Local Vietnam Vet Featured In ‘The Lads Of Swampoodle’
Posted August 26th 2024
Edmond Cubbage, a Cape May County resident, grew up in Philadelphia’s Swampoodle neighborhood and went on to serve in the Vietnam War. He wrote a book about his experiences and was featured along with several other Swampoodle veterans in a documentary that premiered in April, “The Lads of Swampoodle.” Cubbage said that “the lads” still get together regularly, meeting about once a month.
The documentary comes four years after Edmond published the book detailing his experiences, from his early years in North Philadelphia to his time overseas. The book, “Just a Kid from Swampoodle to Vietnam,” begins with Cubbage’s childhood in Swampoodle, his old neighborhood near 21st and Lehigh Avenue. It also tells of Edmond’s years in the service, 1965-67.
Cubbage’s wife, Elaine, inspired him to write the book. Over a three-month period, he told his stories aloud while his wife transcribed them.
“COVID came, and we weren’t allowed outside,” he recalls of the book’s genesis. “My wife said that I always told good stories about my childhood and Vietnam, so she got me a tape recorder and had me sit down every day for an hour and talk. Each day, I would think of more stories about my time in Vietnam, good and bad stories.”
He added that his time overseas helped shape him into the person he is today.
“My parents were very proud when I was drafted,” he said. “I ran into people from all over the country. I met people from South Carolina, Florida, and Minnesota. All people that I never would have met, and I learned a lot. After, I realized that I wanted to do something and make something of myself.”
To learn more about Cubbage’s experiences, check out his book. “Just a Kid from Swampoodle to Vietnam” is available for purchase on Amazon. |