title: Sons of the Greatest Generation: Snapshots and Memories of Vietnam, October 1967 to October 1968
author: Ron Copeland
description: After returning from Vietnam, Ron Copeland went through a difficult adjustment period. Finding civilian work boring and unrewarding, he gravitated toward law enforcement, which turned into a thirty-five-year career. Over the years, Ron worked his way up the ranks, starting as a patrolman and then becoming a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and retiring as a captain with the Shawnee, Kansas Police Department. Ron and Terry, his wife of forty-two years, have three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. When he isn't writing, Ron can be found honing his horsemanship skills, taking art classes, traveling with Terry, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Ron and Terry live in the Kansas City area with their bulldog Petunia. Sons of the Greatest Generation is Ron's first book
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  Acknowledgements
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to my wife, Kathy Blair, for taking care of everything and giving me
  the encouragement, time and freedom to write.
  
  
  
  
  
  Thanks to Lionel Nosenchuck, leader of the Northside Writers’ Group, and to
  everyone who helped me improve my writing.
  
  
  
  
  
  Apologies to my first wife and kids: Carmen Ann, Carmen Marina, Freddy and
  Joanna. I’m sorry my rage so adversely affected my reasoning. Please forgive
  me.
  
  
  
  
  
  And a special thanks to my Mother and Father, Angie and Fred Tomasello, who
  always provided unconditional love and support for all their kids.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Quang Tri Province, Republic of South Vietnam
  
  
  
  
  
  ￼![3corps.jpg](Image00000.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  1
  
  
  
  
  
  Vietnam, March 1968
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I run, then low crawl the last few yards to the front. Five hundred yards
  away, shimmering trees and bushes are creeping towards us.
  
  
  Billy Joe Mc Carty, radio half-strapped to one shoulder catches up and hands
  me 