Ripcord Association — Member Biographies
Share Your Story
We are building a permanent record of the men and women connected to Firebase Ripcord. Your story deserves to be told — in your own words, for your family and for history.
✉ Send Your Story to Frank →
Dear Fellow Ripcord Veterans, Family Members, and Friends,
We are building a Biographies section on the new Ripcord Association website — a permanent, lasting record of the men and women connected to Firebase Ripcord. A place where your children, grandchildren, and future generations can come and read your story in your own words.
This is not just about the battle. It is about who you are — where you came from, what your life has been, and what this brotherhood has meant to you. Every member deserves a page. Every story matters.
I am asking each of you to take a few minutes and send me your information using the simple guide below. You do not have to be a writer. You do not have to make it perfect. Just tell me your story the way you would tell it to a friend — I will take care of the rest.
Frank Marshall
Vice President, Ripcord Association — Alpha Company, A/2-506, 101st Airborne
What to include
Information to Send Frank
👤
Personal Information
Your full name and any nickname
Date and place of birth
Where you grew up
Your current city and state
🏭
Military Service
Branch, unit, company, and battalion
Dates of service in Vietnam
Rank at discharge
Any wounds received
Awards and decorations
🏠
Life After Service
Your career after Vietnam
Family — spouse, children, grandchildren
Any veterans service or community involvement
Where you are today
👥
Your Connection
Are you a veteran, family member, or friend?
How long have you been a member?
What has the Ripcord Association meant to you?
Any fellow veterans you served closest with?
✍ Your Story — Answer Any of These in Your Own Words
1
What was your life like growing up before the war? Where did you come from and what were you doing when you got the call?
2
How did you end up in Vietnam — were you drafted or did you enlist? What was going through your mind?
3
What do you remember most about your time at Firebase Ripcord? The men, the moments, the things that stay with you?
4
What was it like coming home? How did you rebuild your life after Vietnam?
5
What does the brotherhood of the Ripcord Association mean to you? What keeps you coming back to the reunions?
6
Is there anything else you want your family, friends, and future generations to know about your service and your life?
📷 Photos to Include
A photo from your Vietnam era — in uniform, in the field, or with your unit
A current photo of yourself
Any group photos with fellow Ripcord veterans
Family photos if you would like to share them
Don't worry if your photos are old or not professional quality. Any photo is better than none. Just attach them to your email and Frank will take care of the rest. Even a phone photo of an old print works perfectly.
✉ Send Everything To
You can write as much or as little as you like. A few paragraphs is fine. A full page is wonderful. There is no wrong way to do this.
Frank's Promise: Every biography will be treated with respect and care. You will have a chance to review it before it goes on the website. Nothing will be published without your approval.
You served your country at one of the most difficult battles of the Vietnam War. Your story deserves to be remembered. Don't let it go untold. Send Frank your story today — for yourself, for your family, and for every brother who never made it home.
