After talking with her father one night about her three uncles’ service in Vietnam, Michigan’s Kelly Trudell was inspired to write. “My father told me about how Uncle John flew the Cobra gun ship, as well as the Huey medivac, and how Uncle Paul was a combat engineer in Vietnam,” Trudell said. “I asked Dad if his brothers ever talked to him about the war, and my dad said, ‘No, but I will tell you what I never forgot — when your Uncle Paul got wounded, they sent him home with shrapnel in his hip. I went to go pick him up, and when he got off the bus, some guy came up and spit in his face.
’ “As my dad was telling me this, he had tears in his eyes,” she said. “My dad never cried.” The heart-breaking stories that followed led Trudell to write the song “Cold Sweat,” which she will perform Saturday at the 27th Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion.
She traveled from her home in Grass Lake, Mich., this week to share her songs with other veterans who served with her uncles in Vietnam. “Both of his brothers served two tours in Vietnam,” she said. “My Uncle Simon was a Marine who also served in Vietnam. “My heart grieves for my father, as well as for my uncles.
That heaviness on my heart is God’s way of letting me know that it is time to write,” she said. “It is as if God tapped me on the shoulder and says, ‘Let’s get to work; let’s change hearts with this song.’ I am God’s co-writer. What a blessing it is to use the gifts he gave me for his purpose.”
Along with Trudell, the annual four-day event features an array of speakers and entertainment. Tunes from Ramblin Fever, a reunion regular, rang out at the grounds Thursday during a pre-reunion concert, as veterans set up camp sites, drank beer and swapped war stories. Even though all of the near 1,000 camp sites are full, people can walk in and enjoy the entertainment at a cost of $10 a person for the weekend.
Those attending can also participate in a silent auction of an array of items, including wood carvings, Samurai swords, pictures, ornaments, paintings and more. The items are set up in the office next to the stage. The action kicks off today, with opening ceremonies and a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. Also taking the stage today will be Bob Ladd, Howard County Service Officer; and Arnold Wallace and Gerald Pankop, both served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam; singer and songwriter Dan Nightingale; Voice of the Veterans, the Vietnam Veterans Band; The Cruisers, Ron Jones & Old Dudes; and Peace Train & The Flower Power Band.
Kelly supports the transformation of where she lives - visit the New Jackson website. She believes in helping the vets and active soldiers of our great country - read more. Advertising, marketing and promotional services by The William A. Latocki Communication Arts Agency He can help you succeed. Contact him at 517-795-3342 Email - Results@Latocki.com
