Texas is home to 461,000 Vietnam veterans. For some of these veterans, their true homecoming from Southeast Asia never occurred.
In coordination with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration and U.S. Navy Week program, North Texas VA recently welcomed home hundreds of these special veterans in Fort Worth and Dallas with a week-long commemoration.
In addition to handing out commemorative service pins, 40 sailors from Navy Week and members of the commemoration group volunteered their time and compassion, visiting patients and leading special activities, including tai-chi demonstrations and karaoke.
Launched in 2012, the commemoration group marks an ongoing tribute and partnership with VA to honor and welcome home veterans and families impacted by this pivotal chapter in American history.
“VA staff, along with our community partners, are deeply grateful as we pay tribute to those who served during one of America’s longest wars,” said Dr. Wendell Jones, VISN 17 network director.
Texas native Rear Admiral David Faehnle, Reserve deputy commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic and Navy Week program leader, met with several veteran patients during his visit to the Fort Worth VA clinic.
“It’s always a privilege to meet with those individuals who served during the Vietnam War. I’m humbled to hear their stories and listen to ideas on how our nation can continue to serve them,” Faehnle said.
Though daily visits from community groups are not unusual for North Texas VA veterans, having active duty sailors visit with Vietnam-era veterans and honor their service that began long before they were born was especially meaningful for everyone, including VA employees.
“It’s a very moving experience to have several generations of our veterans all in one place, sharing stories, smiles and thanks,” said Bobbie Scoggins, North Texas VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement chief. “Our Vietnam veterans very much enjoyed receiving their commemorative pins and being welcomed home by so many people.”