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1995
"Ask not what your country can do for you..."
Understanding veterans of the Vietnam Era
Tom Hussey
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"ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN Do FOR YOU... "
Understanding Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era
A Thesis for partial completion of a Master of Fine Arts degree
at Rochester Institute of Technology
ByTom Hussey
ADVISORS
Ken Whi te, Chair
Associate Professor
Fine Art Photography Department
Dr. Richard Zakia
Professor
Fine Art Photography Department
Grant Romer
Head Conservator
IMPGEH
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Country Can Do For You...
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
A The"s By
"
Tom
Thesis
Hussey
Project
goal
To fulfill
Rochester Institute
relating
direcdy to
of
a
fund-raiser,
many
Department
designer,
help
at
twenty-five years ago,
of
.
.
.Let
R.I.T.,
and
including
any burden,
.To
.
Rochester, New York,
Gallery from
area.
The
4th-28th,
November
exhibit
1994. This
former
Mr. Ken White
current chairman of the
Head Conservator
of the
chairman of the
Fine Art
International Museum
House.
during my early childhood,
of age at a
very
they did
the wave was started
a
large group
of
Americans fought in Southeast
emotional and change
not start
but
that
filled
they were
time
in
this country's
to ride to the present
F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address.
by John
know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear
any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival
nation
meet
and the success
.
the
Dr. Richard Zakia, Ph.D.
Grant Romer
caught on a wave that
every
ofliberty.
.
.
huts and villages ofhalf the globe struggling to break the bonds
best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period
because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes,
those peoples
in
the
of mass misery, we pledge our
is
required
not
but because it is
.
.
.Now
need
right.
.
.
to
battle,
bear arms, though arms we
but a call to bear the burden ofa
not as a call to
the trumpet summons us again
not as a call
though embattled we are
long twilight struggle year in andyear out. Willyou join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of
defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this
.
responsibility
/
at
etceteras.
advisers,
Asia. Those Americans were coming
On January 20, 1961,
Museum Studies Concentration
RATIONALE
PERSONAL
They were
the
of the responsibilities associated with museum style exhibitions; such as
Photography at George Eastman
history.
War Veterans from
Photography Department at R.I.T.,
Photography
About
Fine Arts degree in
High Falls, Rochester Room
producer,
progressed with the
Fine Art
of
at
of
organized and mounted an exhibition of photographs and writings
of Vietnam
group
project put upon me
Work
Technology, I
The Center
took place at
curator,
Master
partial completion of a
welcome
it.
I do
not
.
believe
page
1
that
any of us
would exchange
places with
day.
bring
any
fire can truly light the
light our country
energy, the faith, the
it
and all who serve
devotion
and the glow
which we
from
that
world.
And so, my fellow Americans:
do for your
The
other generation.
to this endeavor will
you can
By
Hussey
Tom
other people or
any
A Thesis
"
"Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You...
Understanding Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
country.
.
ask not what your
country
can
do for you
ask what
.
From John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
I
in
was
a
military
justifiable
bad
guys
family
that time
If our military
and correct.
(whoever they
1 970 because my dad
and therefore
definitely was
believed America was
ourselves part
involved,
the good guys and
to this war.
So, Vietnam had
were
many
they
to
be
must
be
be
to
right
the
in my
service aged men and women who at
right and one should support our country.
(JFK's Inaugural Address) from the couch.
would eventually lead our
country and believing in this
along
in Vietnam
be
then we must
There
a good guy.
understood the war
that speech
where these words
we were carried
was
My father was going to go
were).
"I had listened to
(if only subconsciously)
by
..Not
knowing
new
president,
ofJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy. We all felt
when he said,
"To those people in the huts
the noble sentiments
ofa just and honorable
nation
break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our
best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required-not because the
communists are doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. "...As John
Kennedy spoke, we never even thought about Vietnam. We only thought about how
inspirational he was and how he would had us into a new era... I touched (my father's) his
arm as we heard our new president confidently issue those climactic words that would
become the touchstone ofan entire generation: "And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not
'
whatyour
ask whatyou can do for your country.
country can do for
and villages
ofhalf
the globe
struggling
to
"
you
Vietnam
news
The
was a sort of game to me.
interested
But, they were just
me.
"army-men"
pictures without
my father's best friend, Major Edward M. Hudgens,
Action (MIA). I
human
element
somehow no
remember
for
me.
longer just
Later in my life I began
books
vividly
the
it's
to
look for information
Devancer
wich
on the
Vietnam. I
aftermath on the television news.
By Lynda Van
All
played with
saw each night on the television
to a small
down
the news.
I
over
boy. On March 21, 1970,
Laos
and
of a sudden the
his kids. He
listed
as
Missing in
Vietnam War had
was real.
Vietnam
a
was
a game with neat airplanes and army-men.
became interested nobody wanted
Home Before Morning
meaning
was shot
day we heard
I knew Major Hudgens. I
on all of America's wars except
the war or
that
airplanes and
to talk about
Christopher Morgan
Vietnam War in my
wondered why.
The
game was over and
it. It
p23
page
There
2
was now
very bad
school
was no
it
to
library. I found many
longer any
mention of
seemed to me that
have been in
just
the war.
when
It
was
I
"Ask Not What Your
Country Can Do For
Understanding Veterans ofthe
no
longer
cool that
Veteran's fault
A Thesis
You..."
Tom
Vietnam Era,
my father had been
that
a
fighter
pilot.
This I did
It
not understand.
By
Hussey
was not the
they were in Vietnam.
"Everywhere I looked it seemed that Vietnam Veterans were being shunned and reviled,
I could not reconcile my fathers triumphal return from W. W.II with my own
and again
I understood that
experience.
the protected element
ofsociety
tended to want to avoid
horrors suffered by its warriors, but society did not seem to understand that
sharing
those of us who fought the war needed to talk through our feelings and to receive some form
ofvalidation for our sacrifices. When Ifinally came to understand that my contemporaries
did not want to share the pivotal experience ofmy life, I learned to keep my silence. 2
the
"
Roughly 3
These
million
Americans
served
diverse
men and women are as
necessarily
in Vietnam,
as
and
other
any
agree with the media stereotype that
roughly 9.1
million served
linked group in
has
portrayed all
this country.
Vietnam Vets
during the Vietnam Era.
This
statement
does
not
as crazed and explosive
men.
"The
men
I had led in
like any
combat were
felt we all were,
good and evil, and I
"
rapists.
These
people are your next
1960's
and
door
is
early 1970's,
neighbors,
the
that a
large
from
For
being branded as
into
hand
that
they
are
police
event that unifies them.
like
the
officers,
capable
of
murderers and
holds
firemen,
Vietnam Veterans
and
the conviction that
drug addicted.
your
them together
of
boss.
during
America, Vietnam is
thirty years later.
Vietnam Veterans
They think that a Vietnam Vet
homeless
and often
Vietnam brought
the open now twenty-five to
the war and are not normal.
These
is just
problems
as
do
are
likely to
exist,
but
mug
are
you
far
the norm.
the past
five
years
Valley Chapter #20,
I have been actively involved
feelings concerning
community.
with the
Vietnam Veterans
in Rochester, New York. I have become friends
fighting in Vietnam during the
and
teachers,
segment of the general public still
screwed-up from
as to shake your
only
your
and through organizations
bringing them back together and
I feel
ofAmerican youth,
3
Their "Vietnam
the
by
cross section
implication,
their
1960's
military
I know how they feel
2 Fortunate Son
By Lewis
B. Puller, Jr.
p278
3 Fortunate Son
By Lewis
B. Puller, Jr.
p305
and
early 1970's. I have
service
during Vietnam.
about their
country
page
3
of
America; Genesee
with the men and women who were
talked with them about their experiences
I have
seen the good that
and their service to that country.
they do for
the
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Can Do For
Country
A Thesis By
You..."
Tom
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
"On Friday, April 23, in
were scheduled to march
oftheir
gesture
a culmination
up
the steps
of the
ofthe
of the
events
week, the protesting veterans
Capitol and discard their
medals as a symbolic
feeling ofhaving been discarded themselves by the nation...
Thursday night, before the climactic last day's events in Washington,
On
from
Hussey
bedroom
I took my
debated whether I should drive to Washington to
throw them away. As I sat
in
the dimly lit closet feeling the weight of bronze and
silently
silver in my hand and studying the red white and blue stripes on
my silver star and the
medals
our
majestic cameo
closet and
of George Washington
on
my purple
hearts, I knew
that
I could never part
They had cost me too dearly, and though I now saw clearly that the war in
which
had
been earned was a wasted cause, the medals still represented the dignity and
they
the caliber ofmy service and of those with whom I had served. I could no more discard
them than I could repudiate my country, my Marine Corps, or my fellow veterans. As I
put them away, I was very sad but very grateful nonetheless that my children were asleep in
4
their beds in America rather than anywhere else in the world.
with them.
"
Through my
photographs and the
version of the stereotypical
better
Veteran's
Vietnam Vet. I
able to understand and put
into
I hope
writings,
also
feel, having
perspective
my
own
to
have
shown what
completed
my
Vietnam Era
I
perceive to
work on this
be
a truer
project, that
I
am
experience.
forget about the inane regulations that
done.
Maybe they could ignore the petty
be
way
harassment and make-work details that came during lulls in the fighting. Maybe they
could avert their eyes from their buddies dying. Or from the young children without limbs.
Or the Vietnamese women who were forced to prostitute themselves to stay alive. Maybe
there were some normal healthy ail-American men and women who could spend 365 days
"Maybe
there were
American
always seemed to get
in
that
When I began
crazy
in
this project,
I
know
could never
begin
to tell their stories,
them as
Ifthere were I never met them.
the
I have. I truly hope
individuals,
the more
but I
I
realized that each of them
am thankful that
country
different
By Lewis
B. Puller, Jr.
p311
By Lynda Van Devanter
with
Christopher Morgan
p211
page
-i
Hussey
they
are.
to share.
I
listen
to
take time to
perspective on the
during that turbulent time.
Tom
Fortunate Son
5
has something
I have listened. Please
this project gives people new and
and on the men and women who served our
^ Home Before Morning
"
wanted to show these veterans as the cross section of the population
got to
more
ofthe job to
environment and never ask why.
I
The
soldiers who could
the
Vietnam Era
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
"
Country Can Do For You...
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
A Thesis
Tom
By
Hussey
Operational Plan
DESIGN
To present,
by
CON CEPT
an
exhibit
of photographs and writings,
The format will be traditional; i.e.
Vietnam Veteran.
Veteran 's
writings will
TARGET
This
exhibit was
public,
aged
ordinarily
be
mounted and
displayed next
face of the
a truer
representative
in frames.
pictures on walls
to each portrait.
AUDIENCE
targeted toward and accessible to
specifically
16 years
seek out
and older.
photography
Through my
choice
of exhibit
dealing
exhibitions or things
Rochester, New York's,
GALLERY
I felt
this show
with veteran's
issues
for
space,
I
SEARCH
had
by its very definition,
considered
Rochester Room
I
to,
many
writings
that
is
have
before
a public space.
finding and
settling
In searching
on the
Gallery at The Center at High Falls.
considered the extreme
atmosphere
alternatives
be held in
the public space of a
shopping
However,
mall.
too public to allow people to read and reflect on what the
to say.
regularly holds
I
also considered the
artistic exhibits.
limiting both in size and in
photography/art
accessibility
such as at
gallery
I felt
Rochester International
the space available
to the writings.
A
Light Impressions I felt
for
the mall
Veteran's
Airport,
a space
display was
too
traditional
was too
limiting in its
outreach to the general public.
Finally, it was
suggested
Center
at
High Falls in
Center
at
High Falls is
by one
the
a
of the veterans, that
Brown's Race District
newly
of
restored turn of the
Downtown Rochester. The Center has become
I look into
the
gallery
at
5
The
Downtown Rochester. The
century industrial
complex
heavily visited tourist area
consisting of a gallery, a museum about the history of the area, a convention
page
general
space, those who would not
show.
a
The
in
a
center
viewed the
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
A Thesis By
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
Tom
and several restaurants.
There is
a
nighdy laser
show that
draws many
Hussey
to the center
as well.
The Center
High Falls
at
offered a good mix of broad public access and appeal,
combined with a traditional
staff is also used to
of an exhibit
gallery
in
space
dealing with events of all kinds and was helpful with the logistics
including publicity and
They were also
catering.
groups of school children to tour the exhibit with a guide.
arrange private
their
There
of the exhibit
showing
families. I
was
going
to
downsides
were some
The Center's
hang the show.
which to
be
to
for
a
for
present
The Center
of
group
at
They were
100 Vietnamese
but
the refugees
High Falls
the
These lectures
gallery
the
vary,
and people
This is festive
accommodate the
with
Grant Romer
listening to
Christmas Holidays,
windows.
Gallery is
but mostly deal
one afternoon with
folding chairs
for
Rochester Room
issues
was called out of town.
Being more
gallery.
decorations
in
for lectures
of
deal
of a
with.
throughout the year.
local history. I
arrived at the
and we were confronted with a room
The gallery
one such talk.
complete with a
and nice
used
also able to a
refugees and
public space than a traditional gallery, there were unexpected things to
For instance,
for
able to arrange
lighted
most ways,
was also
full
of
decorated
tree and wreaths on all the
but my
not so much upsetting,
show was
but
re-hung
rather,
to
mildly annoying
and at the same time somehow quaint.
CONTENTS
EXHIBIT
The
exhibit consisted
B&W portrait
of one
photographs
writings provided
by
halfphotographs
and one
in 20x24 inch frames
the veterans photographed.
from John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address,
mounted on foamcore and
displayed next
half writings.
Thirty-six 16x20 inch
were exhibited with
The
writings, wall
thirty-six personal
labels,
titles,
an excerpt
thank you credits, and an artist statement were
to the photographs.
page
6
"Ask Not What Your
Country Can Do For
Understanding Veterans ofthe
A Thesis By
You..."
Tom
Vietnam Era.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs
were created
white portraits
by Tom
printed
archivally
Hussey.
They consist of traditional
16x20 inches. Black
by Tom Hussey,
and the photographs were
I did
shooting in
a
lot
of test
several of the veterans who
I
project.
different
tried
searching for
look
a
patriotism, and
I
setded on
that
sharp
studio portraits
the
individual
these
flag draped
subject.
I
photographed
believed in
the
and photographic techniques
a
feeling of pride,
using
a square
a split-diffusion
format
device
and soft-focus areas within the same
very large American
were assembled
intensity,
images.
Turbofilter. The Turbofilter is
to place
lend
and
mounted and overmatted.
of mine and who
formats, films,
thought would
frames
the main photography.
had become friends
strength to the
B&W
for
preparation
camera
I
archivally
metal
black
in varying
The American
ways to
called a
that allows the photographer
frame. As
fit
device
camera and a
the
flag symbolizes the
a
background, I
personality
or
bearing of
patriotism
strong
used a
among
Veterans.
W R I TING S
The
written portion of the exhibit consisted of three main parts: personal writings
from
the
titles
identifying
I did
not
writings.
Vietnam Veterans
feel
this reason,
met three times
personal
to
a
copy
my
I
own to
set
formally and
feelings from
Stimulators"
in
the photographs, an artist statement,
and
the photographs.
qualified on
For
portrayed
up
a set of guidelines
for
informally about the
From
this committee
I
intent
Veteran's
Veteran in
the show:
page
7
We
of the show and their
was able to
help the Veterans convey their feelings on paper.
of what was sent to each
the
a committee of WA members to assist me.
talked
the war.
format
draft
On
a set of
"Idea
the next page
is
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Country Can Do For
A Thesis
You..."
Tom
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
September 13, 1994
Dear Vets,
I hope that this note finds you well. Enclosed please find:
Suggested topics developed with the help ofseveral ofyour fellow veterans
A copy of the proposalfor the show this will tell you about me and why I am putting
on
Example
Flyers
this show
writings that
I have collected over
the years
about the show that you can pass out, mail to
display at local businesses,
First, I want to
friends,
etc.
The
update everyone about the show.
"Ask
is:
title of the exhibit
not what
country can do for you... "Understanding Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era. The exhibit will be
in the Rochester Room at The Center at High Falls in the Brown's Race district near Kodak
Office from November 4th, through November 28th. Friday, November 4th, there will be
your
an
opening
widely
personal
I hope
reception that
is
publicized and
invitations
as
every effort to
is the opening
attend.
The show is being
{You will all receive
reception.
to the opening.)
As promised, I
asking each
very important
you will make
open to the public
sending you some suggested topics for your part of the exhibit. I
something about your Vietnam Experience Your writings are
to portray the Vietnam Era Veteran in a
purpose of this show
am
of you to relate
am
to the core
better light. As
.
you read over this
particularly the sample writings, I think you'll agree
impact of the show. I look forward to your addition
stuff,
that the writings will add much to the
to the exhibit.
Please
read over the examples that
I have
enclosed and use the statements
blockage. Don't worry
any
help
formatting the writings so that they are more uniform.
you through
and
for
writers
about
handwriting
Thank you
all
below
vs. typing.
for your
I
to
will
be
help so far,
the writings to come.
Take Care!
Tom
PLEASE USE THESE AS "I DEA
The
Hussey
STIMULATORS"
following are some subjects put forth by other Vietnam Era Veterans
point of
departure. The writings
What
would you
Describe
like your
why you
children
hold in
have kept it.
the object you
and/or
of travel to and
to
know
about your experience with
the photograph and
Family left behind. Dear John's.
Why did I not contemplate fear?
Speed
Mail
Can
Fear
call.
We
you?
"I had
the soldiers?
I
I
(If
used as a
Vietnam?
to you
serviceman.
young
to
know fear.
from Vietnam.
made
thought
it. I did
it was my
what
duty
I
at the end of a tour.
thought was right.
writings no
You may leave
them at the
them, please
later
than
or page me at
or mail
copy for yourselfin
pageS
I can
1(800)918-6260
reach you.
Friday, October 7, 19941
WAIVOC house
make a
Why did you blame
to serve.
either a voice message or a number where
I need these
you mail
from
of telegram
Ifyou have any_ questions, please call me at home 328-8637,
leave
why it has meaning
were all too
Why am I a living history resource?
Why shouldn't I be proud to have served?
Arriving in country and deciding not to be a hero.
When going home, why was I both happy and sad
all this pride;
be
to
will add that realperson-personsi aspect to the show.
case
them to me
the original
is
lost.)
and
By
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Country
Can Do For
*
You..."
ARTIFACTS
HISTORICAL
While The Center
day,
there was no
Rochester Room
Center
taking
at
security
a
at
gallery
was not
to cover
into
or
security 24 hours
night
being asked
I
fact
damage
the exhibit as an
that
I
bringing things
the nature of
into
and
my business.
9
display I
decided
part of the photographs.
holding their own personal
page
24
was unable to obtain cost
to artifacts on
integral
The
was able to enter
to allow volunteers to guard the show
willing
any loss
veterans were photographed
day and
space without
this reason as well as the
artifacts
own overall museum
a
a guard or a surveillance camera specific to the
at various times of the
insurance
incorporate
using
it's
where the exhibit would take place.
High Falls
day. For
effective
either
provides
Falls'
things out of the
The Center
hours
High Falls
at
Gallery
High
The'f By
"
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
artifacts.
to
The
m
2.
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
FUNDING
After estimating
Tom
FOR
of the
funds from
money,
THE
to
follow
I set
in completing
about
finding funds
and
donations
and
discounts
the show.
GRANTS
In August
of
1993, 1
State Council
on the
applied
Arts
for
a
Community Arts Grant,
in Monroe
as administered
Rochester. As
these moneys were to
organizations,
I
was sponsored
be
given
in
through the
New York
County by Arts for
Greater
the name of non-profit
by The Veterans
Outreach Center in Rochester, New
York.
In September
panel
This
of
1993, 1
was contacted
by phone and interviewed
phone
interview
was the
On December 10, 1993, 1
$1,500.00
of
each.
I
only
contact
Grant. The
my
benefit
of
of the grant review
my
proposed project.
with the grant panel members.
project
had been
moneys were to
be
paid
awarded a
in
two
installments
was required to:
budget
I.
Fill
out a
II.
Fill
out an after event
sheet
showing
summary
turnout, press attention,
III.
I had
was notified that
Community Arts
$750.00
by one of the members
as to the nature and
expenditures.
detailing the specifics of the event as to
and artistic merit.
Credit The New York State Council
on the
Arts for
the
funds in
all
PR
materials as well as within the exhibit.
VVA
CHAPTER
The WA
chapter was
project
in
a transitional phase
financially. The
pledged to
#20
chapter was approached
help
in any
chapter
other
in June
of
1994
as a possible source of
financially and was
board did
way they
express
could.
page
10
to offset
these possible areas to obtain moneys;
WA Chapter in Rochester,
the
materials and services useful
I decided
show.
Hussey
EXHIBIT
the costs to mount the exhibit as envisioned,
the personal expenses
grant
A Thesis By
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
funds. The
therefore unable to support the
overwhelming
approval and
on
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
A Thesis By
Tom Hussey
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
There is
exhibit
some
into
currendy in
indication
for distribution
published work
be
help with turning
able to
and sale.
This
this
aspect of the project
is
the research phase.
DONATIONS
I
that the chapter might
&
DISCOUNTS
approached the photographic retailers and manufacturers
donations. I
was successful
in
in hopes
of
obtaining:
I.
Donated
II.
Volunteer
help
III.
Volunteer
help typing the veterans writings into
IV.
Graphic design, layout, and output of show posters, gallery
invitations by Johnine Carlo ne at Rumrill Hoyt, Inc.
V.
A discount
photographic paper
on
obtaining
in assembling
by Oriental
the
Photo
Distributing Co.
frames.
a computer.
signage, and
framing materials from Light Impressions, Inc.,
New York.
page
II
Rochester,
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
A Tf>esis BV
Tom Hussey
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
PUBLICATION
This project in its
on this aspect
nature
show
A
involves
like
There
was no show
a
itself to publication
a
lot
of
book. Several
reading
people
catalog
book. In
as a
consisting
accompanying
exhibit.
and
have
in its
for
publication,
of several photographs
mid
a
I
very
1995,
work was
pursue
I decided
from
personal experience
getting it
have been
to publishers who show
to make press
RESEARCHING
list
or
1994 Rochester
One has been left
one was given to a
after
kits
the show with their
constructed.
interest
published.
prohibitive.
writings, an artist statement, and media reviews of the
WA Chapter in Rochester, New York,
this point a
is
suggested that
Three mock-up books have been
for sending
nature
made as time and costs would
order to market this project
prospectuses
At
BOOK
BOOK
much
In
A
ofthe project.
MA KING
This
lends
OF
my initial
donor,
with the
and one
is
reserved
contact.
PUBLISHERS
of possible publishers
phases of sending out samples to them.
the project and requested a complete
has been
So far,
gathered and
one publisher
mock-up for
page
12
I
has
their review.
am
in
the
expressed
initial
interest in
begun
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
You..."
THESIS
The
happened
Tom
is
the order
in
concurrently, and
reference as to the
which work on
some are still
length of time
actively
This is only
being pursued.
required to prepare and mount an exhibit
Community Arts Grant through AGR
represented
August
of
in
Phone Interview for AGR Grant
September 1993
Notification
December 10, 1993
of AGR
Grant
February through June
Test
June & July, 1994
Photography
of this
1994
Primary Photography
July through
Processing, Contacting, & Work Prints
August
through
October
of
1994
Collecting Writings
August
through
October
of
1994
Printing of Show Images
September & October
of
1994
Printing of Book Images
October & November
of
1994
Entering Writings
into
a
Computer
October
of
1994
October, 1994
Printing Writings
October, 1994
Mounting Writings
Last
week of
October, 1994
Framing of Show
Last
week of
October, 1994
Hanging of Show
November 2 & 3, 1994
Opening Reception
November
4,
Show Run
November
4-28,
Dismantling of exhibit
November 29 & 30, 1994
Distribution
Compile
a
of Prints to
List
of
Mail Prospectuses
Publishers
to
1994
1994
December 1-10, 1994
Veterans
May
1995
June 1995
Publishers
page
13
type.
through the present
Planning Image Look
through the
Present
tasks
a guide
1993
August 1993
Award
of the
this timeline.
Seeking Other Sources of Funding
of
Many
this project progressed.
for a book publisher is on-going and is only slightly
Applied for
By
Hussey
TIM ELINE
following
search
A Thesis
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
for
The
"Ask Not What Your
Country Can Do For
Understanding Veterans ofthe
THE
The
You...
bests
A Thei
"
Tom
Vietnam Era.
AF TERM ATH
for me almost before it started. All ofthe late nights, the hard work, up
on the walls then down so quickly. I think for this reason, more than
any I would like this
work published so that it
may continue its life. Below is some ofthe immediate feedback I
exhibit was over
received.
C O MME N T
The
BOOK
following are excerpts from
the comment
book left in
the
during the run
gallery
of the exhibit:
"Although
the
too young to remember
kind ofa person
that
devotion
and above all
is
board to
I have lived with
their
stories-
I could understand the
they
were asked to
Veterans
are
that
it all
follow
caring.
our generation.
in 1973
a
to
and I admire
understanding sounding
the field.
don 't always
.
long time.
are
Ijust wish
country had and has
and
duty
Vietnam
make sense.
Welcome
to offer.
I guess
be
I was
that
in
the
back of my
worth the effort
"the
twenty-five years ago
hoping that people like you
right you were worth the effort!
"
rest
mind
ofus.
Ifeltfortunate
God Bless.
for tackling a
to get a
high
coming
out thanks to you.
This is
You're competing with "The Wall...
page
14
"
the
would
"
subject not
lottery number
but I would have served ifcalled. Now I understand why!
". Our stories
.
things
excellent exhibition and even more cheers
explained enough
of
"
would someday
"Bravo! An
Vietnam Veterans
during long nights in
the finest people this
home and God Bless.
sense
extreme sacrifice
reasoning behind over a decade ofsacrifice
do. Sometimes
among
"Thank you for
whole
were
their flashbacks, was an
lack ofthem,
or
ofa
duty not sought out but asked ofand delivered.
Some ofthe finest soldiers I served with
them totally.
somewhat
Vietnam Veteran. Pride, loyalty,
a
duty. A
to
Vietnam, I have gotten
"
best thing I have seen in
J
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Country
Can Do For
The"s By
You..."
Tom
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
MA I L
I
received a several
"I'd like
letters in
.
.few
groups
men were
courage
.
.
ME.
NE W S
See
..I
ofpeople have
forced to
travel
by
to
about the exhibit.
.
.
I want to
thank you for
six people were
say for twenty
Vietnam
that
"
or more years.
dignity and respect than these
Thorough your exhibit, their dignity and
traveled a rockier road to
their country.
literally shines through on
". thirty
the exhibit:
these men with a public forum to express feelings related to
they have probably been wanting
".
regarding
my feelings
to express to you
providing
the mail
staring
the walls
out at me
too am glad I took the time to
of the High Fall Exhibit hall.
from
listen
those walls
to them as you
"
.
.
saying LISTEN TO
did.
"
.
.
MED I A
attached reprint of an article
from
the
November 11, 1994 Democrat
Chronicle Newspaper in Rochester, New York.
page
15
and
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
A Thesis
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
Tom
ESTIMATED
COSTS
PHOTOGRAPHS
I.
Costs involved in photographing
10 days of photography time @ $800.00
Assistant for 10 days @ $60.00 per day
per
$8000.00
day
$ 600.00
$8600.00
PHOTOGRAPHY TOTAL
II.
Film
80
costs
rolls of
1 5 Polaroid Type 664 film in
film
Processing
100
120 format Kodak T-MAX
$ 200.00
$ 241
$ 560.00
$1001.95
twin packs
plus one contact sheet
.95
@ $7.00
per roll
FILM AND PROCESSING TOTAL
III.
Printing of photographs
Two sets of 1 1x14
One setfor exhibit,
prints
(20 different views)
for V VA. Chapter #20 Archive
one set
$44 per print for the first
$22 for the second set.
$ 880.00
$ 440.00
set
PRINT TOTAL
IV.
$1320.00
Framing of photographs
1 6x20
rag
wooden
mat
board;
frames
Plexiglas and 1 00%
by Tom Hussey in an
with
assembled
archival manner.
Cost
per
1 6x20 framed and
Cost
per
16x20
matted
matted package
only
package
FRAMING TOTAL (for 20 framed
V.
and
20 matted)
$ 48.50
$ 25.00
$ 1470.00
Cost Totals
Per image
20 framed images
and
20
matted
images
TOTAL COST FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
$ 309.80
$12,391.95
W R I TING S
I.
Typesetting and formatting of Vietnam
statement, and
One
II.
Mounting,
gallery
wall
writings, artist's
labels for consistency
day computer and
matting, and
Veterans'
typist's time
framing artist's
$ 100.00
statement and vet's writings.
labor {estimated)
TOTAL COST FOR WRITINGS
Materials
and readability.
$ 300.00
$ 400.00
and
page
16
By
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
A Thesis By
You..."
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
Tom
HISTORICAL
I.
Archival
before
II.
Hussey
ARTIFACTS
holding boxes
to
house
artifacts
40.00
$
and after exhibit
Display cases for exhibition (estimated)
$ 200.00
TOTAL COST FOR ARTIFACTS
$240.00
Other
Costs
p u B l i c I T Y
I.
Posters
Design
costs
Printing
costs
II.
Invitations to opening
Design costs
III.
Postage
and/or announcements about show
Printing costs
costs
TRA V EL
DIMENSIONS
GALLERY
Sizes
of
IMPGEH Galleries for
space) ofNorth
and
South
ESTIMATED
This
I.
exhibit
is
10
of suitable
crates
TO
traveling
shipping
@ $350.00
Shipping
TRAVELING
show.
$3500.00
each
Packing
III.
50 packing pads @ $6.50 each
Postage and shipping insurance
Releases for loaned Historical Artifacts
costs
$ 325.00
$
P UB L I CA TI O N
See Pat Musolf@ IMPGEH.
Design
I.
II.
(linear-running feet of wall
crates
II.
and
about sizes
@ IMPGEH.
COSTS
not conceived as a
Construction
See Mike Easley
comparison.
Gallery
NEEDED
Take
three types
ofpublications for
Budget
page
17
reference.
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
You..."
A Thesis
Country Can Do For
Veterans ofthe Vietnam Era.
Tom
FINAL COSTS OF THE EXHIBIT
PHOTOGRAPHY
COSTS
Photographing Costs (Donated)
10 days ofphotography time
Film &
8600.00
with an assistant
Processing
180
rolls of
120 format Kodak T-MAX
100
450.00
($2.50ea)
Processing of 1 80 rolls with contact sheets ($8.00ea)
1
Polaroid
220 B&W Polaroids ($ 1 .60ea)
,440.00
352.00
Printing
Work
prints
Approximately 80
Exhibition
8x10
480. 00
($6.00ea)
prints
for show ($65.00ea)
Prints for the Veterans in the show
36-16x20
prints
36-1 1x14
prints
for Veterans($22.00)
&
FRAMING
2,340.00
792.00
Total Photography Costs
$14,454.00
ACTUAL
$ 5,854.00
Photography Costs
DISPLAY
COSTS
Frames
36-20x24 black
metal
frames
with glass
($18.75ea)
675.00
Wall Labels
Foam
core,
Tape,
and
Miscellaneous
100.00
Matts
36-20x24
archival
quality
matts
Total
WR I TLN G
Secretarial
Printing
Design Costs
441.00
Framing Costs
$ 1,216.00
COSTS
into
Writings
Display
time to enter writings
Costs for
($12.25ea)
a computer
(Donated)
0.00
50.00
(Donated)
0.00
Wall Labels, Artist Statement,
Kennedy Speech
Total
25.00
Writing Costs
page
$
18
75.00
By
Hussey
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
Country Can Do For
You...
* The"$ By
"
"
Veterans of the Vietnam Era.
GALLERY
COSTS
Invitations
0.00
Printing (Donated)
58.00
Postage
Opening
night reception
Total
PUBLICITY
Design
costs
0-00
(Donated)
$
Gallery Costs
COSTS
0.00
(Donated)
100-00
Printing costs
Total
COPY
BOOK
36-8x10
prints
$
Publicity Costs
FOR
216.00
($6.00ea)
15.00
spiral
15.00
$
Total Costs for WA Book
COPY
O O K
36-8x10
Black
prints
spiral
100.00
WA
bound book
(book
Writings
size)
Black
58.00
FOR
PUBLICATION
246.00
SEAR C H
216.00
($6.00ea)
15.00
bound book
15.00
Writings (book size)
Press Kits for Publishers
90.00
50.00
Mailing costs
Total Costs for Publication Book
$
386.00
$ 16,535.00
TOTAL SHOW COSTS
ACTUAL SHOW COSTS
page
19
$ 7,935.00
Not
a game
PHOTOS
Linda LangleyBarrett was an
Army nurse.
She holds
a
she won
cap
in a
Souvenirs of
checkers game
of her
patients, who
with one
had lost both
his legs in
Vietnam.
He later killed
himself.
These Vietnam
veterans use personal effects to show the war's
By ELIZABETH
lasting effects
FORBES
STAFF WRJTER
There's a novel about Vietnam called The
Things They Carried, by a writer named Tim
that matter-of-factly lists the Army-
O'Brien,
issue equipment and personal mementoes sol
diers humped through the jungle.
That story comes to mind at a powerful pho
tography exhibit now at the Center at High
Falls, 60 Brown's Race. Vietnam War-era vet
erans, 36 of them, gaze from black-and-white
portraits circling the brick-walled room.
Most of the vets hold souvenirs from their
days of service: A framed Certificate of Appre
ciation signed by President Richard Nixon. A
fading photo of a Huey helicopter,
clipping
with a news
winning the Distinguished
about
ing Cross. A
pair of Viet
Fly
namese san
dals. A Pan
Am
airline
ticket home.
These
are
the tangible
things they
back
carried
from the
war
and put away.
But they also
carried back
intangible
things: memo
ries
and emo
tions that
put
were
away
because
nobody
Message home
Now a father
himself,
with a
in the
Marines, Chuck
Macaluso
wonders how
his parents felt
son
when
wanted
to hear about
Vietnam.
Their feelings, carried silently in heads and
hearts for more than 20 years, find expression
in the statements each veteran wrote to ac
company his or her portrait. Sincere, moving.
even
poetic, these testimonies
it's haunting impact.
"For us, it was very
feed the
exhib
they got
saying he'd been
Most
of
holding his
infantry badge and the bicolored flag of U.S.
Army D Troop, 17th Armored Calvary. He
worried about
Minh"
sandals and
boot camp.
He still
hurts to think
of the way he
was
veterans'
"Hot, Fear, Death, Loneliness, Camaraderie
he was
exposed to Agent
Orange. He says
son
=
Vietnam."
The testimonies
also help explain why Viet
talk so often about the need for
healing. After two decades, their bitterness
and confusion at being spat on. ignored and
scorned haven't disappeared.
Many of the vet
erans write about how their pride in
serving
their country turned to
festering guilt and
nam veterans
Christopher,
22 months, is "the
most important
thing in my life.
"
shame.
"I only hope my daughters
Viewing
with pride and
veterans
proud
What: "Ask Nor What Your
Country
Can Do for You
Marine,' "
.
writes
.
Era."
Understanding Veterans of the Vietnam
by local veterans of that time
portraits of
Tower)
Wednesday through Friday.
Saturday noon to^pm Sunday
to 4 p m.
to 5 p m
we're
as a
Ray Melens.
recalls
how
when
he
returned
uniform.
opposite Kodak
m.
Gerald Popen
at me
boy noticed his Navy
The boy's mother pulled him away
from Popen's contaminating presence. Tra
still trying to figure that one
he writes.
When: Through Nov 28
Where: Center at High Falls. 60 Browns Race (off State
Street
can look
That's my Daddy,
to this country, a young
and writings
Hours: 9 a
say,
to know he served his country
out,"
10
a.m.
SERVICE. PAGE 5C
Admission: Free
Call:
(716) 325-2030
HOW VETERANS ARE DOING IB
he
from
Vietnam.
returned
that sums up one thread
statements:
running through the
after
treated
when
wrote an equation
having children
of his
class at
th show's subjects are members of
Chapter 20. Moore is among them,
A father's fear
James Wideman
holds "Ho
Chi
graduating
says
before.*
wounded.
Gary Rodas
a photo
touching,"
Ken
Moore, president of the local Chapter 20 of
Vietnam Veterans of America. "The people
who wrote the articles, they said things that
were precious and maybe haven't been said
this telegram
Walking back
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11,
1994 5C
DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE, ROCHESTER, N.Y.
Service
almost as
long as he's been in
Rochester. He
six years ago
from Dallas
mas
FROM PAGE 1C
ter's degree in fine arts at Roches
ter Institute of Technology. He first
When Chuck Macaluso got out
U.S. Marine Corps in 1969,
he says, he didn't like to admit
he'd been in Vietnam. "When we
first got out, we didn't own up to
recalls the Greece
being a
decided to photograph Vietnam
for a graduate project,
but his interest goes back to child
hood.
of the
veterans
Hussey was 6 years old in 1970,
vet,"
resident,
who served with
the 3rd
Marine Division at Phu Bai and
Khe Sanh. "You were looked down
on for taking part in
For Macaluso, thinking back to
Vietnam brought him full circle to
the present. He was photographed
it."
holding a telegram
to his
that was sent
Feb. 21, 1968,
telling them he'd been wounded at
son
Quang Tri. Now that his
is a reservist in the Marines, he
can imagine all too well a parent's
shock and pain on getting bad
news. In his essay, Macaluso ima
gines how his parents felt when
they opened that document
For Linda Langley-Barrett, who
was a medic in Saigon, remember
ing Vietnam meant recalling how
a friend she played checkers with,
a patient who'd lost both legs,
parents on
.own
'
committed suicide one night,
For Fred Elliott (U.S. Army,
11th Armored Cavalry), it brought
:
back a chain of impressions, some
how lyrical and chilling at once,
from water buffalo in the rice pad
dies to a helicopter in flames.
-
'
arrived
to study for his
"It
was
amazing, the writings
his father left the Air Force.
when
The
family moved from a military
town in Texas up to Minnesota,
and all of a sudden
it
that Dad had been
a
For
a
wasn't cool
fighter pilot.
little boy, though, Dad was
hero, one of the good guys.
Hussey couldn't shake that double
still a
he was growing up.
"It didnt make sense to me that
anytime you heard anything about
Vietnam vets on the news, it was
always a negative
he says.
"I held the belief that the majority
of the Vietnam vets are just nor
mal guys. They're related to you.
They're teaching your kids.
You
never hear anything about them
because they never do anything to
vision as
thing,"
.
the
get on
.
.
news."
Hussey wants his photographs
to
upend
the
stereotype of the
calls it "Ask Not
What Your Country Can Do for
: Understanding Veterans
You
The labels
of the Vietnam
crazed vet.
.
.
He
.
Era."
tell what the
today: attorney,
under each portrait
former
truck
soldiers are
driver, filmmaker, industrial
inspector,
engineer, airline safety
health technician.
The parade of ordinary faces,
smiling and somber, might have
show,"
that
for the
Tom Hussey
were submitted
says photographer
Rochester, who
together
with
put
the
of
exhibit
help from his wife,
Vonda. "I think in a large part,
it's because I was around so
often."
Hussey has been spending time
with members of
Chapter 20 for
come
from
a small company's an
nual report or
the
year-end
quet of a co-ed softball
ban
team.
There is nothing to distinguish
this company but the things they
carry in their hands and in their
hearts. Q
"Ask Not What Your
Understanding
a
photography
exhibit of portraits
Country
Veterans
of the
Vietnam Era
by Tom Hussey with writings by
Place: Center
Date:
at
You..."
Can Do For
High
Rochester Vietnam Era Vets
Falls, Rochester Room
November 4th-28rh
Opening: November 4th, Reception 5:30-8:30 PM;
rALLo
This
exhibition
"Ask Not What Your
exhibit of portraits
photographer
is
presented
Country
neighbors, teachers,
officers,
Veterans Day, November
11th
"
Understanding Veterans of the Vietnam Era is a photography
by Rochester Vietnam Era Vets. Through this exhibit the Rochester
a truer version of the stereotypical Vietnam Vet.
They are your next door
and writings
to show the public
police
celebration of
Can Do For You...
by Tom Hussey
hopes
in
firemen,
and often
your
boss. Their "Vietnam
experienc
is
the
only
event that
unifies them.
The
includes B&W portraits of Rochester Vietnam Era veterans photographed either individually or with an
from their time of service. Writings that accompany each portrait are from the veterans
themselves. Some explain why the object they have is special, others relate their feelings then and/or now
regarding the
war in Vietnam. Their experiences brought them together during the 1960's and
early 1970's, and through
organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America and The Veterans Outreach Center it is
bringing them back together
and into the open twenty-five years later.
exhibit
item he
or she saved
VERY IMPORTANT!!
publicity for exhibit:
funds from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Fund. In Monroe
County, the Community Arts Grant Program is administered by Arts for Greater Rochester. Additional support was provided by the
Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica, Chapter #20, The Veterans Outreach Center and Center at High Falls.
The
This
following
must appear as shown with all printed
exhibit was made possible with public
Thank you for your
Any
assistance!
questions
regarding
this exhibit should
be directed to Tom
or
Vonda
Hussey
@
(716) 328-8637.
"Ask Not What Your
Country
Understanding Veterans
by
a
photography
Tom
exhibit of portraits
Can Do For
of the
Hussey with
writings
by
You..."
Vietnam Era
Rochester Vietnam Era Vets
Approximately 9.1
million Americans served
during the Vietnam Era. These men and women are as diverse as any other
linked group in this country. This statement does not
necessarily agree with the media stereotype that has portrayed
Veterans from that era as explosive men and women. A large segment of the general public still holds the conviction that
Vietnam Veterans: are still troubled from the war and not normaL.have more than their share of problems..
homeless
and
drug addicted. These problems exist, but are far from the norm.
.are
These
veterans are your next
door
police officers, firemen, and often
your boss. Their "Vietnam
The war in Vietnam brought them together during the 1960's and early
Vietnam Veterans of America (WA) and The Veterans Outreach Center it is
neighbors, teachers,
experience"
is
1970's,
the
only
event that unifies them.
like the
into the open
and through organizations
bringing them
back
together and
now twenty-five years
later.
For the past four years photographer, Tom Hussey, has been
actively involved with the WA; Genesee Valley Chapter
#20, in Rochester, New York, and has become friends with the men and women who served during the Vietnam era. He
has talked with them about their experiences and feelings
concerning their military service during Vietnam and has seen
the good they do for the community. Tom hopes to show the public a truer version of the Vietnam Vet through this
exhibition of photographs and writings.
Place:
Date:
Opening:
Center
at
High Falls, Rochester Room
November
4th-28rh
November 4th, Reception 5:30-8:30 PM;
FALLS
This
iirerofl^'MiBM
DESCRIPTION
This exhibit includes thirty
OF
exhibition
is
presented
in
celebration of
Veterans
Day, November
1 1 th
PROJECT
thirty five 16x20 B&W portraits by photographer, Tom Hussey. Each veteran is
photographed individually or with an item he or she saved from their time of service. Writings from the veterans
themselves accompany each portrait. Some explain why the object
they have is special, others relate their feelings then
and/ or now
regarding
their
to
Vietnam Experience.
BIO
Tom Hussey is originally from Texas. He holds a BFA in Film and Photography from Southern Methodist
University in
Dallas. This exhibit will fulfill partial requirement for an MFA in Imaging Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology.
He currently resides in Rochester, NY with his wife Vonda and daughter Julia. Tom and Vonda plan to relocate their
Rochester photography studio to Dallas in 1995.
VERY IMPORTANT!!
The following must appear as shown with all publicity for exhibit:
This exhibit was made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts
Decentralization Fund. In Monroe County, the Community Arts Grant Program is administered by Arts for
Greater Rochester. Additional support was provided by the Vietnam Veterans ofAmerica, Chapter #20, The
Thank you for your assistance!
Veterans Outreach Center and Center at High Falls.
Any
questions
regarding this
exhibit should
be directed to Tom
or
Vonda
Hussey
@
(716) 328-8637.
"Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You...
a
>?
of the Vietnam Era
Understanding Veterans
by
Hussey
by
photography
They
are your next
Their "Vietnam
brought
door
into
Date:
Times:
neighbors, teachers, police officers,
is
them together
Place:
of
the
firemen,
and
often
your
boss.
only event that unifies these men and women. Vietnam
1960's and early 1970's, and through organizations like
during
America
the
the open now
Center
at
The Veterans Outreach Center it is
twenty-five years later.
and
bringing
them
back
High Falls, Rochester Room
November 4th-28th
Gallery Hours W & Th 9:30-4:30,
Opening: November 4th, 5:30-8:30 PM;
Reception with hors d'oeuvres &
Tom
Rochester Vietnam Era Vets
with writings
experience"
Vietnam Veterans
together and
Tom
exhibit of portraits
Hussey
would
like to thank the
following
F 9:30-6, Sat 1 1-6, Sun 12-4
cash
for their
bar
generous support:
*
without their willingness to share, this show would not have been possible
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter # 20 * Veterans Outreach Center *
*
Arts for Greater Rochester * Center at High Falls *
is
made possible with public
The veterans,
This
exhibit
In Monroe County, the
funds from the New York State Council
on the
Arts Decentralization Fund.
Community Arts Grant Program is administered by Arts for Greater Rochester.
I
HUSSEY & HUSSEY
PHOTOGRAPHERS
September 26, 1995
Brassey's Inc.
Suite 401 1313
Dolly Madison Blvd.
McLean, VA 22101
Dear Editorial Department:
for
a book with the
working title, "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do
Veterans
the
Vietnam
Era. It is a series of portraits of Vietnam
Understanding
of
Veterans from a typical community with an accompanying writing by each veteran. The writings
The
enclosed samples are
For You...
are as
"
different
to rage
as the
There have
.
individuals; spanning
not
population that served
Little
players.
home.
of their
during this era.
attention
a range of emotion
been any other books
is
All
from
acceptance to
despondency
published about the average cross section of the
are about the
media, personalities,
and the major
paid to the millions who were called, served their country, and went
Many veterans search for some sort of completion to
this
influential
and often painful time
lives.
Americans served during the Vietnam Era. These men and women
as diverse as any other linked group in this country. This statement does not necessarily agree
with the media stereotype that has portrayed Veterans from that era as explosive men and
women. The general public still holds the conviction that Vietnam Veterans: are still troubled
Approximately 9.1
from
million
the war and not normal..
addicted.
These
.have
problems exist,
next
brought
during the
Vietnam Veterans
twenty-five years
are
far from
door neighbors,
These veterans are your
boss. Their "Vietnam
them together
more than their share of problems.
but
is
of America
event that unifies them.
only
1960's and early 1970's,
(WA)
they
are
homeless
and
drug
the norm.
teachers, police officers,
the
..are
are
firemen, and
The
war
often
and through organizations
coming back
together and
into
your
in Vietnam
like
the
the open now
later.
I have been actively involved
with the
WA; Genesee Valley Chapter #20, in Rochester, New
during the Vietnam era. I
York, and
feelings
and
have talked with them about their experiences
concerning their military service. I
have seen the good they do for the community. I hope to show the public a truer version of the
have become friends with
Vietnam Vet
through a selection of my photographs and writings
This work was originally
2025
the men and women who served
Irving
a photo exhibit at
Blvd. Suite 107
by the veterans themselves.
The Center At High Falls in Rochester, New York.
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214)
741-4034
Fax
(214)
741-7054
i
HUSSEY'&r HUSSEY
PHOTOGRAPHERS
-2-
The
following are excerpts from the show comment book:
Although
too young to remember Vietnam, I have gotten somewhat
of a sense of the kind of a person
Vietnam veteran. Pride, loyalty, extreme sacrifice and above all devotion to duty. A duty not
sought out but asked of-and delivered. Some
of the finest soldiers I served with were Vietnam Veterans
that
is
a
and I admire them totally.
I have lived with theirflashbacks, was an understanding sounding board to
lack of them, during long nights in the field. Ijust wish I could understand the whole
reasoning behind over a decade of sacrifice and duty they were asked to do. Sometimes things don 't
always make sense. Vietnam Veterans are
among the finest people this country had and has to offer.
Welcome home and God Bless.
their stories- or
Thank you for caring. I guess
someday be
worth
the
were, worth the effort!
Bravo! An
"the
that
in
hoping
the
back ofmy mind twenty-five years ago that it all would
like you wouldfollow our generation. I was right you
that people
God Bless.
excellent exhibition and even more cheers
"
rest
effort
of us.
Ifeltfortunate
to get a
high
for tackling a
lottery
number
This is
the
subject
not explained enough
in 1973-but I would have
served
to
if called.
Now I understand why!
...Our
stories are
competing
Also
with
see attached
as an article
from
coming out thanks
"The Wall"...
to you.
best thing 1 have seen in
a
longtime. You're
copy of editorial from the December 5th 1994 Rochester Times-Union as well
Rochester Democrat &c Chronicle that ran Veterans Day, November 1 1th,
the
1994.
Commercially this book could be extremely successful.
The conflict in Vietnam is still a very
There
are so many Vietnam Veterans. We all have a friend or a relative who served.
issue.
timely
If marketed properly it could be a terrific gift giving coffee table book with a social purpose.
book of the portraits with their accompanying writings. (Total Word Count1 1,634) I would be happy to forward it for your consideration. All veterans have signed a release
to use their,image for this project. Enclosed is a SASE for return of these samples.
I have
a
hand
made
Sincerely,
Tom
Hussey
2025
Irving
Blvd. Suite 107
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214) 741-4034
Fax
(214)
741-7054
IMAGES FROM
THE
SHOW
Tom
Hussey
Hussey
&
1995
Hussey Photographers
(214)741-4034
Tom
Hussey
Hussey
&
1995
Hussey Photographers
Tom
Hussey
(214)741-4034
Hussey
1995
& Hussey Photographers
(214)741-4034
...
Tom
Hussey
Hussey
&
Hussey
1995
Photographers
(214)741-4034
Tom
Hussey
Hussey
&
Hussey
1995
Photographers
(214)741-4034
Tom
Hussey
Hussey
&
1995
Hussey Photographers
(214)741-4034
I joined
the
"Med"
month
with our
"lucky"
Marines in 1966,
Cruise. About
NATO Allies across
with your
ones who made a six
and was one of the
"playing"
southern
buddies, only you were
Europe. It
was the same game you played
After arriving back in
more organized.
been
the vacation was over, everyone who
had
Game
to the real thing.
time was over, we were
war
three weeks of each month was spent
going
not
to
Nam
In
the
States,
got their orders to go.
the weeks of preparation,
training was taken more seriously but death was not an issue. I didn't know anyone
killed in Nam and we sure didn't run across it in our training. The only Vietnam
Vets
I
we saw were all alive and well.
in Nam
arrived
months
included working
helicopter
sites,
In
was
I
and
next two
"choppered"
to
downed
On New Year's Eve
('67) we
north to some small
base
called
Khe
holding one of the three telegrams my parents received
of
my injuries. Today as a parent with my son in the Marines,
am
notifying them
hard for me to comprehend
door
Phu Bai. The
being
during the day.
moving farther
at
is history.
the rest
the picture
the
Echo Co. 2/26
ambushes at night and
setting up security
battalion
were told the
Sanh,
and was assigned to
the
flood
it is
my parents felt when opening
full well it would be bad news. It is
of emotions
being handed a telegram, knowing
a reminder that as servicemen we experienced all the stresses and emotions that
came with
combat,
but
knowing some day the
Chuck Macaluso
our
man
loved
ones at
home
also
had
stresses.
from Western Union may knock
The
stress of
on their
door.
CHUCK MACALUSO
U.S. Marine Corps
"E"
-
Co. 2/26, 3rd Marine Division
August 1966
1969
Phu Bai, Khe Sarin
-April
Process ControlTechnician at Eastman Kodak
While I
was
Within
a month of high school graduation and
growing up I was taught about patriotism. Not just at school but at
home. Love for country went hand in hand with wanting to become a US Marine.
birthday I was on my way to
After
from boot camp
I
was sent to
"stop
February of '69.
I
loved
and
I'd been deceived
up its
landed in
was wounded as we
rocket attack.
joined my
A
the next
few
lives
of
I
country.
its
Eighteen
and
our
dead
up,
and
It
it
would
to
lie
to us
daughters.
was a
leg from
in my
hand-aidwound,
so
a
I
months
I humped
the
bush,
waded through rice
for
supplies.
paddies,
walked
Sometimes I helped
Sometimes they were my friends.
instead of being back at home dating girls
and wounded off choppers.
were
fighting to
stay
alive-never
knowing quite why,
but
doing
duty.
After
back
a
few
months
to the world.
country honorably
We
expense.
the morning.
or nineteen year old guys that
living it
never thought
got a piece of shrapnel
the perimeter, and rode shotgun on truck convoys
unload the
any
defend my country
It didn't take me long
sons and
rude welcome and an awakening.
in
unit
I
by my own government.
mistakes with the
ones at
was proud to
so we were told.
the spread of
and cover
For
training I made the grade. Graduation day
day. I finally became a real gung-ho Marine. A
Communism"
realize
I
was such a proud
Vietnam in
to
weeks of
American, ready to defend my country
proud
my 18th
become a Marine.
than three weeks after
Parris Island, South Carolina,
grueling, physical ten
a
less
"in
I
I
was
and
suffered a serious
going home
done my job
the
best I
Washington, DC. While waiting for a bus
and ran
up
war mongers etc.).
to us
They spat on
I
was of our enemies
I
thought
teenager.
I
was
yelling
was
served
my
Andrews Air Force Base in
to the
just
hospital,
calling
protesters
us names
as scared of
(i.e.
my fellow
broke
through
baby killers,
country-men as
in Vietnam.
home
Little did I
I
I had
medevaced
could.
obscenities and
us.
injury and was
feeling like a proud Marine.
were carried off the plane on stretchers at
security
back
and
I
could
forget
the war and get
realize we would still
be
back
to
just
being a
fighting that war within
for
years to
After
come.
Marine
and
For twenty
in DC I knew I
that night
American
some years
who
had
served
I bottled up
could not tell people
his country
well
guilt, shame and
I'd been
a proud
in Vietnam.
depression. It
played a part
in
ending my marriage often plus years. I found out I was suffering from P.T.S.D.
I'm doing much better now, thanks to the love and understanding of my two lovely
daughters, Stephanie
don't
the
forget
want to
& Courtney.
They stand by me and
to mention the respect
WA Chapter. We
were together then
I
receive
love
me
for
from my fellow
who
I
veterans
helping each other and we're
I
am.
in
still
together now.
When I
to
be
a
went to
hero. I
me, the
best I
Vietnam I
"
am not ashamed to
could.
"That's my Daddy,
hero and we love
Mellens
say
I
being a hero.
hero."
am not a
I only hope my daughters
we're proud to
him."
Ray
thought about
know he
can
served
look
I know
I did
now what
it
takes
what was asked of
at me with pride and
his country
as
say
a Marine. He's
our
RAY MELENS
U.S. Marine
Corps-
3rd Marine
Division,
3rd Med. Bn.,H&SCo.
1968-1969
Quang Tri
Province
Industrial Distribution Sales
It
difficult
seems
to comprehend, now after
Vietnam Veteran,
I
that
still
24 years, 3
months and
13 days
as a
really know why I was sent to Vietnam. Do
died, that are in the picture I am holding knew? I
do
not
my friends, some who
have spent the last five years actively trying to find the answer, but all to no avail.
For my return trip home I was issued a dress uniform with all the campaign and
you think
medal ribbons
I
my way via Seattle Airport for
day, December 13th, 1969 at 17:30 hours, an individual
was authorized.
my trip home. On
that
I
out of a
group
evening
a person called out to
spit at me as
die."
Surely those
They both
previous
365 days
how I
hell
are you all
Those
you
know
worked with
at them.
guilty
12
of
God,
can
became
dated
look
Within
party.
walked
the
of such a wrongful action.
hour
into
our
a relative
People,
what the
way
to treat a person who
you and who
25
years
at them
Nobody should know that I served in.
a secret.
what an awful
almost
anything but
your elected
On December 14th, I
Welcome home.
about?
months
After
I
me
my "Welcome
have been apart
you, who
ever with you.
look
was
could
where.
have known why I was sent to Vietnam.
for it. I must have done something wrong for the
must
Home"
talking
previous
passing down the hall to my gate. Later that
me at O'Hare Airport and said "to bad you didn't
justify such action.
to
family's house. It
asked me
hate
was then sent on
was
individuals
two
seemed to
I
I
had
.
next to you,
best young adult times
your faces now that I can
some of the
can see guilt on
because I know it
being a patriotic American,
leaders. Remember, I
lived
.
anything I did. I'm
wasn't
loyal
not
to
was not old enough to
my country, trusting
vote. You sent me to
Vietnam!
The Vietnam Veterans
proud of
my
wrong..
America, Chapter #20
by all. My joining this group
secret out.
friends,
of
And
neighbors,
.You
Gary Rodas
hurt
yes, took
lovers
us
and
away
the
strangers,
for something for
four
of Rochester
years ago
burden
of a
you were
has
battle
is something
to
my pride and let
I was loosing. Family,
returned
that
wrong 25
be
years
ago, you were
which we were not responsible.
GARY RODAS
U.S. Army.
-
.18th
Engineer Brigade, 509th Engineer Co. PB
July
1968 -July 1970
Pleiku, Ban MeThuot
Process Control Engineer at Eastman Kodak
Jerome Treeter
land
mine.
summer
came
"I know
and welcomed
and
humor. While in Vietnam Jerome
body was blown
Germany. Jerome
you are gonna
a smile
While working first
off.
Army Hospital,
stepped on a
a new
group
shift one
of casualties
was one of those guys.
His first
words
be my Army Nurse because there is no way I'll
that would light up an entire room. I smiled
him home.
Jerome
passed and
mischief together.
He
via
He had
you get
was
life
Stewart Medical
in from Vietnam
Months
of
The lower half of his
day at Fort
to me were
let
full
was
I
I became
and
the
always managed to get
best
him
of
friends. We
got
into lots
of
as a patient regardless of the shift
I
of course that was planned.
working
amazingly humorous and full of life. He would say things like, "My legs
stiff
although he had no legs. "Linda, let's go for a walk, I need to get
was
today"
are
out of this
bed
today"
thing he
runniest
and
"the last
one to reach the
would tell me was that when
he
door is
got
home he
dancing with every woman he knew. I would have a strange
him laughing until he couldn't laugh anymore.
Jerome
hated
was a great checker player and
he loved
was gonna go
look
that would get
play with me because I really
He knew I hated checkers so he tried
to
didn't know it very well.
it interesting. We played for the dumbest
the game and
to make
The
a rotten
things such as socks,
boots
and
someday remember each other by. The last time I saw
his cap in a game of checkers. I was on duty second shift
other articles that we could
Jerome
alive
he let
me win
that night and after the game we talked and
1 1:00pm. Around 3:00am I
had
committed suicide.
was true.
Jerome
Of course I
Why someone so
was a
friend;
a
Linda Langley-Barrett
received a call
full
friend I
of
was
life
in
from
asleep.
My shift
ended around
a co-worker to tell me that
Jerome
really didn't believe it, but it
leave like that is beyond me.
shock and
would
will never
he fell
forget. Thank you Jerome for your
spirit.
LINDA
LANGLEY-BARRETT
U.S. Army- U.S. Garrison Medical Corps
June 1972 -May 1975
Saigon
Office Manager at the Vet Center