Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Author at Vietnam War Memorial

Oregon’s Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Hosts Fundraiser at Brothers Car Collection

News Release from VanNatta Public Relations
Posted on FlashAlert: October 9th, 2023 12:37 PM

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF) will hold a fundraiser on Tues. Oct 24, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Salem’s Brothers Car Collection to raise money for the memorial’s construction. Only 150 tickets will be sold for $50 each, with the hope that guests will learn more about the project and make additional donations on-site.

Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the VWMF, expressed the urgency of the fundraising efforts for the $5.5 million project that slowed due to COVID. “We hope to have the pre-construction process completed this fall so we can adopt an actual construction calendar for 2024,” said Bates. “But we must raise more funds to meet the 2024 construction goals. We are seeking support from additional charitable foundations and the public,” he added.

The Vietnam War Memorial will be in the southwest corner of the Willson Park portion of the State Capitol State Park, west of the Capitol Building, and south of the World War II Memorial. Bates said, “It is significant that these two wars be memorialized on the Oregon Capitol grounds as they are the two wars that caused the most Oregon casualties. The two memorials together will honor about 75% of Oregon’s war dead.”

The Brothers Car Collection is a private collection of more than 600 cars. Over 335 vehicles, including muscle cars and exotic sports cars, are on display in a 117,000-square-foot warehouse turned museum that is not open to the public.

Tickets are $50 and available in advance only at ocvvm.com/GAtix or on their Facebook event page. More details will be provided after ticket purchase in a confirmation email. Food will be available for purchase. The group is seeking raffle items as well as sponsors.

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ABOUT THE MEMORIAL: The VWMF is a group of Oregonians committed to establishing the memorial to honor the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The project aims to help bring peace to the suffering endured by those rejected after returning home. The 2021 Oregon State Legislature gave its final permissions by unanimously passing Senate Bill 319, establishing the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds. On July 14, 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed that bill into law. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for spring 2024.

ABOUT OREGON AND THE VIETNAM WAR: The Vietnam War was a tumultuous period in American history, spanning two decades and becoming the longest war in recorded history. It lasted from November 1955 to May 1975. By 1968, the United States had over 500,000 military personnel on the ground in Vietnam, with 2.7 million Americans serving during the conflict. Tragically, 58,318 Americans died, including 710 Oregonians killed in action. Four Oregon families lost two sons each.

ABOUT VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The VWMF Store is found here. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization. Donations are also accepted by check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.

Contact Info:
Steve Bates, President Vietnam War Memorial Fund, 503-663-6271 or [email protected]

Press Passes are available for the private VIP event to hear Major General Raymond F. Rees and cover the Memorial’s Fundraising efforts: Oct. 24 (4:30-6:00 pm). Contact Mary Louise VanNatta, [email protected] 503-585-8254 x305

Vietnam Voices: Share Your Story

Nearly every American has at least heard of the Vietnam War. However, most people don’t have any connection to the battle. Tragically, this momentous time in our country’s history is rapidly fading from public consciousness. The best way to preserve the memory of the American experience in the war is to listen to those who served. These first-hand accounts are the best resource we have for understanding what it was like to be there. Let’s take a look at a handful of stories from the millions of brave men and women who served in the war.

Brothers in Arms

There are many stories of family members serving in Vietnam together, but few of these relatives actually fought side-by-side. Despite the slim odds, that’s precisely the situation the Hagel brothers found themselves in. Chuck and Tom Hagel were members of the same rifle platoon which only consists of roughly 30 soldiers. The brothers compiled their amazing story in the book Our Year of War which was written by retired U.S. Army Lt. General Daniel P. Bolger.

As the author puts it, “The Hagel brothers’ willingness to share their stories reflects a degree of moral courage equivalent to the bravery they showed time and time again under fire in Vietnam.”

Angel in War

Death was an unavoidable and ever present force during the Vietnam War. Daily, soldiers had to struggle with their own potential death or the tragic loss of a friend. Nan Borg, a compassionate and dedicated member of the Army Nurse Corps, supported fellow soldiers in dealing with these incredibly challenging topics.

“I worked with young officers…[to] share their feelings and realize that they weren’t alone. That was the most important thing.”

During Nan’s selfless service, she helped soldiers open up and receive support to overcome the harsh realities of war.

Home of the Brave

When Walter James Dexter signed up for the military, he was young enough to require his mother’s signature. At just 17 years old, Walter bravely joined the US military as a volunteer without even knowing much about the political situation halfway across the globe. From getting shot in the helmet in his second firefight to witnessing a fellow soldier fall into a boobytrap, Walter was quickly aware of how horrific war could be. Despite these experiences, Walter was committed enough to return to Vietnam for a second tour.

“… you just become immune. Things that happen, you just deal with it, whatever happens.”

Pacifist for Peace

Michael Patrick Felker is proof that men and women from all walks of life and political persuasions served alongside each other in the Vietnam War. Even though Michael considered himself a pacifist, he joined the Navy in 1968 to serve his country. He worked as a medical corpsman, tending to injured service members in the field. This challenging yet heroic role left Michael with some traumatic experiences. Upon returning home from the war, his dedication to improving the lives of those around him didn’t stop.

“I had to take what I had been through and do something positive with it.”

Following the war, he volunteered his free time to reduce gun violence and eliminate the use of land mines in battle.

Lifelong Impact

The experience of serving in the Vietnam War sticks with veterans for the rest of their lives. For Navy Nurse Sharolyn Walcutt, those lasting effects were a combination of positive and negative. She vividly remembers seeing young men who died or were horrifically injured on the front line. Sharolyn didn’t let those images keep her from valiantly saving lives alongside her fellow nurses many of whom she kept in touch with for decades following the war.

“You can’t explain the friendship…it’s like none other. We still keep in touch today.”

Share Your Vietnam War Story!

If you or a loved one served in the Vietnam War, we’d be honored to hear about the experience! You can share your story to help increase the public’s awareness of this historic war and what it means for our country.

The Vietnam Memorial All Oregonians Should Know About

The Vietnam War is one of the most impactful conflicts in American history. Its effects are still reverberating in this country and across the globe in political, social, cultural, and economic spheres.

The battle for a free and democratic Vietnam claimed 58,220 US soldiers and injured hundreds of thousands of others. While it’s common to view the conflict as a national effort, it’s crucial for Oregonians to see how their neighbors sacrifice for the cause too. In total, almost 800 Oregonians perished in the war.

Currently, there’s a concerted effort underway to erect a fitting monument to remember, honor, and celebrate those Oregonians who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War. Here’s everything you should know about the Vietnam Memorial Fund.

What is the Vietnam War Memorial Fund?

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is the organization behind the creation of the Oregon Capitol Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial is intended to have a prominent position on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds in the southwest sector. It would sit west of the Capitol building and south of the Oregon World War II Memorial. This prestigious position would ensure the memorial gets sufficient foot traffic to receive the attention it deserves.

Currently, the project is estimated to cost $4 million. However, significant strides have already been made in reaching this goal through generous donations from people across the country. The goal is to have the memorial completed by Veteran’s Day, 2024. We’re working tirelessly every day to get the word out about this crucial Vietnam War monument to encourage Oregonians, those impacted by the conflict, and generous individuals in every state to donate.

Why does Oregon need a Vietnam War memorial?

Encourage people to learn about the war.

The Vietnam War is simultaneously one of the most widely recognized and grossly misunderstood wars in American history. Although the overwhelming majority of Oregonians are familiar with the war, there’s an abundance of misinformation, incomplete ideas, and outright lies circulating about the conflict. The Vietnam War Memorial will help keep the spirit of inquiry alive to promote a more accurate understanding of the war for generations to come.

Honor the memory of those who served.

Many people wonder how they can show their appreciation for those who selflessly risk and often give their lives protecting the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. This is one of the core motivations of the Vietnam Memorial Fund. Establishing a meaningful and beautiful monument is a powerful statement of recognition and deep thanks to everyone who served in the Vietnam War. It’s a way to permanently express the public’s feelings of gratitude.

Support those who are grieving.

Memorials aren’t just powerful objects of recognition. They also play an important role in helping individuals and families to grieve. The hundreds of Oregonians that perished in the Vietnam War represent thousands and thousands of wives, husbands, daughters, sons, parents, and friends who lost a loved one. The Vietnam War Memorial will act as a place of mourning and commemoration where those impacted by the war can grieve.

Improve the Capitol

The Oregon State Capitol is home to a number of important displays and memorials including the Oregon World War II Memorial and the Walk of Flags displaying the states of the union and nine Native American tribes of the state. It’s only right that a memorial to the Vietnam War joins the ranks to create a more holistic overview of crucial monuments. Plus, there’s plenty of empty space surrounding the Capitol that’s just waiting to be put to use.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Vietnam War Memorial Fund or making a donation, feel free to visit www.OCVVM.com. We’d be honored to have your contributions. We’re available to answer any questions you might have about the project and how your donations will be used. Feel free to contact us.

Facts About the Vietnam War You Never Knew

The Vietnam War is firmly embedded in the nation’s consciousness. Even a mention of the conflict conjures up a variety of thoughts, feelings, and mental images. Unfortunately, much of what people think about the war is either misguided, incomplete, or entirely untrue. As such a historically significant part of America’s history, it’s important for everyone to continue learning more about the Vietnam War. Let’s explore a few facts about this momentous moment in world history that you might never have known.

Most of the soldiers were volunteers.

There’s a common misconception that the vast majority of Vietnam veterans were forced into conflict through the draft. The idea all soldiers were draftees was a common talking point for those who were hostile to the war effort. In reality, around two-thirds of the brave men and women sent over to Vietnam volunteered to put their lives on the line. Only about one-third of the veterans were drafted. This fact flies in the face of the narrative that the US government was forcing the country into war against its will.

It was the first “televised war”.

It’s no coincidence that the Vietnam War was one of the most hotly contested wars at home. In fact, the conflict is often dubbed the “first television war” because of its concurrence with the advent of mass televised media. Up until that point, wars weren’t highly publicized. New technologies allowed reporters to get footage from the battlefield directly to the US quickly. It’s commonly said that this change brought the war into the living rooms of the average American, forever changing the public perception of wars.

The Vietnam War helped to end the draft.

Needless to say, the draft was never a popular policy among the US public. Instead, it was viewed as a necessary evil during times of conflict. However, the Vietnam War was one of the first times Americans at home were able to see the terror that soldiers experienced which greatly hurt domestic support. The widespread realization of the cruelty of war, the sheer length of the Vietnam War, and the campaign efforts of President Ronald Reagan all contributed to the eventual end of the draft. The Selective Service System is still in place, but there hasn’t been an active draft since the Vietnam War.

The US didn’t fight alone.

It’s common knowledge that the US fought with South Vietnam to prevent communist North Vietnam from overtaking the whole country. What’s not so well known are the various other countries that sacrificed for the effort too. Brave soldiers from the Khmer Republic (Cambodia), Laos, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines helped to fuel a valiant resistance against the belligerent North. Many of these countries have their own Vietnam War memorials in commemoration of these events. It’s crucial to remember their contributions to the effort too.

There weren’t sufficient supplies.

The density of the Vietnamese wilderness and the expanse of the conflict made it difficult to keep American soldiers well-supplied. On top of that, the challenging conditions of the jungle including torrential rain, unrelenting humidity, and unforgiving muddiness quickly damaged equipment that wasn’t designed for the environment. These supply chain and equipment issues forced soldiers to get innovative with a lot of DIY solutions. For example, super glue was often used to close wounds and slinky toys were retrofitted as radio antennas. These are just two examples of the ingenuity soldiers had to display to survive in battle.

It’s our duty as Americans to ensure the memory of those who selflessly served in the Vietnam War doesn’t fade away. One of the best ways to show appreciation and recognition for our brave soldiers is through memorialization. At Oregon Vietnam Memorial Fund, we’re currently fundraising to establish a monument in Oregon to accomplish those goals. Visit www.OCVVM.com to learn more about the project and how you can contribute.

The Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds is closer to reality

Media Release – July 24, 2023

Contact: Steve Bates, President

Vietnam War Memorial Fund

Office (503) 663-6271

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

The Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds is closer to reality:

Since 2017, a group of Oregon residents have been working tirelessly to honor Oregon’s Vietnam War Veterans with a Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the state capitol. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund was founded because the state of Washington erected a Vietnam Memorial on their capitol grounds in the 1980’s. California erected their Vietnam Memorial on their capitol grounds in the early 1990’s. Thirty years later, Oregon still has not honored its Vietnam Veterans accordingly.

“It has been a long and arduous road” says Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund. “We experienced immediate traction for this project, but that traction was reduced with the lengthy delays in acquiring the needed permissions. And then COVID stopped us in our tracks.”

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund Steering Committee adopted the memorial design on July 31, 2019. A few months later, an application was submitted to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for permission to place a memorial on the state capitol grounds which are known as State Capitol State Parks. After a year and a half, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the design on February 25, 2021. On July 14, 2021, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 319 into law which established the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds. Currently, all of the required permissions are in place and the project is shovel ready.

The location of the Vietnam War Memorial will be in the southwest corner of the Willson Park portion of the State Capitol State Park, to the west of the capitol building and to the south of the World War II Memorial. Steve Bates added: “It is significant that these two wars be memorialized on the Oregon capitol grounds as they are the two wars that caused the most Oregon casualties. The two memorials together will honor about 75% of Oregon’s war dead.”

Steve Bates stated: “Over these past six years, we have been involved in fundraising for this project. Because of the delays in receiving the necessary permissions, fundraising was difficult. But, we are starting to move forward now. We are grateful to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and their Spirit Mountain Community Fund in addition to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and their Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund. The tribal contributions coupled with those from around the state have helped us raise $2.5 million dollars to date. This total includes a recent allocation from the Oregon State Legislature. We anticipate starting construction in 2024 pending receipt of additional funds. In October we will know the amount needed to start the initial construction process.”

The granite columns to be used for the memorial were ordered over a year ago. They arrived in Oregon over the past month. VWMF Board Member Dan Mason stated: “It is exciting that we have the granite columns here in Oregon. They are all paid for and we await the opportunity to have them installed as the main element of the memorial.” The memorial columns will bear the names of all Oregonians who died in Vietnam. They will be listed by hometown or community.

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund Board of Directors appointed Andersen Construction in Portland as the preferred General Contractor. Andersen is currently providing Pre-Construction services which include reviewing the plans and identifying final costing for the project. “We hope to have the pre-construction processes completed in October so we can adopt an actual construction calendar for 2024.” added Bates. “But, we need to raise more funds to meet the 2024 construction goals. We are seeking support from additional charitable foundations and the public. We ask everyone to show their support of our Vietnam Veterans by donating to this project. Every donation whether large or small will put us closer to our goal!”

For more information, go to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at:

www.ocvvm.com

The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to:

Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or, by credit card at www.ocvvm.com

The Most Impressive Vietnam Memorials in the US & Worldwide

The Vietnam War left an indelible mark on the world. The battle claimed the lives of over 3,5 million people and changed the lives of billions of others. The course of history was forever altered in both positive and negative ways. In an effort to sustain the memory of the war and honor those who served, countless monuments have been erected across the country and the world. Federal, state, and local governments along with private individuals and nonprofit organizations are behind some of the most impressive Vietnam Memorials in the US and beyond.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

One of America’s most well-recognized and highly regarded Vietnam memorials is fittingly located in the nation’s capital. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial features two massive black granite walls positioned in a two-acre park. The walls start off just 8 inches off the ground before meeting at a height of 10 feet. This gradual height increase is designed to symbolize a healing wound. The names of service members killed or missing in action are listed on the walls. It’s tradition for visitors to place a piece of paper over the name of a loved one and mark it with a pencil or pen to imprint the name on the paper as a memento.

The North Wall in Windsor, Ontario

The Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial, more colloquially known as The North Wall, is Canada’s most prominent Vietnam memorial. Located in Windsor, Ontario, the war memorial is intended to honor and remember Canadian soldiers who were killed in battle, taken prisoner, or declared missing. The impressive monument is designed with black granite, stands 11 feet tall, and weighs three tons. The monument sits in Assumption Park which is right next to Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor to Detroit, Michigan. Each year, Canadian and US officials host a ceremony with a laying of wreaths to honor those who have fallen in service.

The Virtual Wall

The Wall of Faces is the virtual counterpart to the famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. It’s intended to allow everyone no matter where they’re located to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice without having to visit the physical monument in the nation’s capital. The Virtual Wall goes a step further than its physical cousin by connecting a photo to the list of over 58,000 names that adorn the wall. This provides an extra layer of humanity and intimacy to the experience while allowing loved ones to truly connect with their fallen family members and friends.

Vietnam Forces National Memorial in Canberra, Australia

The Vietnam Forces National Memorial is Australia’s foremost memorial honoring and celebrating the sacrifices of all 50,000 Australian service members. It features three concrete angled walls standing in a shallow moat to create a walled-off center area for quiet contemplation. There’s a smaller stone block that’s designed as a seating area and a place to lay tributes in honor of those who served. There’s a halo suspended from the three walls with an intricate network of wiring. The memorial has a prominent place on Canberra’s iconic Anzac Promenade along with other war memorials.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico is a national memorial that was owned and managed by the state of New Mexico until 2017. The Peace and Brotherhood Chapel that resides in the park is thought to be the first memorial specifically dedicated to the Vietnam War. It was dedicated to the conflict in 1971. The church features a modern design that’s built into the surrounding landscape. In addition, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial features a UH-1D Huey helicopter that was actually flown in Vietnam and bricks with the names of soldiers inscribed on them.

If you’re interested in supporting the creation of a prominent Vietnam War memorial in Oregon in honor of this long tradition of remembrance, consider donating to the Oregon Capitol Vietnam Veterans Memorial by visiting www.OCVVM.com.

Popular Misconceptions of the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War has always been a lightning rod of controversy ever since the anti-war movement broke out in the 1960s. For decades, various misconceptions have skewed the American public’s understanding and perception of a war fought halfway across the globe. Unfortunately, the men and women who risked and gave their lives for freedom and democracy continue to suffer from these misrepresentations. Let’s put some of the most common popular misconceptions to rest once and for all.

Most of the war was fought by draftees.

Somehow, the idea caught on that the majority of people fighting in Vietnam were forced into the conflict by the military draft. This was a convenient talking point for people who mischaracterized the war as something people thrust upon the American people without any sort of support. In reality, the overwhelming majority of fighters volunteered to fight in the Vietnam War for a variety of honorable motivations. Only around one-third of the fighters were drafted, contradicting the idea that the war was unpopular among all citizens. On top of that, 70% of those who perished in the war were volunteers, sparing the majority of draftees.

The US sent its youngest to battle.

Another unfounded yet popular claim about the Vietnam War is that it was primarily fought by young soldiers. When hearing about the conflict, many people envision young men in their late teens being forced into battle against their will to fight for a cause in which they don’t believe. We’ve already laid to rest the idea that most fighters were draftees, and we can easily disprove this idea that Vietnam War soldiers were the youngest of our armed forces. The average age of the service members sent over to Vietnam was actually 22. No enlisted grades had an average of less than 20.

The Vietnam War was an imperial effort.

One of the most modern misconceptions about the Vietnam War is that it was an imperial war waged by the colonially-motivated US against a helpless third-world country. This revisionist history couldn’t be further from the truth. At the time, Vietnam was embroiled in a bitter civil war. As communist North Vietnam threatened the freedoms of the South Vietnamese, the government reached out to request military and economic support from the US to fuel their effort. Our government was reluctant at first but eventually became fully involved with the goal of protecting the South from invasion.

The US lost the war.

The claim that the US lost the Vietnam War is perhaps the most pervasive and misleading misconception about the conflict. It’s an easy way for people to discount everything that was put on the line in pursuit of the effort. Unfortunately, it also discredits the sacrifices made by veterans. This point derives from a glaring misunderstanding of the US objectives for the intervention. Although it would have been ideal to keep Vietnam from falling into the hands of the communist North, the primary goal was to stymie the spread of communism on a global scale. Considering that there are only five communist countries in the world today, including Vietnam, it’s clear to see that the US achieved its main objective.

Fighting in WWII was more intense.

Unfortunately, the American public generally looks more favorably on the US intervention in WWII than the Vietnam War. Although there are a complex variety of factors causing this disparity, one of the reasons is the perceived intensity of the conflicts. People tend to know more about WWII from school, books, and media, making it easier to empathize with veterans. Due to prevalent misconceptions, people know much less about the brutality Vietnam veterans saw in action. The average soldier in Vietnam saw an unbelievable 240 days of combat per year which is 8x as much as the average infantryman in WWII.

Our Oregonian brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War deserve to be honored, celebrated, and memorialized. That’s exactly what the Oregon Vietnam Memorial Fund is on a mission to accomplish. Currently, we’re raising money to build a memorial in Oregon worthy of those who served in Vietnam. Show your appreciation to the brave veterans by donating to bring this memorial to life.

The Unique Struggles Vietnam Veterans Faced When Returning Home

The US government pays lip service to honoring veterans for their service, but it’s often just an empty gesture. Veterans face a number of unique challenges when returning home from service. These obstacles are largely unaddressed by the government and unknown to the public, leaving veterans to struggle in silence. This issue isn’t limited to veterans of recent conflicts. In fact, some of the worse-off veterans served decades and decades ago. These are some of the acute struggles Vietnam veterans faced when returning to the US from abroad. Keep in mind that many people who served in Vietnam are still facing these issues.

Diseases from Agent Orange exposure.

Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide used in Vietnam from 1961 to 1971 in an effort to defoliate the dense jungles in which forces were fighting. Tragically, the extensive use of this chemical mixture exposed many soldiers to toxic compounds. There are a number of detrimental health effects of exposure to Agent Orange including high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, ischemic heart disease, Parkinsonism, type 2 diabetes, and many more. Many Vietnam veterans didn’t develop issues from Agent Orange exposure until after returning home. Unfortunately, the government hasn’t been forthcoming with compensation for these terrible health consequences. Veterans are simply burdened with mounting health costs and declining health.

High rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after a shocking, dangerous, or scary experience that leaves an individual with disturbing feelings and thoughts long after the initial experience. Military service is a common trigger for PTSD. In fact, around 30% of Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives. Although the medical field’s understanding of this condition has improved greatly over the past few decades, a significant portion of veterans never received the treatment they needed following their service in Vietnam which only exacerbates the condition.

Struggle finding civilian jobs.

There was a frustrating lack of support offered to Vietnam veterans when transitioning from the battlefield to the civilian workforce. This failed government and public support were exacerbated by a contracting economy which left fewer jobs for the returning soldiers. Younger veterans found it especially difficult to find work because they hadn’t had enough time to develop skills or obtain higher education before being deployed. This problem was even worse among minority groups who were still facing significant discrimination at the time despite the sacrifices made while serving.

Lack of support at home.

While the brave men and women of the US military were serving selflessly in Vietnam, a large section of the American public grew increasingly opposed to the war effort. It was one of the most active and sustained anti-war efforts the country had seen and stirred up a lot of animosity towards those serving. Instead of receiving a hero’s welcome, many veterans felt as though the public was unappreciative at best and hateful at worse. The anti-war movement made the mistake of blaming their brothers and sisters for serving when their real issues were with the US government.

High rates of houselessness.

Veterans account for more than a quarter of the population experiencing homelessness. Many of the struggles we’ve already mentioned such as lack of mental health assistance, poor job training options, and a general lack of support upon returning home contribute to the large levels of houselessness among Vietnam veterans. There are some fantastic nonprofits that have stepped up to fill the gap left by the public sector such as Habitat for Humanity, Operation Finally Home, Homes for Our Troops (HOOT), and The Gary Sinise Foundation. This is a massive obstacle most people don’t know about that some Vietnam veterans are still facing.

We have an obligation to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who served in the Vietnam War. If you’re looking for a way to show your appreciation, consider donating to the Oregon Vietnam Memorial Fund. Visit www.ocvvm.com for more formation on the project and how to donate.