Vietnam buddies remain lifelong friends

Jerry Gensen and I met in March of 1969 at Firebase Oasis in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Both of us were in the Ammo Section of the 219th Artillery 4th Infantry Division. Our job was to resupply the three batteries with ammo. This was done by truck, or if not, it was airlifted in sorties by helicopters.
Jerry and I were as different as day and night. If not for the Army, we would never have become friends. Jerry from Spooner, WI, married, college grad, expectant father, hunter, fisherman, with a direction in life.
Me, a single free spirit Milwaukee kid, high school grad, but no plan in life. The only thing we had in common was that we were both from Wisconsin. Somehow, we became lifelong friends. Military friendships are different from any other ones. That is because you trust each other with your life. One of the most important things in combat is to know the person next to you is there for you and vice versa. Not so much in civilian life.
So, in 1970, we came back to the US. Jerry still had time left - my two years were up. After he got out of the Army we would get together. He had gone back to school and received his master’s so he was set to join the workforce. He moved on to get a job as vice president of agriculture for Leach Farms in Waushara County. My mother was from Coloma, and I had relatives here where we would come and stay. So, we stayed in touch with cards at Christmas and visits in the summers. I wanted to retire here, so I was looking for a place.
Jerry’s wife found one for me – 97 acres of fun. In June of 1990, it all came together. So here we are now, 50 plus years later, and only 10 miles apart. We still get together and very seldom talk about the Army as we have so many more things to discuss now. Small world can’t think of a better friend – Thanks Jerry.
One thing we do best is work together. We are both open to suggestions and not afraid to take anything on. But over time one thing we found out – we are not so different anymore – so thankful for our friendship.