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Air Force Reserve honors Vietnam Veterans

  • Published
The Air Force Reserve partnered with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration organization to pay tribute to 22 veterans during a Vietnam recognition ceremony here June 21.

This Air Force Reserve event is in support of the 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program. Veterans from the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Washington Veterans Affairs Medical Center and two reserve staff family members attended the event.

“This congressionally recognized program is dedicated to honoring Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice,” said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command.

As part of the ceremony, veterans were given a commemorative pin in recognition of their contributions to the war. Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, president emeritus of the Women’s Memorial and fighter ace Col. Chuck DeBellevue, spoke about their Vietnam experiences at the event.

“It is nice that they are recognizing the service we provided and they are now realizing that the military is an important part of what this country is all about,” said DeBellevue.

Retired Lt. Col. Ron Schuh was excited to visit the Pentagon for the ceremony. “After Saigon fell, I flew fighters in the Reserve, worked as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy and in the defense industry for many years,” said Schuh.

Schuh said World War II and Korea veterans have received a great deal of recognition. “A huge number of people served in Southeast Asia and the reception when we got back was not very good and I do think it had an impact on a lot of guys,” said Schuh.

DeBellevue wore the congressional gold medal that was awarded to the American Fighter Association June 15, 2015. He wanted to be part of the event while he was in town visiting family.

“We left active duty a long time ago and some of the stories we tell help those that follow us understand what we went through,” said DeBellevue.

For more information on the 50th Vietnam Commemorative Partner Program, visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.