FORT JACKSON, S.C. (April 2, 2015) -- Over the last decade, it has become a familiar refrain heard anytime someone sees a Soldier in uniform, "Thank you for your service."
But, this time instead of being uttered to a fresh-faced Soldier returning from Afghanistan or Iraq, it will be spoken to an elderly gentleman for his service during the Vietnam War 50 years ago.
Americans nationwide, including a number of local veteran organizations, celebrated "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" Monday.
Bobby O'Kelly, a Columbia native who served in the Air Force as a C-130 and OV-10 crew chief, said he believes events, such as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," allow vets to go through a healing process.
"It was a little rough, nobody ever spat on me, but I got no thanks either," O'Kelly said, of his service in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1971.
O'Kelly is an active member with the American Legion Post 6 and he explained most Vietnam veterans are the force behind today's generation of combat veterans receiving spirited welcome home events for their service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
One of those veterans is Dale Moss, a former Force Reconnaissance Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. Moss added Vietnam veterans are making sure that what they went through 40 years ago will never happen to today's combat veterans.
"Today's troops are not going to be treated that way, it's wrong," he said. "We're all brothers, every one of us are brothers."
Moss, who is also an American Legion Post 6 member, explained Vietnam veterans need events like the "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."
"The Vietnam veterans weren't recognized when they came home," he said. "They were spat at when they came home."
Moss shared his personal experience returning from his first Vietnam deployment.
"We flew from Okinawa and were supposed to land at LAX, but they diverted us to El Toro Marine Corps Air Station because of all the protesting going on," Moss said. "We were screaming on board, 'Let us out, we'll show them what a protest is about.' Well, they diverted us real quick."
Moss first deployed in 1966-67 for 13 months and he had a four-and-half month break between deployments. He then deployed again for another 13 months in 1967-68 to Khe Sanh where he fought during the Tet Offensive.
According to the National Conference of State Legislature website, most states celebrate "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" March 30 to commemorate the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive recognition for their service upon returning to the U.S.
March 30, 1973 was the date of the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam.
On the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, Fort Jackson will open its gates to acknowledge Vietnam veterans for their service, too. In addition to the planned Victory Week events held May 13-17, Fort Jackson leadership hopes to entice Vietnam veterans from throughout the southeast to attend specific Vietnam veteran events.
Greg Fountain, the Fort Jackson retirement services officer, said this year's Retiree Appreciation Days events will cater to Vietnam veterans.
Fountain said this year's Retiree Appreciation Days will still have a health and benefits expo and golf tournament, but the overarching theme commemorates Vietnam veterans.
"This event gets us all together," Moss exclaimed. "For Fort Jackson to set this up for us, it's just amazing."
Moss wants the Fort Jackson event to attract veterans and non-veterans alike in an effort to educate everyone about the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made 50 years ago.
"I'd like to see everyone in Columbia go out there," Moss said. "They're going to be amazed at what is going on out there, Fort Jackson is doing some great things."
For more information regarding Fort Jackson's Vietnam Veterans welcome home activities, call 803-319-6520 or email FJVietnamVeteran2015@gmail.com.
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, Fort Jackson will host a welcome home celebration for Vietnam veterans May 16 at Hilton Field.
Events include:
-- 5K run at 8 a.m.;
-- Parade at 4 p.m.;
-- Car show;
-- Period vehicles and aircraft;
-- Vietnam firebase;
-- The Moving Vietnam Wall;
-- Free concert by Billy Currington at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks.
For more information, call 319-6520.
VIETNAM WAR QUICK FACTS
-- 1961-- U.S. Armed Forces began serving in Vietnam in an advisory role
-- 1965 -- First ground combat troops sent to Vietnam
-- 1973 -- Last U.S. troops withdraw from Vietnam
-- More than 58,000 Service members killed
-- More than 300,000 Service members wounded
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