Part 1: A trip down memory lane for Veterans Day

By Courtney Elisech

In the United States, Veterans Day is a federal holiday to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, observed on Nov 11. Some veterans celebrate by telling stories and sharing memories. Take a trip down memory lane with Michigan veteran Robert Basner.

BIRCH RUN – In Jan. 1969, Robert Basner joined the Army Reserves at age 18. After he enlisted, he went to Fort Knox, Ky. for all his training, serving one year in the Army Reserves in Saginaw, Mich.

Basner turned 19 on Vietnam soil. 

“I got deployed to Vietnam for one year,” Basner said. “I actually served 11 months and 10 days, and then I left Vietnam and came home. I served another 18 months in Fort Knox.” 

Basner shared a photograph and memory from Hai Lang, Vietnam, taken in the spring of 1970. 

“In Vietnam, there was a place called Hai Lang, see the dirt? It looked just like snow. It was pure white sand. It was beautiful, and I had never seen anything like that,” Basner said. “We would see little kids up there. One little kid was called Ho Chee. He was just a good little kid. I’ve never forgotten him. He’s probably 40 or 45 years old now.”

Basner was lucky enough never to be wounded during active combat. 

Right after turning 21, Basner’s time in the army ended. He went home to Birch Run, Mich. on Nov. 4, 1971. He lived directly next door to a pretty woman named Connie, who would later become his wife. 

“Transitioning back to civilian life was okay,” Basner said. “I had already had a job from before. So, I just got out of the military and went right back to my job at General Motors. I had three years of seniority from before I left, and I got right back to work. I retired 36 years later.” 

“My time in Vietnam impacted me the most,” Basner said. “Every day was a new experience. It was my only overseas duty.” 

Basner’s rank was a Specialist E4. What does that mean? He was specialized in what he did, which was a tank crewman. 

Basner, 71, is an active member of the Birch Run VFW, Veterans of Foreign War, Post 7542. He is the Treasurer of the Steel Tigers 77th Armor Association, a group that his regiment formed after a reunion in 2000. 

The Steel Tigers still hold reunions, and everyone travels hundreds of miles to see one another and reminisce about the past. Together, they have a website to share stories, photos, and updates about reunions and members.

Being in the service was something that ran in the Basner family.

“I joined because my dad was a WWII Veteran, and I had two brothers in the service before me,” Basner said. “Mostly, I joined to do my part. It was my duty. I don’t regret a minute of my service.” 

“Veterans Day is a day that honors veterans, any veterans. It is just a day to say thank you,” Basner said. “I call a few friends just to say Happy Veterans Day. I still talk to people that I was in Vietnam with.” 

Basner and his wife are heading to their residence in Florida for an extended stay to escape the cold.

“Normally, on Veterans Day, we put on our Honor Guard uniform, and they have a little ceremony thanking veterans in Birch Run,” Basner said. “We sit around and have hot chocolate and donuts, maybe go back to the post, and have a beer or two. I won’t be around this year to participate.”

Veterans Day can mean something a little different to each person. For those who have served, it is a day to remember and reminisce with old friends. For others, it is a time to be thankful for those willing to risk their lives in service of this country. 

Try to find a new way to celebrate this year. Instead of saying Happy Veterans Day, start up a conversation. What is an experience that impacted them? Why did they join? You will be surprised by the stories you get to hear.