HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Residents from across North Alabama gave Vietnam Veterans a long-overdue "Welcome Home" and thanked them for their service.
Huntsville community members and others came out to honor those who served in the jungles of Southeast Asia during the Madison County Vet Center Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and Open House in Huntsville, Alabama, March 24.
"Today we reflect on the Vietnam War and pay tribute to the Veterans who served there, who fought there and who died there," said Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. "Many of our Vietnam Veterans experienced fierce combat in harsh environments a half a world away from home. And during troubled times for our country, many returning to a nation divided, sometimes unwelcomed and facing arguments, protests and even ridicule, making days like today, and events like this, that much more important."
During the Vietnam War, America lost more than 58,000 men and women, with the majority less than 21 years of age. The number of wounded exceeded 300,000, not including the emotional and psychological impact of the war on those serving.
"It is fitting we also recognize the many Veterans' organizations who serve all of our Veterans, regardless of the war or conflict, and making a real difference for so many who have given so much of themselves," Mann said. "After all, Veterans understand combat's lasting impact and what it means to be a Veteran."
Mann thanked the Madison County Veterans Center team and the Department of Veteran Affairs for hosting this event and what they do every day for the Veterans. He recognized all the Veterans and their families who were present and thanked them for their service, dedication and sacrifice on behalf of the country.
"I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the family members of our Veterans; the spouses, children, parents, siblings and others who continue to support our Veterans and for those families who still grieve for their loved ones who did not return," Mann added. "Lastly, I would like to simply thank our Veterans. Because of you our country remains free and a blessed Nation. Every American who has served leaves a legacy. The United States exists because brave men and women have risked their lives. To the veterans here today and those no longer with us, we can never thank you enough. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid."
Other community leaders were present to show their support for the men and women who served their nation five decades ago and did not receive the heroes' welcome they deserved.
"This is another great celebration in our community to recognize our Vietnam Veterans," said Gulf War Veteran and Madison Mayor Troy Trulock. "We want to say 'Thank You' to those veterans who served in Vietnam.
"We also wanted to come out and see this great Vet Center," he added. "This is a fantastic facility, and it is here to take care of our combat veterans who may need help no matter when they served."
One Vietnam Veteran said the Vet Center is a great place for combat Veterans to come and speak about physical, mental and emotional issues, such as PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, to someone who can help them adjust and feel wanted.
"Today's ceremony was heartfelt," said Vietnam Veteran J.D. Booker, who served in the Marine Corps from 1964-1968. "We, as Vietnam Veterans, have mixed emotions because when we came back, we were totally rejected. We were afraid to even wear our uniforms.
"A day like today makes you feel a part of the country again and it makes you feel accepted and appreciated," he added. "To have something like this, the emotional feelings are something most people will never fully understand. This facility is super, you can come here and feel welcome and at home. They treat you like you are a hero."
Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns from combat.
Services for a Veteran may include individual and group counseling in areas such as PTSD, alcohol and drug assessment, suicide prevention referrals and others. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential.
"When most of our Vietnam Veterans returned home they were not greeted as our Veterans are now and that is unfortunate," said Felecia L. Earle, Madison County Vet Center team leader and readjustment counselor. "They served when they were called, just as our Veterans do today. Today is not going to make up for that, however we want to recognize them and let them know that we do care and this is our way of saying 'Welcome Home.'
"We owe them a great deal of gratitude," she added. "We want them to have our undivided attention and let them know we not only have counseling services, but we want to honor them."
The Vet Center program was enacted in 1979 by Congress. They not only provide counseling services to combat veterans and their family members, the center also offers counseling programs for sexual trauma and bereavement counseling to family members if their loved ones pass away while on active duty. There are more than 300 Vet Centers across the nation and in Puerto Rico and Guam.
Alabama has Vet Centers in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. Their website is www.vetcenter.va.gov.
"The Vet Centers came to be because of the services our Vietnam Veterans were not receiving," Earle said. "Not only are they our heroes, they are a reason the Vet Centers are in place.
"Our target audience is combat veterans, however if any veteran comes into the Vet Center, even if we cannot provide the services here, we will work with them to find those services in the community so they will not get dropped through the cracks," she added.
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