129. Papa Ray
I understand your angst.

I am looking at my “achievement” wall and can see two letters of commendation among other medals and citations. One for the Phoenix Program, the other for CORDS, both signed by the DCI.

During my training I trained a few months with the Special Forces. One piece of advice they followed was “never take prisoners”. I remembered that, the only caveat being if the captive was of intelligence value.

War is hell and killing and winning its sole purpose. If you retreat from that premise you have lost before the action even begins. I have no regrets other than I could not kill more of those who would kill me, and did indeed kill many of my brothers in arms.

I wish you well in your life. Those of us who have seen the carnage can never forget it and I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing.
But once it begins, finish it in victory.

Best,
Habu