Viet Nam Veterans, Brothers, To Be Deported By Homeland Security
D-Day was a defining day in the freedom of the United States of America. Two Viet Nam Veterans are fighting for their own D-day. If they lose they will be deported as illegal immigrants after putting their lives on the line for the US and living here for over 50 years.
Valente and Manuel Valenzuela came to the US as permanent residents with their US citizen mother as children. They attended American schools, lived the American Dream and considered themselves American citizens. Their father became a US citizen 30 years ago. As far as anyone was concerned, the Valenzuela boys were as American as apple pie.
As the Viet Nam War raged, both brothers enlisted, Valente in the Army in 1967, and Manuel in the Marines in 1972. Other brothers have also served with a member representing all banches of service.
It was also 1967 when Muhamad Ali lost his world boxing title because he refused to serve. Engrollment in colleges sky rocketed with youths seeking a deferment from the draft, hoping the war would be over by the time they graduated. Others ran to Canada and have since been pardoned and still others went to jail. Peace protests broke out all over the country.
The year of the Tet Offensive, 1968, was the deadliest of the entire ten year long war. By year end, 28% of all the casualties were lost during that bloody 360 day period. Valente found himself in the thick of it. One night while running for his life he was snagged in a Viet Cong booby trap, ripping his body open. The wounds cause him problems even today, though they didn't keep him down for long then. Because of an FBI clearance, his superiors entrusted special duties to him, which put him in contact with CIA operatives. He also left the war with recurring nightmares. Being awarded the Bronze Star was little consolation for years of suffering.
A lot of men deserved the Bronze Star, but they were not lucky enough to have superiors notice their actions. Manuel performed multiple rescue missions via helicopter and amtrack. Many soldiers have the bravery of Manuel and his crew to thank for their lives. Only, not all of Manuel's crew made it trhough the mssions alive.
After they returned from theater, Post Traumatic Stress disorder took it’s toll on both brothers and their relationships. The US was an unfriendly place for soldiers in the post Viet Nam era. The country, frustrated with its leaders over the conflict, took their anger out on the men who fought in Southeast Asia. It is one of the greatest shames in US history, some say.
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