"We Weren't Old Enough to Have a Beer" Vietnam Vet Royal Hettling

Royal Hettling was assigned to the 483rd security police squadron canine unit stationed at Cam Rahn Bay Air Base from 1970 to 1971. Service dogs were used in Vietnam for scouting, sentry duty, mine/tunnel detection, and water patrols. During his tour, Royal and his dog Thunder went out at night to patrol camp perimeters, fuel dumps, and other areas that the Viet Cong often targeted.
In this raw, unfiltered interview, Royal recounts his experiences in Vietnam and how that has motivated him and his fellow veteran brother Charlie to establish a Vietnam history museum in the small town of Minneota, Minnesota
Royal and Charlie are both featured in the Postcards documentary • Vietnam Brotherhood
Chapters:
0:00 "We weren't old enough to have a beer."
0:40 Introduction
5:55 Pepper
9:33 Attack on the Base
13:17 Thunder
15:45 Sentry Duty
36:36 Conversation with Vietnamese maid
40:37 "Thunder was my dog."
51:36 A Need for Closure
58:01 Going Home
Postcards is an award-winning series showcasing the arts, history, and cultural heritage of western Minnesota and beyond. Funding for Postcards comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
To watch more Postcards visit www.pioneer.org/postcards/ or video.pioneer.org/show/postca...
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#Veteran #Vietnam #Minnesota #Postcards #PioneerPBS

[@areal5760]

I was at Cam Rahn from 69-70 and Royal's story took me back so many years to the perimeter of the flight line where I worked. I don't remember the handler's name but his sentry dog was named Baron. They would stop by our hanger by the small control tower to get warm or just get some coffee. Baron would get up on one of the work benches and, while inside, we could even pet him. If you came across them just outside in the dark, Baron was ready to eat anybody that got close. We always felt safer with the two of them out there because the fence line was so close but we always knew that they were in danger every night out in the darkness that surrounded us. Thank you for your story.

[@dtaylor2623]

Thanks Royal. What a vivid memory you have. I was at Utapao(USAF B-52s) and worked POL. I always felt a sense of security with you guys and dog around. It was heart breaking to hear what happened to the dogs after their loyal service. I am glad that has changed.

[@Tinbender]

I was at Cam Rahn Feb 67 till Aug 68 with the 12 SPS K-9. Handled Rinny 969F The best dog ever. If it is the same dog and probably is I remember Pepper very well, he almost nailed me while I was working days as Kennel support while Rinny was laid up. I see that your a member of the VDHA, maybe we will see you in Reno in April.

[@garyvanrheenen181]

I never know what to say after listening to these interviews, very glad to have heard his story.

[@dennisevans4739]

Thank you for your service... VN 1968 Tet

[@garyluck8502]

Thanks for your service!

[@joycecogdill9797]

The reading of your dog is so cool!!!🎉🎉. He did his job to the end❤

[@soxbearshwks8988]

3rd Batt. 7th Marines ChuLai,RVN 10/65-11/66

[@1969tss]

The Vietnam veteran ones are my favorite

[@connorpayne9830]

Thunder was the best dog ❤️

[@irenedemarco1354]

Fascinating to hear about Dogs in Service....! May i ask tho, had you trained dogs or had much to do with dogs prior to Nam....? Goes to show how valuable they are.... Afghanistan and Iraq, the dogs were trained to sniff out bombs and hidden items, so their value increased as each war was fought.... What a service, you would never have been lonely...with a companion by your side Thank You Sir For Your Service.... RIP Beautiful Pooches... you worked well...and deserved medals.... 💞✌️🙏

[@PostcardsOnPioneerPBS]

Royal told us that they had dogs on the farm when he grew up but that's about it!

[@Jamestele1]

My dad went through Hell on earth in Vietnam. I would buy all of these guys a beer - Hell, I would buy them a 6-pack!

[@markjfox866]

❤👏🏻🐶❤️🙏🏼🎖🎖

[@markjfox866]

Sadddddd saddd bout dogs non return

[@markjfox866]

🙏🏼🙏🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖👌🏼👌🏼