Support Troops

This story is a chronicle of the year 1968 as seen through the eyes of the author while serving at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, supporting the air war in Vietnam. It was an odd juxtaposition, repairing the fire-control systems on F-105s that were making twice-daily bombing runs over North Vietnam, while living in relative comfort and safety. For every combatant in a time of war, there are thousands of men and women serving in support roles. These soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen are doing their jobs every day to support the overall effort. They are cooks and clerks, logistics experts, truck drivers and administrators, mechanics and technicians, doctors, nurses, dentists, and chaplains of every faith. They may not be getting shot at or shelled, but they are vital to the mission in every sense. They serve on bases at home as well as overseas in nearly every corner of the globe. They deploy and leave their families and loved ones. They miss birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, school plays, football games, weddings, and funerals. They, too, serve their country honorably. This story is dedicated to support personnel serving everywhere, past, and present.