My parents fled Vietnam to America in ‘75… they came here with nothing but they worked hard and my family is now flourishing.. thank you Dave and all Vietnam vets for all that you went through and the sacrifices you all made so that my family and I could have a better life .. we do not take it for granted

Dave, I’m sorry for the way you were treated. I want you to know that you are loved and I’m proud you for your service. Thank You for your service. 🇺🇸

Hey Dave. Thank you for telling your story. It is a tremendous gift to all Veterans and the Country. You are a good man.

I was stationed at Minot, 74-76, 91 Missile maintenance crew. Thanks for your service, Sir.

Thank you for sharing. I was also Air Force Security Police 81150, I did a lot of what you talk about. After my first tour I could not cope in the civilian military and returned for a second tour. I was part of a Armor unit and a 50 man rescue operation team. Our team lost 18 guy's and 4 guy's of the Jolly Green crew. Now that I am retired from 35 years in education, I deal with PTSD, I am getting help from the VA and I have a great wife. I gave my life to the Lord 40 years ago and quit drinking over 35 years ago. Life for me has never been normal but with the Lord's help I have made it to 70 year old.

My heart goes out to you... I'm a vet with problems .. I understand your pain... Thank you for your story... I appreciate your struggles... Thank you my brother for your service God bless you

Being a Vietnam vet myself i can relate to a lot of the same experiences. I still see the Dr every 8 weeks. one thing i learned is you are not alone. Thank you for this video and welcome home brother.

Thank you and Welcome Home. I was born the year 1964 you went over. I am a Navy Veteran. It's been my honor and privilege to hear your story

Your story can actually encourage vets to engage in the biggest battle they may ever encounter... the battle to overcome and seek help, NOW! Not tomorrow but right now. Thanks for sharing, you're a hero in my eyes

WOW MAN !! This is one heavy interview, Thank you 🙏 for everything that you have done for me and our nation sir. I am so thankful that GOD has moved for you in your time of need!! This interview is not just a history of one mans experience in Vietnam but is an account of a life changing and evolving account of a Human being that has been victorious over a war that was fought in Vietnam and the United States in which there were so many battles that it is indescribable. And this interview in my opinion should be utilized by our government, the V.A. , in the help of others. This is a eye opening and informative video that is capable of helping people with PTSD Like no other I have seen It has helped me. Thank you 🙏 from the bottom of my heart ❤️ sir. 🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖

Epic veteran talking!!! What a story!! Thank you for saying!!!

Thank you for your service service sir and welcome home. I am now seventy years old and am an Army brat as we’re my two sisters. My dad was a poor Irish catholic kid from Maine who left for N Africa and then lived through Sicily, Anzio, and the Po Valley in Italy. After the war he was trucked from Northern Italy over the Brenner Pass into Munich and Into Dachau. My younger years were a struggle as he struggled with terrible dreams and bouts of anger and depression. My sisters were older and left home years before me. My folks summered on a small pound near where I lived. When they were headed back to Florida for the winter we were all there to see them off and my mother told us she was not going home with him and that he needed help. With a lot of emotion we took him where he could get help. When he got through his tough time he was a different person that we know. We all got to know the real person that we had not known and got ten years with him. I cried listening to your story Dave and had to post this story. God bless our vets and god bless our country.

Mr. Hanson, I share your pain. I am 75, and I also Vietnam. I was in the Army station in Cam Rom Bay also, I was in Nam for one year with R&R. I was in the country exactly 300 days. I agree with you. We are the forgotten generation of youth. Unlike today, with volunteer military service. Our generation were drafted to service. I was in 1A after high school. I became a cold killer while I was in Nam. Thank God we both serve and living. You are lucky. God bless you and thanks for your service.

Tears in my eyes. Non-combat vet here. Welcome home and thank you!

What a harrowing but beautiful story of courage, perseverance, and redemption. My dad was a Vietnam vet, and alluded to his time there and the effect that it had on him. He died young of cancer, my mother gets a check from the CA every month due to Agent Orange exposure. You’re a real hero, and your story is both inspirational and cautionary. Thank you for sharing this.

Thank you sir. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m an aussie and was born in 1966. I think a lot of people now understand how damaging war is and so now have more compassion for Vietnam vets. And great respect for them. My uncle fought in Vietnam.

I’m so glad your wife drove you to the VA that night. You really learned how to take care of yourself. You deserve a ton of credit.

This is an incredible story. I'm so sorry to hear that so much pain was hidden in your soul for so many years. You seem to be a kind, compassionate man. After experiencing so much pain, here you still stand, triumphant. You are stronger than you know. So many like you sacrificed with blood, sweat and tears. All Americans should be ashamed of how you were treated upon return. Please keep talking to young vets, they certainly need you. Be well.

You guys are absolute heros.last generation of true men.its an honor to hear your story sir.thank you for your service

I am a 70 yr old guy. I am not that emotional but this made me cry. I am sorry for Dave, can't even imagine what he went through. I am so sorry for how he was treated when he returned. We can not thank Dave enough for his service. I hope that he has some peace now. Dave is a brave man.

I thank all the vets for the job they did. You were all heroes who served. Thanks especially to Vietnam nets.

Even though I'm not a Viet Nam Veteran, my father was an aerial photographer on an AC-130 gunship out of Ubon RTAFB. I was a 9-10 year old brat at the time. I tried to get him to talk about his time in the air over the Trail over Laos and he'd never say a word, until the day he passed. He passed at 90 years old this past April 6th. Your openness is inspiring and very needed by this 62 year old brat, and former Air Force Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanic. Thanks for your service and and your fight for your healing! Love you my brother!

I served in Korea from 86-99 at camp greaves and camp hovey. I did 209 day recons and night ambushes on the dmz. We used this technology you helped to develop to search for enemy penetrations. It is amazing tech and helpful in so many ways. Thanks so much for your service and story.

All Vietnam vets rock!!! All Vietnam war protesters not so much! Mr. Hanson you are the best! Thanks for making the sacrifices you made so someone like me never had to.

God Bless you for serving unquestionably when others did not. You have paid a heavy price for serving your country and know that you are loved and respected. You will get thru this. You are an American treasure.

Dave, I feel sorry for the way you and all other Vietnam vets were treated upon coming home. I am glad to hear your story and that your are healing and also helping others to heal. Thank you and Welcome Home Sir.

Thank you for baring your soul and sharing your experience. I was diagnosed with chronic ptsd in 2001 and relate to everything you said. Pretty much under control now but it's always quietly bubbling away under the surface. Thanks again and all the best.

Thank you for your service. I’m so grateful for you and our other veterans. You are truly an American hero❤️

I'm glad to hear the help you received from the VA worked for you, I'm nearly 55 now, I never saw a war or was asked to fight in one but I knew many Vietnam vets and had many conversations with them. Its truly sad how they just shoved you right back into society and expected you to just be "OK" This was a huge mistake, more over the treatment from the idiots back here in the US how they spit on the vets was just shameful, its no wonder many vets end up taking their lives. I hope you can help more men such as yourself to get better Dave, war is a horrible thing and does tremendous harm to people who live through them but with treatment you can overcome the PTSD, you will never forget what happened over there but you can learn to live without the pain you suffered from for so many years....God bless and thank you for your service

Mr. Hanson, Thank you for your story and your service. You are an amazing individual for overcoming PTSD and what you had to go thru. I am in my 50s and my memories of this time are very limited. I’ve been interested in this time period since my teenage years and love that vets like you share your stories, I’ve learned so much from vets like you. It’s important to all generations to understand all aspects of the Vietnam era. It’s better to hear it firsthand from an actual vet than learn about it thru the media. From what I understand the media was about as reliable then as it is today. I’m sorry their actions made you unwelcome when you got home. I am glad you get the respect and honor you deserve today, because of Vietnam vets the country respects our military. Keep strong Dave, please continue educating people, and most of all……WELCOME HOME!!!

Welcome home Mr. Hanson, welcome home. We did appreciate your service back during the war, we just never crossed your path.

I almost cried watching this. I had no idea PTSD was so awful.

Hearing your voice change while describing your recovery is truly moving sir. Godspeed and thank you for staying around to share your story. I wish you health and peace brother

Thank you Dave for your Service.

Sir, thank you. I'm sorry all of those cruel and terrible things happened to you when you returned from Vietnam. Know that many, many Americans are proud of you and all Vietnam veterans. Thank you. Thank you for what you have done to give freedom to my grandchildren. Thank you all. I'm so glad you are home.

Vietnam War was going on while I was a child. Military personnel were my heroes. Period.

Dave thank you for your recall of your service. There is a difference between a warrior and a war. You are a warrior -thank you for your service. The more stories I listen to Confirms how propaganda played in this war and how People are so ignorant. Your bravery is appreciated-fellow MN!

Thanks for everything. A fellow Vietnam Vet, I Corp. Phu Bai/Hue/Khe Sanh 1967-1969. You are right. My fellow soldiers were great.

One of the most thoughtful interviews of a Vietnam Veteran I’ve seen. I’m a Vietnam Vet, non-combat, Navy. The reason people say “Thank You” now is that they became patriotic after those planes flew into the twin towers, pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pa. They want someone to “Stand a post” to protect them. I still fill they want someone else to serve, not them or their family members. Although Jack Nicholson’s speech in “A few Good Men” is a Hollywood production it rings true to me. “We live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.”

This is a powerful story not only his service but the aftermath with PTSD and recovery. Thank you for your service.

God bless Dave Hanson

Very well told story. Thank you, Mr. Hanson, for your service and for your story. I am so happy for your healing and that you are now helping others find healing.

Suppressed memories -your recall helps non combat civilians understand PTSD. The more people watch and listen to your story, the more it helps awareness of PTSD. I see how much this tortures you. I’m so sorry. Thank you!

Dave, after the United States pulled out of Laos and Vietnam 1975, my family moved into the jungle of Laos fighting for several years. I was 13 years old and fighting the Laos government troops using US weapons M16 and M1 cabin for 5 long years till 1980. Me, my dad, we were fighting with the red Laos troop, and my dad died in my arms shot by the red Laos army. After my father died, I decided to take my mother and sister and brother move to Thailand, and now I am living in Saint Paul, MN. I understand the PTSD you are having after you get back from Vietnam.

Your story is absolutely amazing I can't even imagine the hellish landscape you went through in that theater of war. I think it takes just as much courage for you to speak out about the mental problems you had after War as it did to serve in the war itself thank you for everything you've done for this country and your service

My God, this almost bought me to tears. This is a good man, and I am so lucky to have him- and thousands of men like him- as my fellow American. We are blessed. And as far as those lowlifes who harassed him and others when he returned from Viet Nam.. I hope they’ve lived empty, unhappy lives. They disgust me.

I joined the Navy in ‘65 and they sent me to Hospital Corpsman School. A year later I was in Nam w/a Marine rifle squad where I spent the next 11 months & celebrated my 20th BDay. Coming home through LAX I got called baby killer by a bunch of Hippies. To this day I walk around the house before bed checking all the doors & windows but had no idea this had anything to do w/PTSD.

First time in a long time I've added a second comment to a post. This Brother really takes me back in time. I have/had (don't know if he's still with us) a good friend that I went to High School and College with in Flint, Michigan who was drafted in 1968. When he left Michigan he was Ken ... when he returned slightly over a year later (early release "honorable") I recognized his face, but I didn't know the guy behind it. A most profound feeling came over me the first time seeing him after he returned. I greeted him with a hug and immediately realized he was not embracing me back. As I began talking to him, I realized he was emotionally withdrawing from me. Putting it into words is very difficult. It was as though my presence was reminding him of who he was before, and he somehow (while not blaming "me") resented the fact that person no longer existed and would never return. I had seen the 1,000 yard stare before, and this wasn't it. Every ounce of hope that was previously within him had completely and totally vanished. He could no longer function as Ken. For me, "they" had stolen my 19 year old innocence (1969). For Ken, they had "stolen" his soul.

Courage is feeling the fear but doing what needs to be done anyway. Dave is an amazing, great man of courage!!

Thank you for your service 💪 outstanding story thank very much👍👍👍👍👍

Welcome home sir, thank you for your service. I apologize for the homecoming y’all received

Wonderfully told story, especially with including the ptsd/ suicide treatment and outreach to others. What courage to tell your story and supporting others

A patriot and a very brave man

Thank You Dave for telling your service story. My brother who was 8 years older than I served in Dust Off as Crew Chief. He has passed too young at 59 from complications of agent orange. He suffered as you did for many years with depression and bipolar disorder. I was able to have only one discussion with him about his service. I told him how proud i was of him and that he was my hero. The family never spoke or asked of his time in Vietnam , not because we didn't want to know, but knowing that this may be upsetting to him . I'm so proud of all that served in Vietnam, and always regret that I didn't go when I graduated in 72.

Thank you for your service.

Dave, you are one special man. So glad you feel "normal" again.

Thxs for sharing. My kids/wife all joke about how I keep 3 Base Ball bats located 1) near the front door 2) one near the back door 3) one under my bed. I keep my old K-Bar in the drawer right next to my side of the Bed. I also awake a couple times almost every night , the Family Jokes “it’s just Dad checking the perimeter”!! Luckily the bad dreams stopped in the early 90’s. Welcome home Pal !!!!!! from one Viet Vet to another. I served in Nam 1966-68, with the 101st and 82nd Airborne

Thanks for your service..

This was a very moving video. I was born in '64 but I have always held veterans and active duty military in high regard. It was a crime the way our vets were treated when they got home. I feel that too many of the draft dodgers and those protesting and spitting on our boys returning home from service are now in positions of government and have caused many of the problems that plague our country now. Mr. Hanson, thank you for sharing your journey and you have my utmost respect. You deserved better.

Thank you for your service. God Bless!

I was one of the rare people who had friends that went to Vietnam,and was super happy when they came back and told them and would talk to them about anything they wanted to talk about. I was not there had a high lottery number so I did not always understand. I want to thank them all for their service.

1972 assigned to 101st Airborne Div they had just returned from Vietnam. I never went to Vietnam feel guilty i didn’t go but thankful I didn’t. Probably weird feelings I guess. Enjoyed your story you have helped many because of what you experienced.

What a terrible way those cowards treated you.

your story is so brutally honest. thank you for doing the interview just like that

A true hero. Thank you for your service !

Thank You Dave, I’m so grateful for you

Thanks for sharing your comments about post-traumatic stress. Was rated twenty years ago at 70% for PTSD. Now at 100% AO. The Nam, the gift that keeps giving. Your comments are a wake up call. Thanks again, Brother.

God bless you sir , thank you for your service, I'm glad your doing better, proud of you and your service

I have always had thee most respect for all Vets.

Welcome home Brother! It was a privilege to listen to your story. Thank you for sharing, I wish every Vietnam Vet could watch this.

i was a medic at 3rd Field Hospital OR in Saigon....1972. welcome home my friend. I too suffer from PTSD and exposure to agent Orange...pacemaker. double hip replacement.... the VA has changed immensely...keep smilin my friend.

Dave, thank you for your service, thank you for your service. ✌️

Dave, you did the right thing welcome home brother and from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you for your service and sacrifice sir. God bless you and your family.

I've not served in the military but I do appreciate and love my freedoms and I like to think I love my country and I appreciate your service Mr Hanson!

I am ashamed of the way vets were treated . . . and continued to be ignored . . . . We can do better America! Dave, God Bless you for your service and your continued efforts on behalf to those who have served. Your most important work may be your present efforts on working with those vets suffering with PTSD.

My goodness we love you Dave and your family

Welcome Home, Thank you Sir, God bless you ALL 🙏

Wow what a honor to hear his story thank you

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

what a lovely man. stay safe dave

I am 76 years old and I had experiences very similar to yours. I did two tours during 68, 69, 70 and part of 71. My return was also similar and I held everything inside. I hid my service from anyone I met for too many years. I too had nightmares and flashback experiences and attempted suicide. I was lucky in that i was introduced to VA treatment programs. They helped my PTSD some but i still well-up when ever I talk about it. Listening to you touched me. Thank you for your service and welcome home!

lots of love and thank you Dave

found the closed caption and rewatched. Thank you for shearing

thank you for everything, and thank you for telling your story. I feel like ive learnt alot from this video and I hope you are doing well.

Welcome Home Thank You!!!

TEN YEARS OF VIETNAM WAR STORYS. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME…TO CRY…! Bless you

Dave, absolutely the best ive heard about surviving your experience in Vietnam. You've fought two wars. One in country, the other within yourself. Thank you for your service, thank you for your story. It was a brilliant explanation of. Best wishes...

Thank you for your service. You are a hero.

Thank you for sharing your story, Dave.

thank you for your service.

I’m a color blind artist and sign painter I think it’s awful your teacher shot you down because of that . And I’m pretty color blind . Best wishes

Fantastic interview.

My fathers Uncle was in the British Army Royal Engineers as a Carpenter like my grandfather in the First World War .He was shell shocked out of the Army .Never worked again.As a child i got to speak to him a few times.Once on Armatise Day he was marching at the back of all the other Veterans off set and out of time with them.My father spoke to him about it .He said he was marching with his unit most of them having been killed in action at some point during the First World War trenches. Thank you for this youtube post Dave Hanson. I used to have issues myself which i was told never to talk about although i was never officialy in Service.Talking about what has happened particulary conflict helps. God Bless.

Thanks Dave for your service and commitment.

So inspirational to hear this gentleman speak. Thank you for your service

Sorry, we are blessed for your service.

Thanks for sharing Dave!

I'm sorry you were treated like that coming home. Its the most cowardly shameful act of United States citizens of that time. Thank you so much for your service sir .

Welcome home. Thank you for helping to raise awareness.

Dave, this both breaks my heart & opened my eyes. This is the second time I've watched this. While my experience in Vietnam is not the same, my demons are just as real. Mine was a friendly fire incident, innocent civilians. It haunts me after almost 54 years. Thank you for your brutal honesty. Welcome home brother