A Summer in Vietnam
POSTED ON: Monday, October 28, 2024 10:32 AM by MC3 Hannah K. Cox
Midshipmen Julia Hricay, Kai Braaten, Alphonse Trapanese, and Benning Rojas-Kerbow embarked on a transformative mission through Vietnam with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) driven by a profound sense of duty to honor the legacy of over 1,500 fallen American service members still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. This summer training was not merely an academic exercise; it was a commitment to bring closure to families of the missing.
For Braaten, the motivation to join this mission was deeply personal. The echoes of his grandfather's stories from World War II and his role in liberating Dachau resonated within him. Discovering the opportunity in a simple email, he felt compelled to contribute to the vital work of the DPAA.
“It was just kind of a way to honor his legacy,” Braaten reflected.
The midshipmen, alongside a team of experienced service members from various branches, faced the challenge of a 30-day camp in the jungle.
“Every single day, we would drive from the village up the mountain. That was the most beautiful commute I think I'll ever be fortunate to see,” said Rojas-Kerbow.
The beautiful landscape that surrounded them was a stark contrast to the arduous task of digging and sifting through earth in the sweltering heat, surrounded by wildlife in the jungle, for hours on end.
Rojas-Kerbow noted that one of his favorite parts of his experience was putting socks on over his boots as he got dressed every morning to protect himself from the leeches.
“I found one on my elbow, and I was like, ‘Oh, my God, that's a leech. That's a Vietnamese leech. I'm in Vietnam. This is so awesome! I'm doing this!” Rojas-Kerbow exclaimed.
Commander Jason Duff, director of the Midshipmen Development Center, expressed immense pride in the midshipmen's dedication.
“I was proud of them and proud to work side by side with them,” said Duff.
Duff emphasized that despite the challenges — “we were literally in holes, digging holes in the mud” — the midshipmen represented the Naval Academy, the United States Navy, and our country with respect and commitment.
“They took that on wholeheartedly, and I was proud of them because they did it so well,” Duff noted.
Amidst the hardships, camaraderie flourished. Braaten spoke of the locals’ warmth and hospitality, sharing moments that bridged cultural divides. They exchanged language and dance, and even sang karaoke together.
“It was cool to see us come together. They were there to help us,” said Braaten, recognizing a shared humanity in their mission.
As the work progressed, Commander Duff witnessed how the midshipmen thrived under pressure.
“You could see the team get excited when we potentially found something,” said Duff. “People would dig harder, people would want to push through.”
This drive to push past fatigue reflected a collective commitment to the mission, with the midshipmen fitting seamlessly into the team dynamic. The culmination of their efforts came with a poignant moment: loading potential remains onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for transport back home. As Braaten carried the casket, the weight of their mission crystallized. “That’s what it’s all about, bringing the guys home.” Braaten reflected. This moment underscored the mission's significance, marking a profound conclusion to their arduous work.
Braaten and Rojas-Kerbow returned stateside not just as midshipmen, but as stewards of a legacy committed to ensure that no service member would be left behind. Their experiences in Vietnam, marked by challenge and connection, reshaped their understanding of duty and honor.
“I don't think any midshipman will ever get a more all around experience in which you get to work, you get to learn, and you get to do something that means more to the entire nation than this specific summer training,” said Braaten.
In sharing their stories, they remind us of all of the sacrifices made by those who serve and the enduring hope for closure that transcends time and distance.
As Commander Duff aptly summarized, “We owe it to their families, we owe it to our government to see this through,” embodying the very essence of their mission.
Category: General Interest, Midshipman, People