Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Rally pointers fun in.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Good afternoon, in morning, wherever you're going to be in
the world today, across the world. This is James the
Sartima with Amena Laciato Locano Bam. Folks here with you
at the rally point. And of course we have the
man behind the microphone, Zayna Brain. How are we doing today, folks,
I'm good, loving life and folks, we have an outstanding
(00:24):
show today.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
And now in this segment of our show, we have
with us in the studio Stephanie Mattlock. She's a Navy
veteran and the administrator of the YouTube and Facebook groups
VA Claims Veterans Helping Veterans. Welcome to the show, Stephanie.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Thank you. I'm happy to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Well, we're thrilled to have you. So Stephanie is on
the show for a very special reason. Not only is
she a Navy veteran, but her story of service is
it's bittersweet, I think is a good way to put it.
Thank you for serving, Thank you for your sacrifice, and
we just I don't want to take away from you
telling your story. So I guess let's jump right in.
(01:02):
Tell us the story of your service in the Navy.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
So I was actually failing out of college. It's a
funny story, right, I.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Dropped out of college too, That's hilarious. So I was
giving her story.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
I was given two choices by my dad, get out
or get out basically find a job or do something.
So I told him I'll show you, and I went
down to the Navy recruiter's office a little did I know?
Three weeks later, I was on a plane to boot camp.
And because back back in the nineties, that's when I
joined May of nineteen ninety. You went to boot camp
(01:36):
as a female in Orlando, Florida.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Wow, I did not know that. I've only ever heard
of Great Lakes, So I learned something new.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Yeah, so that's that's where kind of my journey started. Unfortunately,
it wasn't a great journey in boot camp. I was
actually overweight when I joined the military, so I was
considered obese. So what did the recruiter tell me to do?
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Stop?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
You take laxatives so I could get under that weight, right,
get into boot camp. Boot camp, I was belittled myself
and two others like I was called fat girl. I
was asked, you know, are you going to eat that
on your tray, So that kind of morphed into what
started my eating disorder in the military. I'm diagnosed with
bolimia nervosa. So a lot of military have eating disorders
(02:23):
right because they're trying to be within their weight restrictions
at the time I was in So when I got
out of boot camp, that's kind of where that kind
of morphed in. I continued on that cycle of trying
to stay skinny.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Because you knew you were going to weigh in every
so often. I went to the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy
and they had us weigh in when we got there,
And when I first joined the Air Force, it was
a similar situation where you weigh or you did body
taping or whatever. And the Navy still does that, I guess,
I think as of twenty sixteen they did. But yeah,
it's it's nerve wracking and you're you're so scared about
(02:58):
what you put in your mouth, what do you eat?
I'm getting way tomorrow, you know. I totally can see
that becoming a full blown eating disorder for a lot
of people.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
And it kind of also morphed into my physical disabilities
that I suffer with to this day because of the fainting,
the breaking of bones, the you know, malnutrition of my bones.
So there wasn't a lot of education back then about
diet and eating.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
You know.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
It was just, hey, you need to be within rags.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Make sure that weight management program is what they called it.
They didn't do anything about restrition or diet, right.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
So unfortunately for me, I suffered a lot and I
still do because of the eating disorder, you know. So
it's been it's been a struggle every day with it.
But I am in remission for my eating disorder. I've
been in remission for now, I think seven years.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Very You look very healthy, I'll put it to you
that way.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
You do well. A lot suffer with which called BDD
body dysmorphic disorder. Yeah, so I look in the mirror
and I see a fat person.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Correct.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
So it's it's a struggle, and I'm sure it is
till this day. In the military, it can be a
struggle with a lot of military and but there are
a lot of programs now, like there's the move program.
There's other you know, avenues for programs in the military
to help military and veterans try to lose the weight
in a in a.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Proper way, absolutely, and help change our mindset. Because I'm
actually in the Move program right now, are you? And
so it very much focuses on mindset alternatives to things. Yeah,
so you know, helping people understand like getting in shape
or you know, being healthier doesn't mean you have to
stop eating anything that you like. You just have to
find healthier ways to make it, or you know, just
(04:42):
trying to help people shift their mindset so they understand
like this isn't you can't eat anymore, or you know,
God forbid, you have to purge whatever you do eat
because you don't want to hold on to weight. This
is where they're kind of trying to teach you how
to go in and make healthier habits or learn healthier
mess rights so that they don't feel like they're missing
out on anything. They're still able to live a life
(05:03):
to the full right, just on a healthier level.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
And so I went from boot camp to Great Lakes.
I went in as an ejaemn. I just took whatever
I could as a career pathway got their desert storm
broke That's when Desert Storm broke out. So they came
in and said, look, if anybody wants to go undesignated
right now, you know, put your hand up. So here
I am. I put my hand up. I don't want
to be an engine man. I don't want to work
(05:27):
around there.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
Right.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So where did I go? Right back where I'm from?
San Diego, California. Yeah, I was expecting to tour the world, right,
see all these great.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Places to join the military, to go home, right back
to San Diego.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
So I was then designated in San Diego. And then
unfortunately that's what brings me to where I am today,
which is an MST survivor military sexual trauma. So the
assault occurred in San Diego back in nineteen ninety two.
So if you can imagine, I'm more already suffering more
than eating disorder, right, I've got the insecurities I'm being
(06:08):
I guess the my boss, what do you call them nowadays?
Back then, my commander was very authoritative, very demanding. The
harassment started, which led up to eventually the assault. And unfortunately,
back then, you didn't tell anybody, you didn't report it.
(06:32):
You felt ashamed, you felt it was your fault.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Well, and you were in a heavily male dominated The
military is still a heavily male dominated arena, so right,
you were probably out number three or four to one, correct.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
And so then I got pregnant and then I lost
the child.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
So it was it was a struggle and I wanted
to get away. Then those are those are a lot
of things that happened, like would people have been assaulted
in the military. There are what we call nowadays when
you're filing a claim called clear markers, because there's a
lot of people that never report it. So what a
clear marker is something where you act out, get into trouble,
(07:13):
such as getting demoted, getting into a car accident, or
you go to sit hall for an STD test or
a pregnancy test. So I wanted to get away, and
what did I do. I continued to strive to become
an IS which is Intel specialist. So in ninety three,
(07:37):
the beginning of ninety three, I was granted Intel School,
a school, so that kind of got me out of
that situation, and I thought, Okay, well here's the path
I'm going to go this way. So I got to
go to Intel School in Damn Neck, Virginia.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
That's right around the corner from where I went to
high school. That's awesome.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
So it's a twelve week school. It's grueling, and I
was actually proud of myself for actually completing it because
most don't. Yeah, because there was eight weeks, as they call,
on the first floor, and then there's four weeks once
you get your clearance. Got it on the top floor.
So for me to make through that school and graduate,
that was that was probably my biggest accompliment accomplishment in
(08:17):
school and in my Navy career, I agree, And then
that eventually led me to the Pentagon and the Office
of Naval Intelligence also known as own.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
I, which is another huge accomplishment because at that point
you were probably what like an E three, E four.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yes, Yes, So I got to do maritime registry. I felt,
I felt that it was rewarding and it was exciting,
and I enjoyed it. And that's actually where I wound
up inde my career because at that time I was
married and my then husband now ex husband wanted us
(08:55):
to both we were both military, get out, relocate got it,
actually wanted to stay in. But I unfortunately listened to
him and got out. And back then when I got out,
there weren't resources for veterans like there are now, like
the BDD program, the Benefits Delivery Discharge program right yep.
(09:17):
So they basically said, bye, have a nice life. I
had no exit physical Wow, I had no help with
any I didn't even know I deserve benefits till I
was out for sixteen years.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
Until I met Chris, my husband now, and they were like,
we're standing at the kitchen count They're like, cause my
feet were hurting, and they're like, why don't you just
go to the VA? And I'm like, what the heck's
of VA? What are you talking about?
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Yeah, like I can use that. I met so many
veterans who don't either don't know that that's an option
for them because they're like, oh I only did four years.
I only did six years. Or I've met veterans who
are like they've been out. They're like, I've just been
out for so long and I never used the VA.
I didn't think I needed that, you know, I didn't
think I had disabilities that were that bad. But now
(10:04):
you can't feel your hands, now, you can't feel your
feet sometimes it's like right, it's it is amazing how much.
And we were kind of talking about before we went
on there, how there's almost more disinformation out there than
there is good, relevant, valid information about the VA.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Well, and then there's also a lot of misinformation out
there as well regarding the VA and what what do
you qualify for? And you know, and having good representation. So,
like I mean, when when I was when I got out,
Like I said, fast forward sixteen years, I struggled with
my MST. I struggled with my eating disorder. I suppressed it.
(10:44):
I tried to go on with life. I had to live,
I had to have a job. So I suppressed a
lot of things. And it wasn't Yeah, compressed it down,
impressed that box, yeah right. And it wasn't until, like
I said, I met Chris and we started talking about
the VA and how I could utilize it. I walked
into the Walking Clinic for Mental health. Because veterans have
(11:05):
to understand that mental health care is free, regardless if
you are service connected or not. There is mental health
care provided for every veteran out there that's struggling with
mental health. All they have to do is walk in
to any VA. And there is a compact Act of
twenty twenty. I don't know if you are aware of that,
(11:27):
but back in twenty twenty, they passed the bill and
it is a it's called the Compact Act of twenty twenty.
I have that video as well regarding you can go
to any hospital. You can anywhere. If you're struggling with
mental health and you're a veteran, you can check in
to any hospital and they will get with the VA
and make sure that you're taken care of. There's inpatient,
there's outpatient. There's a lot of things. I didn't know
(11:49):
all this stuff. So as I took my journey to
get my health care and to get my mental health
on board, I then realized, oh, there's a benefit side,
like there's a company station side to it.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
So there's healthcare vhas and compensation. And they do not
speak to each other.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Correct, they do not at all.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Sorry, I'm not trying to be the ray of sunshine there,
but I learned that early on in my VA journey too,
that they don't speak to each other. They can't see
the same things. It's just surprising.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
It's ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
It's surprising, but it's not. It's beer crazy. It is,
that's what we call it.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
It is why they both don't communicate with each other.
So that ultimately started my journey for both my healthcare
and my benefits side. And by doing that, I wanted
to engage some resources, right, And what was the one
thing I did. I joined this Facebook group it's called
VA Claims Veterans Helping Veterans. I was a member back
(12:44):
in like twenty seventeen, and that's how I navigated learning
I learned through the group. I learned by understanding the
thirty eight CFR, which is the Code of Federal Regulation,
knowing what the disability is, what the percentage is for it.
I also learned the M twenty one DASH one, which
is the manual that the raiders use.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
So critical tools.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
We've done a lot of Yeah, you've done a lot
of research for sure. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
So that research helped me navigate my claims. And then
eventually I did hire an accredited agent through the website
OGC website, and it is a great tool for veterans
because you can find a vso you can find an
accredited agent or even an accredited attorney, and I need
(13:34):
one to help me navigate through the appeals process. Right,
So that kind of started my final journey with doing
my benefits side, and then I continued my care with
the VA I think one key thing about my eating disorder.
I'm rated for bolimia no vosa now. Right now, under
(13:54):
the thirty eight CFR, you can be rated for an
eating disorder separately from another mental health it's the only one.
They're trying to change that rule. They proposed it since
twenty twenty two. I'm kind of okay with that change
because the changes looked to me good for mental health.
But at that time, for me, I was rated for
my eating disorder well.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
And there are certain conditions that affect you, not just physically,
like I mean, you know, yeah, things that might affect
your bones, might affect your digestive system, whatever the case
might be. But then the mental health piece is a
totally separate aspect of it, right, So I would agree
that there needs to be two levels of reading because
there's two levels of impact on the quality of life.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Well, and I think there was a coming to moment,
so to speak, for me, was twenty fourteen when I
was out to eat with my husband and his daughter
and I face planeted on the concrete buffalo wil Wings
just fell woke up and crawling to the bathroom because
I literally had to go to the bathroom because I
(14:55):
was taking so many laxatives. I was taking between one
hundred and one hundred and fifty laxatives a day. Yes,
So when my husband got me to the hospital at
the VA Hospital, the doctor came in and he basically said,
you know, do you want to go to the bathroom
in a bag for the rest of your life? So
that kind of woke me up to like, yeah, I've
(15:16):
really got a problem with the zading disorder. So that's
where I really took the handles on it. And like
I said, I've been in remission now for six years,
almost seven years now, So that started that process for that,
and I have a wonderful mental health doctor. Now nowadays
it's TeleVideo, right m h. Well, back then you used
(15:36):
to have to go in. I couldn't stand walking into
four white walls and trying to sit there about how
I feel? Right, So when I was able to do
a more TeleVideo type setting to me, that made me
feel comfortable.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Absolutely, you're at home or you're in a place that
you feel comfortable, right, you're at home or somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
And so I've had this is unheard of. I've had
the same psychologist from my VA for over ten years.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
That's a miracle, right, that is a miracle. I've been
in the v A healthcare system four years and I
think I'm about to lose my second or third provider,
so and I think that's a terrible move, or life
happens or what have you. So I mean, yeah, it's
it's hard because then you worry is the next one?
(16:26):
Am I going to jive with the next one's the
way I did with the previous? Like I've I've shed
tears when I've been told by my providers that they're
leaving because I'm like I have told you some of
the deepest, darkest things about myself, like how can you
leave me?
Speaker 3 (16:40):
But it's and throughout all of our moves.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Wonderful that you've had the same one for ten years
and throughout all our moves, because we've got a lot,
because we like to move, because you know, military likes
to move. Right, you're gonna say, we don't sit still, Well,
we don't talk about that.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
She's always been there for me. She will not give
me up. She makes sure I stay in in her
in her care. And it's you know, normally you don't
talk to a psychologist. You talk to I'm sorry, a
psyche as a psychiatrist because they give medication, right, you
normally talk to a psychologist. I've never matched with any
(17:15):
of the psychologists they've tried to put me together with,
so she always talks to me. She's my medication provider everything.
So it's worked well. So that can be also an
issue for veterans right when they're struggling with their mental
health having the same provider. The same goes for any
other providers that.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Leave true or or even when you get a new provider,
having to retell your whole entire story over again. Like
I cannot imagine how difficult that is, especially for people
who have had highly traumatic things happen to them like that.
My sister has. She's a veteran as well, and she
(17:53):
has PTSD. I'm pretty sure she's comfortable with me saying that,
but I mean that she's said that's the worst part
of the healthcare system is having to relive it every
time you get a new person and having to tell
over and over and over again what you've been through.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Right, and going back to how I started all my resources.
As I was explaining the Facebook group I joined, well,
eventually about a year later, the gentleman that was running
the entire Facebook group said, you know, he messaged me,
He's like, hey, Steph, can you take this over? Because
I just can't deal with it right now. I've got
other things I need to do. And I was like, sure,
I'll take it over. I'll do it. So at that time,
(18:32):
I think we had like twenty thousand members. We've grown
it to fifty five thousand members.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
I'm very strict on who gets in the group. You
have to answer questions. I make it so bots can't
get in, but they still tect it, protect it absolutely right,
and we do get some scammers in there. So we have,
you know, a lot of members that look out for
each other. But my husband's also a moderator. He helps.
And then in addition, I have Jackie and Blake. Jackie
(18:59):
is great resource for us. She has the VA side.
Blake is a retired doctor nice so he has the
medical side. Yeah, and we're all veterans.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
Very cool.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
So we've grown the Facebook group and then we kind
of my husband and I were sitting back in December,
I think it was December of twenty twenty one, we're like,
why don't we try a YouTube.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Channel, Like why not, right, what's the best that could happen?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
So we were all right, let's see what we can. Well,
you should see some of our first videos.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
They're still there. But you have to start somewhere, right,
Like I love that quote, that's like what would you
do if you knew you could not fail?
Speaker 6 (19:41):
Like?
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So starting a YouTube channel, that's that's retty brave for
a lot of people. That's ambitious. So it's good that
you still keep the early videos because it shows you
where you started and how far you've come since then grown, right, Yeah, absolutely, that's.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
The definition of accomplishment. You can see where you're were
and where you're now and the difference in between. That's
how it keeps it more authentic that way.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
You know, we grow and the YouTube channel has grown too.
We now home almost eleven thousand subscribers.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Nice.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
The YouTube name is the same as the Facebook group.
It's va Claim's Veterans Helping Veterans. In addition to the
videos we do, which are informative videos, we like to
put out information that can help a veteran or a family. Now,
don't get me wrong, there's probably a lot of videos
we could be doing, but the time it's like it's
very people don't understand the process it takes.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Yes, the creative process is a lot longer, Like you'll
film for four hours for a five minute, seven minute thing.
I mean that's I've been on the other side of
the camera with people who do other types of media
and that is absolutely incredible. Like, yeah, four hours and
it ends up being like five minutes, like most of
it's on the cutting room floor, if you will.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Right, So the videos are informative, we do those. In addition,
we do live Q and as. We try to do
twice a month, but right now we're about once a month.
Jackie's in Germany right now, that's where she's at. So
with the time difference and having to do it, we
typically do it around seven pm Eastern time, which, by
(21:13):
the way, we have one coming up, which will be
tomorrow Tuesday. What is tomorrow's day? It is, I'm losing track.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
April fifteenth.
Speaker 3 (21:26):
April fifteenth, Okay, So we do live Q and a's.
We all come on. We help each other by answering
questions that people come on with to the panel. So
basically it's myself, Blake and Jackie and we're there to
help answer questions. And the other thing we do is consultations,
(21:49):
a more one on one consultation, more like a video
setting it so if somebody needs more time to talk
and more you know, ability to answer more questions than
what we could do on a life.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
When answering the questions is based off of your experience.
Correct Like, none of you are claims representatives or anything.
This is sheer information sharing, discussing what you understand having
read all of the very heavy readings right well, it's
I think that's that's nice to have in addition to
(22:24):
like you mentioned, go into the Office of General Counsel
to find accredited people. I think you're a wonderful addition
to that resource because sometimes some of us, I know
myself for sure, sometimes you have to speak to think.
You have to kind of talk it through out loud
to process the thought in your head to figure out
what you need to do, how you need to do it,
or how a process actually works. And when the vas
(22:47):
you know, information is written somewhat like military regulations, but regardless,
very doctor seussicle as I call it, where it can
be difficult to kind of sort out what is this
really saying. It's nice that you offer that for people
to come and talk to you to be able to
help them understand what is that regulation really saying and
what does that really mean for them as a veteran.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Right And as you mentioned, we're not accredited with the
VA anyway in any shape or form. We just simply
help with our own knowledge and our own experience. And
typically what we'll do is we'll have people email us.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Wonderful.
Speaker 3 (23:21):
The email is a way to kind of get that
introduction and then find out more in depth what they need,
and then if they need the consultation, we go from there.
Now we don't charge anybody, can't stand predatory companies. We
simply take donations. It goes to support our YouTube channel
at the end of the day. So that's a way,
(23:42):
or guess, another avenue for veterans that need help. In addition,
like I said, the Facebook.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Absolutely, and can you go through really quickly what is
that email address, website, your social media handle so that
if people want to come and find you, sure they
can get plugged in with your program.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
So it's pretty simple. The Facebook group and the YouTube
channel are the same name. It's v A claims Veterans
Helping Veterans. The email address is v A c vh
V at gmail dot com, so it's the acronyms v
ac vh V at gmail dot com. So we don't
(24:21):
have Instagram or anything like that. We're kind of just
old school Facebook.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Too, if that works. I say, I think most veterans
are on those platforms and are familiar with them so well.
And we just we appreciate you coming out today sharing
your story. We'd like to extend the invitation to have
you guys on here as a standing segment monthly. So
hopefully we can figure out a way to do that,
to have you on to more fully discuss some of
(24:47):
the topics that you're you know, getting questions about, so
that you know, maybe some of your Q and A
can kind of come over to here and discuss it
in this forum as well.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
And I think that would be wonderful. And you know,
just one final note, April is MST awareness month, So
if you are struggling with MST, I know the concept.
They always think it's women. Men also suffer with MST. Absolutely.
I find that a men tend to not want to
come forward a lot, but hopefully they understand that they're
(25:20):
not alone either, because all our voices need to be
heard at the end of the day, absolutely, and as
somebody that has advocated for it and has gone through
what I've gone through and persevered, you know, I'm there
to help. And at the end of the day, my
motto is veterans do better when veterans know better.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
That's awesome. I like that. It's a good one to
add to the toolbox. Well, thank you again, Stephanie Mattlock
for being on the show. We truly appreciate your time.
Thank you for your service.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
I hate that you have to be a survivor of MST,
but if you had to go through that, I'm thankful
that you're using your experience to give advocacy and a
voice to those who might be suffering in silence. Yeah,
I uppe that they won't hope that they'll get those
resources like you're encouraged.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Yes, yes, And Stephanie and Chris, my usual speech would
be thank you for your service and sacrifice, but thank
you for your resilience in your cause and both your
causes actually, because you're the reason why we exist. To
provide our listeners access to resources they don't win have
normally and desperately need loos like everyone else. So thank
(26:31):
you for your resilience and thank you for sharing that
with everyone on your YouTube show and with us here
on the rally Board.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
Thank you, we appreciate it coming on all right, This
is Paul Poleshi of the Rally Points Show.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
You know, we've had the Honor Flight on our show
quite a few times and we talk about how they
give our veterans the welcome home and recognition for their
service to our country. That program is totally free to
our veterans, but it does take a sizeable amount of
money one hundred and eighteen thousand dollars per So here's
my challenge to our business listeners.
Speaker 5 (27:02):
If you go to the Southwest.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
Honor Flight dot org site and make a five hundred
dollars donation to their organization, we'll make your business known
on our Rally Points Show.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
We'll give you a spot so I know the veteran owned.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
Businesses already have their checkbooks or credit cards out all
of your other businesses here, Please donate to that Honor
Flight to help us honor our veteran. Their website is
SWFL Honorflight dot org. Please donate at their donate button.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
Thank you, We're on now to our Voice of the
Veterans segment. Today, we have a really special treat for
you all. As you know, later this month, March twenty
ninth is Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day. If you have not
thinked a veteran of the Vietnam era war, you got
to do that. They deserve it. Unfortunately, at the time
(27:56):
when they came home, things were not so good here
in America and they did not receive the love and
support that they absolutely should have. That people like myself
who served just before and after nine to eleven got
These guys and ladies from Vietnam deserve our respect. So today,
for our Voice of the Veteran segment, we have Ron
(28:17):
Morby on the phone. Ron are you there? Yes, awesome.
And Ron is joined here in the studio by his
brother in arms, Paul Pleshi. Everybody that listens to the show,
you all know that Paul's been on the show before
talking about his service in Vietnam, and today he and
Ron are going to talk to us about their time
(28:39):
serving together in Vietnam.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
And may I just before I get into the segment.
First of all, Paul and Ron, I want to say
something in America. I need for you to understand something
right here for us younger guys that served, what you
need to understand. I want to think about how some
foundations and floors with the upcoming holiday, which I'll call
it a holiday because cause these soldiers and servicemen and
(29:02):
women back in Vietnam gave us the foundation for the
government and for the for the military we have served
and served today. Put this in perspective. Folks, they built
the house that we're living in right now. And I'll
say it is as my dad would say, just remember
who built your house for you, because one day you
may need him again. And as a man alluded to
(29:23):
during nine to eleven when we needed help and we
needed and when America was as most vulnerable for that
fraction of a minute, when I say that the Vietnam veterans,
guys activated quickly like it was yesterday. They're on their
toast saying what needs to get done, So on behalf
of our show, and myself personally as a veteran, I'll
say thank you for your sacrifices to both of you,
(29:44):
because without you, there'd be no US. And I'll say
thank you an Ada, the United States not US, but
United States, thank you, so take it away, Amanda.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
Awesome, All right, Ron Well, I mean if you could start,
just tell us kind of about your time in the military,
about your service. You know, where you served, what branch
your career field, any of that.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
Okay. Well, I joined the Texas Army National Guard at
seventeen while I was still in high school. And three
days after I graduated, I went on active duty to
Fort Champion, Arkansas, and went through basic training and artillery
(30:26):
training there and for six months, and I came back
and went to Texas Tech, played in the National Guard
and enrolled in ROTC and I was in a five
year course. When I got through that, I graduated and
became a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. So I
(30:49):
went from there to Italy for three years, and from
Italy I came back to Fort Sell for a year
for Horse and Field Artillery. From there went straight to Vietnam,
arriving there in January of sixty seven, and I joined
(31:12):
the second Battalions eleventh Artillery that had already come over
about two months fire, so I was a replacement and
I took over Charlie Badray, second eleventh on June first,
sixty seven, and about three days later this big call.
(31:33):
One star general walked into my location and said, Captain,
you're about to become air mobile And I said, General,
I just came from the artillery course and it says
there is not norrever there has there ever been air
(31:54):
mobile one five five And he said, Captain, in ten
days there will be I'm saying, every helicopter in the
military in their inventory. So they finally found one that
could lift us early in the morning because of the
(32:14):
density altitude. So we went out and scouted hills between
us and one hundred first and we decided on the hill.
And I don't know whether we ever got back to
that same hill or not, but they set us down
on top of it or on the side of the hill.
The top of the hills the infantry battalion from the
(32:38):
hundred first occupied, and then a little further down the
hill the field artillery one five unit occupied, and so
they they're forward observers. The one oh five sheets six
(33:00):
pound projectile about seven or eight miles. The one five
to five fires that one ninety six pound projectile sixteen miles.
So when the Ford observer couldn't he couldn't be supported
by his little pop guns. He would call on us.
And so in fact, one night they they infantry company
(33:27):
set up in the middle of a North Vietnamese regiment
I think it was. At any rate, they were totally
surrounded they and they were outside of the one oh
five's range. So they started calling in our fire and
we surrounded them with steel all night long. And the
(33:52):
next morning when they flew the the survivors out, they
flew them to the UH battalion up the hill, and
when they got off the air, when they got off
the helicopter, they all got on their knees and bowed
toward our unit because they knew that we were the
(34:13):
only thing that kept them alive.
Speaker 2 (34:16):
Oh wow, oh wow, Ron, this is James Hemway. Sergeant
Hew Many, that is sir. I still respect rank even
after service. I'm looking at your unit display here and
there was a picture, an action picture of a Bong
Soong valley. Could you describe what led up to that action?
Speaker 6 (34:38):
Well, it was it was a free fire zone. When
we went in there, we were told we could shoot anything,
anything that moved from water, you know, whatever. And so
one hundred and first was supposed to provide a security,
which didn't might happened as it should. So we had
(35:02):
to do some of our old patrols around the area
just to kind of keep us in to know what
was happening around us. So what happened. The infantry battalion
was moved and he took the howarzers that Howardzer battery
with him, and so they were going to come back
(35:24):
and pick us up the next morning, you know, when
the density altitude was good. Well, the next morning we
were fogged in. And the next morning we were fogged in.
And so we're sitting on this hill where we've been
shooting up everything that moves, and there were sixty eight
of us sitting on that little hill, and it didn't
(35:48):
take long for folks to find out that we were
sitting there by ourselves. So we the last night we
kind of got to the point where we started expending ammunition.
In fact, Paul says, we fired eighteen hundred and fifty
four rounds, which is the most fired by one five
(36:09):
to five unit in all history in twenty four hours.
It was to the point where the one oh five,
I mean one five to five has about a two
inch two inch of steel. The tube is about two
inches of hard and steel, and they were glowing so
that they they got so hot they were glowing. In fact,
(36:33):
they got so hot that one of them we put
the round end and then we rammed the powder in
and didn't fire it right away, and the powder melted,
infused and locked the howitzer, so we couldn't open it
and we couldn't fire it. So we lost one howitzer,
(36:57):
so we were down to five, and we still managed,
and it got to the point we were we When
you fire, you fire up in the air and it
comes down, But when you do direct fire, you're pointing
at it, just like you would do with a rifle.
So we finally got to the point. We were shooting
(37:18):
at the hills next to us in direct fire, and
one of the pieces of shrapnel came back and put
another one of our We got hit by our own shrapnel.
We put one of our other ouchers out of action.
The next morning the helicopters came and lifted us out,
(37:42):
but before that the Air Force was going to help us.
That the second morning we were there, so they were
going to bring in napalm, and the first Serdant and
I were standing in the middle of the unit and
we heard this jet coming in and we saw this
great big looked like a wing tank cam boat, and
(38:04):
we both don't because we thought it was going to
hit us. And it went right over us and hit
the hill the next hill, and it was napalm explugged
it and just burned everything around it. So we tried
our best to just tell them we'll just wait for you.
(38:24):
Don't don't do any more help please.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
Exactly.
Speaker 6 (38:33):
And then they moved us from there to Hatan's Special
Forces camp, which Paul would tell you is entirely different story.
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Oh goodness, did that Yeah? Did that actually escalating like
a twenty four hour period?
Speaker 6 (38:53):
Yeah? Yeah, forty eight We were there forty eight hours
by ourselves. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
We were so serious odds there with the story, you know,
with your tank being out and shrapnel bouncing back at
you and everything. So yeah, holy mercy. I mean, at
any point did you think that y'all were going to
be overrun or what was going through your mind? Then?
Speaker 6 (39:17):
Yeah, yep, yep, that's exactly what we thought. That's why
we were trying to scatter fire as much as we
could around us to keep people from getting too close
to us, because we didn't have a perimeter because everybody
was busy firing.
Speaker 1 (39:34):
All hands on deck sort of effort. By the sounds
of it, yeah.
Speaker 6 (39:39):
It was all hands on deck.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Was there a turning point or any kind of pivotal
point that you can think of ron during that time
that kind of allowed you and the men to change
the outcome the final outcome of what happened.
Speaker 6 (39:56):
Well, I think the fact that we fired so many
rounds we kind of skipped everybody at bay first first
starts looked at me and says, they's two rounds, one
for you and one for me. A point we were
down to.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Question what are you most part of of your unit
during that engagement?
Speaker 6 (40:22):
Well, as a unit, I was very pleased. We won
every unit award that the United States gives or Vietnam game.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
Wow, that's awesome. You definitely deserved it. By the sounds
of everything you've told us, you absolutely earned that.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
And then only a small portion, small portion, we fired
one hundred thousand rounds of the unit, which is more
than anybody you'd ever fired one five five even during
World War Two. But we we engaged and we never
lost a man. I was planned from the June the
(41:06):
first January the twenty second, and I left right in
the middle of ten. In fact, they blew up the
airport and I was leaving. I was reloaded on the
plane that blew up Tonsinut and so I was happy
to get out and hadn't lost the guy and we
(41:29):
had the most it was rumored. Now this is this.
I was told that President Johnson came and he was
going to he wanted to visit our unit because he
was told we were the best to killed our terry
unit in Vietnam, and said he couldn't come, but he
(41:50):
flew over it. Okay, whoopee, But.
Speaker 1 (41:56):
I love your settlement with that the onomanopios on.
Speaker 6 (42:01):
Yeah. So I went from there to MPa, Arizona, to
Arizona State University as an ROTC instructor, and we went
through Washington. We took our cadets, junior cadets up to
Washington to the post there and every summer and so
(42:23):
I was up there and I was teaching, showing them
field ur taillery and we had some guns there and
we let them shoot and things. And I was standing
on a stage out in the bushes up in the trees,
and I'm standing there with a microphone, and here comes
this big, tall general. He comes walking on the stage.
(42:45):
He says, Ron, I said, yes, sir. He says, how
are you doing? I said pretty good, sir, And he
looked out at those cadets and he said, listen, I'm
telling you something. I want you to listen to what
this man sad because he had the best field artillery
battery in Vietnam. And I thought that was I praised.
Speaker 1 (43:09):
Yes, absolutely, and no pressure whatsoever because you were up
to the task.
Speaker 6 (43:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (43:16):
Yeah, if you got through that, you can get through
just about anything.
Speaker 6 (43:21):
Well, I had some really good people. You can ask
Paul about Jimmy Lackey. He was he was actually absolutely
the best fire direction officer in Vietnam.
Speaker 5 (43:34):
Well, we had we had good leadership. Ron.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
It's kind of interesting how close we were to both
our sergeants and our officers because they were with us
every step of the way. We were never alone. So
that's a tribute to you guys also to lead us.
Speaker 6 (43:52):
Yeah. Well, I had good, good, good n c O. S.
You know. I sent them all down to Saigon to
the group headquarters when they were having the six e
seven board. They got they all got promoted. They wiped
out all the quotas as it came back, they all
(44:15):
got promoted. Every one of the.
Speaker 2 (44:20):
America take note. And again we've talked about this on
our show many a time. The excellence of the United
States comes from leadership top to bottom. And when you
have excellent leadership, everything falls into place. And right now
and just these stories here we see it actually unfold
and live battle in battlefield conditions. How excellent leadership gets
(44:43):
everybody home and gets the mission accomplished. Like I said,
I wish our government could work just as sufficient as that.
Speaker 6 (44:51):
Yeah, well, but tell, I started out as a buck
private and ended up as an five. But having been
a I was a piece affection. In fact, that was
the chief fron battery as a as an enlist man,
So so I knew what these guys needed and I
(45:14):
knew what they were going.
Speaker 1 (45:15):
You didn't forget where you came from when you became
a lieutenant and a captain. You've been on both sides
of that fence to god gold.
Speaker 6 (45:26):
Yeah, yeah, well, you know it's it's hard because I
watched they tried to get me to go to West
Point like three times. I had an appointment from Lyndon Johnson,
And when I went through basic training, they tried to
get me to go to Officer Tendent school, and they tried
(45:46):
to get me to go to West Point, and I said, no, no,
I don't want to do that. And then the National
Guard treads. But the things that I saw, the lieutenants
that came through from West Point, it took them till
they were captains to even figure out what what what
(46:09):
made the world turn? You know, it took them that
long to figure out that there sergeants were the people
that ran the place, not him. I didn't run it.
When when we found out we were going to go
air mobile, I got us a big sheet of paper
and I got the whole unit there, and I said, Okay,
I want to hear every idea everybody's got, and I
(46:31):
don't care how crazy it is. We're going to put
it up here on the board and we're going to
talk about it and we're going to vote on it.
And that's how we came up with how to move
that unit and how to make it safe for people.
The day that we arrived, we had everybody in a
fox hole before we went to bed that first day,
(46:54):
and they later used our plan to make it the
standard operation procedures for the AMERICALE Division.
Speaker 1 (47:03):
That's awesome, that says something. And you did that by
bringing everybody to the table.
Speaker 6 (47:09):
Yeah, because they all got brained just like I do.
You know, that's right.
Speaker 1 (47:15):
It's refreshing to hear, you know, when an officer recognizes
the value of the entire team. And it's really awesome
that you had that perspective from both enlisted and also officer.
I think that I would dare argue that that probably
really did help your unit be successful, that you had
that kind of insight to see it both ways.
Speaker 6 (47:37):
Oh yeah, oh yeah, I believe that. I believe that.
And God God kind of helped too.
Speaker 1 (47:46):
I was gonna say, I don't think any of that
would be possible without God. And I think he was
really trying to tell you for a while where he
wanted you. It just took you a little while to
catch the message. Everybody kept trying to get you commissioned
and you were like, eh, God had a plan for sure.
Speaker 6 (48:03):
Yeah, he did took me to a lieutenant colonel firm
to catch up with me, But.
Speaker 1 (48:10):
That's how he works sometimes. Sometimes it's you know, it's
always his timing. But sometimes we can either help that
or we can kind of we get in our away
sometimes a little bit. But you got where you ended
up needing to be, according to him, so that's good.
Speaker 6 (48:24):
Yeah, well he was. He was when when I was
about five years old, my grandmother prayed with me in
German to get my life to Jesus. And then of
course I went to Luther Church and everybody forgot about that,
and so I did too. But then later on one
(48:48):
day it jawned on me, well, I was laying in
the hospital bed that I had gone far stray from that,
and I finally he looked back and I said, God,
I was just really screwed this whole thing up. If
there's anything you can do to help, I'll take it.
And things got much better and.
Speaker 1 (49:07):
Thereafter, Yes, his plans are always better than ours.
Speaker 2 (49:11):
Yeah, a couple of prayers a day is just as
good as a couple of bullets in a magazine. Better.
Speaker 1 (49:19):
Yeah, absolutely, Well awesome, Well, Ron, we really appreciate having
you on the show today and sharing you know, your
your voice as a veteran. We really appreciate that. Thank you,
And just I just want to know, like you know,
do you keep in touch still with guys in the unit.
I mean, obviously you keep in touch with Paul because
(49:41):
he's here today. What's been your experience since coming home
from Vietnam as far as keeping in touch with your unit.
Speaker 6 (49:48):
Mates, Well, I Paul was the only link I've got
with him. Well, Jimmy Jimmy Lackey. But he's non community
if he's he said there in Florida and Hawaii, and
I think he's a big shot and a whole bunch
of things. But they Dave Ganal and oh god, what's
(50:15):
what's my exos name? In Austin, Texas. There we communicate
and see. I went back in nineteen seventy one, seventy
one to seventy two, and I went back and I
ended up being a briefer to the commanding General of
(50:38):
the Air Force.
Speaker 1 (50:41):
Wow, I'll say, I retired from the Air Force.
Speaker 6 (50:43):
I'm like, yes, yeah, Well it was a Thomson Newt
and I was the leadoff briefer thirty every morning, seven
days a week, and I carried that big golden brick
around that they called the telephone. So he called come
(51:04):
in the middle of the night to come breathe in
and what have you? So that was That was a
different experience, especially having drive my truck for my boq
or a hotel to continute while they were there was
the big the big no drive zone going That was interesting.
(51:30):
But yeah, well that's how it all went. So at
the end I ended up leaving not doing artillery. At
the end of my career, I ended up having seventy
five hundred or seven hundred and fifty civilian government civilian
(51:52):
guys working for me in Ford Hood, Texas.
Speaker 2 (51:58):
Oh bless, very cool.
Speaker 1 (52:00):
Well, we just we appreciate you coming on and sharing
your experiences from your time in Vietnam and just relaying
your story to us. It's it's been wonderful. We've appreciated
having you on the show.
Speaker 6 (52:14):
Thank you. I appreciate a chance to talk about ask
Paul about how on Special Forces can.
Speaker 1 (52:24):
Story for another day.
Speaker 5 (52:26):
You know, so you always did put me on the spot.
Speaker 6 (52:29):
Yes, yes, I know you. You were going to try
to sneak out without mentioning it.
Speaker 5 (52:36):
I have pictures of that too, Yeah, you do.
Speaker 6 (52:39):
I do too.
Speaker 1 (52:41):
This sounds like a future show. Ron. You want to
come back and be with us again.
Speaker 6 (52:45):
Oh, I would love to.
Speaker 1 (52:46):
Well, then we will certainly do that. We're out of
time for this segment today, but we will certainly have
you back on the show in the future, and then
we'll give Paul the opportunity to relay that tale.
Speaker 6 (52:57):
Okay, yeah, because he was there.
Speaker 5 (53:00):
Thanks, thanks for coming on, sir.
Speaker 6 (53:03):
Sure, thanks for inviting me, Paul.
Speaker 2 (53:06):
Welcome to your new home.
Speaker 6 (53:10):
Yeah, by bye bye.
Speaker 2 (53:11):
Ron Okay, America, And that's our show for today.
Speaker 1 (53:15):
Thanks for joining us, Rally Potters. Paulout dismissed,
Rally pointers fun in.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Good afternoon, in morning, wherever you're going to be in
the world today, across the world. This is James the
Sartima with Amena Laciato Locano Bam. Folks here with you
at the rally point. And of course we have the
man behind the microphone, Zayna Brain. How are we doing today, folks,
I'm good, loving life and folks, we have an outstanding
(00:24):
show today.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
And now in this segment of our show, we have
with us in the studio Stephanie Mattlock. She's a Navy
veteran and the administrator of the YouTube and Facebook groups
VA Claims Veterans Helping Veterans. Welcome to the show, Stephanie.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Thank you. I'm happy to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
Well, we're thrilled to have you. So Stephanie is on
the show for a very special reason. Not only is
she a Navy veteran, but her story of service is
it's bittersweet, I think is a good way to put it.
Thank you for serving, Thank you for your sacrifice, and
we just I don't want to take away from you
telling your story. So I guess let's jump right in.
(01:02):
Tell us the story of your service in the Navy.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
So I was actually failing out of college. It's a
funny story, right, I.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Dropped out of college too, That's hilarious. So I was
giving her story.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
I was given two choices by my dad, get out
or get out basically find a job or do something.
So I told him I'll show you, and I went
down to the Navy recruiter's office a little did I know?
Three weeks later, I was on a plane to boot camp.
And because back back in the nineties, that's when I
joined May of nineteen ninety. You went to boot camp
(01:36):
as a female in Orlando, Florida.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Wow, I did not know that. I've only ever heard
of Great Lakes, So I learned something new.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Yeah, so that's that's where kind of my journey started. Unfortunately,
it wasn't a great journey in boot camp. I was
actually overweight when I joined the military, so I was
considered obese. So what did the recruiter tell me to do?
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Stop?
Speaker 3 (01:59):
You take laxatives so I could get under that weight, right,
get into boot camp. Boot camp, I was belittled myself
and two others like I was called fat girl. I
was asked, you know, are you going to eat that
on your tray, So that kind of morphed into what
started my eating disorder in the military. I'm diagnosed with
bolimia nervosa. So a lot of military have eating disorders
(02:23):
right because they're trying to be within their weight restrictions
at the time I was in So when I got
out of boot camp, that's kind of where that kind
of morphed in. I continued on that cycle of trying
to stay skinny.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Because you knew you were going to weigh in every
so often. I went to the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy
and they had us weigh in when we got there,
And when I first joined the Air Force, it was
a similar situation where you weigh or you did body
taping or whatever. And the Navy still does that, I guess,
I think as of twenty sixteen they did. But yeah,
it's it's nerve wracking and you're you're so scared about
(02:58):
what you put in your mouth, what do you eat?
I'm getting way tomorrow, you know. I totally can see
that becoming a full blown eating disorder for a lot
of people.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
And it kind of also morphed into my physical disabilities
that I suffer with to this day because of the fainting,
the breaking of bones, the you know, malnutrition of my bones.
So there wasn't a lot of education back then about
diet and eating.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
You know.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
It was just, hey, you need to be within rags.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Make sure that weight management program is what they called it.
They didn't do anything about restrition or diet, right.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
So unfortunately for me, I suffered a lot and I
still do because of the eating disorder, you know. So
it's been it's been a struggle every day with it.
But I am in remission for my eating disorder. I've
been in remission for now, I think seven years.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
Very You look very healthy, I'll put it to you
that way.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
You do well. A lot suffer with which called BDD
body dysmorphic disorder. Yeah, so I look in the mirror
and I see a fat person.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Correct.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
So it's it's a struggle, and I'm sure it is
till this day. In the military, it can be a
struggle with a lot of military and but there are
a lot of programs now, like there's the move program.
There's other you know, avenues for programs in the military
to help military and veterans try to lose the weight
in a in a.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
Proper way, absolutely, and help change our mindset. Because I'm
actually in the Move program right now, are you? And
so it very much focuses on mindset alternatives to things. Yeah,
so you know, helping people understand like getting in shape
or you know, being healthier doesn't mean you have to
stop eating anything that you like. You just have to
find healthier ways to make it, or you know, just
(04:42):
trying to help people shift their mindset so they understand
like this isn't you can't eat anymore, or you know,
God forbid, you have to purge whatever you do eat
because you don't want to hold on to weight. This
is where they're kind of trying to teach you how
to go in and make healthier habits or learn healthier
mess rights so that they don't feel like they're missing
out on anything. They're still able to live a life
(05:03):
to the full right, just on a healthier level.
Speaker 3 (05:06):
And so I went from boot camp to Great Lakes.
I went in as an ejaemn. I just took whatever
I could as a career pathway got their desert storm
broke That's when Desert Storm broke out. So they came
in and said, look, if anybody wants to go undesignated
right now, you know, put your hand up. So here
I am. I put my hand up. I don't want
to be an engine man. I don't want to work
(05:27):
around there.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
Right.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So where did I go? Right back where I'm from?
San Diego, California. Yeah, I was expecting to tour the world, right,
see all these great.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Places to join the military, to go home, right back
to San Diego.
Speaker 3 (05:41):
So I was then designated in San Diego. And then
unfortunately that's what brings me to where I am today,
which is an MST survivor military sexual trauma. So the
assault occurred in San Diego back in nineteen ninety two.
So if you can imagine, I'm more already suffering more
than eating disorder, right, I've got the insecurities I'm being
(06:08):
I guess the my boss, what do you call them nowadays?
Back then, my commander was very authoritative, very demanding. The
harassment started, which led up to eventually the assault. And unfortunately,
back then, you didn't tell anybody, you didn't report it.
(06:32):
You felt ashamed, you felt it was your fault.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Well, and you were in a heavily male dominated The
military is still a heavily male dominated arena, so right,
you were probably out number three or four to one, correct.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
And so then I got pregnant and then I lost
the child.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
So it was it was a struggle and I wanted
to get away. Then those are those are a lot
of things that happened, like would people have been assaulted
in the military. There are what we call nowadays when
you're filing a claim called clear markers, because there's a
lot of people that never report it. So what a
clear marker is something where you act out, get into trouble,
(07:13):
such as getting demoted, getting into a car accident, or
you go to sit hall for an STD test or
a pregnancy test. So I wanted to get away, and
what did I do. I continued to strive to become
an IS which is Intel specialist. So in ninety three,
(07:37):
the beginning of ninety three, I was granted Intel School,
a school, so that kind of got me out of
that situation, and I thought, Okay, well here's the path
I'm going to go this way. So I got to
go to Intel School in Damn Neck, Virginia.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
That's right around the corner from where I went to
high school. That's awesome.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
So it's a twelve week school. It's grueling, and I
was actually proud of myself for actually completing it because
most don't. Yeah, because there was eight weeks, as they call,
on the first floor, and then there's four weeks once
you get your clearance. Got it on the top floor.
So for me to make through that school and graduate,
that was that was probably my biggest accompliment accomplishment in
(08:17):
school and in my Navy career, I agree, And then
that eventually led me to the Pentagon and the Office
of Naval Intelligence also known as own.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
I, which is another huge accomplishment because at that point
you were probably what like an E three, E four.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yes, Yes, So I got to do maritime registry. I felt,
I felt that it was rewarding and it was exciting,
and I enjoyed it. And that's actually where I wound
up inde my career because at that time I was
married and my then husband now ex husband wanted us
(08:55):
to both we were both military, get out, relocate got it,
actually wanted to stay in. But I unfortunately listened to
him and got out. And back then when I got out,
there weren't resources for veterans like there are now, like
the BDD program, the Benefits Delivery Discharge program right yep.
(09:17):
So they basically said, bye, have a nice life. I
had no exit physical Wow, I had no help with
any I didn't even know I deserve benefits till I
was out for sixteen years.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
Until I met Chris, my husband now, and they were like,
we're standing at the kitchen count They're like, cause my
feet were hurting, and they're like, why don't you just
go to the VA? And I'm like, what the heck's
of VA? What are you talking about?
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Yeah, like I can use that. I met so many
veterans who don't either don't know that that's an option
for them because they're like, oh I only did four years.
I only did six years. Or I've met veterans who
are like they've been out. They're like, I've just been
out for so long and I never used the VA.
I didn't think I needed that, you know, I didn't
think I had disabilities that were that bad. But now
(10:04):
you can't feel your hands, now, you can't feel your
feet sometimes it's like right, it's it is amazing how much.
And we were kind of talking about before we went
on there, how there's almost more disinformation out there than
there is good, relevant, valid information about the VA.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Well, and then there's also a lot of misinformation out
there as well regarding the VA and what what do
you qualify for? And you know, and having good representation. So,
like I mean, when when I was when I got out,
Like I said, fast forward sixteen years, I struggled with
my MST. I struggled with my eating disorder. I suppressed it.
(10:44):
I tried to go on with life. I had to live,
I had to have a job. So I suppressed a
lot of things. And it wasn't Yeah, compressed it down,
impressed that box, yeah right. And it wasn't until, like
I said, I met Chris and we started talking about
the VA and how I could utilize it. I walked
into the Walking Clinic for Mental health. Because veterans have
(11:05):
to understand that mental health care is free, regardless if
you are service connected or not. There is mental health
care provided for every veteran out there that's struggling with
mental health. All they have to do is walk in
to any VA. And there is a compact Act of
twenty twenty. I don't know if you are aware of that,
(11:27):
but back in twenty twenty, they passed the bill and
it is a it's called the Compact Act of twenty twenty.
I have that video as well regarding you can go
to any hospital. You can anywhere. If you're struggling with
mental health and you're a veteran, you can check in
to any hospital and they will get with the VA
and make sure that you're taken care of. There's inpatient,
there's outpatient. There's a lot of things. I didn't know
(11:49):
all this stuff. So as I took my journey to
get my health care and to get my mental health
on board, I then realized, oh, there's a benefit side,
like there's a company station side to it.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
So there's healthcare vhas and compensation. And they do not
speak to each other.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Correct, they do not at all.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Sorry, I'm not trying to be the ray of sunshine there,
but I learned that early on in my VA journey too,
that they don't speak to each other. They can't see
the same things. It's just surprising.
Speaker 3 (12:19):
It's ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
It's surprising, but it's not. It's beer crazy. It is,
that's what we call it.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
It is why they both don't communicate with each other.
So that ultimately started my journey for both my healthcare
and my benefits side. And by doing that, I wanted
to engage some resources, right, And what was the one
thing I did. I joined this Facebook group it's called
VA Claims Veterans Helping Veterans. I was a member back
(12:44):
in like twenty seventeen, and that's how I navigated learning
I learned through the group. I learned by understanding the
thirty eight CFR, which is the Code of Federal Regulation,
knowing what the disability is, what the percentage is for it.
I also learned the M twenty one DASH one, which
is the manual that the raiders use.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
So critical tools.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
We've done a lot of Yeah, you've done a lot
of research for sure. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
So that research helped me navigate my claims. And then
eventually I did hire an accredited agent through the website
OGC website, and it is a great tool for veterans
because you can find a vso you can find an
accredited agent or even an accredited attorney, and I need
(13:34):
one to help me navigate through the appeals process. Right,
So that kind of started my final journey with doing
my benefits side, and then I continued my care with
the VA I think one key thing about my eating disorder.
I'm rated for bolimia no vosa now. Right now, under
(13:54):
the thirty eight CFR, you can be rated for an
eating disorder separately from another mental health it's the only one.
They're trying to change that rule. They proposed it since
twenty twenty two. I'm kind of okay with that change
because the changes looked to me good for mental health.
But at that time, for me, I was rated for
my eating disorder well.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
And there are certain conditions that affect you, not just physically,
like I mean, you know, yeah, things that might affect
your bones, might affect your digestive system, whatever the case
might be. But then the mental health piece is a
totally separate aspect of it, right, So I would agree
that there needs to be two levels of reading because
there's two levels of impact on the quality of life.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Well, and I think there was a coming to moment,
so to speak, for me, was twenty fourteen when I
was out to eat with my husband and his daughter
and I face planeted on the concrete buffalo wil Wings
just fell woke up and crawling to the bathroom because
I literally had to go to the bathroom because I
(14:55):
was taking so many laxatives. I was taking between one
hundred and one hundred and fifty laxatives a day. Yes,
So when my husband got me to the hospital at
the VA Hospital, the doctor came in and he basically said,
you know, do you want to go to the bathroom
in a bag for the rest of your life? So
that kind of woke me up to like, yeah, I've
(15:16):
really got a problem with the zading disorder. So that's
where I really took the handles on it. And like
I said, I've been in remission now for six years,
almost seven years now, So that started that process for that,
and I have a wonderful mental health doctor. Now nowadays
it's TeleVideo, right m h. Well, back then you used
(15:36):
to have to go in. I couldn't stand walking into
four white walls and trying to sit there about how
I feel? Right, So when I was able to do
a more TeleVideo type setting to me, that made me
feel comfortable.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Absolutely, you're at home or you're in a place that
you feel comfortable, right, you're at home or somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
And so I've had this is unheard of. I've had
the same psychologist from my VA for over ten years.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
That's a miracle, right, that is a miracle. I've been
in the v A healthcare system four years and I
think I'm about to lose my second or third provider,
so and I think that's a terrible move, or life
happens or what have you. So I mean, yeah, it's
it's hard because then you worry is the next one?
(16:26):
Am I going to jive with the next one's the
way I did with the previous? Like I've I've shed
tears when I've been told by my providers that they're
leaving because I'm like I have told you some of
the deepest, darkest things about myself, like how can you
leave me?
Speaker 3 (16:40):
But it's and throughout all of our moves.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Wonderful that you've had the same one for ten years
and throughout all our moves, because we've got a lot,
because we like to move, because you know, military likes
to move. Right, you're gonna say, we don't sit still, Well,
we don't talk about that.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
She's always been there for me. She will not give
me up. She makes sure I stay in in her
in her care. And it's you know, normally you don't
talk to a psychologist. You talk to I'm sorry, a
psyche as a psychiatrist because they give medication, right, you
normally talk to a psychologist. I've never matched with any
(17:15):
of the psychologists they've tried to put me together with,
so she always talks to me. She's my medication provider everything.
So it's worked well. So that can be also an
issue for veterans right when they're struggling with their mental
health having the same provider. The same goes for any
other providers that.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Leave true or or even when you get a new provider,
having to retell your whole entire story over again. Like
I cannot imagine how difficult that is, especially for people
who have had highly traumatic things happen to them like that.
My sister has. She's a veteran as well, and she
(17:53):
has PTSD. I'm pretty sure she's comfortable with me saying that,
but I mean that she's said that's the worst part
of the healthcare system is having to relive it every
time you get a new person and having to tell
over and over and over again what you've been through.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Right, and going back to how I started all my resources.
As I was explaining the Facebook group I joined, well,
eventually about a year later, the gentleman that was running
the entire Facebook group said, you know, he messaged me,
He's like, hey, Steph, can you take this over? Because
I just can't deal with it right now. I've got
other things I need to do. And I was like, sure,
I'll take it over. I'll do it. So at that time,
(18:32):
I think we had like twenty thousand members. We've grown
it to fifty five thousand members.
Speaker 1 (18:36):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
I'm very strict on who gets in the group. You
have to answer questions. I make it so bots can't
get in, but they still tect it, protect it absolutely right,
and we do get some scammers in there. So we have,
you know, a lot of members that look out for
each other. But my husband's also a moderator. He helps.
And then in addition, I have Jackie and Blake. Jackie
(18:59):
is great resource for us. She has the VA side.
Blake is a retired doctor nice so he has the
medical side. Yeah, and we're all veterans.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
Very cool.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
So we've grown the Facebook group and then we kind
of my husband and I were sitting back in December,
I think it was December of twenty twenty one, we're like,
why don't we try a YouTube.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Channel, Like why not, right, what's the best that could happen?
Speaker 3 (19:27):
So we were all right, let's see what we can. Well,
you should see some of our first videos.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
They're still there. But you have to start somewhere, right,
Like I love that quote, that's like what would you
do if you knew you could not fail?
Speaker 6 (19:41):
Like?
Speaker 1 (19:42):
So starting a YouTube channel, that's that's retty brave for
a lot of people. That's ambitious. So it's good that
you still keep the early videos because it shows you
where you started and how far you've come since then grown, right, Yeah, absolutely, that's.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
The definition of accomplishment. You can see where you're were
and where you're now and the difference in between. That's
how it keeps it more authentic that way.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
You know, we grow and the YouTube channel has grown too.
We now home almost eleven thousand subscribers.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Nice.
Speaker 3 (20:11):
The YouTube name is the same as the Facebook group.
It's va Claim's Veterans Helping Veterans. In addition to the
videos we do, which are informative videos, we like to
put out information that can help a veteran or a family. Now,
don't get me wrong, there's probably a lot of videos
we could be doing, but the time it's like it's
very people don't understand the process it takes.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Yes, the creative process is a lot longer, Like you'll
film for four hours for a five minute, seven minute thing.
I mean that's I've been on the other side of
the camera with people who do other types of media
and that is absolutely incredible. Like, yeah, four hours and
it ends up being like five minutes, like most of
it's on the cutting room floor, if you will.
Speaker 3 (20:53):
Right, So the videos are informative, we do those. In addition,
we do live Q and as. We try to do
twice a month, but right now we're about once a month.
Jackie's in Germany right now, that's where she's at. So
with the time difference and having to do it, we
typically do it around seven pm Eastern time, which, by
(21:13):
the way, we have one coming up, which will be
tomorrow Tuesday. What is tomorrow's day? It is, I'm losing track.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
April fifteenth.
Speaker 3 (21:26):
April fifteenth, Okay, So we do live Q and a's.
We all come on. We help each other by answering
questions that people come on with to the panel. So
basically it's myself, Blake and Jackie and we're there to
help answer questions. And the other thing we do is consultations,
(21:49):
a more one on one consultation, more like a video
setting it so if somebody needs more time to talk
and more you know, ability to answer more questions than
what we could do on a life.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
When answering the questions is based off of your experience.
Correct Like, none of you are claims representatives or anything.
This is sheer information sharing, discussing what you understand having
read all of the very heavy readings right well, it's
I think that's that's nice to have in addition to
(22:24):
like you mentioned, go into the Office of General Counsel
to find accredited people. I think you're a wonderful addition
to that resource because sometimes some of us, I know
myself for sure, sometimes you have to speak to think.
You have to kind of talk it through out loud
to process the thought in your head to figure out
what you need to do, how you need to do it,
or how a process actually works. And when the vas
(22:47):
you know, information is written somewhat like military regulations, but regardless,
very doctor seussicle as I call it, where it can
be difficult to kind of sort out what is this
really saying. It's nice that you offer that for people
to come and talk to you to be able to
help them understand what is that regulation really saying and
what does that really mean for them as a veteran.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Right And as you mentioned, we're not accredited with the
VA anyway in any shape or form. We just simply
help with our own knowledge and our own experience. And
typically what we'll do is we'll have people email us.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Wonderful.
Speaker 3 (23:21):
The email is a way to kind of get that
introduction and then find out more in depth what they need,
and then if they need the consultation, we go from there.
Now we don't charge anybody, can't stand predatory companies. We
simply take donations. It goes to support our YouTube channel
at the end of the day. So that's a way,
(23:42):
or guess, another avenue for veterans that need help. In addition,
like I said, the Facebook.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
Absolutely, and can you go through really quickly what is
that email address, website, your social media handle so that
if people want to come and find you, sure they
can get plugged in with your program.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
So it's pretty simple. The Facebook group and the YouTube
channel are the same name. It's v A claims Veterans
Helping Veterans. The email address is v A c vh
V at gmail dot com, so it's the acronyms v
ac vh V at gmail dot com. So we don't
(24:21):
have Instagram or anything like that. We're kind of just
old school Facebook.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Too, if that works. I say, I think most veterans
are on those platforms and are familiar with them so well.
And we just we appreciate you coming out today sharing
your story. We'd like to extend the invitation to have
you guys on here as a standing segment monthly. So
hopefully we can figure out a way to do that,
to have you on to more fully discuss some of
(24:47):
the topics that you're you know, getting questions about, so
that you know, maybe some of your Q and A
can kind of come over to here and discuss it
in this forum as well.
Speaker 3 (24:56):
And I think that would be wonderful. And you know,
just one final note, April is MST awareness month, So
if you are struggling with MST, I know the concept.
They always think it's women. Men also suffer with MST. Absolutely.
I find that a men tend to not want to
come forward a lot, but hopefully they understand that they're
(25:20):
not alone either, because all our voices need to be
heard at the end of the day, absolutely, and as
somebody that has advocated for it and has gone through
what I've gone through and persevered, you know, I'm there
to help. And at the end of the day, my
motto is veterans do better when veterans know better.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
That's awesome. I like that. It's a good one to
add to the toolbox. Well, thank you again, Stephanie Mattlock
for being on the show. We truly appreciate your time.
Thank you for your service.
Speaker 3 (25:48):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (25:49):
I hate that you have to be a survivor of MST,
but if you had to go through that, I'm thankful
that you're using your experience to give advocacy and a
voice to those who might be suffering in silence. Yeah,
I uppe that they won't hope that they'll get those
resources like you're encouraged.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Yes, yes, And Stephanie and Chris, my usual speech would
be thank you for your service and sacrifice, but thank
you for your resilience in your cause and both your
causes actually, because you're the reason why we exist. To
provide our listeners access to resources they don't win have
normally and desperately need loos like everyone else. So thank
(26:31):
you for your resilience and thank you for sharing that
with everyone on your YouTube show and with us here
on the rally Board.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
Thank you, we appreciate it coming on all right, This
is Paul Poleshi of the Rally Points Show.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
You know, we've had the Honor Flight on our show
quite a few times and we talk about how they
give our veterans the welcome home and recognition for their
service to our country. That program is totally free to
our veterans, but it does take a sizeable amount of
money one hundred and eighteen thousand dollars per So here's
my challenge to our business listeners.
Speaker 5 (27:02):
If you go to the Southwest.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
Honor Flight dot org site and make a five hundred
dollars donation to their organization, we'll make your business known
on our Rally Points Show.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
We'll give you a spot so I know the veteran owned.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
Businesses already have their checkbooks or credit cards out all
of your other businesses here, Please donate to that Honor
Flight to help us honor our veteran. Their website is
SWFL Honorflight dot org. Please donate at their donate button.
Speaker 1 (27:34):
Thank you, We're on now to our Voice of the
Veterans segment. Today, we have a really special treat for
you all. As you know, later this month, March twenty
ninth is Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day. If you have not
thinked a veteran of the Vietnam era war, you got
to do that. They deserve it. Unfortunately, at the time
(27:56):
when they came home, things were not so good here
in America and they did not receive the love and
support that they absolutely should have. That people like myself
who served just before and after nine to eleven got
These guys and ladies from Vietnam deserve our respect. So today,
for our Voice of the Veteran segment, we have Ron
(28:17):
Morby on the phone. Ron are you there? Yes, awesome.
And Ron is joined here in the studio by his
brother in arms, Paul Pleshi. Everybody that listens to the show,
you all know that Paul's been on the show before
talking about his service in Vietnam, and today he and
Ron are going to talk to us about their time
(28:39):
serving together in Vietnam.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
And may I just before I get into the segment.
First of all, Paul and Ron, I want to say
something in America. I need for you to understand something
right here for us younger guys that served, what you
need to understand. I want to think about how some
foundations and floors with the upcoming holiday, which I'll call
it a holiday because cause these soldiers and servicemen and
(29:02):
women back in Vietnam gave us the foundation for the
government and for the for the military we have served
and served today. Put this in perspective. Folks, they built
the house that we're living in right now. And I'll
say it is as my dad would say, just remember
who built your house for you, because one day you
may need him again. And as a man alluded to
(29:23):
during nine to eleven when we needed help and we
needed and when America was as most vulnerable for that
fraction of a minute, when I say that the Vietnam veterans,
guys activated quickly like it was yesterday. They're on their
toast saying what needs to get done, So on behalf
of our show, and myself personally as a veteran, I'll
say thank you for your sacrifices to both of you,
(29:44):
because without you, there'd be no US. And I'll say
thank you an Ada, the United States not US, but
United States, thank you, so take it away, Amanda.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
Awesome, All right, Ron Well, I mean if you could start,
just tell us kind of about your time in the military,
about your service. You know, where you served, what branch
your career field, any of that.
Speaker 6 (30:06):
Okay. Well, I joined the Texas Army National Guard at
seventeen while I was still in high school. And three
days after I graduated, I went on active duty to
Fort Champion, Arkansas, and went through basic training and artillery
(30:26):
training there and for six months, and I came back
and went to Texas Tech, played in the National Guard
and enrolled in ROTC and I was in a five
year course. When I got through that, I graduated and
became a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. So I
(30:49):
went from there to Italy for three years, and from
Italy I came back to Fort Sell for a year
for Horse and Field Artillery. From there went straight to Vietnam,
arriving there in January of sixty seven, and I joined
(31:12):
the second Battalions eleventh Artillery that had already come over
about two months fire, so I was a replacement and
I took over Charlie Badray, second eleventh on June first,
sixty seven, and about three days later this big call.
(31:33):
One star general walked into my location and said, Captain,
you're about to become air mobile And I said, General,
I just came from the artillery course and it says
there is not norrever there has there ever been air
(31:54):
mobile one five five And he said, Captain, in ten
days there will be I'm saying, every helicopter in the
military in their inventory. So they finally found one that
could lift us early in the morning because of the
(32:14):
density altitude. So we went out and scouted hills between
us and one hundred first and we decided on the hill.
And I don't know whether we ever got back to
that same hill or not, but they set us down
on top of it or on the side of the hill.
The top of the hills the infantry battalion from the
(32:38):
hundred first occupied, and then a little further down the
hill the field artillery one five unit occupied, and so
they they're forward observers. The one oh five sheets six
(33:00):
pound projectile about seven or eight miles. The one five
to five fires that one ninety six pound projectile sixteen miles.
So when the Ford observer couldn't he couldn't be supported
by his little pop guns. He would call on us.
And so in fact, one night they they infantry company
(33:27):
set up in the middle of a North Vietnamese regiment
I think it was. At any rate, they were totally
surrounded they and they were outside of the one oh
five's range. So they started calling in our fire and
we surrounded them with steel all night long. And the
(33:52):
next morning when they flew the the survivors out, they
flew them to the UH battalion up the hill, and
when they got off the air, when they got off
the helicopter, they all got on their knees and bowed
toward our unit because they knew that we were the
(34:13):
only thing that kept them alive.
Speaker 2 (34:16):
Oh wow, oh wow, Ron, this is James Hemway. Sergeant
Hew Many, that is sir. I still respect rank even
after service. I'm looking at your unit display here and
there was a picture, an action picture of a Bong
Soong valley. Could you describe what led up to that action?
Speaker 6 (34:38):
Well, it was it was a free fire zone. When
we went in there, we were told we could shoot anything,
anything that moved from water, you know, whatever. And so
one hundred and first was supposed to provide a security,
which didn't might happened as it should. So we had
(35:02):
to do some of our old patrols around the area
just to kind of keep us in to know what
was happening around us. So what happened. The infantry battalion
was moved and he took the howarzers that Howardzer battery
with him, and so they were going to come back
(35:24):
and pick us up the next morning, you know, when
the density altitude was good. Well, the next morning we
were fogged in. And the next morning we were fogged in.
And so we're sitting on this hill where we've been
shooting up everything that moves, and there were sixty eight
of us sitting on that little hill, and it didn't
(35:48):
take long for folks to find out that we were
sitting there by ourselves. So we the last night we
kind of got to the point where we started expending ammunition.
In fact, Paul says, we fired eighteen hundred and fifty
four rounds, which is the most fired by one five
(36:09):
to five unit in all history in twenty four hours.
It was to the point where the one oh five,
I mean one five to five has about a two
inch two inch of steel. The tube is about two
inches of hard and steel, and they were glowing so
that they they got so hot they were glowing. In fact,
(36:33):
they got so hot that one of them we put
the round end and then we rammed the powder in
and didn't fire it right away, and the powder melted,
infused and locked the howitzer, so we couldn't open it
and we couldn't fire it. So we lost one howitzer,
(36:57):
so we were down to five, and we still managed,
and it got to the point we were we When
you fire, you fire up in the air and it
comes down, But when you do direct fire, you're pointing
at it, just like you would do with a rifle.
So we finally got to the point. We were shooting
(37:18):
at the hills next to us in direct fire, and
one of the pieces of shrapnel came back and put
another one of our We got hit by our own shrapnel.
We put one of our other ouchers out of action.
The next morning the helicopters came and lifted us out,
(37:42):
but before that the Air Force was going to help us.
That the second morning we were there, so they were
going to bring in napalm, and the first Serdant and
I were standing in the middle of the unit and
we heard this jet coming in and we saw this
great big looked like a wing tank cam boat, and
(38:04):
we both don't because we thought it was going to
hit us. And it went right over us and hit
the hill the next hill, and it was napalm explugged
it and just burned everything around it. So we tried
our best to just tell them we'll just wait for you.
(38:24):
Don't don't do any more help please.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
Exactly.
Speaker 6 (38:33):
And then they moved us from there to Hatan's Special
Forces camp, which Paul would tell you is entirely different story.
Speaker 2 (38:45):
Oh goodness, did that Yeah? Did that actually escalating like
a twenty four hour period?
Speaker 6 (38:53):
Yeah? Yeah, forty eight We were there forty eight hours
by ourselves. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
We were so serious odds there with the story, you know,
with your tank being out and shrapnel bouncing back at
you and everything. So yeah, holy mercy. I mean, at
any point did you think that y'all were going to
be overrun or what was going through your mind? Then?
Speaker 6 (39:17):
Yeah, yep, yep, that's exactly what we thought. That's why
we were trying to scatter fire as much as we
could around us to keep people from getting too close
to us, because we didn't have a perimeter because everybody
was busy firing.
Speaker 1 (39:34):
All hands on deck sort of effort. By the sounds
of it, yeah.
Speaker 6 (39:39):
It was all hands on deck.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Was there a turning point or any kind of pivotal
point that you can think of ron during that time
that kind of allowed you and the men to change
the outcome the final outcome of what happened.
Speaker 6 (39:56):
Well, I think the fact that we fired so many
rounds we kind of skipped everybody at bay first first
starts looked at me and says, they's two rounds, one
for you and one for me. A point we were
down to.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Question what are you most part of of your unit
during that engagement?
Speaker 6 (40:22):
Well, as a unit, I was very pleased. We won
every unit award that the United States gives or Vietnam game.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
Wow, that's awesome. You definitely deserved it. By the sounds
of everything you've told us, you absolutely earned that.
Speaker 6 (40:43):
And then only a small portion, small portion, we fired
one hundred thousand rounds of the unit, which is more
than anybody you'd ever fired one five five even during
World War Two. But we we engaged and we never
lost a man. I was planned from the June the
(41:06):
first January the twenty second, and I left right in
the middle of ten. In fact, they blew up the
airport and I was leaving. I was reloaded on the
plane that blew up Tonsinut and so I was happy
to get out and hadn't lost the guy and we
(41:29):
had the most it was rumored. Now this is this.
I was told that President Johnson came and he was
going to he wanted to visit our unit because he
was told we were the best to killed our terry
unit in Vietnam, and said he couldn't come, but he
(41:50):
flew over it. Okay, whoopee, But.
Speaker 1 (41:56):
I love your settlement with that the onomanopios on.
Speaker 6 (42:01):
Yeah. So I went from there to MPa, Arizona, to
Arizona State University as an ROTC instructor, and we went
through Washington. We took our cadets, junior cadets up to
Washington to the post there and every summer and so
(42:23):
I was up there and I was teaching, showing them
field ur taillery and we had some guns there and
we let them shoot and things. And I was standing
on a stage out in the bushes up in the trees,
and I'm standing there with a microphone, and here comes
this big, tall general. He comes walking on the stage.
(42:45):
He says, Ron, I said, yes, sir. He says, how
are you doing? I said pretty good, sir, And he
looked out at those cadets and he said, listen, I'm
telling you something. I want you to listen to what
this man sad because he had the best field artillery
battery in Vietnam. And I thought that was I praised.
Speaker 1 (43:09):
Yes, absolutely, and no pressure whatsoever because you were up
to the task.
Speaker 6 (43:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (43:16):
Yeah, if you got through that, you can get through
just about anything.
Speaker 6 (43:21):
Well, I had some really good people. You can ask
Paul about Jimmy Lackey. He was he was actually absolutely
the best fire direction officer in Vietnam.
Speaker 5 (43:34):
Well, we had we had good leadership. Ron.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
It's kind of interesting how close we were to both
our sergeants and our officers because they were with us
every step of the way. We were never alone. So
that's a tribute to you guys also to lead us.
Speaker 6 (43:52):
Yeah. Well, I had good, good, good n c O. S.
You know. I sent them all down to Saigon to
the group headquarters when they were having the six e
seven board. They got they all got promoted. They wiped
out all the quotas as it came back, they all
(44:15):
got promoted. Every one of the.
Speaker 2 (44:20):
America take note. And again we've talked about this on
our show many a time. The excellence of the United
States comes from leadership top to bottom. And when you
have excellent leadership, everything falls into place. And right now
and just these stories here we see it actually unfold
and live battle in battlefield conditions. How excellent leadership gets
(44:43):
everybody home and gets the mission accomplished. Like I said,
I wish our government could work just as sufficient as that.
Speaker 6 (44:51):
Yeah, well, but tell, I started out as a buck
private and ended up as an five. But having been
a I was a piece affection. In fact, that was
the chief fron battery as a as an enlist man,
So so I knew what these guys needed and I
(45:14):
knew what they were going.
Speaker 1 (45:15):
You didn't forget where you came from when you became
a lieutenant and a captain. You've been on both sides
of that fence to god gold.
Speaker 6 (45:26):
Yeah, yeah, well, you know it's it's hard because I
watched they tried to get me to go to West
Point like three times. I had an appointment from Lyndon Johnson,
And when I went through basic training, they tried to
get me to go to Officer Tendent school, and they tried
(45:46):
to get me to go to West Point, and I said, no, no,
I don't want to do that. And then the National
Guard treads. But the things that I saw, the lieutenants
that came through from West Point, it took them till
they were captains to even figure out what what what
(46:09):
made the world turn? You know, it took them that
long to figure out that there sergeants were the people
that ran the place, not him. I didn't run it.
When when we found out we were going to go
air mobile, I got us a big sheet of paper
and I got the whole unit there, and I said, Okay,
I want to hear every idea everybody's got, and I
(46:31):
don't care how crazy it is. We're going to put
it up here on the board and we're going to
talk about it and we're going to vote on it.
And that's how we came up with how to move
that unit and how to make it safe for people.
The day that we arrived, we had everybody in a
fox hole before we went to bed that first day,
(46:54):
and they later used our plan to make it the
standard operation procedures for the AMERICALE Division.
Speaker 1 (47:03):
That's awesome, that says something. And you did that by
bringing everybody to the table.
Speaker 6 (47:09):
Yeah, because they all got brained just like I do.
You know, that's right.
Speaker 1 (47:15):
It's refreshing to hear, you know, when an officer recognizes
the value of the entire team. And it's really awesome
that you had that perspective from both enlisted and also officer.
I think that I would dare argue that that probably
really did help your unit be successful, that you had
that kind of insight to see it both ways.
Speaker 6 (47:37):
Oh yeah, oh yeah, I believe that. I believe that.
And God God kind of helped too.
Speaker 1 (47:46):
I was gonna say, I don't think any of that
would be possible without God. And I think he was
really trying to tell you for a while where he
wanted you. It just took you a little while to
catch the message. Everybody kept trying to get you commissioned
and you were like, eh, God had a plan for sure.
Speaker 6 (48:03):
Yeah, he did took me to a lieutenant colonel firm
to catch up with me, But.
Speaker 1 (48:10):
That's how he works sometimes. Sometimes it's you know, it's
always his timing. But sometimes we can either help that
or we can kind of we get in our away
sometimes a little bit. But you got where you ended
up needing to be, according to him, so that's good.
Speaker 6 (48:24):
Yeah, well he was. He was when when I was
about five years old, my grandmother prayed with me in
German to get my life to Jesus. And then of
course I went to Luther Church and everybody forgot about that,
and so I did too. But then later on one
(48:48):
day it jawned on me, well, I was laying in
the hospital bed that I had gone far stray from that,
and I finally he looked back and I said, God,
I was just really screwed this whole thing up. If
there's anything you can do to help, I'll take it.
And things got much better and.
Speaker 1 (49:07):
Thereafter, Yes, his plans are always better than ours.
Speaker 2 (49:11):
Yeah, a couple of prayers a day is just as
good as a couple of bullets in a magazine. Better.
Speaker 1 (49:19):
Yeah, absolutely, Well awesome, Well, Ron, we really appreciate having
you on the show today and sharing you know, your
your voice as a veteran. We really appreciate that. Thank you,
And just I just want to know, like you know,
do you keep in touch still with guys in the unit.
I mean, obviously you keep in touch with Paul because
(49:41):
he's here today. What's been your experience since coming home
from Vietnam as far as keeping in touch with your unit.
Speaker 6 (49:48):
Mates, Well, I Paul was the only link I've got
with him. Well, Jimmy Jimmy Lackey. But he's non community
if he's he said there in Florida and Hawaii, and
I think he's a big shot and a whole bunch
of things. But they Dave Ganal and oh god, what's
(50:15):
what's my exos name? In Austin, Texas. There we communicate
and see. I went back in nineteen seventy one, seventy
one to seventy two, and I went back and I
ended up being a briefer to the commanding General of
(50:38):
the Air Force.
Speaker 1 (50:41):
Wow, I'll say, I retired from the Air Force.
Speaker 6 (50:43):
I'm like, yes, yeah, Well it was a Thomson Newt
and I was the leadoff briefer thirty every morning, seven
days a week, and I carried that big golden brick
around that they called the telephone. So he called come
(51:04):
in the middle of the night to come breathe in
and what have you? So that was That was a
different experience, especially having drive my truck for my boq
or a hotel to continute while they were there was
the big the big no drive zone going That was interesting.
(51:30):
But yeah, well that's how it all went. So at
the end I ended up leaving not doing artillery. At
the end of my career, I ended up having seventy
five hundred or seven hundred and fifty civilian government civilian
(51:52):
guys working for me in Ford Hood, Texas.
Speaker 2 (51:58):
Oh bless, very cool.
Speaker 1 (52:00):
Well, we just we appreciate you coming on and sharing
your experiences from your time in Vietnam and just relaying
your story to us. It's it's been wonderful. We've appreciated
having you on the show.
Speaker 6 (52:14):
Thank you. I appreciate a chance to talk about ask
Paul about how on Special Forces can.
Speaker 1 (52:24):
Story for another day.
Speaker 5 (52:26):
You know, so you always did put me on the spot.
Speaker 6 (52:29):
Yes, yes, I know you. You were going to try
to sneak out without mentioning it.
Speaker 5 (52:36):
I have pictures of that too, Yeah, you do.
Speaker 6 (52:39):
I do too.
Speaker 1 (52:41):
This sounds like a future show. Ron. You want to
come back and be with us again.
Speaker 6 (52:45):
Oh, I would love to.
Speaker 1 (52:46):
Well, then we will certainly do that. We're out of
time for this segment today, but we will certainly have
you back on the show in the future, and then
we'll give Paul the opportunity to relay that tale.
Speaker 6 (52:57):
Okay, yeah, because he was there.
Speaker 5 (53:00):
Thanks, thanks for coming on, sir.
Speaker 6 (53:03):
Sure, thanks for inviting me, Paul.
Speaker 2 (53:06):
Welcome to your new home.
Speaker 6 (53:10):
Yeah, by bye bye.
Speaker 2 (53:11):
Ron Okay, America, And that's our show for today.
Speaker 1 (53:15):
Thanks for joining us, Rally Potters. Paulout dismissed,
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.