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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2015 7 By Cindy Graves Adrian "Butch" Zarr was 21 when he was drafted into the Army after two years of college. He wasn't a volunteer for Vietnam, but he was patriotic and proudly served his country. As a young guy, he felt strong and invincible and believed deeply, in spite of the danger, that with a little help from above, he'd make it out alive. Those feelings were soon to be challenged as he was identified by his C-Co, 1st 501- 101 Airborne commander to be one of the best candidates to become a machine-gunner for his platoon. He earned the rank of "Hard-five" light weapons infantry machine-gunner, carrying 26 lbs of machine gun and 60 lbs of ammo through the jungles of Vietnam. As one of the most visual targets to the Vietcong and N.V.A. in any ambush, his anticipation for survival changed to the belief that it wasn't a matter of "if " he would be hit, but "when" and "how bad." That fateful day did come on May 21, 1969 in Tam-Ky, Vietnam. It was a major battle, where over 60 percent of his platoon was killed or wounded. Butch himself was hit in the upper leg and suffered a shattered pelvis and internal organ damage. He was rescued by one of five choppers that came in to secure the injured; owing a debt of gratitude to their bravery. The Army cared for him in various hospitals for six months. When being taken by stretcher to a hospital in Yokota, Japan, he was struck by a frightening, sensation, as his body began to react in a bewildering, unfamiliar way. He called out to the nurse to better understand what was happening and she put her hand on his shoulder and told him, that "This is what it feels like for your body to finally relax." He had no idea how tightly he had been wound, for so many months. Upon returning home he was determined to kiss the first American stewardess he saw… however, he came home in a medevac and all of the American women were officers. He was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star (V) and an Air Medal for his involvement and injury in Vietnam; but his own heart however, was not prepared for the sad and disrespectful treatment that the returning Vietnam Vets received as they reached U.S. soil. For years, Butch considered May 21 the worst day of his life, until May 21, 1978 when his beautiful son was born. Butch is grateful to be here today and epitomizes the term "family man." He is extremely involved with helping his son and enjoying his grandkids and is passing on his love for his community and his country. We at Four Seasons are thankful to have such a cheerful, do-gooding guy here, who is ever gracious with his kind words to everyone he comes across. Thank you so much, Butch for your service both then and now. "Butch" Zarr, Purple Heart Hometown Hero Above: Butch Zarr in Vietnam Right: Butch today