Page 83 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2020- Online Magazine

ARMY
VIETNAM

LUBBOCK

Despite the emotional trauma and physical harm
Larry Griggs suffered in serving his country, he built a
successful life. The decorated soldier would just like to
be remembered as a “good guy”. Those who know him
and those of us who appreciate his sacrifice will gladly
do just that.

Operation Cedar Falls. Around 16,000 troops mounted
a huge offensive in the Iron Triangle. Feb 22-May 14
– Operation Junction City. Some 20,000 U.S. troops
entered the Vietcong’s War Zone C stronghold near the
Cambodian border. Nov 3-22 – Battle of Dak To. One of
the bloodiest and sustained battles of the war (19 days),
the U.S. suffered 285 KIA, 18 MIA and 985 WIA troops.

After 11 months and 15 days in Vietnam, Spec 4 Griggs
headed back to the states and was discharged at Ft.
Lewis, Washington. He had spent two years of active
duty and four more in inactive reserve. After a four-day
stop, waiting for a plane on standby in the “not-so-
friendly Los Angeles airport”, he finally just purchased
his own ticket to Lubbock. Back home, he went to work
with two other brothers in Griggs Carpet Cleaning, and
he is still serving customers today. Larry met his future
wife, Bettye Faith, at a friend’s house, and they were
married within six months. They had one child, son
Larry Dale, who suddenly passed away in 2019 at age
49. They have two granddaughters, Koby and Kory.

Larry is one of the approximately 15% of Vietnam
veterans who suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome). Like many of his fellow soldiers, he also
has lingering side effects from the liberal use of so-
called “Agent Orange” used to clear vegetation. The
toxic chemical dioxin used in Agent Orange caused
numerous cancers and other health issues in returning
vets. Larry is also included in this group, numbering
thousands of Vietnam veterans who still suffer from its
lingering effects 45 years after the last U.S. troops left
the country. As Griggs so eloquently put it, “Some of it
I remember, and some of it I’d like to forget.”

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