The unrecognized war — a conflict, according to the government — was fought in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. These were turbulent times in America, too, not just in Vietnam. While our soldiers were fighting to keep communism from spreading, the streets of America were battle grounds for equal rights; anti-war sentiments were broadcast every night from radio and TV news stations.
Many of our soldiers came home to ridicule and hostility, but did their best to fit back into society. The rhetoric of those years has changed, though, and today those same soldiers proudly wear their caps and shirts proclaiming their pride in serving this country during the time they served. As one veteran proudly stated, "I, for one, am extremely proud of belonging to an elite fraternity that many of my civilian counterparts can never belong to, for we, the veterans, have the distinct honor of having served our country when Uncle Sam asked us to!”
For four years now the Brainerd VFW has honored those soldiers with a recognition gathering on or about March 29, the nationally recognized Vietnam War Veterans Day. Apple pie and ice cream was provided and served by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Brainerd and the Brainerd VFW provided free sloppy joes and chips for veterans and their spouses
In talking to some of those veterans I learned that they appreciate the opportunity this gathering gives them to get together with fellow soldiers and talk to others who endured the same experiences and emotions. They also acknowledged that what they learned from their military training and duty has served them well in civilian life.
During the course of the evening I interviewed four Vietnam vets:
- One was a semi-truck driver who delivered everything from food to ammunition throughout the war zone, and had a narrow escape from the Viet Cong when they stopped for dead bodies in the road. What he learned as a truck driver in Vietnam translated to working with heavy equipment upon his return home.
- I met a Marine sergeant who was deployed near the DMZ and led patrols to observe and report sightings of enemy soldiers. He utilized the leadership skills he developed during his time in-country to serve with distinction in the National Guard for 32 years.
- Another soldier I talked to served as a corpsman (medic) on an attack aircraft carrier working 15- to 16-hour days. When he came home, he served as a first sergeant of a medical detachment at Camp Ripley, then transitioned to a job as a specialist at the state hospital here in Brainerd.
- One young man was an aviation electronics repairman, making sure the all-important communication devices were working. He started his own business when he returned, and after 44 years as radio broadcast technical engineering consultant, he and his wife were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024.
Hanoi Hilton, DaNang Province and “in country" are words mostly forgotten by the American public, but are well-remembered by those who participated in that war. Every veteran had a different experience, depending on what part of the country they were assigned to and what year they were in-country, whether they were supporting the ground war, or fulfilling their duty on ships within the war zone.
For those who have scars, whether mental or physical, there are organizations right here in town who can assist veterans in getting the help they need. Two groups meet regularly at the VFW for helping veterans: the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Each has a corresponding auxiliary group that makes sure our retired veterans are remembered for their service throughout the year. The Brainerd American Legion has programs available to help all veterans as well. The Crow Wing County Veterans Service Office (VSO) is always there to lead you through the paperwork you need to get the benefits you deserve.
All of the above-mentioned veterans continue to give back to this community, and serve as examples of veterans who have built a better America with the skills they developed during their days in that war-torn country. When you see a DAV or VFW person offering you a Poppy or Forget-Me-Not flower outside a business, show them you appreciate their service with a contribution. Your donations will go to helping veterans in this community.
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Sue Sterling, of Brainerd, is the DAV Auxiliary Commander and a regular contributor to Brainerd Dispatch publications.
The Trust Project
