My Name is Bob Delanoy. I enlisted in the USMC in 1963 and graduated from MCRD Parris Island in May 1963. Through testing and interviews I qualified for a long-discontinued program called MARCAD. That program qualified me for naval aviator training. I got my naval aviator wings and was commissioned in April 1965. I trained at MCAS Beaufort to fly the F-4B Phantom and deployed to South Vietnam in 1966. I flew 226 combat missions and returned to CONUS in 1967. I then trained other Marines to fly the Phantom for several years. After leaving active duty in 1969 I flew with a Marine reserve unit until 1972 when I transferred to a Michigan Air National Guard Unit and flew fighter aircraft until my retirement in 1991. I do not consider myself disabled, perhaps well used would be a better description. My experience at Bamboo Bend was initiated with less than 4 hours’ notice. I was asked to fill the slot of an individual that cancelled with no notice. Little did I know that this experience would stir many old and long hidden thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that I had buried without putting to rest before burial. As was the case with many veterans from the Vietnam War, my return was not a welcome and joyous event. I was repulsed and disgusted by the very country I vowed to defend. The friends lost and absolute carnage observed were not discussed. There was no “debrief” because no one wanted to know. I, like so many Vietnam Vets, withdrew into a subculture and hid out in reserve and guard units and cloistered ourselves away from civilians. We viewed ourselves as despised and somehow criminal. My week stay at Bamboo Bend brought all those long-buried feelings to the surface again. As the most senior student in class 2017 I saw myself initially as somewhat of a guide. It didn’t take very long for me to realize that many of my fellow students were indeed guiding me. I was able to find peace and a new sense of self respect for my efforts that has given me serenity that I did not possess before. I have been able to put my combat experiences in perspective as a historical event. The beauty of a self-made bamboo fly rod is something that can never be disputed or taken away from me. The greater issue is that my military accomplishments and service cannot be dismissed or taken away from me either. I served, I did what was asked of me and more. I have been an avid fly fisherman for many years. The beauty quietness and peacefulness of fishing is very refreshing and regenerative. The experience of BambooBend will never be forgotten. It’s not about the rod, it’s not about the fish. It’s about putting my life and others in perspective. I’m home now thanks to Bamboo Bend and my fellow students. It is my conclusion that there has never been a warrior who experienced combat that wasn’t changed by that experience in some way. Indeed, that just what veterans are.
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