Oct 7, 2014
On today's show, we are honored to welcome Vietnam Veteran Randall
Brown. Randall served in Vietnam as a registered mail courier, and
flew all over Vietnam multiple times weekly in a C7a Army
Caribou. Often these missions were flown in the flight path
of the planes responsible for dispersing Agent Orange and other
herbicides over the jungle canopy. Randall recalls the smell of the
chemicals in the cabin of his plane, but had no idea how they would
impact the rest of his life. He served for 13 months, from January
1967 until after the TET Offensive in February, 1968.
In July 1969, Randall was diagnosed with Diabetes, and for the next
10 years, fought with the VA for treatment. Then in 1979, he was
finally treated for Diabetes...first with pills, then as the
disease progressed, with insulin injections. In 2003, he was
classified as totally disabled by the VA. He has had major cancer
surgeries, including his hips, knees, shoulder, eyes, and loss of
his stomach. Last year, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. All
of these conditions have a direct connection to Agent
Orange.
After his military service, Randall was on a team which opened the
first 150 Red Lobster Restaurants in America. He owned his own
business for 22 years. He is now retired, and devotes his time and
energy to helping Vietnam Vets affected by Agent Orange. He founded
'Vietnam Veterans with Diabetes', and in connection with Dr. Steven
Edelman, founder of 'Taking Control Of Your Diabetes' (TCOYD)
Randall assists Vietnam Veterans in finding resources and
connections to help with the many complications caused by the
exposure to these chemicals.
Randall and his wife, Rita (high school sweethearts) have been
married 49 years. They have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1
great-grandson, who is 9 years old. In spite of the many challenges
Randall has faced over the years, he manages to keep a positive
attitude and a sense of humor. Listen and enjoy the
show!
www.VVWD.org
-Vietnam Veterans with Diabetes-