JFK was on schedule to remove troops 1000 at a time starting in Dec. 1963 when there were approx. 11,000 troops in country. After he was asassinated, the escalation began. The Generals over there were telling Washington that everything was under control but that is something us troops did not see. The News media was not allowed in at the time. I had a Secret Clearance so everything was MuM ! I was offered $2000 to re-up while there but I just asked to get my BUTT home Safely. I was tired of not knowing what would happen next. It was an experience I'll not forget. Memories always pop up in my mind altho some of the scariest moments were blocked by the brain. To this day, I only remember the names of 2 Airmen that I served with in Vietnam, and I crossed paths with many during my travels in country. I have had Agent Orange issues but after fighting the VA from my initial Agent Orange exam in 1979, I was dis-allowed any compensation in 1993. I served my Country as a volunteer but was not treated well at the end. Take care!