What Reminds You...

**Yoda** · 05-09-10, 06:07 PM

Today we were out and about and I got the whiff of someone BBQ’ing ... the smell sent a chill up my spine and for instant, recall and a moment of desperation. The BBQ smell took me back to Nam (1972-73).

Most the time my service memories (1967-73) are distant and I tend to look at them as 3rd party. Today the smell of the BBQ awaken suppressed memories and brought the reality of it all back in techno color.

My guess is it was pork being BBQ ?? I don’t BBQ Chicken

It’s only BEEF and maybe a prawn or 2 along with a veggie… No domesticated animals or tree climbers.

Certain Songs, Phrases, Smells and even visuals can trigger a memories.

I’m curious What Triggers Your Memories??
(Or am I other than Normal??)

Bud Dougherty
Amarillo, TX

**muddywaters** · 05-09-10, 06:57 PM

I would go with normal, what you are experiencing is basic human nature.

**6 Shooter** · 05-09-10, 07:05 PM

**vett boy** · 05-09-10, 07:11 PM

There isn't a day that I don't forget as much as I try .I've never discussed Viet Nam with even my wife or closest friends .

On a happier note I'm going to shoot a couple Foxes tommorrow am .I wonder if ya roast 'em like pigs

**navy2kcoupe** · 05-09-10, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Yoda

I’m curious What Triggers Your Memories??
(Or am I other than Normal??)

Huey's flying anywhere in the area, fireworks that sound like mortars, passing a military convoy on the highway, torrential downpours like the monsoons, and anyone screaming "INCOMING" at the top of their lungs. Occasionally an old song played on one of the "oldie stations" will put me into "thousand yard stare" mode. Lately, going into the VA for agent orange related diabetes will sometimes "beam me back to the land of the small PX"
Andy

**aligator** · 05-10-10, 12:32 AM

When I was in basic training,A.F, in 1955 they played "Sixteen Tons" every morning in the Mess Hall. To this day when I hear it on on the radio I think of Basic Training Days"

**Newt373** · 05-10-10, 05:48 AM

Hmmm, being in Aviation and usually in reasonabley safe places; I am fortunate to not have experienced what you have. Its strange (or fortunate) to think that I am a 2 year veteran of a "combat" zone and have never fired a shot.

Although, in 16+ years of service, it is when my buddies who have seen action come back "different" that makes me sit and think. I dont get the opportunity to talk to to many Nam Vets but I have spoken to a handfull of WWII vets and know hundreds or thousands of Dirt War I and II (Iraq etc) Vets. Some talk some dont. My grandfather started talking to me about his experiences in France and Germany when I got back from Iraq in 06 and one of my best friends relates some of his latest experiences once we get enough beer in us.

For me, bringing back memories only takes putting on my uniform every morning. And, at the moment, the occasional chance to throw on some civies brings a longing to just go home and stay there.

BTW, you're normal.

Newt (SSG, USA)