Remember These Things: Neighborhood Connections

Book excerpt: Three middle-aged men who grew up in various states along the Northeast corridor migrated to the Washington D.C. area and by co-incidence moved into the same newly built neighborhood situated inside the Capital Beltway. They become friends practically immediately since they were of the same age group as were the ages of their wives and children. What cements their acquaintance and friendship is when they became aware they were all Vietnam veterans serving in different years and in divergent capacities, one an officer in the Army, the other an enlisted man in the same Army unit with the third serving as an enlisted Marine. They socialize often with their families and among themselves through children's sports events. Their youngsters attend the same elementary school which enhances their social and neighborhood connections. And there are many neighborhood gatherings that all neighbors were welcome to attend. What breaks this placid neighborhood scene are the recent activities of a robber/ opportunist rapist who perplexes the local police departments from advancing any type of lead. The vets through their walks and wanderings with their dogs in Rock Creek Park locate a possible hideout. They share their thoughts and memories of wartime experiences together and attempt to solve the issue without the use of lethal weapons. The story is about their quest for justice and their intimate friendship that proves that not all Vietnam vets turned to drugs and alcohol and became homeless vagabonds and isolated forest dwellers. Many of them like these three guys who still carried their wartime memories succeeded in life and became responsible professionals and caring citizens.