'Memorial Day is a Day of Reflection'

The Rotary Club of Stone Mountain held its annual 'Salute to Veterans" luncheon at Park Springs retirement community, and Brigadier General Joseph S. Stringham (retired) a highly decorated US Army Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee who served more than 31 years in the US Army, was the guest speaker. Gen. Stringham was part of the operation in Vietnam that was the subject of the movie 'The Green Berets' with John Wayne.

And now, Five Questions With Gen. Stringham:

1. So how did you come to be the guest speaker at this Salute to Veterans event here in Stone Mountain?

Gen. Stringham: I was invited by Al Lipphardt, past two-term Stone Mountain Rotary Club President and Past Governor, who fought alongside me in Vietnam 40 years ago. We met again at a VFW golf tournament in Canton last November, and it was as if we had just spoken last week. When he asked me to be the keynote speaker at this 7th annual Salute to Veterans organized by the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, I was delighted. 

2. You continue to be a guest speaker. What are some of the other activities you engage in, since your retirement?

Gen. Stringham: Yes, especially around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I try to make myself available to speak at as many events as possible. It is an honor to meet veterans from every branch of the U.S. Military Service, and to share some of the highlights of my career with a variety of organizations and clubs. For the rest of the year, my wife of 47 years and I enjoy farming on top of Cumberland Mountain in Northwest Alabama, where we have a small orchard and 10 acres of hay. We enjoy spending time with our two daughters, each of whom served in the Army for four years – our youngest even was a paratrooper with the 18th Airborne.

3. How accurate was "The Green Berets" depiction of the relief of the two CIDG camps, as well as the other operations associated with it?

Gen. Stringham: The relief of Bu Dop, one of the two CIDG camps, was quite accurate. The relief of the other camp was actually patterned on events that occurred during the Battle of Dong Xoai. Of course, "The Green Berets" is a movie and has accurate parts interwoven with parts that are fictional. The death of the Captain at the end of the movie is very true, he was my roommate.The Mobile Strike Force Command, or MIKE Force, was a key component of United States Army Special Forces in the Vietnam War.

(Note: click here for Brigadier General Stringham's service and role with MIKE Force.)

4. There's been a lot of controversy lately over the federal government's ability to deal with the problems our veterans face, including a recent controversy with the VA Hospital here in Atlanta. Do you believe we're doing the best we can with our veterans as they return home?

Gen. Stringham: The VA is the largest caregiver in the US, and after I got into the system, I have always received the assistance I needed. Do shortfalls happen? Sure, it is a huge organization. I know that U.S. Army General Eric Shinseki (Ret.), our Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is deeply committed to making sure that all veterans receive the services they need. 

5. Finally, what does Memorial Day mean to you?

Gen. Stringham: Memorial Day is truly a day of reflection. I remember the men I fought with and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our county.