Gerard Florentine:
CLASS OF 1963
Mission Church High SchoolClass of 1963
Boston, MA
University of Maryland - Far East DivisionClass of 1992
College park, MD
Gerard's Story
After High School, I worked for an insurance company until 1965, when I joined the Marine Corps.
I spent 35 months in Vietnam with First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division, was released from active duty in 1970. Taught English at the YMCA in Bangkok, Thailand until 1972, when I returned to the States. Worked weekends at Quincy Hospital while attending Northeastern - evenings. I joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1975 and completed nine military and U.S. Department of State Schools in the Intelligence Field.
During Operation Desert Shield/Storm I was assigned as Liaison Officer with an RAF Squadron in Bahrain. I retired as a Gunnery Sergeant, E-7, from the Reserves, in 1993.
Rewind to the late 1970's: I worked several full and part time jobs through the 70's and, with my former wife, opened a successful Thai Restaurant, in Boston, in 1978. We sold the business in 1984.
Graduated from the University of Maryland, Asian Division, Tokyo, Japan, Class of 1988. Majored in Japanese History, minored in East Asian Studies. Earned Master of Arts Degree in East Asian Studies, University of Maryland, Asian Division, Tokyo, Japan, in 1992. In spite of difficulty with high school Latin, I am fluent in Japanese and Vietnamese, and still trying to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Taught Conversational English and Japanese History in China, Japan and Thailand. I am hoping to retire in either Thailand or Vietnam.........Depending. Although, if I ever had the opportunity (finance wise) I would live out this and any future lives in Kyoto, Japan...Heaven on Earth!.
Rewind to mid 1990's: Worked for State Street Bank and Trust (Now State Street Corp.), International Trade Department until retirement in 2013.
Off time activities include Reading (history, political science,and poetry); Writing (short stories and poetry - we're talking quantity here, not necessarily quality); Exercising (fighting the battle of the bulge); Playing the guitar (not very well, but it amuses and relaxes me); Traveling; Live Theater; Volunteer with State Street Alumni Association and Teaching, (Citizenship / English as a second language courses in Quincy); and am active in the Marine Corps Intelligence Association; First Marine Division Association (President - Boston Chapter); Second Marine Division Association, NE Chapter (Adjutant); Marine Corps Aviation Association and volunteer for Toys for Tots program.
Travel Home..To Asia...Every two years. Someday, I hope to unpack there permanently.
Although at the time I did not realize it, I am now thankful for the education that I received at Mission Church High School, and the outstanding teachers, Xaverian Brothers and lay-teachers I had there. Especially Tom 'Bubba' Clark, who encouraged me to pursue my interest in History. The Chinese Philosopher / Teacher, K'ung Fu Tsu (Confucius) said "He who teaches me for a day, is my father for life." I am fortunate to have had many wonderful fathers.
All Mission High School Reunions and activities are now coordinated through Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood MA. Any questions on future activities, contact Xaverian Brothers High directly.
2016 – UPDATE
After 46 years, I had the opportunity to return to Vietnam – and boy was it interesting.
Arrived in Hanoi on 20 October: Weather was Hot and Humid, dark, overcast
with sporadic showers. That was an omen for what I found in the city.
They say (Who are THEY anyway?), that Hanoi stopped advancing in 1954, after the defeat of the French. I am pleased to report that the stagnation as disappeared and the city now has a definite 1955 atmosphere - Less Elvis.
After 3 days that felt like 3 months, I moved to Ha Long Bay, a natural wonder that not even the most incompetent Communist government (Is that a redundancy?) could screw up. It is the major tourist attraction and only moneymaker in the North for the government.
Two days later, Hue, the old Imperial Capital, was the next stop. I was there in 1968 but the circumstances were not quite so friendly. Hue, being in the old South Vietnam has been rebuilt, cleaned and is a great tourist attraction. Being an Asian History major, I was in ‘Hog Heaven’.
From Hue, moving South, I spent 2 or 3 days in each of the following cities: HoiAn (former HQ of 1st Marines); AnHoa (former HQ of 5th Marines); PhuBai (combat base that was under siege for 2 months in 1968 Tet Offensive); DaNang (former HQ for 1st Marine Division, and my Home, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion – More on DaNang later); ChuLai (where the Marines landed in 1965); NhaTrang (CamRanh Bay - former Army logistics center for Vietnam, and the best deep water port in SE Asia); and finally Saigon (now HoChiMinh City – officially, but still referred to by the citizens as Saigon).
NOTE: HoChiMinh, who Vietnamese consider their countries Founding Father, is still referred to as Uncle Ho by most people.
Back to DaNang – The old city that I knew no longer exists. Everything is cleaned, rebuilt or new, in general a really beautiful city. Shopping Malls with high priced international brand names and of course, Starbucks. (ALL American Fast Food Outlets are available everywhere in Vietnam, even Hanoi – with Menu’s adjusted to local tastes).
What we referred to as CG Hill (Division HQ) is now a high priced, gated community. (The old South is Communist in NAME ONLY).
My Battalion CP is now a semi high priced townhouse development and the LZ has been reclaimed as rice paddies. (With the view of the DaNang River and Marble Mountain, it would be a PERFECT retirement home - Second only to Kyoto).
Leaving Saigon on 18 November, I had the same feeling that I had in 1969 –
‘With a Heavy Heart and a Tear in my eye.’
LIFE GOES ON
2017 Update
As the years fly bye, the desire to travel and see as much as possible has grown by leaps and bounds. Thank God, I have no chronic medical problems, so as long as I am mobile, I will remain mobil.
This year, the month of September was perfect, both weather wise, and connection wise. Embark - Boston, Logan Airport late evening 1st September, 28 days later, touched down in Boston after a wonderful trip down Memory Lane.
First stop: Dubai. I was there in 1992, after being stationed in Bahrain during Desert Storm. It is really impressive, as was Bahrain.
Beautiful, clean, new cities in the middle of the desert - like a mirage. Beautiful architecture, at least to my untrained eye, especially the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
For a small, and less affluent member of the UAE, the place is an amazing Desert Miracle.
Enlightened leadership, 'soft' Islam, and bold faced Capitalism equals Dubai.
Women dressed head to toe in Black (Eyes only showing), Men in long White dress like garments.
NOTE: The average Daily Temp was 125 F, Women in Black ???
Dubai is a strict Muslim country, but the Government is Modern and Business Oriented. The Modesty Police still prowl the streets, but only encounter those who dress overly western (always women), and give them a verbal warning. Most of their victims are foreign domestic or manual labor workers, usually from the Philippines.
On to Thailand, my biggest disappointment. I lived and taught there in the early 70's, and had many beautiful memories. Fortunately, the current version of Thailand will NEVER erase my memories.
Checked into the U.S. Embassy (Clearance requirement), and was advised that " the political situation was in flux so don't get into any political conversations. " 'Copy that'.
The MUCH LOVED AND RESPECTED King had passed away one year ago, and after a year official morning, the NOT VERY POPULAR Crown Prince will be crowned King.
Apparently, the Thai population, like their British counterparts, hoped that the reigning monarch would live to be 150, giving both countries Crown Princes time to pass into oblivion. In Thailand, it did not work out that way. Good Luck to the Brits.
There have been political 'difficulties' which involved successive PM's. As it turns out, a Brother and Sister. Both charged with corruption, and theft of hundreds of millions of dollars. Both fled the Country before being jailed.
But we don't talk about that!
Six hour traffic jams in Bangkok, filthy streets and a shameful degree of poverty that, to my knowledge, did not exist in the 70's.
Ex-pats and Haves live like Royalty, others eek out a daily living. Definitely those who have, have much, those who do not, really do not.
As I said, my MEMORIES will remain my reality.
Next Malaysia:
Three days in Malacca, where I met with a friend from Desert Storm. He was an RAF Reservist, and now lives and works in Malaysia. He gave me an in depth history of the City, and his current position, investigating piracy in the Straits. I would LOVE his job.
Finally Singapore. Again, I was there in the late 60's and again in the mid 80's. Everything was exactly as I rem...Expand for more
embered. Clean, modern, organized and steeped in patriotism. Good, honest Government, great legal system and very Singapore / Capitalistic oriented.
Back home now, thinking and planning for 2018, and praying that I will be here to enjoy it.
Next year: Kyoto, where my Heart is, and Vietnam again. My favorite geographical locations on this earth.
Semper Fi, GCF
2018 Update
The Travel Bug bit again; the end of May and the month of June seemed perfect for scratching. In last years update, I mentioned that I had NO chronic medical problems, this year, my damn knees decided to conspire and did not cooperate. So, I bought three ( 3 ) tubes of Blue-Emu pain cream, two knee support braces, and struck out for Asia, (of course).
NOTE: Flying To the Asia, you loose 12 hours, on the clock, you pick up the same 12 hours when you return to the States.
21 May, 0015, left Boston, arrived in Hong Kong 18 hours later.
Three hour layover, a change of aircraft, a 2 hour flight, touched down on the mainland, Guang Zhou (Base Camp). Been in Guang Zhou before, not a really nice place, but very inexpensive, as in cheap to live, and central to my travel plans. As I said, a Base Camp.
For the next 8 days, traveled, both overnight and day trips, to Zhong Shan, Macau, Sanya, Wuzhi Shan, the Hainan Rain Forest, and Ye-Tien-Gu-Zhui (phonetic spelling) a Mountain Tribe City.
Sixth time in China; effective now, ‘Been There, Done That’.
On the morning of the 30th, 6 hour flight to Saigon.
NOTE: To me, places have a certain scent, and odor (not necessarily offensive) but one that is distinct to that place. That scent can cause physical reactions and stimulate the senses. Okinawa and Vietnam have a special scent that, to me, is inviting, comforting, and relaxing - a feeling of Home. Weird? You bet!
Arrived in Saigon (Ho Chin Minh City to the Government), picked up at TanSonNhat Airport by friends, and checked into the Windsor Hotel. (First Class Establishment, central to everything in the City, Free Shuttle to various locations, several times daily and they hold/store your luggage for up to 10 days - Free. A great feature if you plan to travel in country, a Perfect Base Camp.)
For the next 26 days, I was in ‘Hog Heaven’, I was Home. The weather was seasonal – HOT - temps mid 90’s and high 90+% humidity.
Like the rest of the world, Vietnam uses Celsius vs. Fahrenheit, so I had to do some quick calculating every day - but HOT is HOT.
The exchange rate was a real trip, it fluctuated between 22,600 and 22,750 Dong per 1 USD. A sit down dinner for two, in a first class restaurant could cost 750,000 Dong. The number shocks you, but when you do the calculations, you spent about 30 USD. Great food, relaxing ambiance, very reasonable prices and AIR CONDITIONING.
I spent three years in Central, (I Corps – Marine Country), Vietnam, so this trip I concentrated in the Southern (the Old III Corps – Army Country) area.
Rather than a specific attraction, I will list the Cities visited it’s easier to do rather than specific features in the Cities, so here goes: BienHoa; BienThuan; CamRanh Bay; NhaTrang; Pearl Island (Recreation/Resort Area, A Vietnamese Disney Land); LamDong; VungThau; Plaku; LongAn and LocAn.
One thing that was obvious, Vietnam is aggressively courting the International Leisure Traveler. There are literally hundreds of First Class Hotels and Time Share Resorts being built, all with 36 Hole Golf Courses, Beach Front amenities and other recreational diversions. You gotta' LOVE Capitalism!
English is now mandatory in High Schools, (just found that out this trip) and is the Second Language. In fact, one would think that Vietnam had fought China ( * ) and Russia, rather than France and the United States.
Around 70% of the population was born since 1975, so their knowledge of the French and American Wars is strictly from History Books. EVERYONE was very friendly, most said ‘Hello’ in English and many noted my Marine Corps Cover (Hat), and gave me the Thumbs-Up sign.
At Notre Dame Cathedral, in Saigon, I spoke with a Catholic Priest, several College Students and one former ARVN Ranger (The Ranger spent 3 years in a ‘Reeducation Center’ after the war), all were friendly and Pro-America. The Ranger said, and this is a paraphrase, not an exact quote: ‘It took Russia 80 years to reclaim Saint Petersburg, we never gave-up Saigon.’
To me, that is the Spirit of the people. Invaded many times through the centuries, but never losing their Spirit or determination to be a Free People. As I said two years ago, the Government is Communist, the People are Hard Core Capitalists.
Returned to the States on 27 June. As with my first and second trips to Vietnam, when my time to return Home came, I boarded the flight with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes. I am looking forward to next year, (depending on my knees) to Japan and Vietnam again.
( * ) In spite of being an ally during the French and American wars, China historically was the enemy of Vietnam. The Vietnamese fought many wars for independence from China. China being the historical major power, invaded and conquered all of their neighbors, except Japan, many time throughout history.
National Heroines in Vietnam are the Trung Sisters, Trac and Nhi. They led an unsuccessful revolt against the occupying Han Chinese Around 40 AD. The sisters committed suicide rather than surrender to the Chinese – Death before Dishonor!
On a more current note, remember the slaughter in Cambodia? The Killing Fields? The world wrung their hands and said 'someone' should do something. Vietnam was that someone. They invaded and deposed the Pol Pot government. On a second front,
China was a Pol Pot ally, and in an effort to take the pressure off of his government, invaded Vietnam. The Vietnamese Army stopped the Chinese COLD. and ultimately drove them back into China. Interesting!~
One final observation before closing: From a man with a Jewelers Eye (Just ask me) - Asian Girls/ Women are among the MOST BEAUTIFUL in the world - My Wife is Chinese.
Having said that, if I were in charge, I would BAN the import, possession or use of lipstick anywhere in Asia. Enough Said!
Post Script:
( 1 ) GuangZhou Traffic: There are literally hundreds of millions of motor scooters in China. According to various locals, GuangZhou has about 10 million scooters. The prosperity of the City, is encouraging the purchase of cars; cars that are vying for the same street space occupied by scooters.
This ‘situation’ seems to have been remedied by the scooters and bicycles moving to the sidewalks. Officially, it is against the Law for a scooter to travel on the sidewalk, but because of the traffic congestion, the Police always look the other way.
The unwritten rule is the scooter driver must beep his horn, at that point, the person on foot must move out of the scooters path – or suffer the consequences. There are more traffic injuries involving pedestrians on the sidewalks than on the street.
To me, this situation is how I define the old ‘Chinese Fire Drill’ joke, and NO, that comment is NOT Politically Correct, but is it CORRECT.
In Vietnam, scooters are parked on the sidewalks, close to the buildings, but NOT allowed to be driven there. They MUST be pushed from the street to the parking space.
( 2 ) This is travel advisory that neither Rick Steves nor Joseph Rosendo would offer (If you watch PBS, you know who they are):
Three very important things to remember when traveling in China and all South East Asian countries:
(a) Drink as much water as possible. Local tap water is NOT potable, bottled water is a must. Hot Tea is a suitable substitute, NOT Iced Coffee or Tea - Beware of the ice cubes.
SIDE BAR: Vietnamese Iced Coffee – Café SuaDa is, IMHO, the BEST IN THE WORLD.
(b) In China, bring your own Toilet Paper. TP is a premium commodity, and what is given is skimpy or news paper tough. Vietnam TP is better, but nothing to brag about.
(c) Dinner Napkins should also be packed in your luggage. In China, a single-ply Kleenex is considered a napkin, and in Vietnam, wet-naps are usually supplied in restaurants. If you use the wet-nap, the cost, a few cents, is added to your check.
(d) In ALL SE Asian countries, squat toilets are the norm with a bucket of water and a ladle near at hand (bring your own TP). In the Cities, Western Style Flush Toilets are common, the squats are available, but usually in older buildings. Again, BRING YOUR OWN TP.
Joseph Rosendo ends his travel program by quoting Mark Twain:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness.”
That Sam Clemens was a smart man.
That’s Thirty for this year. As for next, if the Good Lord is willing and the Creek don’t rise: Japan and Vietnam.
- 30 -
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Photos
