Goodbye Taipei

Back in the 1970s there was a columnist for the Army Times Publishing Company (Army, Air Force and Navy Times) by the name of Fred Reed. A former marine, Fred always wrote exactly what was on his mind and pulled no punches in the process. I remember that he was especially supportive of enlisted folks and sometimes critical of their leaders.

He and the Times occasionally crossed swords and they eventually agreed to go their separate ways, but not before he wrote an excellent piece about his return visit to Taipei in 1977, entitled "Goodbye Taipei." I remember reading this article when it was published, about three years after my departure from TDC, and it brought back a lot of memories. You may not agree with all of his observations, but I think you'll find that, overall, it captures the essence of life for the American servicemen in Taipei during that period -- both good and bad.

Fred is still around, by the way. He now lives with his wife and daughter in Mexico where he pretty much enjoys life and still writes an occasional rant about whatever's bugging him, whenever the mood strikes. You can visit his "Fred On Everything" website here and subscribe to it if you like.

He still doesn't pull any punches.