Customer Comments |
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WOW! What a wonderful tour. My wife Peggy had worked on me for many years to return to Vietnam. We could not have gone with a better group. Dave Macedonia and Dave Lytle were a joy to be around, and everything was organized very well. Tuc, our Vietnamese guide, was very personable, informative, and fun to be with. The word "closure" doesn't really describe what happened to us, but rather we rediscovered a beautiful country with warm and welcoming people. Seeking out our own and other people's areas of interest gave purpose to our travels and broadened our understanding of the country and the conflict. The War Remnants Museum very difficult for me, but it was worthwhile to begin to understand the other side's perspective, but I don't know that we could ever step foot in there again. The food was excellent, the Tiger Beer cold, the hotels were very nice. 42 hours by plane, 834 miles by bus, and 9 hours by boat! What a trip! Thank you, Big Dave and Dave for a great trip. And thank you to Lee Lytle for taking Peggy shopping! |
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Bayard and Peggy Jones |
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Tour VN-11091 - September 2011 |
USA - 2nd/47th INF (M) 9th DIV |
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Thank you Vietnam Battlefield Tours for allowing me the opportunity to revisit Vietnam with my dad who served in the Army. Our trip gave him the opportunity to relive memories and share his stories with fellow veterans. We can't wait to go back! |
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Amber Taylor |
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Tour VN-11062 - June 2011 |
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For someone who was never there, your tour guides made me very welcome. I experienced a myriad of emotions from watching and interacting with the vets on the tour, including our tour guides. I will never forget the strong emotional bond I felt with the entire tour group. I am impressed by the efforts your guides made to get us to every location where the people on our group wanted to see. To see the look in the vet's eyes as they went back in time to 1968 as we arrived at their bases was heart warming. |
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Robert Nishiyama |
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Tour VN-11062 - June 2011 |
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The professionalism in which the entire tour was conducted was nothing short of superb. The transportation, guides, overall knowledge of where we went/what we saw, and accommodations were far better than anticipated. There is no doubt that I would highly recommend Vietnam Battlefield Tours to anyone interested in going to Vietnam. |
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Marvin Pixton, III |
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Tour VN-11061 - June 2011 |
USMC - VMO-2/HML-167 & VMA-311 |
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My return to Vietnam in June 2011 was totally memorable. Not only did I get to see places I served at, I was fortunate to view many sites -- as well as hear the memories -- that meant so much to the USMC, Army and Navy vets in our group. |
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Doug Woods |
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Tour VN-11061 - June 2011 |
USMC - 1st MAW, MAG 16 |
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I was apprehensive about returning to the 'Nam, but VBT went 'above and beyond' to make it a healing, rewarding and pleasing experience. . . I did not want the tour to end and look forward to returning with VBT in the near future. |
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David Whitehorse |
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Tour VN-11041 - April 2011 |
USMC - MACV (1962-1963); 1/9 & RLT-26 (1965-1967); 1st Recon (1970-1971) |
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My 2011 return trip to Vietnam was everything and more than I ever expected. It was surely one of the most fulfilling, gratifying and fun experiences of my life. The camaradarie and friendships experienced and gained in this two short week tour will forever be priceless. Our tour guides.............They don't get any better whether it was tending to my needs or understanding where I was emotionally on this journey which was of grave concern to me pre-tour. |
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Fred Sepelak |
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Tour VN-11041 - April 2011 |
USAF - 6924th Security Squadron |
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This was my second trip back with VBT. My first trip was filled with anxiety and apprehension that was quickly alleviated thanks to the professional manner in which the tours are conducted. I left with an incredible feeling of inner peace. On this trip, I had specific goals and Tex and Gene insured that those goals were met. Once again my expectations were greatly exceeded. Thank you for another unforgettable experience. |
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Dennis Swick |
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Tour VN-11041 - April 2011 |
USMC - 1st RECON |
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I was so impressed with our guides Bob, Bill and Ed because they really went out of their way if they saw we were interested in a particular location as we traveled. If they could not meet our request then, they offered alternative ways to meet our request. Their caring attitudes enabled me to exceed my goals and to experience a few emotional moments as I participated in this trip! |
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Terrance Vlug |
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Tour VN-11031 - March 2011 |
USA - 101st ABN DIV |
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It was especially meaningful to hear the stories of the battles and of the daily routines as told by the men and women who actually served there at the time, including both the tour guides and the tour participants. No two persons shared the same experiences, and a bond quickly arose among all of those on the tour.
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Kerwin Stone |
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Tour VN-11031 - March 2011 |
USAF - 17th. Radar SQD |
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To me this was the most rewarding experience in my life. Gene and Bob really have their stuff together. |
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Leroy Robinson |
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Tour VN-10091 - September 2010 |
USMC - 1st and 3rd Shore Party |
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A++ Everything delivered as promised. Two dedicated guides to bring the Vietnam Experience to you. Their knowledge of Vietnam and understanding of the culture made this trip truly a once in a life time event. I would not hesitate to use Vietnam Battlefield Tours as my tour service at all. The attention to detail with map overlays, battlefield sites and complimentary hats, baggage preparation and on time moves was astounding. Perfect job, Thank you |
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Gordon Bullard |
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Tour VN-10091 - September 2010 |
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We really appreciated the extra efforts VBT put forth to accomodate specific requests of everyone on the tour. It was interesting to hear the stories of each veteran as we visited their specific sites. The sharing helped to bring the group together and appreciate each other. We appreciated the ability to gain access to areas/places that would probably not have been accessible on any other type of tour. Also, appreciated ability to visit places "off the beaten path" of regular tourist tours. |
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Steve & Ruth Engel |
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Tour VN-10031 - March 2010 |
USAF - 6924th Security Squadron |
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Great tour. It exceeded our expectations. It was great to be able to take my wife and have her see first hand the camaraderie that is established between Marines and the care that they have for one another even after 40+ years. The country is still beautiful and the Vietnamese people are gracious hosts. I recommend this tour to all Vietnam Vets. |
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Larry & Debbie Sanich |
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Tour VN-10031 - March 2010 |
USMC - 1st Marine Division Vietnam 1968-1969 |
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Vietnam Battlefied Tours doesn't just take you to visit Vietnam. The guides take you to places that mean something. They take the solder back to where they became a man and served their country with pride and honor. I am forever changed by my trip with Vietnam Battlefield Tours and the men who so graciously shared their stories and experiences. Thank you Vietnam vets for your service to our country! |
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Linda Gacsko |
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Tour VN-10031 - March 2010 |
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Your descriptions and explanations were wonderful. Your ability to have a structured tour and yet flexible enough to cater for the participants' past service was fantastic and a privilege to be part of. This tour is as much about assisting the individual to return to Vietnam as it is about showing the battlefields. We were both very happy to have been a part of this tour. |
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David and Di Sabben |
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Tour VN-10031 - March 2010 |
RAR - Royal Australian Regiment, 6th Bn/Delta Co |
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Not only did I have a wonderful experience on the trip, my children: Jess, Meg, and John (ages 18, 17, and 14) actually admitted to having a good time. They shared conversations with the other members of the tour and really shared a special bond, one that will stay with them forever! I'm sure they will draw on this experience in high school, college, and life. It gave them a different perspective of the world and made them stop and think about all the things they have at home, and how it must have felt to be 18, away from home, hot, and in a strange place fighting a war. They really had an education about the war and saw the battlefields where relatives and friends fought and died...and, most importantly, they will tell others to ensure that we never forget! |
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Elaine Feerick |
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Tour VN-09081 - August 2009 |
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This 20 day tour from Hanoi to Saigon was the best tour I've ever been on. The tour guides were super, the information provided prior to the trip was on the mark, and the hotels, food and Vietnamese tour guides exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Vietnam Battlefield Tours to anyone wanting to experience Vietnam as seen through eyes of Vietnam veterans. THANKS! |
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Don Alsbro |
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Tour VN-09042 - April 2009 |
USA - COL, US Army (ret) 1st Air Cavalry |
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Vietnam Battlefield Tours allowed me the opportunity to revisit the areas of Vietnam where I served with the Marines. It was uplifting to see how the country has recovered from the war. It is beautiful territory, and the people are warm and engaging. I would urge anyone to visit there. |
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Denton Kime |
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Tour VN-09042 - April 2009 |
USMC - Delta 1/9 |
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I don't know how the trip could have been any better than what it was. Each vet in our group got to stand on the ground in every spot he wanted to see except for places currently occupied by the VN military, which were few. I don't understand how you can provide such a comprehensive tour for such a reasonable price. |
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Claude Frazier |
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Tour VN-09042 - April 2009 |
USA - Co "B", S&T Bn., Americal Division |
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The tour was so much more than I had expected! The guides were great! I was able to see the places that I wanted to see and the guys made the other parts well worth the trip. I would recommend your service to anyone who is thinking of going back to Vietnam. |
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Gregory Frey |
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Tour VN-09041 - April 2009 |
USMC - Lima 3/7, 1st MED |
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I have to admit that I was a bit apprehensive about returning to Vietnam. After the first day all of my inhibitions and preconceived notions had disappeared. The people are friendly and the country is beautiful. VBT's tour guides are very knowledgeable and relate the current and past history of Vietnam in an understandable manner. They guided me to every place of interest that I wanted to visit. I would highly recommend this tour for not only Vets but for their families and friends. I plan on going back again soon! |
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Gary Rigo |
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Tour VN-09041 - April 2009 |
USMC - Alpha 1/7 |
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I went on this tour not really knowing what to expect. In general I was trying to chase down old ghosts. After the first 3 days, I stopped looking for ghosts and became a tourist. There are no ghosts at the bases where I was previously stationed. There is too much vibrant living going on there. |
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Louis Pincock |
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Tour VN-09031 - March 2009 |
USA - 5th SFG, 173rd Airborne Brigade |
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For anyone who served in Vietnam this was well planned and perfectly executed tour. The changes and progress made in rebuilding Nam is unbelievable. Anyone who served or fought there will find peace of mind and will feel good about being a Vietnam Vet. I am a retired Army Nurse Corps officer stationed in Saigon at a 1200 bed hospital in 68 - 69. I say every Vet should go back with Vietnam Battlefield Tours to put their "old ghosts" to rest. You will make a grave mistake if you do not go with these great guys. |
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Sheila McCann |
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Tour VN-09031 - March 2009 |
USA - Nurse Corps - 3rd Field Hospital, Saigon 1968 - 1969 |
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The tour was incredible for me, my father and my son Richard. I cannot find the words to describe my feelings that day we spent in Xom Tan Liem. The emotions that we felt that day were of sorrow, pride, and relief all mixed together.
After 40 years I finally managed to visit the location where my brother
Richard and 3 of his fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice on May 10, 1968. I will never truly be able to thank you and the Vietnam Battlefield Tours for the incredible personal service that you gave us during our stay in Vietnam.
I could not have imagined that I would have so many wonderful memories after returning to Vietnam. The Vietnamese people made me feel very welcome, and I hope that I will be able to make another trip to Vietnam sometime in the not so distant future.
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David Flores |
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Tour VN-08051 - May 2008 |
USA - 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
CPL Richard Flores KIA 5/10/68 - USA - 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry |
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The tour exceeded all my expectations. Bill Stilwagen and our friendly and knowledgeable Vietnamese guides went above and beyond to get our tour members to the battle sites and crash sites. It was very hard and emotional to climb a mountain to my husband's helicopter crash site to scatter our daughter's ashes with her Dad, but a good feeling of peace and closure. They showed us the beauty of the country and the people. An amazing trip. Thank you |
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Justine (Judy) Shields |
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Tour VN-08041 - April 2008 |
Widow of WO1 Robert Hazen Shields KIA August 15, 1969 USA - 174th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Assault Battalion, Americal Division
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Absolutely nothing to complain about - trip was excellent. I have traveled to over fifty countries in the world and this was the most hassle free trip I have encountered. I have been bragging on Vietnam Battlefield Tours to everyone since my return.
Like many Vietnam combat vets I was a bit apprehensive about returning. I am extremely glad I took this trip. The quality of the trip was amazing and the effort put into making it so by Bill S. was nothing short of terrific. Finding the crash site of Pat Murray, and being able to talk to a witness to the crash was beyond unbelievable. I know the information we were able to bring back was a huge comfort to my cousin and her extended family.
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Tom Shabel |
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Tour VN-08041 - April 2008 |
USMC - 1/27 and 1/4
Captain Patrick P. Murray, USMC - KIA January 19, 1968 - VMA-533, MAG 12, 1st MAW |
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A fine gathering of Marine and Navy combat veterans of Vietnam, along with the woman who supported us. An absolutely wonderful combination of all human emotions.
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Tim Halpin |
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Tour VN-08031 - March 2008 |
USN - VR-21 C-130's |
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Outstanding experience. Greatly exceeded my expectations. I returned with an inner peace I cannot really explain. Thanks Ed and Gene for an unforgettable trip.
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Dennis Swick |
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Tour VN-08031 - March 2008 |
USMC - 1st RECON |
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Gene/Tex...What a great time. This is the second time in two years that Carole and I have gone with you guys. This second tour was different from the first since you tailor the tours to fit the participants.
The comraderie amongst the tour participants was superb. I have told my friends that the atmosphere on the bus was a "rolling squad bay" on wheels. What a blast. THANK
YOU.
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"Doc" David Snider |
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Tour VN-08031 - March 2008 |
USN Corpsman / USMC - 1st RECON |
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Tex, The trip you put together for us exceeded my expectations. I believe it to have been a life changing experience. Where memories of calamity and chaos once dominated the thought process where Vietnam was mentioned, those images have in large part been replaced by the images of smiling, laughing children and the peaceful serenity of the beautiful landscapes. I returned home tired but at peace. Thank you and Semper Fi.
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Steve Englebrecht
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Tour VN-08021 - February 2008 |
USMC - 5th Marines - Scout Snipers |
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Batttlefield Tours is a first-rate operation. The organizers' and guides' knowledge of the country and their willingness to accommodate individual needs and interests is extraordinary. I can't imagine a better way to experience today's Vietnam.
The trip was great. What you folks are doing for those of us who have been grappling with the consequences of the Vietnam War is invaluable. You have hearts of gold.
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Janet Peterson |
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Tour VN-07061 - June 2007 |
Sister of SP5 Donald Carl Peterson KIA 11/17/1965
USA - HQ Co, 2nd Bn, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Div |
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The Vietnam Battlefield Tours staff is great and they go the extra mile! Tex did everything he could to get me to the places I had been during my two tours in Nam even though they weren't on the original itenerary. If I ever get another chance to go again, this is the group I will go with! |
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Robert Longcrane |
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Tour VN-07061 - June 2007 |
USMC - 2/26 |
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"Returning to Vietnam was something that I feared and yet wanted for 37 years. It is a beautiful place when people aren't shooting at you. It was very healing and rewarding." |
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"Doc" Bobby Cash |
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Tour VN-07061 - June 2007 |
USN Corpsman / USMC - India 3/7 |
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The tour guides are among the best. They exposed us to all aspects of Vietnamese life; the people, food, culture, history, shopping. It was a very rewarding experience and gave us a new and positive perspective of Vietnam. We gained new friends amongst our fellow travelers and Vietnamese. |
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Bill & Katherine Symonds |
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Tour VN-07031 - March 2007 |
USMC - Kilo 3/4 |
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For Californians... Dudes, totally awesome and gnarly! For the rest of us ... Highly emotional, conscience clearing, and informative. I'd do it again in a New Jersey second! |
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Richard Buggelli |
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Tour VN-06051 - May 2006 |
USMC - HMM 263 |
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For every Grunt this trip is a must at least once, we had time to concentrate on the beauty of the landscape rather than dodging bullets. People very very friendly everywhere, even the VC we met. |
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Erkki Nevatie |
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Tour VN-06031 - March 2006 |
USMC - India 3/7 |
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I was relieved knowing that one of the tour guides was also looking out for my wife's comfort and safety as we climbed the hills and walked the trails. It appeared to me that one of the guides was always assigned to the wives. Going back with guides who have "been" there made it much more worthwhile. They were helpful in taking the attendees right to the special places the attendees "needed" to see again. They took me right to the coordinates where I was wounded 37 years ago. |
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"Doc" David Snider |
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Tour VN-06031 - March 2006 |
USN Corpsman / USMC - 1st RECON |
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An in-depth combination of broad view and up close & personal. The combination of experience and learning was eye-opening and, in many cases, a much-needed look at a country that veterans and those who love them still find confusing. A tour that was experienced personally and conducted professionally.... |
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Micheal Holmes |
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Tour VN-06031 - March 2006 |
USMC - 1st RECON |
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