DISCLAIMER: This story is based on the television series Tour of Duty that aired from 1987 through 1990, distributed by New World Entertainment. All characters belong to the creators and/or producers of the show and were brought to life by many great actors and actresses. No money is being made with this story and it may not be posted, published or archived without permission.
WRITTEN BY: Percy
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank Pidd for uploading my story to her website. But there is one person that I would like to thank, Erin! Erin, thank you for pushing me forwards with this story. If it weren’t you, this story would have gone down the toilet. J
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‘Friends come and go but family is here to stay,’ I thought ‘That is not totally true.’
I glanced around at my family, who were my men and my friends, before I closed my weary eyes. These guys are and will be my friends until death do use part.
It seems even after being apart for years our friendships are still there. One ordinary handshake to Myron or a lopsided smile to Danny can spark the companionship that has been absent for many years.
Like every man and woman who has fought in a war, they know how difficult the past is in staying in the past. Certain things would and could take you back to that place; having good friends to help you get through make it easier. Like whenever I see a Vietnamese baby boy, I think of baby Judd. It helps that I talk to Marvin Johnson about it.
When I watch Danny and Alberto talk together and work together I remember all the times they were there for each other from Ru’s terrible nightmares, Danny’s drug problem to just helping each other in the jungle. From what I have heard and seen, they have done great in keeping their friendship alive.
My friendship with Myron is an interesting one. I have had many friends who thought they could run the show but Myron learned quickly that he could not. Even though he is
many years my junior when he first came to Nam as an inexperienced Lt. I figured I would give him a chance even though I and everyone else in the squad didn’t expect him to make it past the first week in the jungle. Nevertheless, Myron proved me wrong. Maybe he came to his senses, but after awhile Myron started to trust my judgment as a leader and as a friend. By the time he and I left Vietnam, we knew each other so well that we could finish each other’s sentences or just understand each other without saying a word.
My friends in Nam had become my family, a family without bloodlines. I could trust them with my life, and have many of times in the past.
“Zeke, time to go.” I heard Myron say as he placed his hand on my bulky shoulder.
“Yeah, uh huh.” I said looking up at him from the wooden chair.
“You ok Anderson?” Myron questioned in a concerning voice.
“Of course I am,” I answered as I got up from my seat.
A smile started to creep on my face, my famous lopsided smile, to reinforce to Myron that I was doing well.
‘Friends come and go but family is here to stay.’ I thought. ‘Is absolutely true.’