Boat People

[Mike Cuthbertson]

Think I know the answer but have to ask. When someone refers to themselves as a boat person are they referring to how we got transported to Vietnam? I came over on the USS John Pope so does that make me a boat person? We were on the water for approx. 22 days. At the time I thought that was the worst 22 days in my life. Then we unloaded at Quy Nhon and that 22 days was like being at a resort. I think we can all relate to that.

[Jim Sheppard]

Sorry I did not see this sooner. These days, there are hardly ever any posts... and the few we have are usually on the "Public Forum". I have been a bit lax in checking the board as a result. To answer your question, Yes, the original battalion members who travelled to Vietnam on the Pope refer to themselves as the "Boat People". I believe one of our original association members coined the phrase. Hope you are well!

Jim Sheppard
Historian & website caretaker.