His ROTC professors from Akron U came to tell me he would not be coming home. I have gone on with my life becoming a RN…

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Vietnam War widow

Posted By Barbara Aydlett

My husband, 1st. LT. James Aydlett, was an Army helicopter pilot stationed in Soc Trang Vietnam. On July 11, 1966 his helicopter was shot down and all aboard were killed. Our son, Bruce Aydlett, was 2 and one-half at the time. He will be 49 in October. Jim and I met in college at the University of Akron and married in his junior year. After he graduated we were stationed at Fort Walters, Texas and then Fort Rucker, Alabama. Upon graduation in 1965, he was sent to Viet Nam. My son and I went home to Akron, Ohio to stay with my parents. During that time I formed the Viet Nam wives group and we met monthly to share what we were going through. 9 months after Jim left that knock came on my door. His ROTC professors from Akron U came to tell me he would not be coming home. I have gone on with my life becoming a RN and spending 35 years in the nursing profession. My son is grown and doing well. There is always that thought of what might have been and the regret that Jim never saw his son grow up. This Memorial Day the traveling Vietnam Wall was in our area and my son and I went to see it. A very moving day for us both. My heart goes out to all these young families who have suffered through the wars of the past 10 years. Multiple deployments must be so hard. After Vietnam I hoped we would never go through this again. God bless you all.

Vietnam War widow

My husband, 1st. LT. James Aydlett, was an Army helicopter pilot stationed in Soc Trang Vietnam. On July 11, 1966 his helicopter was shot down and all aboard were killed. Our son, Bruce Aydlett, was 2 and one-half at the time. He will be 49 in October. Jim and I met in college at the University of Akron and married in his junior year. After he graduated we were stationed at Fort Walters, Texas and then Fort Rucker, Alabama. Upon graduation in 1965, he was sent to Viet Nam. My son and I went home to Akron, Ohio to stay with my parents. During that time I formed the Viet Nam wives group and we met monthly to share what we were going through. 9 months after Jim left that knock came on my door. His ROTC professors from Akron U came to tell me he would not be coming home. I have gone on with my life becoming a RN and spending 35 years in the nursing profession. My son is grown and doing well. There is always that thought of what might have been and the regret that Jim never saw his son grow up. This Memorial Day the traveling Vietnam Wall was in our area and my son and I went to see it. A very moving day for us both. My heart goes out to all these young families who have suffered through the wars of the past 10 years. Multiple deployments must be so hard. After Vietnam I hoped we would never go through this again. God bless you all.

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