My greatest friendships were formed during my years of service. I felt these 42 years gave me invaluable experience and experiences. I learned so much about working as a team and becoming someone to depend on in so many situations. What I learned served me well throughout my life.

As terrifying as my time in Vietnam was, the camaraderie made it actually enjoyable to be with other men who became such an important part of my time there. I have many stories that returned with me but I prefer to think of the times our humor helped us to survive and grow as a team.

Citation from Fosters Daily Democrat article, “Vietnam veterans reunite at Somersworth Guard armory to mark 40th reunion,”  Sept 19, 2009:

“Gerald Cormier, 75, of Dover was 35 when he left his job as an electrical maintenance man for the B&M Railroad in Somersworth to go to Vietnam. The 42-year Guard veteran said he was in charge of an ammunition train that transported shells, gunpowder and other materials to fire bases. He said some trucks would return from a mission with bullet holes and no one knew where they came from.

“When you left on a mission you left a letter on your bunk in case you didn’t come back,” Cormier said.”