Looking Ahead to Mid-2025…
Now that the Vietnam War odyssey of Jif Miles has drawn to a close, it’s time to look at where the Miles Family saga goes from here. Fear not; the remainder of the 20th Century still offers proof that war never sleeps. While Jif’s career continues to flourish, we’ll see new members of the family join him in the ranks of fighting men and women. Stay tuned.
Just finished True, but Irrelevant”. Thoroughly enjoyed it. A very minor observation that niggles at me only because, when I started my career at Fort Benning in ’73, the term was quite common — Dai uy. Still heard it occasionally into the early 80s. The term was pronounced “die we”. Thought maybe I’d simply been hearing it and using it incorrectly all these years, but confirmed “die we” on a Vietnamese language site. This particular book reminded me of all the Vietnam war slang — boo coup, di di mau, Number 10 — that peppered day-to-day soldier speak, a bit of it is still hanging around today, tho I doubt soldiers using it today have any idea of it’s provenance. When I spent my year in Honduras (1987-88), all the buildings for the JTF-Bravo HQ — hootches, messhall, shower, shitters, warehouses, even the theater — were built of wood. The construction diagrams for all that were from a set of Engineer plans from Vietnam. Oh well. Again, enjoy your work. Looking forward to more.
What can I tell you, Gary? We GIs did have a talent for corrupting other people’s languages. All I can go on is what my ears and memory hold dear, and back in the day, right or wrong, it was die-you.
Glad you’re enjoying the books. Stay tuned…there are more to come.
WPG
I have enjoyed following Jif around as he tries to make his way forward. I met several “Officers” that had no honor nor could you trust them out of your sight. Of course, I also had the Honor working for many great Officers, including several General Officers who give you a reason to be a Soldier . I was an Admin Staff Sargent on the Staff of the USARV Aviation Officer BG Jack Hemingway. We were at Dong Ha with General Sutherland’s Headquarters during Lam Son 719. Generals get little sleep during operations and their staff has to take care of them or they will get sick. I never had a bad experience with any Senior Officer in my 20 year. I did get stabbed in the back by a couple of Lieutenant’s and I saved a Major’s career from his own stupidity . No one can say enough about good Sargent Majors. I look forward to following Jif in his next trial and tribulations. You do good work.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the books, James, and I definitely appreciate your POV. I know what you mean about a superior who can inspire you…I’ve had a few. as well. Stay tuned, because there are more stories to come. WPG