Class of: 1957
Brick: yes

Military Service: US ARMY JULY 8,1957-JULY31,1977 RANK AT RETIREMENT: LIEUTENANT COLONEL

In 1953, when I began my education at Stetson, most male students were required to complete the first two years of ROTC. It was optional for junior and senior students. I elected to continue in the program primarily because we were paid for our weekly drills and the money was needed. The summer between the junior and senior year cadets were required to attend summer camp training at Ft Benning, Ga. When I returned, I was told that because of my summer camp performance I would serve as the Battalion Commander of the Cadet Corps my senior year.

My military career began July 8, 1957 when I received a regular Army commission in Armor Branch. My initial assignment was to Fort Knox, Kentucky where I received my Armor Officer Training and then on to Fort Benning, Georgia for Ranger and Airborne training. A series of very rewarding assignments followed that included commanding Platoons, Troop (company) and Battalion size units. Other interesting assignments included instructor at the US Army Armor School, important staff positions, and assisting in development of new armor equipment to include the M-1 Main Battle Tank. I was sent to Vietnam the summer of 1964 where I was assigned to an eight-man advisory team located in An Loc, the provincial capital of Binh Long Province. The province was located 60 miles north of Saigon between Viet Cong strong hold areas, War Zone C and D. Infamous Highway 13 ran from Saigon through the Province to the Cambodian Border. It was the site of the July 13,1964 ambush that killed all members of the previous advisory team except for one NCO. My duties as a member of the team were varied and included assisting in an effort to gain or retain the support of the people at the hamlet and village level. Working with my Vietnamese counterpart, this included providing medical assistance and meeting other basic needs designed to improve the quality of life for the people. Additional duties included advising the local Ranger Company Commander during operations and riding in the back of attack helicopters helping to identify enemy locations and targets to be engaged while operating in the province.

When I served in Viet Nam in 1964 and 1965 I could feel the support of the country for my service and those serving with me. When I returned in 1971 that support was gone. The United States was in turmoil, plagued with demonstrations against the war, young men refusing to serve and returning veterans being harassed and even spit on. I am proud of all of my service to include serving in Viet Nam. The President and the US Government ordered me to do a job for my country and I did it to the best of my ability. I have no regrets except to wish I could have done more. Thanks go to my wife of 57 years, Phyllis Parr Hopkins (59) and four children for all their support during my military and subsequent civilian career.