The Colorado Air National Guard Didn’t Plan On Serving In Vietnam. Here’s One Vet’s Story

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Photo: Jim Patsey Colorado Air National Guard veteran
Colorado Air National Guard veteran Jim Patsey and his wife in summer 1969.

Fifty years ago, members of the Colorado Air National Guard got some unexpected news: Their unit had been called up for the Vietnam War.

The 120th Fighter Squadron was the first national guard unit to be activated during the Vietnam War. Veteran Jim Patsey was in the 120th unit, and said he remembers never thinking that moment would come, never mind a week before his first wedding anniversary.

Patsey talked to Colorado Matters about his service at Phan Rang Air Base in Vietnam.