Joe, good site. The helicopter sound sure did bring back memories.
Garry Owen
Mike Handley
A Co. 1966
3rd platoon medic

I am Lenny's baby sister. We have not met. All I can really say is," Thank You." Lenny meant everything to me and my entire family. For all of us, he will never be forgotten. It is comforting to know you feel the same. Again, THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe, the website gets better everytime I see it. The music plays into the era that was then. It's really great seeing those reunions and glad to see those who made it back. But I think of those that didn't. May they rest in peace. Thanks.

E Co. Mortar Platoon 68-69

Joe I had to sign back in to tell you that you have a excellent website, wish we had known each other back in nam, we served so close yet so far away, I left that area around the time you got wounded,11/15/66, I remember that day I left the fields, like it was yesterday, I hated to leave my friends in recon on that beach area, It took me about 15yrs to get back in touch with any of them.when I returned to New York I ran on those mean streets, (Pudi thomas) not knowing or wanting to remember anythng that I saw or did in nam. Sure am glad that I stayed away from too much trouble, Im proud to know you and of the job you did both in nam with 5/7 and in your career with the NYPD.......Ed (boricua)

Im a native New Yorker,(lower east side)served with A&D Co.2/7th cav, 1965-1966. Hello Joe!!!!

Great Website
A 5/7th 1968- 1969

Looking good Joe. Real good!
Mouse

I am the son of Rudolph Frazier and I want to say I thanks for serving...

Airborne all the way!!!

Any Bong Son, Vietnam photos that some troopers have and wish to e-mail,we will post. Bong son was another tough, Hell of a combat zone for the First Cavalry. 5/7 A company and all the rest of the companies [2/7 1/7], along with other First Cavalry units fought well there. God bless them all.

Was with C/5/7 second plt. 05/01/67 2/12/68
Garry Owen!

Hi, Gerhard. I did not mean to disparage war combat to NYPD or any other big city street combat experience. I was involved in 6 shooting incidents while on the job. And so many cops in the city, be it NYPD, Port Authority, Transit, Housing, Corrections and what have you,have been killed or seriously injured, that my tagline was to make a point that cops are on the mean streets not just for one, two or three years, but for 10, 15, 20, 25 , and more, seeing death all around that it takes a tall on an officer, many of whom burn out, and so many are known every year to commit suicide, due to the pressure of their work. So yes, there is a mileage there when it comes to patrolling the mean streets of the concrete jungle for so many years. Welcome home and Garry Owen!

Excellent.

Great Web Site!!
F.W. Ellott
D company 5/7 1968/1969

GB/GBA
WAR PAINT /INDIAN TRAIL 83 (66-67)

I was one of the Pathfinders (Black Hats)working with 5/7-all companies from 1966 to May 0f 1968.
GARRY OWEN!!!

Co A, 5/7, 1969

As a brother Garry Owen Trooper, I enjoyed your evocative account of our experience--except for the tagline ". . . .I wouldn’t have gotten to join the NYPD and learn what real combat was." Seems to denigrate our "combat" in comparison with the real thing in New York's police dept., where things are worse than eating lima beans and getting blown up.

My AK-47 round in Oct. '67 was bad enough for me, bro--and I'd say we had a taste of real combat at least during my 9 months in the field. Mileage may vary.
Garry Owen

I went over with B-5-7 from Ft Carson CO

no web sit have some pictures to share, I will need to get copies of them. 5/7th cav. 66-67

nice webb site.

Hey Joe, great site. Pictures brought back memories.
I was a squad leader for awhile in Co B, 5/7, 1st Air Cav, early 1968. I remember Hue, the A Shau Valley, and Khe Sahn.

Hey, this site is very interesting-Good Luck with everything.

They just came out with the new "Carlito's Way" Movie. They should do one about "Picon's Way." This cop and soldier went all the way to serve and protect his country and the City of New York. I know Joe from way back...

The Story is very good .

All we have is the memories,the sadness and the pain.Great work Joe. Inter Frates Unum, De Oppresso Liber.

Never forget!

This is your cousin carmen Fernandos. wife

This is your cousin carmen Fernandos. wife

hey joe,
I met you this afternoon and just wanted to drop a line. And please keep me informed when you get that book published.
Thanks "FRIST TEAM"
~ SPC Caukin

Ive known Joe for years and this is very important to him. he has been working on the book for a long time hoping to publish. God bless you and your family.

Great job,Joe. Garry Owen. Ron

I was with 2/19th Arty and assigned to the 5/7th in '69 and '70. I was better known as Trail Spike 16 November when we 'officailly' invaded Cambodia. Krazy Karl told me to check out your site.
Garry Owen!

Jose` what a great idea!! I wish you much success with this site.

Your friend,

Joseph <>< lml/

Thanks again to all for visiting the Web and signing the guest book. Edith, as to which was worst: Vietnam was tough, and at times while in the bush, scary as Hell! Just like you see in the movies about the Nam or any war. But there is such bravery by so many men and women. In the NYPD as well as all other police departments and other law enforcement agencies, a police officer has to work so many years on the street of the concrete jungle, hoping to get back to his/her family in one piece, and finally retire, especially a busy, hard working officer, whose life is in danger everyday on patrol, sometimes going hand-to-hand combat with one that would take his/her life. God bless our American fighting troops and law enforcement officers

This is a great site "Joe". Many thanks for all the hard work when we were in Vietnam and again for the splended job with the NYPD.A very splecialm thanks for locating so many of the original 5/7 from 1966. Thanks again "Krazy"

Hey there Jose, John Valles didn't believe that I signed your guest list. So here I am for the second time.

I'm very interested in learning when your book will get printed. I'm very intereste in reading up on "THE TRUE STORY".

I for one, have experienced the so called "corruption" in the NYPD......but that's another story in itself.

Which was tougher, fighting in the Jungles of Nam, or eight here in the "congrete jungle" as you call it?

Please update your fans to this site as to when your novel is published.

I again sincerely thank you for a well done site.

All My Best, Edith Serafin

Wonderful Site Joe. An Inspiration to the younger generation which doesn't have a clue to the war in Nam. My boss John Valles recommended me to your site. Congrats, & keep up the fantastic job.

you did a great job putting this together
I thought you were talking about viet Nam
the first time i read without seeing the pic

Iwas there in 66-67Mc nay was asst gunner andIFORGOT WHO THE AMMO BERRIER WAS HE WAS KILLED IN THE FIRST FIRE FIGHT, THE MEDIC i BELIEVE WAS HANDLY , AMMO BERRIER DEID OF A SUCKING CHEST WOUND, THE MEDIC TRIED HIS BEST TO KEEP HIM ALIVE, BUT COULD NOT GET A CHOPPER IN TO GET HIM OUT, WE WERE PINNED DOWN THATS WHEN A STAFF SGT FROM 2ND PLT WAS KILLED, WE LOST 7 OR EIGHT THAT DAY RALF HUBBER WAS BESIDE ME WHEN HE TOOK A ROUND
IN HIS LEG, ALSO THANKSGIVING DAY iWAS UNDER THE CHOPPER THAT BROUGHT OUR DINNER OUT , THEY COULD NOT LAND BECAUSE THE LZ WAS HOT AND TAKING ROUNDS THEY DROPED THE CANISTER ABOUT 12 FEET OFF THE GROUND ,iKEPT MOST OF IT FROM SPILLING ALL OVER THE PLACE, HOWEVER THE GRAVY GOT SPILLED

Referred by John V.

excellent site...thanks for the great information

Hi Joe, Congratulations. Excellent website. It does honor to the military,the police profession and to you.Be ever proud of your service. Hope all is well with you and your family.Best regards.....Jose (Joe)

Joe, good job beautiful site.
Several of Traffic agents looked at the picture
You have inspired them to take photo's while working so they too have memories to look back on, and show their sibbings, and others.

Great Job Joe

to View comments

This memorial for a soldier of the 1st Cav. is outstanding. I know his family will appreciate this even though they lost their son. Great tribute to one hero of many. Thank you for this website.

Joe my uncle Tito is very happy to know you,both
you are vietnam era vets plus myself,he is praud
to know you.my uncle Tito will like to be your
friend. see you very soon Wally and Tata.

I remember sitting at the desk, under the wall of murdered policemen's pictures at the 9th toward my final months on the job; and recalling so many who lost their lives in the years I was on the job. I particularly remember Harry Ryman [60 Pct]. May God Bless them all.

All you guys and girls who have sign the guest book are great. Many of you are street savvy to police work since you've been there, as well as military experience. Thank you!

Reviewed your entire website. You did an excellent job. Viewed all the photos. I joined the NYPD in June 23,1967 as a trainee and went throught the academy and graduated in 1968 as the first class probationary patrolman.I was assigned to the 103,75,Qns.Bklyn and Manhattan
Warrant Sqds. Then onto Queens Narcotics and then to Drug Enforcement Task Force. I retired in 1988 and managed property for the U.S. Marshall's Office then into my own P.I. business.
Thanks for the great website.
Your friend,
Lou LaGois
Ret. Detective

To all of our veterans, Thank you for your loyal & distinguish service to our country. It's becasue of our loyalty, honor and love for this country that people like Jane Fonda are able to speak out.
These are the people who have no idea what sacrafices have been made, or choose not to accept them. The veterans in Vietnam served so that those who were opressed can havw their freedom like those in Iraq. Lets hope & pray that our President makes sure that Vietnam never happens again & that we win this war on Terrorism & free the Iraqi people so that they can have their individual freedom like our great nation.
Thanks all that have served for our freedom.

Det Mickey Alfonso
US ARMY 3/77th 5th Inf. Div Ft Polk 1980-1983

Not much to say other than Thank You. YOU should be quite proud of your accomplishments.

Det.Garrett Gorton, NYPD(ret.)

Great job for all us NYPD and Nam VETS WELCOME HOME BROTHER

Viet Nam War and NYPD are two topics that are very interesting to read. Your personal involvement and the telling of your story is unique in itself because it is not just a summary but a personal experience that people can learn from. Good Luck!

Great Job Mr. Sanchez I love it!! I don't see how any publisher that reads your story will remain blind. Good Luck!

I am retired now but my heart will always be with my brothers and sisters at the 28 Pct and Manhattan North Narcotics Division. Remember this,never forget our fallen heros.

JOE
YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST !

good job
tom

Looking good, Joe. Keep up the good work.

NYPD/Airborne

A 5/7 FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE) 1970

GARRY OWEN

Carey, We had a lot of respect for the pathfinder, and still do. Thank you, welcome home, and God bless.

I was a pathfinder assigned to D. Co 2/7 in 1966/67

10-4 on this caper, Joe.
Resume normal 'K'!?
Sector 89-2Baker...Out.

Great job Joe! God Bless You! Good luck in this new endeavor. It's great to know that there are people out there that serve our country and can live to talk and educate the rest of the citizens of how proud we should be to be Americans.

God Bless Nellie

Joe i got your reply, I was in the Army for 3 years,as you know i was in field artillery,i went
Airborne Artillery,I shot the 102,105 and the 155
Howitzers.I did not see combat,i was not in at your time,so i do not know what it"s like,one thing i say is I Salute You..I give you alot of credit...

Hi Joe
Congratulations on your website. It's really great,I wish you Good Luck, and may God bless you and all our soldiers around the world.

With Much love,

your cousin, Jenny

Joe, awesome site. You must have put in many, many hours building it. Congradulations, Al, Semper Fi!

Much success on your WEB Site.
From the Jungles of New York (Pitt and Houston)to the Jungles of Vietnam (Vung Tao, Tay Nimh, Doc To, Chu Lai), to the Alligator Alley, Gainesville. Fraternal Greetings Tommy "O"

Viewed your website, Joe.

Take care,
AJ

Retired NYPD/Army,Field Artillery..

I was there in 1966-1967.

This brings back a lot of memories. I recognize all the guys in the pictures. Thank you. Great job.

Great job on your site, Joe. Pictures brought back memories of the area. Spoke to Doc Martinez several times after the long lapse of time in Phan Thiet. D-2-7th....Class of Aug 66- July 67. Guess I was on R&R when you guys got hit, sorry for your misfortune.

Hey Joe-Congrats! Great Job

MUAH
Steph

Joe I'm your wounded buddie, and your Brother. I alway remember Jan.16,1967, that's when George White, Booker, Joe Sanchez, Myself Robert we all got wounded that day. we have been Best Friends since the day we got wounded.
Doc Martinez

Hi Joe, very stirring music and photographs. Your participation and survial in the Viet Nam War(Along with the thousands of others), should never be forgotten. Your site helps to remind all Americans about that noble effort. Keep it going!
Herman

Joe, we are very proud of your work, please let us know when is completed.

Great site wonderfull tribute to our military.

First, let me thank those that have signed the guest book as of now. I know you all, and respect you. I could not do this if not for my good friend John Graff--the webmaster. We are posting photos of friends that served in Viet Nam; two of whom I knew, and who died serving their country: Alan Weisman and Leonard Pelullo from the 5/7 A Company, First Cavaly Division. And then there is my good friend Robert Martinez, who was wounded the same day I was.You can see him on the second page while in his hospital bed in Texas. He spent over a year, and had many, many operations to get him back on his feet. My good Friend Sgt. Fred Booker, George White, and Paul Stroessner,are in the photos, as are other friends that served in the 2/7 and 5/7 Garry Owen Unit. When this is all done...we go into the NYPD. I was first a Port Authority police officer before joining the NYPD. I was also a New York State Correction officer, working at Sing Sing and Coxsackie State Prison. As a NYC cop, I experienced a lot of good things and bad. I co-wrote a novel, bio, and a screenplay. There are no stories of Latinos soldiers nor police officers out there that I can remember reading about. We as Latinos have great stories to tell, yet we are told by publishing companies that our stories are not good enough to be published. We are trying to change that by telling the Joe Sanchez Picon story. We first start with January 16,1967, my 20th. birthday...and into the NYPD. My bio tells it all: the good and bad times, especially in the NYPD. Thanks to Rolando Salazar, D Company 2/7, and Mike "Mouse" Mcguie--"The Angry Skipper" for their moral support in starting this website. Oh, yes, To my co-author Donna Pasha--a great writer!

I am so proud of my uncle, we love him very much.

Web site is looking great. Congratulations!

I love this site. It great to see one of our heroes in print and photos. What these troops did was extraordinary. I salute tem all. Thank you for the site and Welcome home.

I think that was very interesting and nice to share that on the web. Congratulations this is a good start. By the way u do know me I am Jackie Cookie's sister. Take care and say hi to Lorraine for me.

Hey Joe,
This is wonderful. Great to see that you put your talents in telling a story you so passionately feel strong about- Law and Order and Patriotism. God Bless you.
Your friends,
Anita and Greg

Very nice website Joe. You should be proud of yourself. You have come along way with technology. Good for you.

I love you. Your niece Annette.

Hi, greetings from Puerto Rico!!! I have to show this to Ariel right away, he's gonna love it!
Joe Sánchez: today on the web, tomorrow who knows where!!!!! Good luck, Tuti

Hi, greetings from Puerto Rico!!! I have to show this to Ariel right away, he's gonna love it! Joe Sánchez: today on the web, tomorrow who knows where!!!!! Good luck!!! Tuti

UNCLE JOE, LOOKS LIKE ITS GONNA BE A GREAT WEB PAGE IT WOULD BE BETTER ALSO IF YA PUT ME ON IT LOL I LOVE YOU UNCLE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

Keep up the good work.

Congratulations! So for it looks great!

Hi Joe,
very nice web site. God Bless you and your family.

With love,
nancy & louie

Hi Joe,
very nice web site. God Bless you and your family.

With love,
nancy & louie

Very proud of you brother.Love your sister.
Ruthie

this is test #1 of the BlueWall Guest Book.

Thanks, later, John