Dale, a former soldier during the Vietnam war, spends most of his time on the farm. He's not good with technologies, and there's no need for such - he's been simply enjoying his farmer life. One day he receives a gift - a smartphone. Overjoyed by this new technology, he starts using it. The first thing he does - getting online and searching on the Internet.
After days of scrolling, he finally found the number of someone he was looking for all these years. Not knowing what to expect from the call, he dials the number. To his surprise, he hears someone picking up the phone. "It's me, Dale..." - the man starts talking and suddenly stops, being overwhelmed with emotions. Dale can't hold the tears pouring down his face. After a long pause, a voice on the other side starts talking back...
The Year 1968
Dale Edge was a veteran combatant during the Vietnam War. All those years ago, Dale was also regarded as one of his era's bravest and most distinguished soldiers. Many times he recollected how horryfying it was to be drafted.
The Vietnam War was like a never-ending wound. Dale was well aware of the fact that he was most likely selected. He stated that he would not volunteer, but he would not run either.
Work Boots for Army Boots
After the war, Dale's got back to what he was so passionate about - his farm. He had always enjoyed farming because he was a boss in this industry- there was no need to report to anyone.
He spends his free time on the farm, tending to it. In a farming community in Ashland, Illinois, Edge lives and works on a four hundred-acre property. He's been farming this land for almost his entire life, except for a brief period when he traded in his work boots for army boots.
A Brave Soldier
Dale had spent his life farming during his teenage years and had never intended to become a soldier. When dealing with this type of position, he must be strong, confident, and courageous. He never thought that he would be fit for it but because of the country's needs, he had no choice but to be prepared for it.
When he became a soldier, he was prepared to give his life. That was how his country meant to him. Dale also shared, "I was proud of myself for going through the war." He never imagined surviving the war and retiring from service because it was never easy for them.
Faced the Emeny with Courage
When the war in Vietnam took place, the soldiers faced the enemy with courage and resolve, and they believed in themselves. Only to return home and be met with more challenges as soon as their plane touched down. "Men were kissing the ground. I'm pleased to be back, and I hope they make it", Dale shared.
Moreover, when they were about thirty feet from the car, they heard shouting and hollering, "catch it," Dale struggled with adapting to everyday life. "I'm not going to repeat it," he said. This is why Dale buried his sentiments and stories, all except for one thing that needed an ending.
First Smartphone
Dale was defending both his country and his team of troops. Additionally, He is now living his life away from the gunfire and the horrific experience. He is now living in peace, which is in stark contrast to his previous situation. Later on and after receiving his first smartphone, he recently resolved to unravel the void bothering him by conducting some internet research.
Succeeding, he summoned the confidence to make a phone call. He tried to make contact with someone who he helped during the Vietnam war.
Mystery About the Man He Saved
Dale remembered a man he helped during the war. This person never really left his mind since. With his newfound technology at the tip of his fingertips, he started wondering about that man and what he was doing. He had something to employ to research that individual for the first time, and he never stopped discovering more about him.
Dale told the media that he attempted to save and assist the wounded man during their battle. The man he's referring to was a fellow soldier when the conflict broke out.
Lacked a Conclusion
Edge repressed all of his sentiments and stories due to his experiences, except for one thing. Moreover, there's the one about the man he saved. He recalled that during the war, he met a man at the most crucial time of his life.
After he revealed that story, the media and public were curious and eager to learn what happened after Dale helped him.
The Intrigue Continues
When Dale presented it in his narrative to the media, folks were ecstatic to discover what had truly transpired. Dale was candid about his personal experiences with the netizens. When a documentary or an interview was broadcast on television, many people saw it, and the person being discussed had already seen it.
Many people were inspired by his story, as do the new generations of troops. He was pretty honest and willing to disclose everything, and he admitted that he was still concerned about the man he saved.
Fred Kjorlien
Kjorlien is from Minnesota and works at Great Steps, which manufactures prosthetic and orthotic devices. Furthermore, he's well-liked by his customers. He is also a veteran combatant during the Vietnam War.
In his field of work, most of his customers go to him because he knows what he is talking about. Fred also had a prosthetic. "They like people that are amputees because they can empathize with some of the stuff. And some people think, Oh, you got one. Then I'm OK", he shared.
Popular with His Clients
He has gone from being a country hero and soldier to an individual who manufactures replacement parts for people like him. He is well-known and respected by his clients because he has managed to work despite having only one leg. People are proud of him and inspired by his story when they learn the truth behind why he lost his limb.
Fred's ability to work and support his family despite having only one leg is unaffected. He always says that he was brave in facing the battle in his former occupation and that he must also be brave in the present and future.
He Lost His Leg
In one of their times in war, Fred was firing towards the enemy using a tree for cover. Unexpectedly, an RPG came flying straight towards him, and a loud explosion encapsulated him. Sadly, the RPG directly hit one of his bottom legs. It all transpired so fast that he could not believe that his legs were bleeding out.
From Dale's memory, he was within that same explosion too. Seeing that a comrade was injured, Dale immediately sought out to help Fred. The two veterans were encouraging each other that they would get through this.
Unexpected Incidents
The conflict was extremely loud, and it was the most significant war they had ever seen. Many soldiers perished, but some were rescued. Some of the troops that survived were Fred and Dale.
They had not anticipated the war's growing intensity and had no idea what to do because the enemy surrounded them. All they wanted was it to be over, and they could go home safe.
Critical Condition
Fred was in critical condition, and his legs were swollen. His legs became weaker and weaker, and his blood pressure dropped. He was shaken since he knew the opponent was still battling and that he was too weak to fight back.
Fred was crawling away from the conflict and suffering, feeling the anguish in his legs. While he was away, Dale executed first aid on the wound and guided the other to the medical tent.
Feeling Grateful
Dale applied a tourniquet to Fred's leg before the medics arrived. "I got behind a tree that had fallen, and this leg was up, and I began shooting and an RPG hit the side of the tree," he explained. It was a horrifying moment for Fred to see his leg all injured and they were a long way to the medical tent.
Fred was crying not because his legs had been shot but because he was extremely grateful to Dale for saving his life. He went to the hospital to heal after that incident. Because of all the pain and recovery, Fred did not have enough time to express his appreciation to Dale. Thus, he never saw him again.
Returning to Their Home
Then he recalled keeping Fred calm and assisting in his transfer to a medical evacuation helicopter. "I'm going to beat you home,'" Edge remembered. "I said, 'I'll never forget that Fred,' and I didn't."
After the Vietnam war, they returned to their homes and began to recuperate. They did not see each other anymore and did not have any information about each other after that day.
His New Leg
He received his new leg after surviving the war thanks to the assistance of others. Fred's leg was severed, which underwent surgery. Unfortunately, it needed to be amputated for him to survive. Several years later, he now has a prosthetic able to walk.
He stated that while only his leg was amputated, he still had a second chance at life. The portion was simply a part of his body, and what mattered most to him was that he was still alive and could be with his loved ones.
Met in an Unusual Way
They were in the same battalion but didn't know each other until that day. They had only met on that fateful day of the war. In war, they had many soldiers and had no idea who they will be close with.
Dale and Fred were strangers who hardly knew each other. In addition, Dale also stated that he had just met Fred that very day.
Thanks to One Phone Call
In the present day, Dale's goal had always been to find Fred and ask him whether he was okay and his current living situation. It made him sad that he never knew what had happened to his comrade. Finally, his hollow sensation had been replaced with a phone call.
When Fred received the call, he honestly did not recognize Dale, but he finally remembered that man as they continued to talk. The two catches up over the phone, asking how their lives panned out. However, a phone call wasn't enough for both of them.
Dale Answered Prayer
Fred drove five hundred sixty miles to see his old buddy. This meeting had been in the works for more than fifty years. "If you want to know the truth, that was an answer to a prayer," Edge added.
"I have no idea how many times I prayed for that man. It's often simpler to remember the difficult times when you're around an old buddy", he shared. Dale was so excited to finally see his pal and to know that he made it.
Reunited
For the first time since their return from Vietnam, these two soldiers' reunion was so inspirational. They couldn't stop crying and being emotional when they finally met. When Fred saw Dale, he embraced him warmly and thanked him for saving his life.
On the other hand, Dale was so moved that Fred came all the way to see him. They both were overcome with emotion and could not believe that they would ever see each other again.
Recalling the Battle Experiences
So much time and travel had been wasted as soon as the two men began to converse. "It didn't matter. I'd spend the weekend digging out memories. It was a plea for an answer and I'm not sure how many times I was praying for him", Dale said.
Fred also shared, "It's often simpler to remember the difficult times when you're around an old buddy." And for the first time since they returned from Vietnam, "we were zigzagging down the mountain" , remarked Dale
Made It Through Together
While relating their stories and the events, they understood how fortunate they were to have survived. They also expressed their sorrow for those members of their team who died in the war. They were appreciating one another and honoring the military who battled for the country as a unit.
Being a soldier was like having a half-dead corpse, and their buried body had already been planted. Both Dale and Fred also sent messages to one another to keep and cherish their second lives.
New Journey
Dale is now focusing on his soybean farm while Fred will continue to work with the manufacturer to create artificial body components. Even when they went through hell and back, they are now both content with their lives.
They intend to meet up if they have the time and catch up on their experiences along the way. Dale and Fred have become good friends and have always sworn to have each other's backs.
Truly inspirational
They presented a story that was both inspirational and motivating for everyone. As they have stated, their job was never simple for them, but it was made more bearable when they helped and cared for one another. Dave was a role model for everyone who believed that one should always have a good heart in helping others no matter what.
Fred was the one who appreciated the help provided to him, and he would be eternally thankful. To this day, both of them have an inspiring narrative to tell.
Finally Welcomed Home
"Welcome home, buddy." Dale greeted Fred. "Thank you, you too." Fred's response. Dale is planning a trip to Minnesota now that Fred has arrived in Illinois. Their testimony went viral, and many people praised them for their bravery. They are regarded as heroes by everyone, even their families. Their reunion was great and very meaningful, and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Helping others, even if you don't know them, is a highly uplifting thing to do. Assisting others entails bringing joy to others, which should be the goal of life. Dale is proof that there are still people out there with a caring heart for others. They become friends due to their experiences and getting to know each other is a means to meet. If Dale puts his life on the line for Fred, Fred never fails to appreciate him. This is a story that everyone should know about because it is both informative and motivating. I wish them complete healing, as well as prosperity and happiness on their new life adventure.