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“Thank you people so much for your concern, your prayers and your thoughtfulness to me,” Peter A. Callaghan said. “I was in North Vietnam for just nine months after being shot down in the year 1971-1972. I am honored to be your friend, I shall never forget your thoughtfulness and how happy you’ve made me.” Peter A. Callaghan, my dad is my hero because he went to the Vietnam War. I think he is brave, inspiring, and a good commander.
My dad was brave enough to go fight in the Vietnam War. He fought in the War, but lost and was put in jail on June 21, 1972. He was released on March 28, 1973, and sent back to his home city of Long Island, New York. After he fought that war he fought some cold wars (as in not so much of a big war) and retired on September 1, 1989. Peter A. Callaghan is brave because he fought in the Vietnam War.
My dad is inspiring because I want to be a veteran just like him. He got 31 medals in those twelve year of being a veteran. Mr. Peter even got his wing to fly an Air Force plane. I hate war, but I can’t stop other people from fighting. That is why I want to be a veteran. That’s why I think Peter A. Callaghan is inspiring.
My dad is a very good commander because he’s been a couple of commanders for just in twelve years. First he applied for and became a C-5 navigator and Command Post Controller. Next he became Commander of the 3554th Recruiting Squadron at Selfridge. Later he became Deputy Commander of the 3504th Recruiting Group at Lackland. Last he became Chief of the Command Post at Randolph. That’s why I think he is a very good commander.
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Peter A. Callaghan said he thanks all you lovely people out there, for your prayers and thoughtfulness so he could get out of the North Vietnam prison. He was a great soldier. That’s why I say my dad is my hero because he’s brave, inspiring, and a good commander.
Page created on 5/14/2011 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 5/14/2011 12:00:00 AM
To the American People:
Thank you so much for your concern, your prayers, and your thoughtfulness to me. I am convinced in my own mind that the reason I am home safely today is because of your individual prayers and efforts. I thank God every day for letting me return to my country and her wonderful people - people like you.
I was in North Vietnam for just over nine months, and I guess my treatment was the same as all the other guys shot down in 1971 and 1972. The treatment of the prisoners improved in 1970 because of all the letters and concern shown by Americans like you. For this I am forever in your debt.
We had a steadfast rule in all the prison camps in North Vietnam. It is un-Christian and un-American not to forgive people for their past misdeeds. I firmly believe this and I feel no bitterness towards my captors. Feelings of revenge and hatred are burdens too large for me to carry; I have too much living to do. I have too much to be thankful for, thankful to God and thankful to you for getting me home.
I am honored to be your friend. You are the "beautiful people" I keep hearing about. Thank you for everything you've done for me; I shall never forget your thoughtfulness and how happy you've made me.
Peter Callaghan retired from the United States AIr Force as a Lt. Col.
