Thanks for this submission, it takes me back to those troubled times. Those of us during the rise of the Vietnam War were propelled to go to College to get the Deferment, not to get the education. Education is always good, war, potentially deadly! Most of us were barely out of the “pimple stage” when faced with the draft, but Uncle Sam was calling. I had been on a “Pre-Med” course when joining a Fraternity. Soon, I allowed beer to interfere with study, result-Drafted.
My military training led to “Combat Medic”-yikes!
Next stop, Vietnam? A miracle twist put me in touch with Westmorland! My MOS changed to EENT Specialist, final duty Station AFEES Boston Mass, giving Draft Physicals!
Instead of dodging bullies, I was dodging insults by Young men, just like me!
In order to obtain a discount on a flight home, I needed to wear my uniform. I’ll never forget getting spat upon at the Airport. Upon discharge, I put away my uniform for 30+ years. Yes, Trump has made a difference! 6 years ago, I became a Director of the Pierre Claeyssen Veterans Foundation and now wear my uniform proudly.
Many counties mandate their Citizens to enter their Military. Israel would not exist without that Call To Duty!
To remain the “Land of the Free”, we should consider mandatory Service!
Dear Dana, I'm so moved by all these stories. It was not the best of times and so many died and suffered needlessly. At this point all we can do is remember and honor. And thank you for your service.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you personally for your moving article, “Thanking Our Veterans on Veterans’ Day.” Your words carry deep truth and sincerity, and they echo the experience of so many of us who grew up in that era. Like you, I came of age on the beaches of the San Fernando Valley, a surfboard under my arm and a restless spirit looking toward the horizon. Less than two months after my 17th birthday, I stepped onto those yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego—and my life’s course was forever changed.
Your reflection on Big Wednesday hit home. Those scenes of young men facing the draft, uncertain and afraid, are reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and scars—both seen and unseen—that defined our generation. You captured that truth beautifully.
The work you and your wife, Dundie, have done through the Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation is remarkable. Founding and sustaining such a nonprofit—with no paid staff and every dollar staying local—is a testament to your dedication and love for your fellow veterans. The Salute to the Vets in Solvang Park has become a beacon of gratitude and community, reminding us all that service and remembrance still matter deeply.
As Veterans Day approaches, I want to extend my thanks for your leadership, compassion, and voice. You’ve built something that honors not only those who served in uniform, but also the values that shaped a generation: loyalty, courage, and brotherhood.
I don't even know how to reply to your kinds words. Thank you. So very kind. I was never a veteran but I love that we are able to do what little we can to help those who helped us. Thank you for your service.
Walt, I too was a young surfer kid who joined the Navy, all over the pacific for 4 years. I didn’t blow stuff up like you guys, (0351 - demolitions, breaching, etc), but learned how the military works and was glad to help keep our beautiful country safe.
As I drown in year end requests for donations from 501(c)(3)s with return envelops addressed out-of-state, I can’t adequately express how much I appreciate learning that thanks to you there’s one more way to give to locally to veterans: Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation. Too many local veterans are left disabled with limited local support, especially in need of shelter. I’ve been a multi-decade committed donor to Vietnam Veterans. I want to understand why my government does not prioritize veteran assistance with my tax dollars but rather gives debit SNAP cards to able-bodied folks and foreigners driving new vehicles who have not contributed to country or community. Veterans Matter!
Amen. I don't understand how 42 million are going to starve in the United States without government assistance. What does that say about the supposedly great country that we are. And on a note closer to home, Newsom spent $280 million for one ballot measure so he could give Trump the finger. What a friggin waste of money, again.
How can it be possible for 42M Americans to “need” versus “want” free food?When did cash debit cards replace restrictive food stamps? Now Door Dadh will deliver to EBT card holders at 50% less than to non-welfare customers. Seems discriminatory. Tonight, the Supreme Court allows Trump administration to temporarily withhold some SNAP payments for November. This news came shortly after telling states that the food assistance debit cards would be fully funded. The administration asked the Supreme Court to step in.
My father's friend who was a three star sat me down at the age of 16 after Christmas dinner at their home off Patterson. He had been in charge of the theater over there, which my Dad had mapped years prior as part of an Army Intel Team. Not many had heard of Indo-China when we did that. But we knew we would be going in.
The Gen sat me down and soberly asked me what I intended to do if my number came up. I told him that I could not in good conscience go there. I had already experienced my best friend's Father having been shot down and the effect on his widow and children. I told him I would file as a C.O. and go to prison.
This is what he said:
"No one really understands what this war is about. But I am telling you, that you do not belong there. You also do not belong in prison for your beliefs. So do this. Go on a long surf trip. By the time we catch up with you, this will all be over."
I never needed to do that. But I had a couple close friends who did. One had his draft notice arrive at his family home as he was leaving for Australia to go film Michael Peterson in QLD. He told his Dad to never say anything. Two years later he came home.
It has been a privilege and honor to serve our warriors over the years. Thank you so much for letting us use the ranch for our Veteran support and recovery projects. Your Father, you and Pablo really have been that "Friend which sticks closer than a brother" to our community and Nation.
Thanks again for your very quiet service, and this share.
Thank you for creating a community response in support of veterans. In the long run, far better than one more perfunctory government support program that forever gets caught up in partisan food fights. Your volunteer efforts and support are 1000% more meaningful, since they come from of the community itself. The very people these service members were asked to protect. Thank you, thank you thank you.
Yes, government support for service members remains a critical public duty regardless of the outcomes or "popularity" of the war. But community love and enthusiasm for these same military service efforts, that comes from the heart. God bless you for rising to the call.
Thank you Henry for all you do and today’s tribute article to we Veterans.. I fortunately didn’t have to go to Vietnam, but served and nearly died in service, but for the graces of God. I was lucky like Dana and so many others as I may have never returned to surf all the magical days at Rincon, Hammonds and the Ranch to finish out my half century of being one with mother ocean on my board.
Once again the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation will be hosting a wonderful tribute ceremony at Santa Barabara Cemetery on the 11th. It starts at 11:00 sharp and will feature The Color Guard, bagpipers, buglers, honored speakers, the Prime Time Band and Santa Barabara Choral Society with a four aircraft flyby eventually performing the missing man formation. This wonderful event is free of course and well attended..please join us if you are able
I was a student at Pierce Jr College in the early 1970's. By then, the War had been ongoing for a decade, since I was in jr. high. I recall vividly when it was announced that Jane Fonda had been invited to speak on our campus -- at the football stadium, I believe. This was following her trip to North Vietnam. I thought about attending, about a second or two, and didn't. All three of my Chatsworth High School yearbooks, 1968, 69, and 70, had a page dedicated to those Chancellors who did not return home from their tour of duty. I thought of those boys, our classmates. I don't watch her movies to this day. Thank you Henry for honoring our precious veterans.
Our nation would be stronger and have more focus if we instituted Mandatory National Service. At the self-involved and clueless late teen age it would do wonders if every citizen, both sexes, were required to give 2 years of their youthful energy to something besides the narcissism of school and online popularity. Either the military or social service. We have an urgent need for America First priorities, and the manpower to build medical and mental health facilities and housing to deal with the casualties of the current drug and employment crisis. So much of what this Nation needs to get back on track could be provided by a new modern Civilian Conservation Corps or Work Progress Administration, organized with the focus of the military, but building up the Homeland instead of adventuring abroad. I have not seen the forever wars pursued in my lifetime as being just, and I pity those whose lives were devastated by participation. I hope to see a revitalized American Spirit that calls the citizenry to band together and forget the mind virus differences, and work to a common good.
Pat, there are a number of countries that require this. And it works out pretty well. It would be great and offer discipline, respect and patriotism. Maybe those Antifa crowd could put their energy in something productive. :)
If you are a Vet reading this, I want you to know I love you and more importantly, Jesus loves you. Nothing in your past is too much for Christ to forgive and heal if you submit to Him and seek forgiveness. The Roman Catholic Church that Christ founded, that with the power of the Holy Spirit assembled and preserved the Bible, and is the vessel of continuity for our civilization going back to the time of the Roman Empire has all of the rich wisdom and sacraments you need to become new in Christ. God protect you and us all.
I am moved by the the sacrifice of our veterans, but how many of us are willing to look at the ways their lives and souls have been misused under false pretenses and corrupt influences? How many wars were not just? How many since 9/11 were for Israel? How many of our military were forced to participate in or see evidence of sociopathic behavior with the goal of "breaking" a people instead of winning an end to conflict? How many see the coverup of Israel's murderous attack of US personnel on the USS liberty as disrespect for all of our veterans of war? How many see getting drawn into supporting Israel's liquidation of the people of Gaza, fellow Christians among them such as those killed in the attack on the Church of the Holy Family, as too much to bear like Aaron Bushnell tragically did?
As we come to the end of the unipolar moment for the US, it is important to work to overcome the corruption of lying about the nature of these wars so that each of us can be a part of a clamoring for a better way of being in the world community going forward. Christ said the truth shall set you free. This is true for our veterans. We face an epidemic of veteran suicides. How many of those veterans who take their lives do so out of not being able to hold up the lies and contradictions of what they were a part of? How many feel that no one who was not there can understand not only what they experienced, but also what those experiences revealed to them about what it was really for.
As always Henry, very well said. We need to do better, and like you say, with President Trump doing better is within reach. "Big Wednesday" has an ardent following as it veered from the "surf film" genre. "It's better at low tide" became a term to address the ups and downs of life and give hope to those downtrodden that there's Light if one will seek it. Blessings
Thanks for your comments and commitment. For those of you who will be in Santa Barbara on Veterans Day, the annual program at the Santa Barbara cemetery has to be one of the best in the country. As a vet (Navy) I always consider attending to be both an Honor and a Privilege. An Honor to show that I have served this great country and a Privilege to stand among my fellow veterans. To all of you, Veterans and non-veterans, who observe this day, I wish you
To the veterans of 1776 and the veterans of the 250 years to follow, we owe our deepest gratitudes. You have given us the greatest country on earth. Thank you!
I love our military, now that we got rid of that fool Biden and back to supporting it.
Where the heck would we be without them? The Commie-Dems, hippies etc. don’t realize how dangerous the world is and how many people would love to see America in the dirt. The only thing preventing it is the only thing they understand - m-u-s-c-l-e !
I'm glad Trump & Pete Hegseth changed the Department of Defense to the War Department. Better to let the world know we are more interested in fighting and winning wars than just defending ourselves.
Hi Henry,
Thanks for this submission, it takes me back to those troubled times. Those of us during the rise of the Vietnam War were propelled to go to College to get the Deferment, not to get the education. Education is always good, war, potentially deadly! Most of us were barely out of the “pimple stage” when faced with the draft, but Uncle Sam was calling. I had been on a “Pre-Med” course when joining a Fraternity. Soon, I allowed beer to interfere with study, result-Drafted.
My military training led to “Combat Medic”-yikes!
Next stop, Vietnam? A miracle twist put me in touch with Westmorland! My MOS changed to EENT Specialist, final duty Station AFEES Boston Mass, giving Draft Physicals!
Instead of dodging bullies, I was dodging insults by Young men, just like me!
In order to obtain a discount on a flight home, I needed to wear my uniform. I’ll never forget getting spat upon at the Airport. Upon discharge, I put away my uniform for 30+ years. Yes, Trump has made a difference! 6 years ago, I became a Director of the Pierre Claeyssen Veterans Foundation and now wear my uniform proudly.
Many counties mandate their Citizens to enter their Military. Israel would not exist without that Call To Duty!
To remain the “Land of the Free”, we should consider mandatory Service!
Dana Newquist
Dear Dana, I'm so moved by all these stories. It was not the best of times and so many died and suffered needlessly. At this point all we can do is remember and honor. And thank you for your service.
Subject: A Heartfelt Salute and Thanks
Dear Henry,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you personally for your moving article, “Thanking Our Veterans on Veterans’ Day.” Your words carry deep truth and sincerity, and they echo the experience of so many of us who grew up in that era. Like you, I came of age on the beaches of the San Fernando Valley, a surfboard under my arm and a restless spirit looking toward the horizon. Less than two months after my 17th birthday, I stepped onto those yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego—and my life’s course was forever changed.
Your reflection on Big Wednesday hit home. Those scenes of young men facing the draft, uncertain and afraid, are reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and scars—both seen and unseen—that defined our generation. You captured that truth beautifully.
The work you and your wife, Dundie, have done through the Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation is remarkable. Founding and sustaining such a nonprofit—with no paid staff and every dollar staying local—is a testament to your dedication and love for your fellow veterans. The Salute to the Vets in Solvang Park has become a beacon of gratitude and community, reminding us all that service and remembrance still matter deeply.
As Veterans Day approaches, I want to extend my thanks for your leadership, compassion, and voice. You’ve built something that honors not only those who served in uniform, but also the values that shaped a generation: loyalty, courage, and brotherhood.
With respect and appreciation,
Walt Hutton
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
0351 - Semper Fi
I don't even know how to reply to your kinds words. Thank you. So very kind. I was never a veteran but I love that we are able to do what little we can to help those who helped us. Thank you for your service.
Walt, I too was a young surfer kid who joined the Navy, all over the pacific for 4 years. I didn’t blow stuff up like you guys, (0351 - demolitions, breaching, etc), but learned how the military works and was glad to help keep our beautiful country safe.
As I drown in year end requests for donations from 501(c)(3)s with return envelops addressed out-of-state, I can’t adequately express how much I appreciate learning that thanks to you there’s one more way to give to locally to veterans: Santa Barbara County Veterans Foundation. Too many local veterans are left disabled with limited local support, especially in need of shelter. I’ve been a multi-decade committed donor to Vietnam Veterans. I want to understand why my government does not prioritize veteran assistance with my tax dollars but rather gives debit SNAP cards to able-bodied folks and foreigners driving new vehicles who have not contributed to country or community. Veterans Matter!
Amen. I don't understand how 42 million are going to starve in the United States without government assistance. What does that say about the supposedly great country that we are. And on a note closer to home, Newsom spent $280 million for one ballot measure so he could give Trump the finger. What a friggin waste of money, again.
How can it be possible for 42M Americans to “need” versus “want” free food?When did cash debit cards replace restrictive food stamps? Now Door Dadh will deliver to EBT card holders at 50% less than to non-welfare customers. Seems discriminatory. Tonight, the Supreme Court allows Trump administration to temporarily withhold some SNAP payments for November. This news came shortly after telling states that the food assistance debit cards would be fully funded. The administration asked the Supreme Court to step in.
Read in NBC News: https://apple.news/AwqDoDGinSaOLDuF1DSksMw
DoorDash is doing that only once per 'customer' and only for this month. More likely it is 'the first hit is free' marketing campaign.
God Bless you for writing this. 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷
Thanks Henry.
Your piece brought back a flood of memories.
My father's friend who was a three star sat me down at the age of 16 after Christmas dinner at their home off Patterson. He had been in charge of the theater over there, which my Dad had mapped years prior as part of an Army Intel Team. Not many had heard of Indo-China when we did that. But we knew we would be going in.
The Gen sat me down and soberly asked me what I intended to do if my number came up. I told him that I could not in good conscience go there. I had already experienced my best friend's Father having been shot down and the effect on his widow and children. I told him I would file as a C.O. and go to prison.
This is what he said:
"No one really understands what this war is about. But I am telling you, that you do not belong there. You also do not belong in prison for your beliefs. So do this. Go on a long surf trip. By the time we catch up with you, this will all be over."
I never needed to do that. But I had a couple close friends who did. One had his draft notice arrive at his family home as he was leaving for Australia to go film Michael Peterson in QLD. He told his Dad to never say anything. Two years later he came home.
It has been a privilege and honor to serve our warriors over the years. Thank you so much for letting us use the ranch for our Veteran support and recovery projects. Your Father, you and Pablo really have been that "Friend which sticks closer than a brother" to our community and Nation.
Thanks again for your very quiet service, and this share.
Thank you for creating a community response in support of veterans. In the long run, far better than one more perfunctory government support program that forever gets caught up in partisan food fights. Your volunteer efforts and support are 1000% more meaningful, since they come from of the community itself. The very people these service members were asked to protect. Thank you, thank you thank you.
Yes, government support for service members remains a critical public duty regardless of the outcomes or "popularity" of the war. But community love and enthusiasm for these same military service efforts, that comes from the heart. God bless you for rising to the call.
Thank you Henry for all you do and today’s tribute article to we Veterans.. I fortunately didn’t have to go to Vietnam, but served and nearly died in service, but for the graces of God. I was lucky like Dana and so many others as I may have never returned to surf all the magical days at Rincon, Hammonds and the Ranch to finish out my half century of being one with mother ocean on my board.
Once again the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation will be hosting a wonderful tribute ceremony at Santa Barabara Cemetery on the 11th. It starts at 11:00 sharp and will feature The Color Guard, bagpipers, buglers, honored speakers, the Prime Time Band and Santa Barabara Choral Society with a four aircraft flyby eventually performing the missing man formation. This wonderful event is free of course and well attended..please join us if you are able
I was a student at Pierce Jr College in the early 1970's. By then, the War had been ongoing for a decade, since I was in jr. high. I recall vividly when it was announced that Jane Fonda had been invited to speak on our campus -- at the football stadium, I believe. This was following her trip to North Vietnam. I thought about attending, about a second or two, and didn't. All three of my Chatsworth High School yearbooks, 1968, 69, and 70, had a page dedicated to those Chancellors who did not return home from their tour of duty. I thought of those boys, our classmates. I don't watch her movies to this day. Thank you Henry for honoring our precious veterans.
Our nation would be stronger and have more focus if we instituted Mandatory National Service. At the self-involved and clueless late teen age it would do wonders if every citizen, both sexes, were required to give 2 years of their youthful energy to something besides the narcissism of school and online popularity. Either the military or social service. We have an urgent need for America First priorities, and the manpower to build medical and mental health facilities and housing to deal with the casualties of the current drug and employment crisis. So much of what this Nation needs to get back on track could be provided by a new modern Civilian Conservation Corps or Work Progress Administration, organized with the focus of the military, but building up the Homeland instead of adventuring abroad. I have not seen the forever wars pursued in my lifetime as being just, and I pity those whose lives were devastated by participation. I hope to see a revitalized American Spirit that calls the citizenry to band together and forget the mind virus differences, and work to a common good.
Pat, there are a number of countries that require this. And it works out pretty well. It would be great and offer discipline, respect and patriotism. Maybe those Antifa crowd could put their energy in something productive. :)
A truly great idea but good luck trying to get it instituted
If you are a Vet reading this, I want you to know I love you and more importantly, Jesus loves you. Nothing in your past is too much for Christ to forgive and heal if you submit to Him and seek forgiveness. The Roman Catholic Church that Christ founded, that with the power of the Holy Spirit assembled and preserved the Bible, and is the vessel of continuity for our civilization going back to the time of the Roman Empire has all of the rich wisdom and sacraments you need to become new in Christ. God protect you and us all.
I am moved by the the sacrifice of our veterans, but how many of us are willing to look at the ways their lives and souls have been misused under false pretenses and corrupt influences? How many wars were not just? How many since 9/11 were for Israel? How many of our military were forced to participate in or see evidence of sociopathic behavior with the goal of "breaking" a people instead of winning an end to conflict? How many see the coverup of Israel's murderous attack of US personnel on the USS liberty as disrespect for all of our veterans of war? How many see getting drawn into supporting Israel's liquidation of the people of Gaza, fellow Christians among them such as those killed in the attack on the Church of the Holy Family, as too much to bear like Aaron Bushnell tragically did?
As we come to the end of the unipolar moment for the US, it is important to work to overcome the corruption of lying about the nature of these wars so that each of us can be a part of a clamoring for a better way of being in the world community going forward. Christ said the truth shall set you free. This is true for our veterans. We face an epidemic of veteran suicides. How many of those veterans who take their lives do so out of not being able to hold up the lies and contradictions of what they were a part of? How many feel that no one who was not there can understand not only what they experienced, but also what those experiences revealed to them about what it was really for.
As always Henry, very well said. We need to do better, and like you say, with President Trump doing better is within reach. "Big Wednesday" has an ardent following as it veered from the "surf film" genre. "It's better at low tide" became a term to address the ups and downs of life and give hope to those downtrodden that there's Light if one will seek it. Blessings
You’re doing a wonderful thing Henry, keep up the good work. God bless you.
To Henry Schulte,
Thanks for your comments and commitment. For those of you who will be in Santa Barbara on Veterans Day, the annual program at the Santa Barbara cemetery has to be one of the best in the country. As a vet (Navy) I always consider attending to be both an Honor and a Privilege. An Honor to show that I have served this great country and a Privilege to stand among my fellow veterans. To all of you, Veterans and non-veterans, who observe this day, I wish you
"Fair Winds and Following Seas".
Stan Schwartz
To the veterans of 1776 and the veterans of the 250 years to follow, we owe our deepest gratitudes. You have given us the greatest country on earth. Thank you!
I love our military, now that we got rid of that fool Biden and back to supporting it.
Where the heck would we be without them? The Commie-Dems, hippies etc. don’t realize how dangerous the world is and how many people would love to see America in the dirt. The only thing preventing it is the only thing they understand - m-u-s-c-l-e !
I'm glad Trump & Pete Hegseth changed the Department of Defense to the War Department. Better to let the world know we are more interested in fighting and winning wars than just defending ourselves.