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A Personal Note
John 'Mik' Mikolaycik
My journey to the world of the Vietnam began many years ago when my 'big brother' was sent to Nam. Although young and naive at the time, I didn't understand all of what was transpiring I knew that all the adults would carry this look of concern about them... and the news each night was focused on the war. God graced our little family, and eventually my brother returned home from the war. Little did we realize at that time, the person that was whisked away from us was not the man that returned.
For a time span of over two decades; we tried endlessly to understand him, to reach out to him, and to help him return... it was not to be, in 1992 the tormented life of my brother ended. It was never officially determined whether or not his death was the result of some cause of the effects of war... his death certificate simply stated 'natural causes'. Natural causes fed by the demons that haunted his every hour. I found solace in that he had finally been granted peace, and he had returned home to a far better place than this world in which we live... I didn't view him as gone, as I believe the soul lives on, and I took refuge in that belief. At times, when I needed him most; I could feel his presence, and love reaching out to me from 'the other side'.
A few years ago, whilst 'surfing' the internet one evening, I happened across a website which had a post mentioning my brother. Excited beyond belief I followed the links and found the message board. That evening my life changed... through correspondence with the men; using the message boards, and chat sessions I began to learn about my brother and his experiences while in-country. I was blessed to attend a reunion of the 31st Regiment Association and there I found what it truly means to be a Vietnam Vet brother... during this journey, there is much that I have learned, and in doing so I have found a purpose in my life... to do all that I can, to bring all the brothers home.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the men of the 6-31st who watched my brother's back, who were his 'friend' and 'brother', who became his strength, who remember him, and who honor and respect him... for the man, the soldier that he was. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been accepted by them into the family of the 6-31st Vietnam Vets. Through them my family has found healing, and closure.
There is one special person, who had made this part of my journey one that I could make with ease, I could not end this note without thanking him for taking my hand, and walking with me on this path. I am not sure I could have found the strength to walk this path without his love, and his support... I am always grateful, he is always in my heart!
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