Latham Family's Vietnam Sacrifice Raises Questions for Today's Leaders

As the U.S. enters a new conflict, the author reflects on the heavy toll of war and the need for clear justification.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In 1969, the author's brother Bobby was killed in action while serving as a Navy corpsman in Vietnam. The author recounts the devastating impact on their family, and now sees similar anguish spreading as the U.S. enters a new conflict. The author argues that those being asked to sacrifice deserve to know the worthy cause they are risking their lives for, rather than just "vague threats."

Why it matters

The author's personal experience with the tragic loss of a family member in Vietnam highlights the immense human toll of war, and raises important questions about the responsibility of leaders to clearly justify military action and the need for the public to understand the true costs of conflict.

The details

In 1969, the author's brother Bobby left the Franciscan seminary, enlisted in the Navy, and was later transferred to the Marines as a hospital corpsman and stationed in Vietnam. After a month-long pre-deployment leave at home, Bobby was killed in action, devastating the author's family. The author now sees similar anguish spreading as the U.S. enters a new conflict.

  • In the summer of 1969, Bobby came home to Latham on pre-deployment leave.
  • In August 1969, Bobby was killed in action in Vietnam.

The players

Robert Razzano

The author's brother, who was killed in action in Vietnam in August 1969 while serving as a Navy corpsman.

John Razzano

The author, who was 17 years old when his brother Bobby was killed in Vietnam.

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What they’re saying

“Those being asked to sacrifice need to know what worthy cause they risk dying for. It must be more than vague threats. Those who die and those who mourn them deserve at least that much.”

— John Razzano (timesunion.com)

The takeaway

The author's personal experience with the devastating loss of a family member in Vietnam underscores the immense human toll of war and the critical need for leaders to clearly justify military action, rather than relying on "vague threats." As the U.S. enters a new conflict, the author's reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by families and the responsibility of those in power.