Meet the Men of Bravo!–Ken Rodgers
The Coast Guard had a long waiting list. We went to see the Army about my friend becoming a chopper pilot. We went to see the Navy after that. Across the hall from the Navy was the Marine Corps recruiter. While my friend discussed opportunities in the Navy, I went and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. That was in August of 1966. So many young men were joining up I had to wait until October to get into boot camp. I was nineteen years old.
I arrived in Vietnam in March of 1967 and went straight to the 26th Marines on Hill 55 southwest of Danang, where after a short time for training I went to 2nd Platoon Bravo Company where I remained until March of 1968 when I became the radio operator for the second platoon’s platoon sergeant. I survived the siege and left Khe Sanh on April 1, 1968.After the Marine Corps I was: A sheet rock humper, in the sheep and cattle business, a Vietnam Veterans counselor, an accountant, a controller, a quality assurance officer, a real estate broker, a management consultant, a writer, a teacher and now, along with my wife Betty, a filmmaker.
Ken, You forgot one. You’ve also been a good friend to all your former comrades and you certainly do them justice with the efforts you’ve put into this film.
Thank you, Jim.