A trip of a lifetime
A legacy half a century in the making. A journey of healing is what eight members of Tiger Bravo recently returned from. Through the efforts of The Greatest Generations Foundation and their generous benefactor, former President Donald Trump, what once seemed like a far-fetched trip, turned into reality.
“The goal of The Greatest Generations Foundation was to offer this trip so that healing could take place. For several of the men, that is exactly what happened, but on top of that, this trip will create more legacy for all of us,” Mike Tarpley, Vietnam Veteran, said. “The healing was important, but the main thing -for me- was to go back and honor the guys who didn’t get to come home.”
The trip back to Vietnam began with one person from The Greatest Generations Foundation reading the book Tiger Bravo’s War. The last time Tarpley and several of the men were in Vietnam was 1968. Many, if not all, never expected to return to the battlefield, but fate would have otherwise.
“During the preceding four years, several delays beyond our control have occurred, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were all forgotten when we witnessed your devotion, loyalty, and sacrifice, proving that our return programs to Vietnam will forever alter the course of healing the hearts of our Vietnam veterans. Despite my reluctance to return to Vietnam, your Airborne program aided and broadened my heart tremendously, and 2024 will be an unforgettable year for the next group of returning veterans,” Timothy Davis with The Greatest Generations Foundation, said in an email.
After several years, a pandemic, and the passage of time, eight men out of 15 (10 going and 5 in reserve) - from Tiger Bravo, 2nd Bn. 506 Airborne Infantry 101st Airborne - Daniel Bernard, Mike Tarpley, Chuck Hanson, Rick St. John, Chris Backman, Larry Burton, Dan Soto, Steve Lyle. “Life and our age dwindled that number down to eight,” he said. Two others, Steven Burgin, Eddie Hatch joined the group for the journey - were able to not only return to Vietnam, but were able to retrace exact steps due to notes taken by Commander Rick St. John.
“One place had been a thousand men dug in a reinforced complex where we had a major fight in the jungle, when we got there it was a rubber plantation.
This was the first stop - it still makes the hair on your neck stand up, it's where our men died …,” Tarpley said. “One battle site was still there, but in the middle of it there was a stand selling beer and soft drinks, water and chips. The Tunnels of Cu Chi seems to have been made into a national museum ground.”
While the jungles that served as war grounds may have been transformed into a booming industry of rubber plantations and an industrialized society, the remnants of a place that claimed lives of friends and fellow brothers still remain in the whispers.
“This, without a doubt, was a trip of a lifetime, thanks to the efforts of "The Greatest Generations Foundation" (TGGF) This was by far above and beyond any tourist attraction that could ever had been expected,” Daniel Bernard, member of Tiger Bravo, said.
While the first trip for Tiger Bravo to Vietnam may have been filled with war, bloodshed and loss, a trip back - half a century later - was filled with moments to help fill the holes left by those moments. Veterans were treated to local cuisine, enjoyed a stay in a five-star hotel - Caravelle Saigon, where Peter Jennings reported the war from - and received a reception from the locals that was more pleasing. In addition to visiting the battlefields they once trampled through, the group also visited The Presidential Palace and the War Museum, the Tunnels of Cu Chi.
“I would highly encourage any veteran of the Vietnam War to do as Tiger Bravo did and make the decisive move to meet and greet this country with open arms. You will find the experience of this life changing move, one you will never forget,” Daniel Bernard, member of Tiger Bravo, said.
To be able to step into someone's story of purpose is nothing short of chance, but to be able to be part of purpose in that story is orchestrated from above. To hear the story of Tiger Bravo wasn't enough for that lady on the plane; her inquiring mind transitioned into one of purpose as the plane was unloaded at the airport.
“There was a lady on the plane who sat across the aisle from me, on the plane to Daha, who asked what all those guys with the black hats with the 101st Airborne eagle on it were all about. I told her about Tiger Bravos War, the trip, and the Greatest Generations Foundation,” Tarpley said.
Tarpley continued, “The lady ended up purchasing and listening to Tiger Bravo's War on that plane ride. She was on a mission trip to Africa. When we got off the plane at Daha, her group wanted a picture with us. We were standing across from a Muslim prayer room, we took pictures, and then they held hands, surrounded us … and prayed.”
For Tarpley, one of the moments that left the greatest impact on him was being able to step back onto the battlefield where Eugene Davis was lost.
While these men may have served with the same company - 101st, Tiger Bravo 2/506 Infantry Airborne - there was not much bonding taking place during training or while in war. Tarpley was in a mortar platoon, but thrown in to serve with others shortly after arrival in Vietnam.
“In Vietnam, we were integrated into one company, but never really had a chance to bond. While many knew who I was they didn't really know me; they knew Bird Dog was up there taking care of them by walking point. Over the years there have been a few reunions, but overall, this was the first time we've all been together since 1968,” Tarpley said.
As Tiger Bravo was walking through a piece of history, a group of Vietnamese also taking part in a reunion, made their way over to the men to shake their hands.
“It was a group of eight or 10 men and their wives that recognized them,” Tarpley said. “They were all smiles, shaking our hands, over and over, patting us on the back, like a long last band of brothers.”
Tarpley, St. John, and Bernard expressed their gratitude to The Greatest Generations Foundations and their benefactors.
“Lots of kudos goes to The Greatest Generations Foundation. The memories we gained from this; the ability to honor those we lost - like Eugene Davis - that makes a difference.”
While Tarpley may not have been counting down the days to head back to Vietnam, it is one that he went on for the honor of those who never made it home.
“I had no desire to go back. It was my obligation to go back for the men that I bled with … to go back and honor the men who didn't make it home,” Tarpley said. “The battlefield was one of the ones that is now a rubber field plantation. We called the names lost at the batle sites and played Taps. I was able to step back there and remember him… that old saying ‘He will be forever young.'”
The Greatest Generations Foundation is an organization aimed at providing an opportunity to uphold the legacy of the nation's veterans. A select few have been able to take trips such as that of Tiger Bravo's. For those unsure of if it's right to take the trip, Tarpley, St. John, and Bernard encourage you to take the opportunity. As for those who are considering whether or not to take the step to fight for their country, the nation's heroes encourage the choice.
“Step up and fight for this country because we do make a difference,” Tarpley said.
The memories from this trip are etched in the minds of those eight men who once again came together and set foot on Vietnam soil. In a few months, through the efforts of The Greatest Generations Foundation, a compiled product of this experience will be released for others to share in this story.
“…The opportunity to return to Vietnam on a Greatest Generations Foundation-sponsored trip with my Tiger Bravo brothers was the trip of a lifetime,” Rick St. John said. “… The benefits to the veterans you have touched through your Foundation are incalculable. Being part of your unbelievable life's work has been an honor.”
The story doesn't end there, Rick St. John - author of Tiger Bravo's War is working on his second book to help document the story of Tiger Bravo's return and the legacy of these men.