Photos by Byron Briner, Vietnam, circa 1968

Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner

My Father was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. I don't know much about his time there - part my fault, part his. He did not speak about it while I was growing up and today he only mentions it when asked. I do know he was stationed there between 1967 and 1970 and that he was a part of the Seabees or the Construction Battalion division of the US Navy.

"The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplishing myriad other construction projects in a wide variety of military theatres dating back to World War II."

"The official motto of the Seabees is 'Construimus, Batuimus'—'We Build, We Fight.' Unofficially, their motto is even simpler: 'Can Do!' "

About four years ago I found a box of slides my father took while in Vietnam; the box was titled "Camp." I was shocked! I was amazed! These images were beautiful. The composition and choice of timing were perfect. Why was I never introduced to his visual talent earlier? There were also images from his time in New England after the war. Again, fucking stunning.


Hawaii, on leave, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


Vietnam, circa 1968, Copyright Byron Briner


New England, circa 1971, Copyright Byron Briner

My father eventually moved back to NW Indiana and begin working at The Bethlehem Steel Corporation. This is where he met my mother. His father as well as my mom's father were steel mill workers before them.

My parent separated in 1983 and a few years later my mother met my step-father - at the mill. They are both still employed by the once all-powerful steel industry. My father has since retired and lives with my step-mother in Florida.

A few days after I found those slides I asked my father if he was conscious of his framing, his choice of subjects and timing.

"No, definitely not."