Picture Courtesy John Sweet

This week saw yet another Veterans day pass with the observance by most nations of those brave men and women who have served their countries with honor and in some cases made the most noble of sacrifices by giving their lives for their countries.

Everyone knows that Thailand played a role in the American war with Vietnam but most have only seen that role as one of R&R provided for American Military away from the front lines. Others may know that Thailand filled a much more needed role to the American military.

Today I received an E-mail from John Sweet about a site I might be interested in because it deals with the history of Nakhon Phanom and some of those brave individuals I mentioned before. The link he sent me was to Nakhon Phanom During the Secret War 1962-1975 which tells the story much better than I ever could.

I had known that the American military ran operations out of North East Thailand but I didn’t know to what extent. John’s web site is filled with information and pictures concerning Nakhon Phanom’s role in the war and I would think he would know exactly what he is talking about since he served there between 1969-1970.

You will also find a link from John’s site to The Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood which John and almost 500 other servicemen are a part of. This brotherhood provides humanitarian assistance throughout Issan and Laos. This says so much about the honor and integrity of those who have served and continue to give of themselves.

John, Thank you for sharing your site and for the service you and all the other American servicemen and women have given to your country, and continue to give though humanitarian efforts.

John Sweet

TUOC – 1987th Comm NKP 69-70