CAVE CREEK — The Vietnam War: As seen through the lens of American Legion Post 34 member Daniel “Boogie” Beaulieu
Young Daniel “Boogie” Beaulieu joined the Army in 1964 and went to basic training in Ft. Knox, Ky. Little did he know that after his advanced training as a photo lab technician, he would get orders to join the second military intelligence unit in Germany – and then he volunteered for a “little war” he had heard about: Vietnam…a place he knew nothing about.
When Beaulieu learned more, he volunteered because he planned to make a career in the military. Service in a combat zone would look good in his jacket. He was accepted right away and headed to Saigon where he was attached to the MAC-V Military Assistance as a photo lab technician – his first gig.
The unit was headed by a major (a bit unusual for a platoon) who came to Beaulieu one day and gave him a camera.
“He said, see those helicopters out there, go out and document what’s happening in the war zone,” says Beaulieu. “Then he added, ‘I mean get in a helicopter and head to where the war is and take some pictures of what is happening including ground activity and site operations.’”
Beaulieu wasn’t very good at photography at the time but he learned fast. He will never forget witnessing the many soldiers who died on the battlefield and the horrible human atrocities – some searing his memory even today.
“I took photos from 1965-67,” says Beaulieu. “I loved the country and the people but they didn’t care for us much because sometimes the government didn’t treat them well. The fact is, we had no business being there and as time went on, more and more soldiers agreed with that sentiment.”
Beaulieu says it is hard for him to pick up a camera to this day.
“I saw so much and photography takes me back to a bad place,” he added.
Beaulieu returned to the states in 1967 making it to Oakland, Calif., and Travis Air Force Base. Years later, he is constantly reminded of his experiences, especially by certain smells, including the odor of trash burning and decay. Those were the smells he lived with everyday.
Upon his return, Beaulieu had to work on his relationships and deal with a lot of fellow Americans who did not welcome him or his fellow veterans home.
“I was at the airport getting something to eat and saw people stand up and move away from me,” says Beaulieu. “I didn’t understand it. Everything seemed different. The experiences I went through in Vietnam were deep. It would have been nice to have someone welcome me home.”
Today, the Army veteran shares his experiences with others, opening up opportunities to talk and laugh together. Beaulieu says he tries not to sweat the small stuff and focuses on his wife, children and grandchildren. Fifty years later, he finds himself still fighting the war.
“Talking about that trauma is very helpful,” says Beaulieu. “After awhile, you put the uniform away and move on. For a long time, I couldn’t sleep in a bed but rather preferred the floor. College was difficult, so I went to barber school and really loved sharing time talking with customers.”
This wisdom-filled man says the Lord was always with him and carried him through his many incredible experiences.
“You may put away the uniform but moving forward is a daily battle,” adds Beaulieu.
American Legion Post 34 is 75 years old and veterans are planning a year chock full of events, tributes, patriotism and the celebration of freedom. During its anniversary, Post 34 will feature veterans’ services and giving back to community over the years.
Chartered in 1947, American Legion Post 34 has been giving back to community charitable organizations for more than 75 years. The Post, whose mission is to support and advocate on behalf of veterans, active military and their families, consistently reaches out to assist veterans and others in need.
American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272. E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, Ariz. The American Legion, formed in 1919, supports and advocates on behalf of veterans, active military and their families. The 501(c)(19) also supports the initiatives and programs of the American Legion while fostering patriotism and responsible citizenship. American Legion Post 34 is a non-secular, non-political organization.
— Fran Booth
American Legion Post 34 to honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Cave Creek – Faces of Freedom, American Legion Post 34’s theme for its 75th anniversary, will host a unique evening event to pay homage to National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 6 PM.
In the United States, the third Friday in September honors POWs and MIAs. Each year since 1989, a presidential proclamation brings the nation together to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the military men and women who are imprisoned or unaccounted for as a result of their military service. Approximately 82,000 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War and other conflicts.
The American Legion is committed to the return of living POWs, repatriation of the remains of the fallen from war zones abroad, or a determination through convincing evidence that neither is possible. Post members and the public are invited to gather in the Al Morgan Hall for this formal occasion featuring guest speaker Tom Kirk, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot in Korea, and Vietnam, including spending five-and-a-half years in the Hanoi Hilton.
Following the keynote speaker, there will be a toast to the missing while enjoying some incredible appetizers. This event is open to the public.
