Above: receiving their Commemorative Vietnam Lapel Pins in honor of their military service are (from left to right): Larry Bultena, Army; Mark Eitreim, Army; Ernest Cressman, Navy; Lynn Eining, Army; Alan Ratliff, Army; Jim Vail, Army; Art Goetig, Navy; Dale Munce, Air Force; John Kirchner, Army; Mike Covais, Air Force/Army; Cliff Wulf, Army; Ray Cinco, Navy; and Kay Langin, Women’s Army Corps. At right: US Army Veteran Mark Eitreim receives a handshake from Lincoln County Veterans Services Officer Susan Irons.
Vietnam Veterans honored for service to country
Local Vietnam Veterans were honored on Monday evening at the American Legion Hall. Susan Irons, Lincoln County Veterans Services Officer, presented the local Vietnam Veterans with a Commemorative Lapel Pin.
These commemorative pins are being presented to U.S. military veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam War period (Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975) as a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks. It is part of the Department of Defense’s Commemorative Partner Program. Irons applied to become part of the program so that she could recognize local veterans.
“I really feel honored to be a part of this program,” said Irons.
She acknowledged how difficult it was for many of the veterans returning from the Vietnam War and that this recognition was long overdue.
“At the time of your service, our country did not do a good job of recognizing and thanking you for your service,” said Irons. “There were times during your service that you and your brothers and sisters in arms were treated terribly. Although we can’t change the past, we can do better in the future. And that is why the Department of Defense has established this Vietnam War Commemoration,” said Irons.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I am here today to give you the recognition you deserve.
“Because of you, how we view the members of our armed forces is vastly different from when you served. You led the way in rallying our communities and our country to give our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines the recognition they deserved after their time of service,” Irons continued.
Each veteran was then presented the Commemorative Pin and Presidential Proclamation.