 Al Kincaid was drafted into the military in the 1960s. Born and raised in Alaska, he attended college in southern California. “The Army and Marine Corps were drafting people to Vietnam. I didn’t want to do either, so I joined the Navy to see the world. I spent four years serving.”
He spent 14 weeks at basic training and another 14 at Hospital Corpsman School. After graduation, he spent a year at the Portsmouth, VA Naval Hospital before transferring to Camp Lejeune for Fleet Marine Force training. Upon becoming a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, he spent a year in Long Beach, CA.
In November 1968, Al’s desire to see the world was realized with a ticket to Southeast Asia. He was deployed as part of Mike Company, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. He fought with and provided medical aid to fellow Marine Corpsmen until November 1969.
During his time in Vietnam, Al received multiple medals and commendations including the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Combat Insignia, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
When he came home, he recalls veterans leaving society for simpler lives. “People were dropping out of life. It was traumatic. I came back from Vietnam in 1969. People called me names, tossed stones at me. It was harder than being in Vietnam. There were a lot of scars on the hearts, souls, and minds of our veterans. I hit the road and travelled the country. Eventually I bought and restored and old sailboat.”
Al spent a decade traveling and sailing the world.
He doesn’t hold any resentment, “A lot has been corrected. I don’t have any problems with what happened back in the day. The brave people who protested helped to shorten the war.”
He considers himself one of the lucky ones. “I had help getting me on the right track. There wasn’t a lot of help back then, but the help that we did have worked.”
Kincaid turned 76 in March and with time his perspective has changed. “I’m getting older and as I do, I wonder what impact my life has had. Operation Raise the Roof gives back to veterans who are so appreciative of our efforts. It makes me feel good about myself and humanity. It’s just a good feeling,” he says.
He hopes to lead by example. “I want other companies to see what we are doing and mimic it with their own goods and services.
Al “Doc” Kincaid serves as the President and Patriarch of VALOR. He never forgot his Brothers and continues to give back to American military service members, both past and present.
Through VALOR’s Veteran focused philanthropic programs, Al “Doc” Kincaid continues to help mend, protect, and honor those that fought for our freedom. |
