[Well, it may be 30 years later, but The Blue Fox has not stopped looking for his fellow servicemen and women from Vietnam. He is a former Marine and he also wants to assist others in looking for their country servicemen and women. So be sure to write to him if you know of a former Marine who served in Vietnam!--ck]

When I returned from Vietnam in 1969, about the only thing I was interested in (and not in this order) were hot showers, peace and quiet, staying dry, hot food, cold beer, "please don't ask me about Vietnam," and oh, did I say "being alone with my girlfriend?"

Well, the years went rapidly by. In late 1998, when I first got on the Internet, one of the first things I did was search for Marine Corps sites. We "jarheads," (LOL), aka former Marines, (as there isn't such a thing as an ex-marine), remember our heritage, tradition, and values, and most of all, "those who have passed on before us."

I found www.thefew.com and registered myself by clicking on "The Marine Guestbook" on the left sidebar area, then I scrolled down and in the middle, I saw "Register In The Guestbook" and also "Search The Guestbook." Then I went searching and was all excited "as you know what." I mean 30 years later changes a man's or woman's perspective in just about everything. Hoping with crossed fingers to locate anyone whom I had served with whether in the country or not!

Well, much to my chagrin, I didn't find a soul. I used search words such as my platoon number from boot camp, different units I served with, names, and you name it, I tried. Then in late 1999, I got a message from a person who was in boot camp with me in the summer of 1964. I mean it was like yesterday. The memories came flooding back. We have since talked on the "land" line, (that's a telephone to you civilians, LOL), many times and swapped war stories. Only another war veteran fully understands.

In January of this year, I received a message from someone I served with in Vietnam. He "found" me in the above site. Now the feeling is hard to explain, but suffice it to say, it made it all worthwhile!! I didn't recognize his first name but his last name was....hmmmm! Hey, wait a minute, I thought. I have some old pictures!!! So, sure enough, there he was with me some thirty odd years ago as hard corps young Marines serving our country and wondering if we were ever getting out of this place.

What really amazes me is that I have only found two people thus far. I have registered myself in more military sites than I can count. I have a web site called Blue Fox Military Sites, Gifs & Graphics that has quite a few veteran locator sites. I won't quit searching!

The History Channel has recently opened a site for veterans that should assist in locating our brothers and sisters.

With both of the above "locator" sites having a "message board" and the exposure from the History Channel, the search becomes easier.

There is also a newsgroup for WebTV which is firewalled and called alt.discuss.marines. This newsgroup has mostly Marines from all generations sharing memories and all types of interesting tidbits.

The purpose of me writing this article was hopefully assisting others in locating any and all servicemen and women!

Until next time, "keep your powder dry!" The Blue Fox, aka Richard F. Downey, Jr. "QSA ten, QKR ten out." Semper Fi!!

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[Community Editor's Notes: The Blue Fox, what a path you have forged for yourself in your attempts to locate your fellow servicemen and women! Net4TV wishes you the best in your quest and sincerely hopes that this article will bring many to your door! You are to be commended for your efforts to help others come together. We wish you the best in your endeavors!-ck]