Tag: Vietnam Veteran

She Could Be My Daughter

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

It doesn't happen every day, that someone you connect with returns for a second visit. Duane and Sandy from MI from yesterday's story returned, and as we were speaking Diana Long came in. As we talked, Sandy turned to Diana and said: "You look like the daughter I never had." Wow, you decide.
It doesn’t happen every day, that someone you connect to returns for a second visit. Duane and Sandy from MI from yesterday’s story returned, and as we were speaking Diana Long came in. As we talked, Sandy turned to Diana and said: “You look like the daughter I never had.” Wow, you decide.

Shortly thereafter, Sandy left the gallery soon and returned with a gift for Diana, a huge silver cuff. They had just met minutes before in my gallery and I am speechless. Neither of these women will forget this for the rest of their lives, and neither will I.
Shortly thereafter, Sandy left the gallery soon and returned with a gift for Diana, a huge silver cuff. They had just met minutes before in my gallery and I am speechless. Neither of these women will forget this for the rest of their lives, and neither will I.

I'll also never forget these folks. Duane is made of solid granite, which you can feel if you pat him on the back. He needs the cane, but I'll be his cane any time. His combat incident resulted in 3 fatalities, but he survived. He's a 25% Chippowa American Indian, whose tribe has a reservation at Red Lake MN.
I’ll also never forget these folks. Duane is made of solid granite, which you can feel if you pat him on the back. He needs the cane, but I’ll be his cane any time.
His combat incident resulted in 3 fatalities, but he survived. He’s a 25% Chippowa American Indian, whose tribe has a reservation at Red Lake MN.

So just to wrap this up, here is Duane in basic training in '69 at Fort Knox, TN. He's standing next to a 114 amphibious personnel carrier. His Chippawa name is " Wind in His Tail." I wish Duane and Sandy a fair wind, and smooth sailing. After being here for one day, they said to me: "I think we could live here." I sincerely hope so.
So just to wrap this up, here is Duane in basic training in ’69 at Fort Knox, TN. He’s standing next to a 114 amphibious personnel carrier. His Chippawa name is ” Wind in His Tail.” I wish Duane and Sandy a fair wind, and smooth sailing. After being here for one day, they said to me: “I think we could live here.” I sincerely hope so.

A Hero Shot, in More Ways Than One

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

As I was walking to work today, this guy stepped aside for me to pass. As I walked by him, I mentioned how much I liked his cane, not realizing what it symbolized. I saw him and his wife later sitting on the bench in front of Palazolas. So you all know me... This is Duane Bellish and his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy. They live in Grayling, northern Michigan. They love Glosta', having never even been here before. "All the people we've met have been fun, interesting, and most helpful. Fred, you alone have made our weekend." We spent maybe an hour together talking. They are devout Christians, and blessed me half a dozen times. Me, I bless them only once, but to the power of 20. God Bless Duane and Sandy x 20!
As I was walking to work today, this guy stepped aside for me to pass. As I walked by him, I mentioned how much I liked his cane, not realizing what it symbolized. I saw him and his wife later sitting on the bench in front of Palazolas. So you all know me… This is Duane Bellish and his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy. They live in Grayling, northern Michigan. They love Glosta’, having never even been here before. “All the people we’ve met have been fun, interesting, and most helpful. Fred, you alone have made our weekend.” We spent maybe an hour together talking. They are devout Christians, and blessed me half a dozen times. Me, I bless them only once, but to the power of 20. God Bless Duane and Sandy x 20!

Duane served in the US Army in '69 and '70. He was a Tank Commander in the 25th Infantry, Driving 112APC tanks on the Cambodian Border (Base Camp Cuchi). Two Purple Hearts and still carrying shrapnel. Today, Duane needs his cane, and with Sandy sells home grown plants, cut flowers, at the Detroit Eastern Market, which is 150+ years old. They agree that Detroit is not doing well. I gave them a GMG sticka', but was too intrigued with them to include it in the photo. My grandpa Yewell also got two purple hearts in the trenches of France in WWI.
Duane served in the US Army in ’69 and ’70. He was a Tank Commander in the 25th Infantry, Driving 112APC tanks on the Cambodian Border (Base Camp Cuchi). Two Purple Hearts and still carrying shrapnel. Today, Duane needs his cane, and with Sandy sells home grown plants, cut flowers, at the Detroit Eastern Market, which is 150+ years old. They agree that Detroit is not doing well. I gave them a GMG sticka’, but was too intrigued with them to include it in the photo. My grandpa Yewell also got two purple hearts in the trenches of France in WWI.