A Minnesota PBS Initiative
"First There"
After returning home after a second tour in Vietnam, with his first child on the way, Emmett P. Botten left the US Marine Corps for the Air Force because it seemed like a safer option. He served multiple Vietnam tours in both branches, and he considers his five children being born safely the highlight of his long military career.
It seemed to be a lot safer, with a child on the way, to be working in a glass control tower rather than in a foxhole with a helmet on your head being shot at.
Emmett's story was captured with the help of TPT's Minnesota Remembers Vietnam team.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Minneapolis, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Pleiku, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Dates of Service: 1955 - 1976
Unit: USMC, USAF - MAAG 10th Air Commandos
Specialty: 0331/6741 P27270 ABC
Additional Locations During Vietnam: Plei Me, Operating Location #25/Long Tieng in Laos
Story Themes: Bloomington Picnic, Family, Long Tieng, MAAG 10th Air Commandos, Multiple Tours, Operating Location #25, Pride, Watch
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