‘Thank you for your service’ — Area veterans participate in Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning

By Eric PilgrimMarch 29, 2021

Area veterans participate in Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning
A Vietnam War veteran thanks Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle, senior enlisted advisor at Fort Knox Garrison, for the gifts during the National Vietnam War Veterans Day event at the Exchange March 29, 2021. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Vietnam War veterans from the area pulled into a drive-up delivery spot in front of the Fort Knox Exchange furniture store mid-day March 29 to receive a special thanks from post leadership.

Courtesy of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Garrison leaders Col. CJ King, Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle and Jim Bradford, along with U.S. Army Cadet Command Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah Gan, handed gift bags to veterans while they remained in their cars. The leaders also presented each with a commemorative pin.

Area veterans participate in Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (from left) Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah Gan, Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle and Col. CJ King join leaders from the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Defense Commissary Agency to promote the 2021 National Vietnam War Veterans Day event on Facebook Live. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL
Area veterans participate in Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Several employees from the Exchange filled and arranged several bags filled with swag as well as the Vietnam War veteran commemorative pin. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

For some veterans, the biggest impact of the moment, however, came afterward.

“Thank you for your service to the nation,” said each leader when presenting the gifts.

Within 30 minutes, several vehicles had already stopped in front of the Exchange to receive their gifts during the two-hour National Vietnam War Veterans Day event.

Area veterans participate in Vietnam War Veterans Day pinning
Vietnam War veteran Robert McMichen receives a commemorative pin from Command Sgt. Maj. William Fogle during the 2021 National Vietnam War Veterans Day event. Due to COVID-19 concerns, leaders decided to make the event a drive-thru pinning ceremony. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL