'Out to get the Russians': The 73-year-old Vietnam vet fighting in Ukraine âą FRANCE 24 English
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 6. 04. 2022
- Out of the thousands of foreign volunteers to have taken up arms in Ukraine, 73-year-old Florida retiree Steven Straub is perhaps the oldest. But he is hoping his combat experience as a veteran of the Vietnam war will come in handy in the fight against the invading Russian forces.
#Ukraine #veteran #Vietnam
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This guy not only can provide knowledge but a morale boost. Lets not forget that he could've spent his last years in some peacfull farm but instead preferred to fight Evil. RESPECT
I think he enjoys it, he doesn't want a peaceful life. And well, it's a blessing to have him in such a difficult time to uphold freedom.
He's better in the ADVISORY ROLE, then in actual frontline
In the winter of his life, he had to choose: "Live for nothing, or die for something". He chose the latter
We Must Ask Why He Picks Up Arm After So Many Years !? Simple : Because Communism Swallower Must Be Stopped This Time. Sincerely,â€,â€,â€
@Ryan Kisnics at least he is a better leader than Russian military brass !!
The old dog is stil walking straight. What a character he is. Inspirational for the troops at present.
A big applause đ for that vet.
Heâs a living legend
Some day you will be an "old dog " too
@@anthonygd.olynyk4224 Iâm an old dog ..like him đ
Praying for Straub to have strength, courage, and safety in his endeavour. A brave man, who seeks to do good, and spend his last years protecting the people of Ukraine. We are with you!
Praying to a fairy in the sky, but somehow not including outer space, does nothing. However, your "prayers" were mostly answered before you pretended to "pray"... As Soldier Straub is already full of courage and strength, even without you rubbing the genie's bottle.
With him forever
Negative
I think he like to kill, nothing more
How unfortunate he shares a surname with Klaus, the Globalist behind this powerplay.
Someone should tell this deluded man to go home .
I'm a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer and salute this fellow Vietnam War veteran. I was assigned to the Seabees when I arrived and served 18 months in the Mekong Delta, Saigon, and Cam Ranh Bay areas a half-century ago. My best wishes to him, and may he win one this time!
You never lost brotherâŠ. The people did.
You were there to kill people in their own country? Aint you ashamed?
Welcome home sir. From a younger Army vet that served in OEF.
Thank you for protecting Freedom of Viá»t Nam for 21 years sir
From South Viá»t Nam with respect
How many innocent civilians were killed by CHEMICAL ORANGE?
Wow, very impressive to that Vietnam war veteran..... hats off sir!!! đșđŠ đșđŠ đșđČ đșđž đ đșđČ
MSM BS Photo Op!
I am impressed, a Vietnam vet who is willing to fight despite his age. He looks capable and fit enough to be there. REMEMBER, we all age differently. From a fellow American...Best Wishes to you sir!!!
No kidding. I'm 56 yo and injuries. On good days maybe not horrible but no way would US military take me .. I don't think I could march much at all certainly not at fast speed.
Barring injuries and not taking care of Mom it be worthwhile to fight. Slava Ukraini đȘđđșđŠđ€
đșđžđ€đșđŠ
I hope he takes down a few!
@@gerrycastlemanwarde5933 a few dozen
With or without a firearm, just the fact that he's there probably does wonders for morale. Not that the morale isn't already high among the Ukrainian troops since they're so unified in their mission, but having this old Vietnam vet from the US come all this way to offer support is amazing. It doesn't matter what country we're from - we all share this planet together and we need to stick up for one another when necessary. Mr Straub has my utmost respect and admiration for his bravery and selfless act of volunteer service to the people of Ukraine. đ
Yeah, shill some more so more people are duped into fighting for the Ashkenazi's.
As a Ukrainian myself we remember all those who help us. On our news that we watch all those foreigners who come to help us are always mentioned and we know there are many. Even those who have died will be remembered by our people. We are grateful to have these brave people coming in to help a country where they donât know anyone and yet they have already done so much for us.
We never fully take off the uniform. Once a soldier, always a soldier. Help those who need it. /Salute, sir.
Yep, it stays in your blood.
@@franco7928 Not everyone's unfortunately. It's still in mine and I'm a VN Vet two years older than him and also went through the 1st part of Tet before I rotated out (2/4/68) after my year.
I joined the reserves after a 17 year hiatus. Like you said, it stays in your blood.
@@skipperclinton1087 My dad spent a lot of time in Cambodia. He served 69-70. He went a little over a year after TET was "over". My respect to you for your service. He was a sgt, US Army.
@@qqq1q1qqqqqqq Thank you Casey. FYI I'm in Cambodia right now and have been for 6+ years. I find it to be a lot safer and tolerable!
@@skipperclinton1087 Oh wow! There's a difference between then and now I'm sure. Between the two places as well. I hope you continue to stay safe and healthy. đ Take care.
I'm a 71 year old,and I have to admit,this guy made me think about my age a lot differently. God bless you and protect you. Talk about thinking outside the box! He did!
I'm alot younger than him and his posture is alot better than mine! Too soon bad habits are allowed to start creeping in.
it's awesome to see him walk so proudly in his camouflage again. Thank you for your service...đșđž
Once a soldier, always a soldier. Thereâs no profession on earth that stays with you like soldiering and combat.
True, but it is a blessing and a curse sometimes.
As a 75 year old Brit you have my total respect and best wishes for your European military career.
From Florida!
@@bullonu may be retired in Fla but not from there by no means, the heavy northern accent gives that away.
Yeah NOT A Florida Native! They Are All Deported By Castro Cubans!
Another TRUE HERO, I also salute you SIR !!!!
So much respect for any foreigner who puts his life on the line to help out another Country.
I salute you Steven Straub, I also have a lot of respect for you, Vietnam Veterans have no mercy! I'm sure your experience will all come back, plus the strategy of fighting a war, my brother was a Vietnam Veteran, unfortunately I lost him in 2020, may all the war soldiers watch over you, thank you for serving.
Y do people hate Russians ?
If he has combat experience in Vietnam and in Tet Offensive, you wanna be with him during intense combat firefight. These Vietnam Vets had to go through the low morale, the gore, dead buddies, and extreme pressure from almost everywhere. Their combat experience is huge, they are the literal boots on the ground back in the day.
It also raises morale very much.
Old man now. Irrelevant
Fifty three years is a lot of years on the memory. More forgotten than remembered.
I'm 69 I would stand next to brother and fight for what's rights
Yea, crazy grandpa who liked to kill viets back in the day usa invaded vietnam.. Dont think i wanna be with him
I'm amazed that despite his age and knowing what he may have been through, a Vietnam vet would come out of retirement and join the fight. Much respect and a salute to him. For Ukraine!
Naive, do not hope that they have come to help.
@@alru4407 STFU...No sugar or buckwheat 4 u.. commie troll...
At 73, my grandpa is a couch potato.
The world needs more people like Steven Straub. Good job Steve, God bless you.
May God bless and protect him! I'm proud to call him a fellow citizen and I hope he can make a difference
Finally, for him, it's a war where he's got all the support he'll ever need back home.
You know peace would be much nicer, like if Zelensky made serious efforts to bring this to an end through negotiations that would be far more admirable.
Nice very nice
@@bhante1345 no negotiation with terrorists
The Ukrainians have much more in common with the Vietnamese. The Viet Kong would probably have more useful advice too.
@@bhante1345 Another huge fart of cowardice.
Absolute badass this guy, to take up arms at his age.
Never forget the quote "Beware of an old man in a profession where men die young"
What a clown, more than likely going to get himself and his men killed.
I have much respect, and I salute you!
He is the embodiement of the saying "always beware an old man in a profession where men die young...". My hat's off to you, Mr Straub.
The world needs more men and women like this. As a returned serviceman myself I have utmost respect for this man.
Glory to Ukraine, from Australia
I'm 73, a fellow 49er. By my name all can appreciate I'm not such a physical specimen as Steve. I admire that bloke immensely. I admire all the other volunteers who have gone to help rid the insanity that causes such suffering. Let us hope they are more successful than the international brigade in Spain!
Kudos to you lovely person
I'm proud of you fellow infantry vet and your Ukrainian tigers you have chosen to fight with! God speed! SLAVA UKRAINE!!!!
he may not fight with fitness but the knowledge he will give is so valuable, respect to this man , in times of war every mans ideas is never seen as a bad idea , it only takes that one person who you never expected anything of to do the things no one imagined. stay safe Ukraine.
God Bless you Sir Straub helping the Ukrainian soldiersđđđđđđ
2:15 I feel that Steven Straub's mixing with civilians and helping them to buy food is every bit as important as his combat experience. Mr. Straub who was likely living a comfortable retirement in Florida, is visible proof to the suffering citizens of Ukraine that the free people of the world stand with them.
Hats off to the man. It's people like him that will make a difference.
Amazing soldiers⊠fighting not for their own country but in the name of humanity. Prayers for all of youđ
Huge respect to you sir đ
đșđŠđșđŠđŽó §ó ąó „ó źó §ó żđŹđ§
So hardcore. Respect to this man. In addition to russia you know he's also battling joint pain. Stay safe my guy! We love you!
Guess He Needs To Smoke Better Joints! Should Relive Pain! Not Cause It!
Lol at both of you two
You love him. I don't.
@@c.duarte8069 why not? do tell
Total Respect for this men. Wow. A real hero!
Big respect to this man! Thank you for serving their country too and serving peace
"This is his second war, and he was disappointed in the first one." I've heard that's the motivation for a lot of American soldiers currently volunteering for Ukraine. I wish them all the best.
That it's, it's a shame some feel the need to fight to make up for not really defending freedom
Soldiers of all nations deserve respect. It's the leaders, political and certain power hungry political generals who deserve scorn as they are often the ones who send soldiers into harm's way without ever stepping foot..
Disappointed? That he didn't get to kill enough civilians in Vietnam?
Thank You for doing something that I can't.
@@skeeter3969 you seem to have No concept of what Vietnam Was...
Take up arms again, in a land far away, at his age. That's courage. And he knows he's on the right side. Bless him.
"Right Side" Says WHO? The Western Media and Politicians? YOU TRUST THEM??
@@jasminebali8068 Hello again comradeâŠare you feeling the burn đ„ again?
Courage ? More like stupidity.
There was an article from The Independent in 1993 that said:
Anti-soviet warrior puts his army on the road to peace. Guess who they were praising?
Taking up arms? He does not even have a weapon on him, but always two bodyguards by his side. Looks a little bit awkward.
Brave man, true respect, true hero , tough
Brave people volunteering thank you for trying to keep all of us safe as well as the Ukrainians stay safe đđđđșđŠ
Amazing man showing the heart of a true soldier. Stay safe sir! ,đđ
Look's he is man with knowledge and coldheaded.
This kind of people can help in many ways
HOT HEAD! Too Much Florida Sun!
What knowledge?
That's a real soldier you all have there. Vietnam Vets are a special breed and close to my heart. They are tougher than nails. As well as wise, too. The best of the best!
He Was A Soldier without a war... Now He Felt his calling Again.. what a Rush!!!.
Stay strong Ukraine. đđđȘđșđŠ
It never was. It is not and will never be.
Must give this Vietnam Veteran a great deal of credit, especially at his age, it just isn't as easy to move about as you once did. As a Vietnam Veteran myself, even younger, I could not partake in such activities, of course I've had a non-military injury, but I truly salute this guy and understand his need and willingness to be there to help. Democracy is there for those who will stay vigilant, and this gentleman knows this.
You killed innocents in Vietnam just like him.
Guy, Thank you for your service sir!
Yeah, I am a whippersnapper of 64, and I couldn't handle the running, climbing, stooping, jumping and avoiding cramps. I hope Sgt Staub holds out and isn't put into too demanding of a spot. His just being there, though, is good. đșđŠ
and they don't realize that we will aim not just pop off shots. we've lived long lives and know what it takes to win a gun battle. they are more worried about getting home again.
they will .in a bag.
@@shaverlocal Why do you Americans thank killers?
Proud of my brother 72year old nam vet my self 101st
I hope he will put his conscience at ease and find peace by helping Ukraine. The scars of the Vietnam will never heal for those who participated in that tragedy.
Someone wiser than me once said, "Be afraid of the old man in a profession where men die youngâŠ"
Very true. Old tigers have wisdom.
I like that
you got that one right +
There are many ways to look at that quote.
The old man is dangerous in a fight, or the old man is a coward in a fight.
That made sense in times when you saw many battles.Romans,Middle ages or anything before the gun powder arrived.Nowadays they send them back after a couple of months.Many did not even see action.If this guy saw anything in Vietnam he would have been long gone.
Remember-heroes die first.And the mother of the deserter never cries.
Thank you for helping save humanity!
As a call of duty veteran I have much respect for this guy.
1968 during the TET man you saw what to much and I respect you Sir and I'm a 64 year old 105 disabled Cold War Veteran and I would love to be there with you .. you have my utmost respect Sir..
Thank you for both services, sir! đ«ĄđșđŠđșđž
I really say to this man who volunteered to fight in Ukraine, you are a morale booster indeed. You stood up and showed the world that your experience still exists. I salute.đ
The Ukrainians have much more in common with the Vietnamese. The Viet Kong would probably have more useful advice too.
Well said!
@@castorchua The difference between Viet Cong and Ukrainians is thay Viet Cong kills innocent people while Ukrainians protect innocent lives.
@@castorchua The difference between Viet Cong and Ukrainians is thay Viet Cong kills innocent people while Ukrainians protect innocent lives.
Huge respect for him and all of the volunteers wherever they came from and hoping they keep safe..
Amen too that Jayne đ Slava Ukraine from England đŽó §ó ąó „ó źó §ó ż May God and your country keep you safe , come on Boris get your wiggle on send them more guns đȘ, lots of guns !
Ah yes my old Vietnam vet enemy from the past I hope your doing well and protecting Ukraine good luck comrade.
This guy was a living legend.
One Amazing soldier god bless you sir and well done stay safe we salute you and the fighters of Ukraine đșđŠ
Huge respect to you sir, and to all the volunteers from across the world who answered a humanitarian call to help defend a beautiful country and its people. Sending love, lights and many blessings. May you all stay safe đșđŠđ»đșđŠđ»đșđŠđ»
He might as well help out the Ukrainian military because it seams that President Biden; and NATO members canât decide how to get the advanced weaponry into Ukraine to help defeat Putin!
đ oh yessss thankful â€ïž
Looks like hes a tourist. He needs to pick up a weapon instead of touring around. Vietnam is history. Get your A into gear and get to the fight
I really wish there were more like him. They need all the experienced people all over the World. Veterans know the very best
@@Meketoa1; He might best serve as an advisor.
What a mans man, Soldier for life God speed brethren
I am proud of you veteran vietnam..Ex Army Ranger ( Mysia Army)
Incredible.
This man has his heart in precisely the right spot.
As someone who wants death to as many Orcs as possible, how does having a 74-year old on their side help? He's giving out money and doesn't have a weapon, so there is that.
I agreed đ
Too bad his boots are not.
Stay safe buddy. Thank you for your service to U.S and beyond.
Much Respect Steven Straub, you went through one of the worst wars (in so many ways) yet here you are ready to defend Ukraine. True brave soldier!!! I salute you sir! â€đđ€đȘđ
This man knows what hes doing. Vietnam Veteran! Wtg! I salute you. đșđž
This is obviously one serious man, a Vietnam vet volunteering one more time because he has unfinished business.
Mr Straub, good luck sir. đŹđ§đșđČ
Natural Born Killer?
Yeah! He didn't get wacked the first time, so back for second's.
@@jasminebali8068 nah! Natural born Sucker!.
Thanks for representing Vietnam Vets. I would be there if I could, brother. From a former Pathfinder, HU-UP.
You can tell the other soldiers have great respect for him, his advice alone would be useful for them
He is as old as my granddad and is still so healthy and is fighting big respect to this man.
Loads of respect to this man, an American veteran going for his 'second tour' at the age of 73 for the freedom of others..then you're a hero! Friendly greetings from the Netherlands, wishing you all the best and keep up the good work sir!
A Soldier never retires! God bless the brave Warrior and keep him safe.đșđžđđ»đđŒđșđŠ
don't praise for those psychopath lmao
He also provides vienam stories which keeps people spirits up. I love Vietnam veterans.
Respect to this man for going above and beyond the call of duty.
I salute all these guys man. Absolutely amazing!!
He's getting his second chance. Nice. I hope he survives this war too. That would be even more epic than it already is.
Thank, God bless him for his service, my dad served Vietnam,..My southern border is wide open!!!!!!
We all need to thank him for his service and for what he has decided to do for the Ukrainian people. God Bless him and all of the Ukrainian people đđđâïžđđđŻïžđčđ
Don't know him but I'm proud of him, his bravery and knowledge of the risks.
Willing to help and able, what a legend! He knows it ain't about the killing, it's about the saving
Some of these volunteers are the epitome of heroes... And reflect the concept of patriotism so deeply that they recognize when another is deserving enough to risk their own lives for their cause. Nothing but Respect!!!
Respect to this 73 year old man. Old soldiers never die.
NEVER DIE? They Are Imortal?
Soon you will see him in a body bag, old soldiers brains died.
I cannot express how much respect i have for the Ukrainian army, vollunteers and civilians fighting the invaders like the world have never seen before. Long live the brave people of Ukraine!
The world has actually seen this before... remember Vietnam!?
What about the Ukrainian army that shelled Donbass for 8yrs and commited genocide of 14000 civilians? You sound brainwashed and ignorant.
May Lai Where The U.S. Army Went On A Killing Spree In A Vietnam Village! ONE Man Was Convicted A Lt Cally If I Recall!
Slava Ukraini!
Amen!!
This man is a certified G. Watch how there's always armed soldiers accompanying him, wherever he strays.
Thank you for your service Mr. Straub
THIS is a Hero! God bless ALL the fighters of Ukraine and their families.
This is Hollywood ahahah
I remember the US soldiers based near where I used to live in the early 1970s. You could tell the ones that had served in Vietnam from those that had not. They were like two entirely different species. The one's that had not been to Vietnam were always full of talk, hot air, what kind of car they owned in the states, were usually stuck up towards the locals, some always causing trouble and basically just full of BS. The ones that had been in Vietnam hardly ever talked at all, were far more approachable and were a pleasure to be with. War changes people, usually for the better. It's just a shame that it takes a war to do that.
That's so funny- I know a guy who spent a year as a cook in the Canadian forces 30 or so years ago and the way he talks he is a seasoned combat veteran and there's nothing he can't do....except get a job :)
@@Chahlie I knew an American for many years which served a tour in the mid 70s in Germany. Apparently being a guy that drove around Pershing nuclear missiles on exercises wasn't enough for him though; He had some real whoppers to tell! He was based out of SchwĂ€bisch GmĂŒnd.
I used to play siege alot with my buddy, who was stationed in okinawa i think.
Their pretty chill there.
I think it was just the 70s, and that was just how Americans acted back then. I noticed that older americans are almost a different species compared to the americans born after the 70/80s
@@athelwulfgalland "Pershing nuclear missiles" - Meaning what, if I may ask? Got something to do with Jonathan Pershing?
@@Superknullisch Just look up Pershing missiles; They're named after the late General Pershing. I just knew what his job was in the army & where he was based out of. I'm more of a military aviation guy than a surface-to-surface platform geek.
OMG.....I just had to hit pause. My husband (he's deceased) was in the Tet Offensive. He was regular Army. He did 2 tours, voluntary, in Vietnam. All of these combat veterans coming to Ukraine, have my upmost respect. They are a very valuable asset to those fighting. I've got the goosebumps.... Much respect and gratitude for them. My heart flutters with pride for the Ukrainian people who are showing the world how it's done. President Zelenski will go down in history, as one of the most astounding leaders, that ever graced this planet. (Slow, methodical), đ...., đ...., đ....., đ.....
Well done, everyone!
Ukraine, you have already won!!!
what a legend! respect from Australia!
Thank you for your service. Again and again.
Respect to you sir, you are a needed commodity in the Ukraine warriors army.
commodity...
i'm a retiree too i'm amazed with this former vietnam veteran and foreign fighters helping the ukrainians. fight against the russians. how i.wish.i could be there too to help . i'm with a military experience i'm healthy and strong. but how could i help i'm from the Philippines
What a hero...i commend you for your bravery....i will pray for you n your men
God bless this man for helping them. Slava Ukraine.
To all our men/women who have or currently serve to defend the freedom and peace of strangers and fellow countrymen, we love you, are grateful for your courage and sacrifices, and praying that God defends you in battle!
Another brainwashed . The US army has killed millions of innocent people in wars that have nothing to do with your country
What on earth is a service mam
Thanks for killing all those innocent people who had nothing to do with it. Thanks for trying out our new toys on the battlefield and still losing
Thanks for ensuring half our money goes on equipment to kill people in other land while if we get sick here Unless we have insurance we are left behind.
73 years old? Very much admired. Must have secret of living principal.
God bless him.
The best thing is his experience, which is going to help alot to Ukrainian soldiers.
All of my friends from Vietnam that are still healthy enough to go into the field are some of the most dangerous soldiers there are, simply because we are nearing the end of our life and are less reluctant to lay it down at life's end for a good cause. TO go down in a Blaze of Glory when you are in your 70s is not a bad way to go.
you guys have invaluable experience under your belts that would make you much more usefull teaching younger people wanting to protect their country how to fight. Don't throw it all away, be usefull.
Not all of Vietnamese healthy enough after your visit
@@deadeyecpt.7765 That is kind of you to say, but I don't think that there is anything that we can teach Ukrainians after they have been fighting on their home field for the last couple of months. Our specialists, such as demolitions, snipers, etc., are already there in droves. We old men would just be in the way now.
What a stand up guy! Full respect for taking action and being a living breathing representation of the world's support for the struggle of the Ukrainian people!
Manly as they come. God bless you Sir
Iâd like to shake this guys hand and thank him for his service.
God bless this man! He's is the definition of bravery! Godspeed and return home safely
He bravery attacked Vietnam.
@@user-sq2hg7nh9u *helped one of Vietnamese governments( the better one).
He killed many in Vietnam, he ainât no hero he is a murderer
I'm not sure if I wish him a safe return home. . . . .or a glorious death in battle agianst this extreme evil. Part of me wants him to have the option to go out swinging đ€ș
And something has attacked your brain. He was there to fight against communism. You know, the ideology that's killed 100 million innocent lives in the last century. It's a flawed system and you have flawed thinking