As a Vietnam Era veteran, I'm trying hard to understand why I should accept the same honors as a vet who actually served over there?

PFC Brenda Webb — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:45:15 -0400

Can someone please explain why I deserve such an honor? I have also been invited and have mailed in my application for the Vietnam Veterans of America, but I feel that my assignment in Ft. Hood pales compared to what the men saw in Nam. I should add that my being the only woman working in the motor pool exposed me to all kinds of abuse, but I still don't see myself as having the right to accept the Vietnam Veteran pin.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 29 at 2020 10:54 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 29 May 2020 10:54:36 -0400

You are a veteran of the time period in which you served. Not every male veteran of that era was over in Nam; some women were, all are veterans of the Vietnam era.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made May 29 at 2020 11:09 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Fri, 29 May 2020 11:09:58 -0400

My aunt was in the Navy from 62 - 69 and spent all of her time on the east coast. She made sure that we knew she was a Vietnam ERA veteran and not a Vietnam veteran. You still volunteered to serve and earned the title of Veteran.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made May 29 at 2020 11:15 AM

SGT Steve McFarland — Fri, 29 May 2020 11:15:50 -0400

There is a definite distinction between Vietnam Veterans and Vietnam-era Veterans, and I reserve special honor for those who were in combat. I went into the Army in 1974, so I am a Vietnam-era Veteran, and while I never served overseas, I am proud of my service and my status as a Veteran.

Response by SGT Ed Matyjasik made May 29 at 2020 11:24 AM

SGT Ed Matyjasik — Fri, 29 May 2020 11:24:28 -0400

You are a Vietnam era veteran and all veterans should be honored. I thank you for your service. A woman gear head, how cool is that. I hope the abuse was not too bad whoever did that should be ashamed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 11:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 11:46:05 -0400

You weren't drafted like your male counterparts. You volunteered to serve. You had no choice in where you were assigned. You have just as much "right" to accept the Vietnam Veteran pin as anyone else who served during that time period.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made May 29 at 2020 12:06 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Fri, 29 May 2020 12:06:49 -0400

After WWII a neighbor of ours was considered a Veteran yet he never left the states. No one questioned it. You aren't getting the in country service medal. And, you wouldn't display any awards or badges associated with valor or combat. The job you did was necessary. I don't think you chose the assignment. You simply served during a time when battles were being fought. I knew a few people who volunteered to go and were denied. Mostly DI's. What would the troops have done without them.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made May 29 at 2020 1:17 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:17:44 -0400

I like this stance, and you should feel proud. I've seen plenty of stories of "Vietnam Era Veterans" trying to gain sympathy/benefits from people by using the confusing terminology having never stepped foot in country.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 29 at 2020 1:45 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:45:43 -0400

You signed, you trained, you were eligible for orders there at any time; in short, you served in the same way as millions of us. Only a few got any closer to the enemy than you and the real John Wayne stuff was preserved for a small minority of us. Wear your service honestly and proudly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 1:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 13:51:29 -0400

You raised your hand.. you served... it was not only earned, but greatly appreciated! Thank you for your service. As a young woman that served in that time, you have also helped pave the way for the young women that serve today. Some of my best peers are not men. Be proud!

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 29 at 2020 2:26 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:26:09 -0400

I don’t know how much my endorsement of you and your Service is worth,but as a Vietnam Veteran that spent ten months and fourteen days in terrible place,it is my privilege to have served at the time period with you PFC Brenda Webb,you volunteered at a time when women as yourself were exposed to abuse,it shows great courage on your part,and it is your absolute right to accept any honors and recognition,SGT Philip Roncari A co 3/8 Inf 4th Inf Div.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 29 at 2020 2:31 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:31:01 -0400

I won't lie, I have mixed feelings about this whole debate. I went to a ceremony in 2015 (13 years into the global war on terror) and the senior NCO, Officer, and WO of my branch were on the stage. The three of them COMBINED had a whopping one more "combat" stripe than I did (2, 4, and 3 respectively). I was less than thrilled at the lack of combat experience of my most senior leaders. But...
I have never held it against a Soldier or junior leader whether they had only a couple combat stripes or even none at all. (For the most part) we don't choose where the Army sends us. You volunteered when others were fleeing the country rather than serve. You served honorably, doing whatever your nation asked of you. If you had been ordered to 'Nam would you have gone? I am betting yes. As far as I am concerned, a vet is a vet, and their deployment history really only matters when swapping "no shit there I was" stories.
All that being said, I did not serve in that time period, and I know things were different. I cannot pretend to speak for those who DID go to Vietnam and how THEY feel about it. Nor would I want to try.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 2:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:31:57 -0400

PFC Brenda Webb You are a Vietnam Era veteran and should be proud of your service. As you mentioned, it was not easy then or now to serve as a woman. I am a Vietnam Veteran but I am not a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. They accept all Vietnam era veterans, so accept the Vietnam Veteran pin with pride.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 29 at 2020 2:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:34:05 -0400

You should still feel proud. Being in the military is a game of chance. Some go to war and some don't. It's nobodies fault, it just is that way. I have talked to veterans with concerns like you, and I told them I am glad that you did not go, it was not your time. So keep your head up high. You were in service of the military, and if called upon, I have full faith you would have done a great job.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 29 at 2020 2:55 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:55:11 -0400

Personally I believe we put to much weight on combat patches and this pin you are talking about. Veterans like you are always going to have this inner dilemma because you did not go overseas. Do those of us with a 'patch' seeing you as anything less, generally no (some are asshats though). I am an RN and have received more skills and training stateside than I ever did in Afghanistan and I do not look down on people that did not go. If I could forget some of the things I experienced and get some of my innocence back in exchange for the patch and tshirt, oh hell yeah I would. Not worth it. I remember the days of not having a patch, not having gone to a combat zone, and feeling less than those that had. I was young and could resolve that however your days of serving in the Army are done and resolving this issue probably will not happen until you make a decision and feel comfortable with it. The fact that you served at a time when few women did should provide you with enough pride and respect that the VVA and this pin should matter little to you.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 29 at 2020 9:37 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Fri, 29 May 2020 21:37:05 -0400

The Vietnam Commemoration awards the pin to " uses the term "Vietnam veteran" to describe those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location".

Response by LTC John Griscom made May 30 at 2020 9:18 AM

LTC John Griscom — Sat, 30 May 2020 09:18:06 -0400

The fact that you were in the service of your country at that time meant you could have been sent there. You earned that honor because of that.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made May 30 at 2020 10:24 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Sat, 30 May 2020 10:24:23 -0400

1. All veterans organizations depend on membership to achieve their mission. Your joining helps.
2. Contrary to that old Army ad campaign, it was not an "Army of one." It takes the whole DOD to prosecute a war. Even those that served elsewhere freed up resources needed in Viet Nam.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 30 at 2020 4:08 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 30 May 2020 16:08:34 -0400

PFC Brenda Webb I salute you for serving our country. That DD214 you received proves you are a veteran of equal stature with any other person who chose to serve. (You were a volunteer before we became an all-volunteer force!) Like me, you served in the Vietnam Era. I am careful not to claim I am a Vietnam Veteran. But I am proud to have been a "cold warrior." Most of us who didn't go to Southeast Asia were on duty somewhere else because that's where our Service needed us. Your service is just as important as mine, or the Sailor aboard a nuclear missile submarine, or the Marine guarding the door at a US Embassy, or the Soldier serving in Germany waiting for the "Russian Bear" to come charging through the Fulda Gap.

Response by TSgt Michael O'Leary made Jun 4 at 2020 4:06 AM

TSgt Michael O'Leary — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:06:08 -0400

I did 4 tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Saigon. That makes me a "Saigon warrior" or a REMF (rear eschelon m***** f*****). In other words why would I deserve to be called a Vietnam vet? Then a pilot told me that it takes 11 support staff to get him in the air and some of them aren't even in country but they are Vietnam vets as much as he is. Since any service member anywhere could find themselves in country almost immediately YOU ARE A VIETNAM VET! TSgt Michael O'Leary

Response by PO2 Cyrus Barberia made Dec 5 at 2020 12:08 PM

PO2 Cyrus Barberia — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:08:12 -0500

I am a Vietnam era veteran from the Navy I felt the same way as you but we all had the same chance to go to Vietnam as anybody else I serve my country proudly and I'm still proud to be a veteran of that era even though I didn't go to Vietnam you should be too sorry for whatever abuse you got I hope it wasn't bad thank you for your service

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 12:26 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:26:08 -0500

You served during tough times, to keep the fight going. That counts. Wear the pin in honor.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 5 at 2020 5:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 17:37:24 -0500

I would put it simply. You should feel no shame. You gave the country a blank check and it was not cashed for the full amount. That is just how it works sometimes.

Response by SrA Alvin Cook made Dec 6 at 2020 9:03 AM

SrA Alvin Cook — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 09:03:33 -0500

Everyone has a job to do. Support staff has a important role to play in every conflict. Every piece on a chess board is important to the outcome of the game

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Dec 6 at 2020 10:24 AM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:24:35 -0500

I was in the Physical therapy room, I had my Vietnam Veterans cap on I was by the door so The person walking in had to see me. He had a Vietnam Era Veterans cap on. I was going to say Hello but he walked by like he never seen me. It almost like he was ashamed and acted like I didn't exist. I never had that happen before. When I see another Veteran I always stop and talk even if their from WWII or Korea. Their are two many Vietnam veterans alive yet. Wait another 20 years then Vietnam Era Veterans may sound alright, but not now. Semper Fi.

Response by SPC Robert Malburg made Dec 7 at 2020 7:13 AM

SPC Robert Malburg — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:13:55 -0500

it takes many units to support and supply front line units, and your unit could of been called in to the mix at anytime. When someone thanks me I reply “ IT WAS A HONOR TO SERVE “

Response by MSgt Michael Cronin made Dec 8 at 2020 8:30 AM

MSgt Michael Cronin — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:30:32 -0500

All you are getting is the National Defense Medal. Those who served in Vietnam get more

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Dec 8 at 2020 1:32 PM

SFC Barbara Layman — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 13:32:01 -0500

I'm thinking we should look back to WWI, II and Korea. There were a lot of folks who were not deployed. No one has ever questioned whether they are 'tour' vets or era vets. All are considered - and rightfully so, imho, to be veterans of their respective service era, period.
The larger question, again imho, is 'Why is it so important to differentiate?' Everyone who wore the uniform was subject to deployment at any time. The fact that one served is just as important as whether one was deployed. We all had different missions and completed them to the best of our ability.
Seems to me that the most important point is that we were called and answered.

Response by SPC Reuben Fair made Dec 10 at 2020 12:41 AM

SPC Reuben Fair — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:41:42 -0500

As a vietnam era vet who served in Germany, I believe I am entitled to the same benefits. After all. I could have been sent to Nam and my official duties involved caring for those brave and often traumatized soldiers. That being said, I don't feel I deserve to wear a hat that says Viet Nam Vet because I never served there.
Reuben

Response by PO2 Gary McMahon made Dec 10 at 2020 2:20 AM

PO2 Gary McMahon — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 02:20:37 -0500

If you have " served in RVN " on your DD 214, does that mean That you were "in country Vietnam" ?
When I reported for active duty in 1970, I was flown From NAS Grosse Ile to Da Nang AFB and spent several days in the transit barracks waiting for my ship, USS Oriskany CVA-34, to come on Yankee Station. Then made an arrested landing aboard the COD (mail Plane) at sea. I was wondering if my fellow shipmates who were in territorial waters, bur never in country also would have the " served in RVN" on their DD 214 ?

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Dec 10 at 2020 8:05 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:05:24 -0500

PFC Brenda Webb Congratulations you earned it some one had to do the Job you were doing. Its reminds me of working on Military equipment either it is correct or it is not No in between No Gray area, You made it right or somebody was going to Die. Now i must say the selection of where you went and what your Mission was had very little with what you personally wanted to do in the Army and the Military is not the kind of thing where your blessed with what you want, you get stuck where you get stuck and those are Orders i think you well aware that violating what your told is a career ender. I volunteered for Viet-Nam that Put me in FT. Carson Colo. working on returning equipment and working with returning Vets. It took a long time and many verbal counseling with returning Vets. to realize that the Army had different ideas in where they needed help and if someone was not there to fill those shoes that a great functioning machine would soon grind to a stop NRTS. I am an Era VET. Hmmm and i have never been offered VVA Pin that i know of. Thank you for your service Veteran. Proud to call you Sister.

Response by CPT Joe F Acosta made Dec 10 at 2020 10:06 AM

CPT Joe F Acosta — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:06:23 -0500

You supported the unpopular war with your service. You ELECTED to sacrifice your safety and family to help the warriors on the line. For this you have EARNED the RIGHT to be identified as a fellow Viet Nam Veteran. Thank you for joining the fight.

SSG Acosta, Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, M Co. (Ranger), 199th Lt. Inf. Bde.

Response by SFC Wanda Purifoy made Dec 11 at 2020 9:35 AM

SFC Wanda Purifoy — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 09:35:48 -0500

You were there, ready and willing to do what needed to be done for the country. At that time it was against the law for women to serve in combat MOS’s. The laws have been changed and the Vietnam Era Veteran pin is an acknowledgement of your intentions. As women in “this mans army” you fought and helped win ground in the “Battle of the Sexes.”
Wear your pin with pride. You are a hero.

Response by CPT Ronald Scherick made Dec 11 at 2020 11:46 AM

CPT Ronald Scherick — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 11:46:12 -0500

Thanks for your service you kept the vehicles running and I helped by fixing the teeth of the young soldiers who where were getting ready to deploy we were all a part of the war effort. and should be proud of our contribution.

Response by SGT John Shatesky made Dec 18 at 2020 9:18 AM

SGT John Shatesky — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 09:18:20 -0500

Hello sister. Army vet here, served in Nam. Probably because you were trained for combat in a time when you might have been ordered to do so. They use that “Era” word to justify the difference but that’s it. You get what all of us received. I guess if you don’t want that recognition don’t accept it. You served with honor and always be proud of that. Oh, I started out as a “field lineman”,wire maint. , same MOS back then.

Response by SPC Lee Sepulvado made May 7 at 2023 5:33 PM

SPC Lee Sepulvado — Sun, 07 May 2023 17:33:36 -0400

PFC Webb, are you declining to accept the Vietnam Veteran pin? Be careful with that since some radicals could try putting a different meaning to your opinion. I was given orders to report to Saigon. The orders included everything except a departure date. After having the orders for more than a month the orders were cancelled by the US Army. At the time my brother Paul was in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group of the Green Berets. I was not given the official reason for my orders being cancelled. So I have a different opinion. It was not my decision that I did not go to Vietnam. I know someone who went to Vietnam three times. Should this individual feel and speak as if he contributed more that someone who went twice or once or someone whose orders were cancelled(like mine)? We all had role. If you carried out your assignment in an exemplary manner you did as you should have. Some people refused to answer their country's call. Elvis Presley answered his country's call and served in a tank division in Germany but he never went to Vietnam. Should that fact be held against hm or should we thank Mr. Presley for his service to his country? My point is we as individuals were not making the decisions on where we served. Since you served during the Vietnam War I think you should accept the Vietnam Veteran pin.