The Vietnam War lasted over 19 years, from November 1, 1955, to April 30, 1975. According to history.com, more than 3 million people, including 58,000 Americans, were killed in the Vietnam War. The carnage and wounds from this extensive conflict run deep. Yet, these military men and women who battled in this war fought for freedom, and they were willing to risk their lives, some were volunteers, and others were drafted.
Locally, an organization assists these brave heroes; it is called Vietnam Veterans, Inc. Their goal is, “To foster, encourage, and promote comradeship and ’Esprit de Corps’ among Vietnam Veterans.” In addition, their goal is to assist disabled and needy Vietnam Veterans and the dependents of Vietnam Veterans. And to promote the physical and cultural improvement and growth, development, self-respect, and self-confidence of Vietnam Veterans.
“Vietnam Veterans Inc. (VVI) was founded back in 1980. Currently, we have approximately 500-600 members. We not only help Vietnam veterans, but and all veterans and their families in need, said VVI president Butch Burke, who served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. “One of the groups that we work closely with is Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship and Veteran’s Home, which Reverend Mike Wurschmidt runs. It is located at 13 Pride Street. We recently provided 800 pairs of socks for homeless veterans. In addition, we help these folks during all of the holidays by providing food and care packages.”
“Before the pandemic, we would go to Aspinwall VA Hospital and have cookouts with the hospitalized veterans. We still participate in an annual activity every third full weekend in September; we have a POW (prisoner of war)/MIA (missing in action) Vigil. This year was the 41st year we held this ceremony; we had it at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. We also have weekly veteran’s breakfasts and monthly meetings,” said Burke.
Another VVI member and U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran Daniel Mc Poyle noted that VVI held a special Memorial Day service. “The memorial tribute is held in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Peters Township in the South Hills. This is the first Vietnam Veteran’s State Memorial. The tall, black, two-sided granite stones list ALL of Pennsylvania’s killed in the Vietnam War State Vietnam Veterans. In addition, the five flags are our military branches. Each yellow brick area lists bronze markers -Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine and Coast Guard and above the 5’ x 8’ 🇺🇸 American Flag.”
“We also annually participate in the National Wreathes Across campaign. That is held in December, when wreathes are placed on the graves of veterans. Locally, we conduct this project in the National Military Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, near Bridgeville,” said Mc Poyle. “VVI also holds various flag presentation ceremonies. Next year, we plan to go to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. We take this trip about every three years.”
For information on the Vietnam Veterans, Inc., visit their website at vietnamveteransinc.com/ or call them at (412) 431-2096. Northern Connection magazine salutes all members of Vietnams Veterans, Inc. for their military service and dedication to our country.
By Paula Green
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