Events

I continue to present to Vietnam veterans lapel pins and thank them for their service wherever I meet them. On November 2, 2022, I will make presentations at a Republican Women's luncheon. They are honoring Vietnam veterans & have invited me to do the honors. I always tell the recipients about the DOD Commemorative. You have allowed our Veterans to feel the warmth & gratitude of America.

The DAR John Fitch Chapter recognizes and honors Vietnam Veterans Twice a Year or more usually inviting2 each time to a meeting with refreshments awarding them with pins, certificate spouses are also invited. They may speak or choose not to speak

THE VIETNAM VETERANS WILL EACH RECEIVE A QUILT OF VALOR IN RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION OF THEIR MILITARY SERVICE. WE HOST THIS EVENT EVERY TWO MONTHS AS WE HAVE REQUESTS AND QOVS READY. AT THE TIME OF THE QOV PRESENTATION, WE HAVE BEEN PRESENTING THE VIETNAM LAPEL PIN, HOWEVER I HAVE USED MY FIRST 50 AND NEED TO REPLACE MY STOCK.

Vietnam veterans will be honored and welcomed home at DAR meetings and multiple other locations planned,

WHEN EVER ANY VIETNAM VETERAN VISITS THE OFFICE, THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH THE PINS, EXPLANATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, STICKERS AND THE FAMILIES ARE PROVIDED PINS AND STICKERS AS APPROPRIATE.

As part of the Salem VA Health Care System quarterly Town Hall, AUSA Chapter President was asked to officiate a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin ceremony. Three Vietnam-era veterans, inter alia, witnessed the ceremony and one USAF Vietnam Veteran received his lapel pin,

The Musiem had a large exhibit on Vietnam and China Beach. Becouse of the Exhibit being such a huge success Many Veterans and families are asking about it and we still pass out pins. We only have 5 left and would liek to have more. 100 of teh lapel pins and 100 of the Blue Star spouse pin.

Individual presentations. Note that I am a Veteran myself (too young for Vietnam) and have occasion to encounter qualified Veterans who have never been recognized - often on military installations.

When a Vietnam veteran receives a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Veterans Lapel pin is presented following the QOV award ceremony.

While attending the Jackson County Fair on Veterans get in free day, I met a couple of Navy veterans. In talking, one of them said he had never received his 50 Year Anniversary Pin. We were close to my car where I keep extra materials in my trunk. I presented him his pin in the fair parking lot.

Our members would like to present lapel pins to previously unrecognized Vietnam era veterans on an impromptu basis. We would like 20 more pins so that we have enough to provide one or two to every member who would like to do this.

When a Vietnam Veteran is awarded a Quilt of Valor, a Lapel Pin is also presented to the veteran. I anticipate hosting several ceremonies between now and the end of the Commemorative. I am nearly out pins, proclamations, and Fact Sheets and would appreciate whatever you can provide.

Ongoing Individaul presentations of Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins withever a Vietnam Veteran is identified such at events like the traveling "Wall That Heals".

A PPT presentation was given informing the attendees about the VW 50th Anniversary Commemorative Partner program. Examples of previous events sponsored by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and impromptu events given personally by CDR Herschel Hughes during travel amid COVID limitations were provided. Two church members who were Vietnam War vets, Rev. Bill Westlund, a former Army Chaplain, and Mr. Buz Ausley, a former F-4 naval aviator, assisted CDR Hughes in awarding five VW 50th Anniversary Commemorative lapel pins to eligible veterans. In addition, a Certificate of Honor for Ms. Terri Straw, the daughter of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial listee, M.Sgt. Charles L. Hanover, USA (Ret.) was awarded. The program was marked by intense interest, very positive feedback, and a markedly deepening sense of respect for Vietnam War era veterans. Ms. Straw related, "This took me back to when I was eight years old, and my father got his orders to Vietnam. I had not felt those feelings in a long time. I am so glad you gave me a chance to honor my father." One of the Vietnam War vets echoed the sentiments of CDR Hughes' presentation, " I did not know I needed this until I got it". Many attendees gave the presenters a very grateful "thank you." Many shared their own memories of what life was like for returning Vietnam vets and expressed their sadness over all that negativity and how wonderful it was to finally give them this honor. Fifteen commemorative posters were displayed around the room and were studied by many attendees, fostering conversations around the displayed topics. It was a very good day.

Individual pinning events located throughout Riverside County and Southern California.

ongoing veteran and gold star family support, pinning veterans and families

Ongoing veteran pinnings

ongoing pinning

Vietnam Veteran patients that are on Hospice along with any family who may have served in Vietnam as well are pinned and honored in a small private ceremony wherever the army be during they may be during their end of life journey.

Recognizing aVietnam veterans at QOV ceremonies

VVLPs for honoring Vietnam Veterans

The names of quilt recipients residing in our area are sent to us from QOVF and we make contact with them to identify any special requests, if none, then we schedule them to attend one of our (three times per year) award ceremonies for the third Thursday of the month - March, July and November

Individual pinning events located throughout Riverside County and Southern California.

Individual VVLP pinning events location at various location throughout San Bernardino County.