The new #1 card of my collection, thanks Tanner
JolleyWrencher
Posts: 605 ✭✭✭
Tanner created 5 cards for me to honor my Father.
The ERDL camo pattern was created in 1948 and first used in Vietnam in 1968.
The green cross was added because my father got a tatoo on his left forearm in 1968 in Vietnam.
Foil was added to the front. The original black and white photo was enhanced to give it some color.
1 for my Mother who is taking care of my father who is now 100% disabled and has stage 4 dimentia.
2 for my Uncle who likely saved my Father's life by having their violent and abusive step-father put into prison for forcing my Father to rob guns from police cars in the early 1960s. My father enlisted as a Marine in Vietnam in 1968 to escape further abuse and unfortunately returned in 1969 to be subjected to more after my father got the 💜.
3 and #4 will be delivered this summer when I visit my oldest sisters family in Florida. My other older sister will be meeting me there.
5 is for me and my family
Sea Tiger was a publication created by the III Amphibious Marine team in Vietnam. My wife transposed the caption and made one small error which I call the 8mile error. She left the "s" off and I used to be an Eminem fan as a kid, so this error is kind of neat to me.
My father was the lead tank supporting the front lines for 18 months. Somehow they managed to keep the entire company safe while they had been in battles most of the 18 months. The guys detecting field mines made an error the day they were pulling out to return from their first tour and my father drove the tank for one last time. One gentleman standing on top instantly parished, a other gentleman standing out of the hatch lost his legs, and my father sustained an ankle injury, where his foot was nearly blown off, and he had shrapnel all throughout his body. He was unconscious and air lifted out. Upon arriving in California my father was spit on, called a rapist, told he was evil, and was attacked by many who disagreed with the war, and rightfully so in my opinion. While their hatred was misplaced, in my opinion, it was something my dad had to experience which likely altered his life for the better.
8 months later he was a street corner pastor and witnessed to Janis Joplin at the famous corner of Haight - Ashbury in San Francisco.
The 5 most important cards I have held in my hands may never come together again but they will always be remembered...until dimentia or something else takes me under.
The photo of my father was taken this past Mother's Day after he recently received his Quilt of Valor.
Tanner, thanks again buddy, these priceless gems have already helped comfort me during these times and I know they will do the same for my sisters.
Comments
What a wonderful tribute. Your Dad must have been one tough dude to make it out of Vietnam, especially during 1968. that was a tough year.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Great idea and story - thank you for sharing. They look badass!
Thanx for sharing and I'm saddened to see that your dad has stage 4 dementia.
I served in Vietnam 67-68 and Desert Storm 90-91 - retired 1997.
The cards are a nice tribute - I like'm!
Incredible tribute to your father. Heroes like him are what made this country great.
Mike, thank you for your service sir.
Brian
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
Mike I appreciate your service. What a heck of a career serving for so long. Same goes to the other folks on the board who put our lives before their own.
I get fascinated learning of all the athletes who served in war amidst their playing days...Ted Williams is the first that comes to mind but there were so many in various sports and leagues.
It would be neat to collect a set of all the athletes who were in active duty. If there were a list compiled already then I would love to get a copy of it and begin collecting.
Thank you for the positive comments. It sure helps to cope with the situation.