As the plane descended, the distance of sprawling greens and bright lights of the vast city scenes of Saigon took our breath away. Zachary and I knew that Vietnam had much to offer us, especially regarding people. How lucky I was to be along for the ride.
Our visit to Malaysia brought the exciting news that Linh, Zachary’s battle buddy from basic training, would be in the vicinity during our time there. This opportunity was an automatic ‘yes’ to traveling to Vietnam for a long-awaited reunion.
Zachary’s meet-up in another part of the world was a rare opportunity for a reunion of U.S. Army brothers.
I had heard about how these two met and listened intently to what they shared. Now referred to as Sgt. Yahman and Sgt. Nguyen, these enlistees met as they stood in line at a basic training camp in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in January 2019. Alongside them were other brave men and women ready for the challenging ride of basic training and advanced individual training.
The intensity of basic training only served to deepen their bond. As each soldier endured the same strict routine, Nguyen and Yahman gave it their all, forming a unique and unbreakable bond that only soldiers, with their shared experiences and sacrifices, can truly understand.
Duty upon duty was placed on them. Sleep was nonexistent, and gushing down chow at the canteen was part of their new norm, along with physical and mental exhaustion. But through it all, their determination for success never wavered.
Motivation was vital, and their energy was contagious. They supported each other and their fellow soldiers to achieve their personal best. Through it all, they screamed hooahs and sang military cadence as they marched in unison but spoke in nods, fist bumps, and cheers.
Any bits of spare time had them talking about personal goals and aspirations, cultural connections, and how they would graduate from basic training with stories to tell.
I had the pleasure of meeting Linh on the soldier’s graduation day. I was introduced to the battle buddy who had cheered, supported, and been a dedicated ally to my son. Linh’s positivity, confidence, and smile instantly took me aback. From that moment, my appreciation for the brave men and women who choose to serve in the Armed Forces grew stronger.
Graduation day saw them dressed one day in their blues and the next in their fatigues. Looking fit and sharp, these two men and their comrades were some of the most proud and dedicated people willing to serve that I had met.
After completing AIT, Nguyen and Yahman communicated closely about their lives as they pursued their military careers and civilian soldier responsibilities. They kept in touch through various means, from texting and phone calls to video chats. I was fortunate to hear from Linh, too, and I ensured that an opportunity for a quick reunion at the Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta in 2022 happened.
When it was time to witness their reunion, we headed for Linh’s family home. Waiting for us, with his camera in hand, Linh greeted us with the loudest hellos, hugs, and fist bumps. He expressed how much he had missed us; we both felt it in his strong embrace.
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After our celebratory meeting, we ventured on motorbike rides. Linh and his mother navigated Zachary and me calmly through the bustling Saigon streets. Featured on Linh’s bike was an eagle emblem lock that held a special place in his heart. This lock, not just a security measure, represented his dedicated service to the Army; a duty he spoke of with respect and pride. The eagle, a symbol of freedom and strength, constantly reminded him of the values he upheld as a soldier.
While his admiration for the Army was incredibly strong, Linh didn’t lessen when talking about the losses his native country experienced during the Vietnam War. He expressed how the war’s destruction, pain, and hardship were felt on both sides. Our conversations concluded that it takes tremendous effort and support for the deep wounds of war to heal and for peace to prevail.
Arriving at the restaurant of Linh’s choice, we feasted on traditional Vietnamese dishes. All ears from family and friends in attendance listened intently to these soldiers’ conversations about all things Army and life.
They shared familiar stories of their training, deployments, and unique soldier experiences, providing a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of military life. As I glanced at Linh’s mother, I could sense her heart felt full like mine as our sons reminisced. They talked about the camaraderie they experienced during training, the hardships of deployments, and the unique perspective they gained from their service. These soldiers’ reunion was a long time in the making, and everyone was taking it all in.
In the following days, Linh encouraged us to visit the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, and the Central Saigon Post Office, along with eateries, coffee shops, and bookstores. He demonstrated empathy for others by introducing us to a massage by blind people. Our bodies were healed from everyday aches and pains to those from military deployments and drills.
It was during visits to these sites and memorials that evoked moments of reflection and conversation. As I listened to Linh and Zachary share their thoughts and perspectives, I noticed they were respectful in their tone and choice of words. They spoke with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the pain and suffering that war brings and the lessons and growth it can inspire.
As our reunion journey ended, I observed how these two were beyond grateful for the chance to reunite continents apart. The Army training and deployments they served and healed from have left permanent marks on their hearts and minds. These sergeants’ journey as soldiers will encompass their souls, and their memories will last a lifetime, just like their unbreakable, brotherly bond.
