Vietnam veterans reunite for first time in over 56 years

The group first met each other back in the mid 1960's, and have kept in touch since, but on Thursday, one of them was treated to a special surprise - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - While we all love to catch up with friends, it can sometimes be a challenge meeting up and COVID-19 made things even more difficult.

For three Vietnam veterans, it’s been decades since they last saw each other.

Doug walker, Jerry Blackwell and Mack Luckie, all Vietnam war veterans. They've known each other since the mid 1960's, when they were stationed at the 29 Palms Marine Base.

After the war, they each went their own way.

That was in 1966. Now, fast forward to 2022. On Thursday night Walker, along with Luckie’s wife, organized a very special surprise.

Walker made the trip down from Oregon, and Blackwell from Georgia.

All to see their best friend Luckie in Yuma.

“It was absolutely amazing,” Luckie said.

Luckie served in the Marine Corps for 32 years. He was also Base Commander at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma from 1988-1990.

During all that time however, the group has stayed in touch, but seeing each other in-person was very emotional.

“Doug and I have seen each other a few times, I talked to Jerry three or four times on the phone over the years but it's been 50, 56 years since we’ve been together," Luckie said.

When they were all finally able to see each other, the friends were beyond grateful.

“So this is really a very emotional time for all of us,” Walker said.

Blackwell felt the same way.

“It’s like a dream come true, I’ve thought about it many times,” Blackwell said.

For Luckie, who’s lived in Yuma since his time at MCAS

The surprise of seeing his long-time war friends was very emotional as well.

“I just can’t explain it, I was like jerry, almost in tears,” Luckie said.

The three men will be spending the rest of the weekend catching up, telling 56 years worth of stories.