The colonel of the retired army Richard “Bob” Seitz had an impressive military career, saying that he served proudly for more than two decades by doing what he had to do and “doing it well”.
But he did not expect his service career – covering the Vietnam War, along the demilitarized zone in Korea and later in Germany during the Cold War – would win a coveted place in a parade.
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But that’s exactly what happened on Saturday March 8 in Laguna Beach, where Seitz was recognized as the honorary patriot during the 58th parade of the Patriots day.
“I think of the men with whom I served in Vietnam 55 years ago, how I want everyone to be with me,” he said. “Not a day happens that I do not think of the men we lost in Vietnam, not a day. The men with whom I served, they inspired me all my life. They surround me like a halo; In many ways, they are my second faith. »»
“Patriot of the year is not an individual honor for me, but for all the patriots of Laguna Beach,” he added. “I accept this for them and their service to our nation.”
Seitz, 77, first served in the 101st airborne division for 18 months during the Vietnam War, where he was also injured in combat, then with the 82nd airborne division in Korea and the German interior border during the Cold War.
He continued his military service at the Pentagon and later with the joint staff of the Chiefs, serving under the former Secretary of State Colin Powell and helping to plan large -scale exercises for military orders worldwide. During its 24 years of service, Seitz obtained three decorations for Valor, including Purple Heart.
“I am honored and very humiliated by that,” he said before the Saturday parade, adding that he appreciates that the community of Laguna Beach pays tribute to those who serve. “They left their families, their jobs and their studies to serve our nation. And all they ask is to return to their community and be accepted as members of the community. »»
Seitz had declared that he planned to wear the army jungle jungle with which he had left Vietnam and a Post VFW of Laguna Beach 5868 had in the parade, driving with his wife and daughter. He was one of the 80 parade entries planned to navigate in downtown Laguna Beach on Saturday.
The other members of the community that the parade committee recognized included Captain Rick Shoemaker, the great marshal of the parade; Karyn Philippsen as a citizen of the year; Lizi Bazargan and Carter McKinzie as citizens of Jr. 2025; Mike Tauber as an artist of the year; And Brayden Belden as an arthleter of the year of this year.
With the noted residents, dozens of paramedics ranging from civic organizations and veterans to school groups, military groups, tanks, vintage cars and novelty groups.
The parade – What last year rained – is a must among the inhabitants with the saying Half of the city is in the parade while the other half looks.
“It is essential that we remember the people who have served the nation before themselves,” said Seitz. “We have not had a project since 1973 and there are fewer veterans to serve as models.”
In his unit of the 2nd battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, he said: “We had 100 men in Vietnam, lost nearly 40, lost 26 from Vietnam and now there are 36 of us.
“Now those who serve Iraq and Afghanistan must give an example for the next generation,” he added. “It is very important that the community continues to recognize the sacrifice of veterans.”
Seitz said that what was the most distinguished at his service, so it was the loyalty that he and the other soldiers had for the other.
“The moral objective of Vietnam was to take care of each other on difficult days,” he said.
Among the most poignant memories he has of his fight – first as a chief of the rifle peloton and later as a commander of the rifle company, once promoted to the captain – was when he and his unit made their way through the jungles and the mountains in a strongly disputed land near Hue, in the valley, he said.
“We spent most of our time patrolling and looking for enemy activities and refusing them to use the region and trying to repel them in Laos,” he said about combat in November 1970. “It was a very disputed area that we did not want them to control. We entered an offensive on the ground that continued until someone is backing down.”
Being honored on Saturday was something that Seitz said he would never even have thought. The experience, he predicted, would be very moving.
“I really feel a great identity with Laguna Beach,” he said about the adoption and celebration of the community. “We are very proud to be part of this community.”
“I think people honestly care about each other,” he said, describing the identity of the city. “Goodness and joy in our community are more important than an individual and I like to be part of it.”
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