Harolds Story

My name is Harold, and I am a Vietnam Veteran and a member of the Disabled American Veterans

Just Eight months after graduating from High School, I found myself in Vietnam. I served in the Army with the Americal Division 1968-1969 as a machine gunner on an armored personal carrier. 

Early in the morning of September 14, 1969, my personal carrier was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. I was hit and wounded. My sergeant, who was also my best friend in Vietnam, was standing beside me and was killed. Within minutes, 2 more personal carriers were hit and on fire. A total of three soldiers were killed and twenty were wounded. A med-vac helicopter arrived and took me and the other wounded to a MASH unit. After seeing my wounds, a nurse told me, “Soldier, your war is over.” After a month in an Army hospital in Japan, six months in another Army hospital in Kentucky and numerous trips to various VA hospitals, I have decided years later, that for a soldier who has been to war, that “His” war is never over. 

After being discharged from the service, I moved back to my parent’s home in Tennessee. I had no job, no formal training, and no idea what to do with my life. After working some odd job, I went to work at an oil company. Although still floundering which resulted in a poor work ethic, My Boss, a veteran himself, was patient with me and I actually became an asset as an employee with a good work ethic and continued to work for this company till he sold it 15 years later. I still consider him my boss and my advisor. 

About 2 years into my job, I met and married my first wife. I was not a good husband. I was young and thought I knew everything. After a tumultuous 7 years she filed for divorce and our marriage ended. We had one son who chose to stay with me which was a great blessing. After 5 years I met and married my present wife, Jean. (It is said that even a blind squirrel can find an acorn once in a while.) Jean is a schoolteacher of 38 years and apart from being saved by the grace of God, she is the greatest blessing the Lord has given me. 

My son Rob is also married to a schoolteacher and assistant principal. We have 3 grandchildren whom we enjoy wonderful times. 

After my boss sold his business, I was blessed to go to work in the National Park Service where I worked for 17 years. Here I was able to meet and talk to people from all over the world. My wife and I are now retired and enjoying our free time with our grandchildren.

I was saved at a very young age. I did not always seek the Lord in the decisions of my life which brought many problems into my life. My wife and I are very active members of our Baptist Church. I praise God and give Him all the glory for whatever is good in my life today. 

Maybe you are like me and battling some problems in your life. 

Jesus said in John 15:13 “No greater love than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” 

Jesus wants to be your friend

Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated his love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

What Jesus did for me and my family, He wants to do for you. I would like to invite you to experience what God can do for you! Jesus died on the cross for you and had you on his mind when he died. He knows your thoughts, your needs, and everything about you. He wants to give you hope and a purpose for your life, and most importantly He wants to give you a home with him in Heaven. 

Jesus said, “Come onto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

He wants you to pray this prayer: “Lord, I know I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins, you were buried, and rose again for me. I invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust you as my Lord and Savior and to give me a new purpose for my life. Thank you for giving your life for me.”  In Jesus name, Amen