Army, Vietnam War-era veteran Don Doudt: A veteran’s mission of changing the narrative
Don Doudt enlisted into the U.S. Army at the young age of 17. Expecting to be sent over to Vietnam, Doudt got unforeseen orders to Europe where he witnessed the aftermath of war on his fellow soldiers. Nearly five decades later, Doudt reconnected with his military past by participating in an Honor Flight where he got the opportunity to pay respects to his friends that lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Doudt's story is the latest in our 'I Am a Veteran' campaign.
In 1970, Doudt was undecided on the career path he wanted to follow and high school graduation was approaching quickly. With the Vietnam War at its height, he made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey, in preparation to be sent over to Vietnam.
After basic training was completed, Doudt and 599 others reported for orders – that morning, 598 soldiers were sent to Vietnam and only two stayed behind, one of those men being Doudt. It would be weeks before he received new orders to go to Europe, where he spent time speaking with wounded soldiers in 97th General Hospital.
“When I showed up at Fort Dix again for orders, I was told to get on the plane to Europe and I asked him where the other plane was going and he said I didn’t want to get on that one, the other plane was going to Vietnam,” said Doudt. “I was very lucky but still struggle with survivor’s guilt.”
While in Europe for almost three years, Doudt assisted and cared for wounded soldiers coming back from Vietnam. After listening to their stories and witnessing the aftermath of war, he departed from military service and began his civilian life. He utilized his G.I. Bill® to obtain a degree in accounting with a focus on automotive management and soon after married his wife where they traveled the country together.
“We led a nomadic lifestyle and lived all over the United States,” recalled Doudt. “We visited 49 states and also traveled throughout Canada.”
Doudt strived to live a fulfilled life with his family and see the world, but the memories of his time in service were always in the back of his mind. Almost 50 years after his service, he had the opportunity to reconnect with his military past when asked to participate in an Honor Flight. Most importantly, he finally received the welcome home that was long overdue.
A close friend of Doudt reserved a spot for him on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in June of 2019. During the experience, Doudt visited multiple memorials around the city, connected with other veterans and was recognized for his service. While visiting the Vietnam War Memorial, he brought his basic training book and photographs and spent time remembering his friends that were lost during the war.
“We were greeted the moment we got off the plane and as I was walking around the Lincoln Memorial an individual just jogging by stopped and said thank you,” Doudt said. “That was something we never got before.”
As Doudt was sharing his story, he frequently discussed the importance of breaking down the stigma around Vietnam War-era veterans, and veterans in general, as being unstable and defined solely by post-traumatic stress. In addition to Vietnam War-era veterans not receiving the proper welcome home when they returned to the states, he also felt that stereotypes have been placed on them due to many veterans struggling with the long-term effects of war. Doudt wanted to make it clear that veterans are more than the stereotypes placed upon them.
“Vietnam War-era veterans come from all walks of life,” said Doudt. “Many of us built families, worked hard and became active members of our communities. Our lives cannot be reduced to a single label. We have demonstrated strength, discipline and compassion, both during and after our service.”
“Each person should be seen for who they are today, their actions, character and full life experience, not stereotypes formed decades ago. Greater understanding of veterans benefits everyone and reinforces a simple truth: no one is defined by a single chapter of their life.”