WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER

Today is POW/MIA Remembrance Day.    I’m thinking especially of the 58,272 who never returned from Viet Nam.  Somebody’s child, somebody’s spouse, somebody’s brother or sister  or even somebody’s parent who they would never meet. 

Today I’m thinking of a friend of mine who suffered deeply with PTSD after coming home from Viet Nam.  Army Ranger Gerald R. O’Dell.  He has served for a time as a POW before being released.  Gerry was a kind-hearted person who never asked for or deserved what his life became after coming home.  But PTSD is no respecter of persons and he spent his remaining years in and out of VA Hospitals and therapy.  Gerry was a soldier for whom the war still raged at home.

Gerry O'Dell was born October 23, 1949 at Richwood, West Virginia and was raised in Lakewood, California. He was the second of three sons.  His great-great-grandfather fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and from that point on, every generation of the O'Dell family has served ... Iwo Jima, Normandy and Viet Nam. He had a true and proud American heritage. 

Gerry joined the Army in November 1966. Since his father had served with the Darby Rangers in World War II, he had a strong desire to become a Ranger. The first year, he went through normal training courses and then entered the Republic of South Viet Nam in November, 1967. He first served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, and was then reassigned to E Co. Long Range Patrol, 51st Infantry.After serving there, he was reassigned to G Co. 75th Airborne Rangers. He attached to the American Division where he served as team leader for 5-man (LRRP) teams. He was a combat veteran, having served three tours in Viet Nam (1967, 1968, 1969). 

In 1968, Gerry's 5-Man LRRP team was overran by a battalion of North Vietnamese just outside of North Viet Nam. His four other team members fell and lost their lives, and Gerry was taken. Through intelligence, it was learned where they were moving him and two "A" teams and one Ranger team pulled am ambush and took dow. One man from the Special Forces picked Gerry up, threw him over his shoulders and ran to a huey, saving his life.

Sgt. O'Dell spent his last few months in Europe training troops before being discharged. He had been the recipient of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver and One Bronze Service Star, Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defence Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Republic Of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After Viet Nam, he heard about PTSD in the mid-1980s, but at first thought that was something which applied to "crazy people". Not until the 1992 suicide death of his younger brother George (also a Viet Nam veteran) did Gerry fully come to know the effects of PTSD on combat veterans. In 1996, Gerry went to his local VA hospital, where a psychiatrist interviewed him and told him that he was ate up with PTSD. After that, he attended weekly group sessions with other combat vets, and remained under a psychiatrists care. He eventually became 100% totally and permanently disabled because of PTSD. 

Gerry was a kind and loving person who would lay down his life for a brother. He enjoyed cooking, collecting Eagles and riding his motorcycle (he participted in the 2001 Run To the Wall on  Memorial Day.  He loved the Lord and was a reader of God's Word. He was a John Wayne fan, and also enjoyed country music. Ironically, the thing which tormented him most was the thing for which he was most proud -- his military record. He was proud Ranger, a champion for the POW/MIA cause, and was an American through-and-through. His blood ran red, white and blue!

Gerry died at his home on September 25, 2001, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was fifty-one years old. Funeral services and burial was held on Tuesday, October 16, 2001, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.  Gerry received a Military Funeral with Honors ... an Honor Guard, a beautiful eulogy by the Army Chaplain, the folding of the United States, the playing of Taps, a 21-Gun Salute, and Army helicopters flying overhead as family, friends and those who loved him most took Sgt. O'Dell to his Final Rest. I was so proud to be there with his wife and family.  It was something I will never forget.

At long last, Gerry is where he wanted to be ... safe in the arms of his Heavenly Father, free from pain and suffering. Maybe Heaven just needed one more hero.  I can see the Lord greeting him ... Welcome Home, Soldier!

Gerry O'Dell was a true American hero ... a Warrior with a loving heart, and he is missed by everyone who was touched by his life.

In tribute to Gerry, I am pleased to share his favorite recipe, one that he cooked often for his family.

SPAGHETTI SHRIMP

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes undrained

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 cup water

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon  Basil Leaves

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon  Oregano Leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper, Crushed

8 ounces pasta, linguine or spaghetti

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Mix tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt and red pepper in large saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package, adding shrimp during last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain. Return pasta and shrimp to saucepot.

Pour tomato sauce over shrimp and pasta. Toss gently to coat well. Serve immediately with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.