I flew back the last week of April, 1968. For me it was a pleasant experience. We made one stop in Hawaii for a customs check. We were there around 6 hours if memory serves me correctly. Then on to Travis Air Base for out processing. I remember getting a chit for a steak dinner that last night there. They fitted me for a set of dress greens for my flight home. I don't remember any protesters or being treated badly by anyone at the airport or during the flight home. I was returning to Civilian life and my brief military career was ending. I know others didn't have such a nice time as I did, but my memories are all positive from that time in my life. When the plane finally touched down in Louisville, I remember feeling goose bumps and the pure pleasure of finally being "home" again.
--Bob Elmore 36th Engineers
<mailto:rhelmore@20thengineerbrigadereunion.com>

I returned in June 19, 1970 in California. The first question any one asked me was, "did I kill any babies." Great home welcome huh?
--Don and Pam Currie
<mailto:jife1@netzero.com>

I returned to the States via Japan, Anchorage, and then Oakland on April 16, 1968. It was hurry up and wait as usual. Never any debriefing (the Army claims they did except for a digital exam) and a casual physical. We were basically "dumped on the street" at about 9:00-10:00 at night and had to pay for our own taxi to the airport. I flew into Chicago about 6:00 AM and had to wait about 3 hours to catch a flight to Moline, Illinois and then a cab to a hotel in Davenport. I had a sister pick me up the next day and take me home to Tipton, Iowa.
While in Chicago, some "green" 2nd Lt tried to get me to salute him when coming out of the restroom at O'hare. He did know how close I came to taking him out. I had my DD214 and was heading home. I just looked at him and walked away. What an ass.
In Davenport, I spent the night just un-winding and visited a few bars but stayed sober. Everyone bought me a drink. The public was great in my opinion. But this is Iowa not California.
--Ric Jennings - 168th Cbt Engrs
<mailto:riccardj@msn.com>

When I came home the first time in May of 1969, I had no real problem with protesters. When I got home the first time in May, 1969, to Newark, NJ, I got a real nice welcome from the neighbors daughter as I got out of the taxi. When I got home the second time in January, 1971, my family had moved to a small town in southern NJ about 40 miles north of Atlantic City where I had a very good welcome. I even got asked to join the local VFW my first day home.

Fred Tompkins,
554th Eng. Bn.,
79th Eng. Gp.,
20th Eng. Bde.

When I came home the first time in May of 1969, I had no real problem with protesters. When I got home the first time in May, 1969, to Newark, NJ, I got a real nice welcome from the neighbors daughter as I got out of the taxi. When I got home the second time in January, 1971, my family had moved to a small town in southern NJ about 40 miles north of Atlantic City where I had a very good welcome. I even got asked to join the local VFW my first day home.

Fred Tompkins,
554th Eng. Bn.,
79th Eng. Gp.,
20th Eng. Bde.
--Fred Tompkins
<mailto:fredtompkins@embarqmail.com>

hi ,
after ait at ft.leonwood,went to ft.lewis.10/1966.91st or 93rd,cant remember.left for nam by boat,05/1967.
was at long thang,then tdy to vung tau,ended up at can tho late 1967,was there for tet.
rotated home 05/1968,then germany for 9 months.
--david
<mailto:davlak@att.net>

hi ,
after ait at ft.leonwood,went to ft.lewis.10/1966.91st or 93rd,cant remember.left for nam by boat,05/1967.
was at long thang,then tdy to vung tau,ended up at can tho late 1967,was there for tet.
rotated home 05/1968,then germany for 9 months.
--david
<mailto:davlak@att.net>