Comments by "Andy Babb" (@Andy_Babb) on "Jeremiah" channel.

I’m 37. My dad, for the first time in my life just shared with me that he was a tunnel rat in Vietnam in 1969. I never even knew he had been in Vietnam to visit, nevermind the war. He found a viet kong in a tunnel and had to kill him to escape. He’d been shot and was bad enough to have him sent him and discharged with a purple heart. He still won’t talk about it, won’t share his experiences… but it seems like he’s slowly starting to share bit by bit. I’ll never ask him to be uncomfortable, but I can’t help but have so many questions and want to know what his experiences were - positive and negative. I just hope in time he’ll be able to share more about his experience. This man was a hero to me before I knew this, the things he’s put himself through just in my lifetime all to ensure his family had what it needed. I wish I was half the man my father is, I truly mean that.
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@midnightq69 hey there. Fortunately my dad has continued to open up more and more about it. I think he felt a lot of shame bc of the time he went in 69, there was a LOT of anti-Vietnam protests and soldiers being attacked when returning from tour, they were called baby killers and murderers; i also think taking another life affected him a lot too. He knows it was within the rules of engagement and everything, but taking a human life, especially in close combat like he was in, changes most people and has a profound impact on their lives. Imagine looking into another man’s eyes as you killed him in a fight for your life? I can only imagine how traumatic that is. I know what you mean, though. I grew up around a lot of vets as well. Most spoke freely about it, some not so much. Everyone just copes with things differently.
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@midnightq69 also, it’s interesting to US. Think of the most terrifying, awful, utterly traumatic event you’ve ever been through in life. Now imagine living that event every day for six months to a year, or more. Tell me, do you think you’d find it “interesting” to discuss that event over and over with people? Reliving the absolute worst memories of your life bc somebody gets some kicks from hearing about it? Just sayin. I don’t blame or question why my father has had such a difficult time discussing his time as a tunnel rat in Vietnam.
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@midnightq69 Yeah man that’s it, everyone copes kn their own way. My mom and dad made sure to expose me to as much REAL life history and culture, they had me meet and listen to a holocaust survivor for example - among many, many other fascinating and eye opening experiences. So I too was lucky in that sense. My dad may not have spoken about his personal experience in war, but he made sure I understood what those sacrifices meant. (My grandfather was a forward observer/radio man in field artillery for the 9th during WWII and he did share some of his experiences with me when I was young) I appreciate your comment my friend. I may not recommend psychology as a profession but you might make a great story teller! 😉 lol Hope you have a great new year man (or ma’am lol)
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@Rob.DB. Thank you brother. It’s nice to know somebody with some shared experience. You’re right too; especially for my dads generation who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s, had a WWII vet dad, showing emotion wasn’t considered a sign of strength the way most of us understand it to be today. Despite all that, he raised me to love and respect people regardless of who or “what” they are. You’re also right that I love, respect and want to honor my dad’s service and he himself. I genuinely appreciate that fact that you get it. Thank you for sharing and for your advice. Btw, I honestly do love what you said about “manliness”; it’s a myth. It’s an outdated term for “courage” or “strength” - and it seems we both agree those words have flexible definitions.
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