I was able to get that rare opportunity to hear from my father some of his experiences about his time in Vietnam. I added my own stories as well. I was once told 'War never changes'. I guess not.
These stories are difficult. They are raw. There is no editing and therefore not what one might consider PC. Not because there is a lack of caring, or an indifference, or vulgar to be vulgar, but rather that the retelling of these experiences is so personal and so very rare. This communication style is somewhat millitary stereotypical, however, unique, style used by combat vets.
I never heard these things growing up. It wasn’t until after I returned from Iraq that my dad opened up. Not only is he my father, he is my brother in arms and we share a special type of connection. One forged in the hot jungle hell of 1967 Vietnam and in the 2004 blood soaked streets of Baghdad. Someday I may have these conversation with my son. Or, I may not.
If you have never served in combat, you may never understand this type of speech, and I have no expectations that one would.