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Tours of Peace
Many cannot imagine why Vietnam veterans want to return to a country that brings up so many memories and images of war. However, seeing Vietnam as it is now, meeting people who survived the war, and those who grew up in the post war years, gives veterans the opportunity to bring closure to their Vietnam war experience.
Ex-Marine, Dan lends support to former helicopter pilot, Lance near location where Lance was wounded.
"Like many of my fellow veterans, I have suffered the effects of PTSD since returning from Vietnam in 1970. In and out of therapy for 15 years, I finally accepted the fact that PTSD was destroying my life. I needed help, I needed to go back to that place where it all began...Vietnam. The help I needed came in the form of TOP Vietnam Veterans. This Veterans organization made it possible for me to return to Vietnam, and in doing so, I was empowered to turn the page, and get on with my life. I have come full circle. I am once again a whole person." Rick L. |
Some Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other lingering effects of the Vietnam war. Returning to Vietnam, for these veterans, is a major step in their recovery.
View of "Charlie Hill" from what
used to be the Dak To airstrip.
Vietnam veteran returns to Hill 42
in the Central Highlands, not far from
Dak To. Old foxholes are still there.
"The daily group meetings at the end of each day were necessary and effective. Throughout the trip each veteran was spotlighted and his area of service was visited. Emotional needs were carefully met." Ken R.
Tucson, AZ, Army Vet.Veterans participate in humanitarian projects nearby where they once served and close to locations in Vietnam that are personally important to them.
Seeing Vietnam as a country, not a war:
Veterans now walk the streets, countryside, and beaches in peace.
The A Shau Valley today-
peaceful and beautiful.
Exploring Nha Trang along
the ocean by night.Ascending Marble Mountain.
Rhythmic surf at pristine Bong Son beach,
erases footprints and old memories,
and leaving solitude and relaxation.TOP Reunites Old Friends
‹‹ Thomas, Vietnam veteran, reunites with a now adult former orphan he had met in the 1960's.
Retired Lt. Colonel, Ken, returned with TOP to Vietnam in search of five Vietnamese friends he served with. His quest was successful. Here he is pictured with ex-Colonel Ve, (Ken), and former Captain Bong. Read his compelling story.
"Since my trip to Vietnam, the old images of the of the war are still with me, but have somewhat faded and are put into the past. Now when I think of Vietnam, I have new images: smiling children, happy faces, a beautiful country, the people are at peace. It makes my heart feel good." Steve S.
Former Marine
TOP Vietnam Veteran
Application Process
TOP Vietnam Veterans is taking applications for our future trips. Should you wish to join us, either contact TOP or download an application.
Click here for information on the Application Process.
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TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam
Veterans
8000 S. Kolb Road
Suite 43
Tucson, Arizona 85706
Phone: 520-326-0901
Fax: 520-844-8485