he -- michael nardotti. he is retired from the service. thank you for joining us. guest: you are very welcome. host: first and foremost, can you tell us about your vietnam experience? guest: yes, i was commissioned from west point in 1969, commissioned in the infantry, trained and airborne ranger, and then when i went to vietnam in september 1970, i spent about eight months on a stateside unit, the fifth mechanized ,nfantry in fort carson colorado, and joined the first cavalry division in vietnam in september 1970. i was assigned as the blue platoon leader. the helicopter assault the two meter for the bravo troop of the first night cavalry regiment. andere the only troops basically we were a quick strike capability to take advantage of opportunity enemy targets and also, more importantly, to rescue downed pilots who went down an aircraft, and the long-range reconnaissance control teams that have stumbled into more resistance than was intended. host: general, if i understand a crackly, there is a aceto begin anniversary -- there is a significant anniversary on the r