My dad was at LZ Lambeau every day, beginning with the motorcycle ride. During my senior year in high school, I did a report on his Vietnam experience. After pulling together a few pictures and pieces, the plan was to pair the items with an interview that I did with him. However, when the time came for the interview, it was a fight for little more than one word answers. Why did this outgoing dad of mine suddenly shut down? I really could not understand.
Several years later, I was able to go with my dad to a reunion for his regiment in Las Vegas. Finally I got some glimpse into his experiences, although it was only through the people that had been at his side. Even though his words can still be limited, being with other veterans is the only thing that has opened that door. At LZ Lambeau, I was grateful for Green Bay Packers President, Mark Murphy, encouraging veterans to talk to their families, even though it is difficult to do. We were honored and privileged to be able to be with him and the other Vietnam Veterans at LZ Lambeau. For me, it was another chance to get to know a part of my dad that I will never really fully understand, because he was the one who fought for his country and I wasn’t. It was also special because it was the first time my brother and his daughter were able to be part of an event like this.
The Huey flyover alone was very powerful. It was only then that I could put a sound to the pictures of helicopters I’d seen and realize what an unforgettable sound it was. Couldn’t help but wonder what our Vet’s were thinking… Every part of the night was done beautifully, and when it ended, it was with a bit of regret, but a lot of gratitude.
I know my dad is still looking for some of the guys that he served with, so I am hopeful events of these kinds continue for our Vet’s, and that more and more of Vietnam Veterans will come out!
~Sherri Beausoleil, Daughter of Bob Malewski, 11th Armored Cavalry, Blackhorse, HHT 1/11, 1968-1970
Sherri Beausoleil submitted this to 