Ben Hai 211 Alpha
The Tragedy in Vietnam
Questions & Answers From The Only Radio Interview
We have with us this morning a new author and
before we talk about his book, I would like to introduce him and give you some
personal information about our author.
1.
First, what is your name and what is the title of your book?
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My name is George Ragsdale
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My book title is Ben Hai 211 Alpha
2.
Well George could you tell us something about your book.
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Yes, my book is about my Vietnam War experiences.
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As the title implies it is about my experiences along the
Ben Hai River during 1970 fighting with the “Ben Hai” ARVN or, the 2d
Regiment, 1st ARVN Division. The
“211 Alpha” was my primary military occupational specialty (MOS) which was a
field artillery counter battery technician.
3. What was your motivation for writing the book and why
now?
Answer:
For writing the book?
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First
Legacy, my ancestors have been fighting for this nation since 1711 and I wanted
to leave my story.
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Second, I
wanted to set a terrible wrong right. After
my experiences in Vietnam I was and I feel that basically all Vietnam veterans
were abandoned by the United States Congress, our political leadership, and in
my case the very institution that I was fighting for, the United States Army.
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We need
to understand the past to see the future. And,
by this I mean we do not want to make the mistakes in Iraq or other conflicts.
Answer:
Why now?
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First, it
has taken the last 30 years to get past the bitterness.
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Second,
there are some things in life that are important and there comes a time when you
need to take the time to do them. Therefore,
I took early retirement to write this story as it was just something that I
always wanted to do.
4.
Could you provide us some details as to what the story is about and what
your part was in making this story?
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Yes, as
the title implies I was basically
assigned along the Vietnam demilitarization zone (DMZ) to defend fire support
bases and allied maneuver units against enemy rocket and mortar attacks.
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My story
is very unique in that it provides the reader a first opportunity to see war
from a perspective of someone who fought not only with American units, but from
someone who fought with ARVN, Army Republic of Vietnam, units and in the counter battery
role. Therefore, to the best of my
knowledge this book is a first when it comes to talking about counter battery
operations during Vietnam utilizing the AN/MPQ-4 counter battery radar.
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Additionally,
this story takes place during a time when the American Army was coming apart at
the seams. I was caught up in the
“fraggin”, drug use and the general disintegration of the American military
during this period of time.
5.
You seem extraordinarily passionate about your job in the
military. Why?
Answer: A military career is honorable, it’s about being a professional, and it’s about integrity and winning, it’s about freedom and sacrifice, it’s about being an American. There are few challenges in life one will encounter that will draw upon your values as does being a military professional. And, frankly once one has experienced combat nothing before nor afterwards will came close to testing your integrity, strengths, leadership or values as combat does. Being a professional soldier sets you apart in a free society; you know the cost of freedom and the value of life. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you have so directly contributed to your country, freedom and history.
6.
How does this book relate to me? Why
should I read it?
Answer:
How does this book relate to me?
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In the
long run our freedom is the collective responses of all Americans.
Americans need to be fully aware of the many facets effecting our
national security and especially issues effecting our armed forces.
Although we no longer have a draft in this country, the individual
choices we make in leadership selection and
funding for defense impacts our national security.
And, an informed public is the best defense for freedom.
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In a
national emergency you “go with what you got.” So – it’s in your best interest, your family’s best
interest and your community’s best interest that we have the best military
force possible.
Answer:
Why should I read it?
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To make
sure you understand the impact that political leadership, media, and home front
political arguments have on your fighting forces.
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To make
sure we do not repeat the mistakes of the Vietnam War.
This holds especially true with the situation in Iraq.
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To get an
accurate account of what happened in Vietnam (history).
7.
If you could sum up the message in your book in one sentence, what would
it be?
Answer:
Well that is hard to do in one sentence, but let’s have a try at it.
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First,
the American public, media and leadership (military and civilian) should think
of the welfare of its soldiers fighting first and foremost.
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Second,
we do not need our own people supporting the other side without accountability
this time.
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Also,
incompetence bureaucracy and poor leadership should not be tolerated, period.
8.
If we have time for one last question, I would like to ask you about any
parallels you see between Vietnam and the war in Iraq.
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Recently
and very unfortunately, I have seen such parallels and have mentioned to my wife
as we watch the evening news that this was starting to look like “Vietnam
light” for the following reasons:
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We
already have members of the United States Congress calling American troops “Nazi”.
Remember that during Vietnam American troops were called “baby
killers”?
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We
already have some individuals and groups calling for a pullout timetable and/or
a schedule of troop withdrawal and this is a receipt for mission failure.
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The
negative side of the war seems to always be displayed on the evening television
news. This is exactly what happened
in Vietnam. The truth was the first casualty of war.
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And, I
have personal concerns about the direction that our military is taking in
regards to “casualty avoidance”, and the evolving “two-tier” military.
The pictures I see on the evening news of the large combat bases with the
air conditioning living quarters and swimming pools looks exactly like Vietnam
and that is were our problems started with discipline.
Well, Mr. Ragsdale do you have anything
else you would like to say and/or mention about your new book “Ben Hai 211
Alpha”? Also,
where could someone purchase your book today?
My book (Ben Hai 211 Alpha) can be purchased on-line at: www.UnKnownTruths.com
Within
days after this interview, George was stung by a wasp and died immediately.
