless you all, and THANK YOU for your service!! 🇺🇲

[@bluzcompany2293]

Tears in the eyes , bless them both...

[@mikehughes8302]

Thank you John. To you and every man or woman that has served or is currently serving. You are all HEROES!

[@DBZluvz]

''your real''......... i was at the brink of tears till that point but i lost it when he said that.

[@markpinther9296]

If this doesn’t stir up emotion for you, you are dead inside.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

It stirred up emotion inside of me, but I'm still dead inside. =(

[@InspoTalents]

He’s so adorable

[@sherrydickson1483]

Take just a moment to say "Thank You"....you never know what it will mean to that person....God bless them both. So glad they got to meet.

[@Xenamare1]

When they met , It had me in tears .

[@cowboykpop1861]

these sweet old men always make me happy lol

[@pea5062]

This was beautiful. 'You're real'. Just wow !

[@pazcuellar2285]

great time to cry about good things.. I'm so glad they got reunited, their reactions were so heartfelt..

[@karenrich9092]

I always thank a veteran for my freedom because I couldn't be me without it. Thank you to all of them who help keep us free -- and their families who are without them while they fight for us.

[@MidwestGirl]

That is a lovely story. God Bless our Veterans and all who are presently serving. May the Lord bless and keep those who gave their life in the line of duty and comfort their families.

[@chillywilly5258]

Thank you Donna.

[@jbliborio]

I´ve heard from some soldiers of other wars the a simple letter received in the battlefield and I still becoming so emotional when I see a video like this. God Bless both...

[@jonmajarucon51]

Beautiful. That war scarred so many. I guess time and reunions with people who love you really heal.