From: LINEMUP@aol.com 
     To: IBDHipp@aol.com 
     Cc: jsreco@csj.net ; korat_mahknut@yahoo.com  
   Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2001 3:54 AM
Subject: So how did Doyle Cain end up in Vietnam????

Dan 

I was going to tell you about this wasn't I?   Well... After getting back 

to the States from Thailand, I spent 30 day leave here in Indiana.   Went 

to Ft. Bragg to 177th.  HEM Company (heavy equipment maintenance); worked 

on everything from jeeps to tanks there.  Don't know if you remember or not,

but a whole bunch of us that where in the 697th came back to the States at 

the same time and to the same company.  I have been trying to remember every

ones name....  Borchers, Bowlds, Furr, Gaines, Heartfield, Kozlowski, Capece, 

more I know, maybe ten of us.  Was trouble from the git go - man.  After 

spending a year in Thailand, the real army world was too much in the states. 

  Dale Bowlds was from Kentucky and I from Indiana.  We would cut out early 

on Fridays and drive home for the weekend.  It was maybe 900 miles, but we 

would do it even if we could only spend a few hours at home before heading 

back to Bragg again.  And, every time we did it - we would get caught and be 

on extra duty the following week.  We got Article 15's, busted in rank.  The 

other guys were in trouble with state-side duty too, maybe not all but several. 

   We all got transferred to another company there at Bragg, just to get us out 

of the 177th.  More trouble there too.  I got drunk one night, wrecked my car, 

ended up in jail for weekend.  (Bad times) This all went on for 5-6 months..... 

   Then, the whole group I had come back from Thailand to Bragg with came down 

on orders for Vietnam.  Bragg wanted to get rid of us for sure! 

   There was only one hitch to Braggs' plan, we had all been on what was 

classified as a "hardship tour" when we were in Thailand.  One of those in an

enlistment was all a guy was suppose to do.  Everyone of the guys got their orders 

changed, except for Bowlds and myself.  We decided we were going to go before we 

landed big time trouble.  So, we packed up for home and another 30 day leave 

before going to "The Nam".  

    While on leave in Indiana, Paula and I got together (my now, long-time wife). 

Sometimes things are just meant to be man.  Anyway, I ended up AWOL for 27 days 

before going to Vietnam, wanted to spend more time with Paula and my family.  So,

I had the 30 day leave plus I took the 27 days AWOL.  Had a great time. I mean,

what the hell, I didn't know if I was going to come back alive or not.  So, 

another Article 15, busted in rank AGAIN!  And off to Vietnam! 

   As it came to pass, I got in a pretty good area, most time spent about 10 miles 

outside of Danang, in an area called Marble Mountain.  Saw limited fighting, mostly 

rocket/mortar attacks.  Spent my time, came home, got married and here I am talking 

to you!  Life is good!!!!!!! 

   What I probably should have done is extended in Thailand and missed all the 

problems encountered with army life in the States.  But, then - Paula and I would 

most likely not have gotten married.......so, all things happen for a reason I 

suppose.  At least, I got life going on a even keel most times.  I have a great 

family.  And lots of memories of time past. 

   Sending this E-mail to Dan Hippensteel originally.  But, also to others in the 

697th.  Being in the 697th was my best time spent in the army.  We worked hard,

played hard and I think we did a good job.  Kinda wish I could say that about the last 

1 1/2 years of my remaining service after Thailand.  Oh well.....Really weird 

reflecting back on it all now. 

    Would like to hear stories from you other guys - if you don't mind telling them. 

OPEN UP!!!                                                  
                                                        Doyle Cain