I went to Kent State basically to avoid going to Vietnam, I had no idea what I was doing in the world. I was lost, and trying not to get into a fight every day.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I returned to Vietnam in '94, and even then, all those decades later, walking around that place, I remained afraid. And, in some ways, rightly so.
I was so opposed to the war in Vietnam that I initially refused President Nixon's urgings for me to go there.
I remember the day I found out my draft status. I was really floored and kind of staggered around in a daze. It just hadn't occurred to me that I could end up in Vietnam.
During Vietnam, I was in college, enjoying my student deferment. The government wisely felt that, in my case, military service was less important than completing my studies to prepare me for my chosen career: comedian.
Majored in staying out of Vietnam.
The Vietnam War totally turned my life around. Some people's lives were eliminated or destroyed by the experience. I was one of the fortunate few who came out better off.
I served two tours of duty in Vietnam. I won the Bronze Star. I won the Purple Heart.
I'm from the Vietnam generation. I didn't serve.
I went to Vietnam; it was my first assignment as a reporter for the UPI, and I never could get away from the war.
Military school was great and especially great for leadership and then I spent two years in Vietnam.