2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter - June 2009, Issue 1

2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter June 2009, Issue 1 __________________________________________________________________________________________ Troopers: This newsletter is created specifically for the men who served with the 2 d Battalion, 503 rd Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep), during the Vietnam War. Information submitted for inclusion in the Newsletter will be reproduced at the sole discretion of the producer and subject to edit for purposes of brevity. The producer accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for the accuracy of the content of information presented herein. All submissions, including photos, are requested to be sent via email to [email protected] This Newsletter will be issued periodically. Initial circulation will be to over 300 troopers of the 2d Bat who served in Vietnam. If you do not wish to receive the Newsletter please send a note to the above email address. Airborne! Lew “Smitty” Smith HHC, 2/503d, ‘65/’66 Prostate Cancer among Vietnam Veterans It is critical all Vietnam War era vets undergo an annual exam for prostate cancer 173d Annual Reunion This year’s annual reunion of the 173d Airborne Brigade will be held July 29 thru August 3, in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the Plaza Resort & Spa, 600 N. Atlantic Avenue. For complete reunion agenda and registration form, logon to the web site www.skysoldiers.com or call Jim Bradley 1-727- 376-2576 after 4:30 p.m. EST. Welcome Home Airborne Brothers: As individuals from the Vietnam era returned from the combat zone, some turned to drugs, some turned to alcohol or multiple relationships, but a larger number turned to work and keeping busy to avoid the emotion related to their experiences. As they age and slow down or retire, this tsunami wave of emotion eventually catches up with them. It hits you like a huge wave and at times you may feel that it is taking you under. With all of the service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, you might be surprised to know that the greatest number of disability requests for PTSD are currently coming from Vietnam veterans. A new and very helpful resource in the process is available at Amazon.com, The Veteran’s PTSD Handbook authored by John D. Roche. Scott Fairchild, Ph.D Doctor of Psychology LTC 82 nd Airborne (Ret) Veterans Helping Veterans Baytree Behavioral Health Melbourne, FL Page 1 of 3