Exchange to Recognize Vietnam Veterans with Pinning Ceremonies
For the second year in a row, the Exchange will honor Vietnam Veterans for their service and sacrifice on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Everyone who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, will receive a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin at their local Exchange during ceremonies planned throughout the day, March 29. This lapel pin, which has become a lasting memento of the Nation’s thanks, is provided in partnership with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.
“The Exchange is deeply honored to be a part of recognizing the brave men and women who raised their hand and took the oath, yet never received the proper thanks they so richly deserved,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, a Vietnam-era Army Veteran. “The Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin is a small token of the Nation’s appreciation, letting these heroes know they are not forgotten.”
The Exchange has been a Commemorative Partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration since 2013, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice.
Maj. Gen. (Retired) James Jackson, Commemoration director, thanked the Exchange for its efforts.
“The Exchange is a committed partner in commemorating the service of these individuals,” Jackson said. “Its service to Vietnam Veterans is greatly appreciated.”
For more information on the times of the March 29 ceremonies at local Exchanges, associates Vietnam Veterans and their families can visit shopmyexchange.com/community. Those without installation access should contact their local Exchange or the installation’s Visitor Center for information on gaining access to a ceremony.
Veterans who are unable to come to an Exchange for a lapel pin March 29 can visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/ to find an upcoming event or Commemorative Partner in their area at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/partners/partner_map/.
Veterans who still need assistance locating an opportunity to receive a lapel pin on behalf of a grateful nation can contact the Commemoration office at 877-387-9951 or whs.vnwar50th@mail.mil.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the President in 2012. It will continue through Veterans Day 2025.
This is a thoughtful gesture for sure. If only a way could be devised to take this honor to the many Vietnam veterans living on the streets and under the bridges across the country, with no access nor availability to visit a BX/PX/NX. Just forgotten…
Mr. Doyle:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post. We really appreciate the time you took to respond.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Does anybody else out there in Exchange Post Land want to share their thoughts?
If so, type your thoughts in the Comment box and hit enter.
Steve Smith
Editor, Exchange Post
Kirtland Air Force Base is holding the pinning at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located just off base in Albuquerque, NM. Everyone has access and invites everyone to come celebrate the pinning ceremony.
Brian:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post.
Anybody else out there have comments about the pinning ceremonies? Let’s keep the conversation going!
Type your thoughts in the comment box and hit enter.
We want to read them!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Thank you very much Mr. Smith.
Our team will forward Photos of event.
Thanks Again!
Thanks. Could you please show Exchange associates in the pictures and include their full names?
Steve
Where can these be sent?
Lindsay:
Thank you for writing to your Exchange Post.
Veterans who are unable to come to an Exchange for a lapel pin March 29 can visit http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/events/ to find an upcoming event or Commemorative Partner in their area at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/partners/partner_map/.Veterans who still need assistance locating an opportunity to receive a lapel pin on behalf of a grateful nation can contact the Commemoration office at 877-387-9951 or whs.vnwar50th@mail.mil.
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Greetings All,
We did an outreach here at the Guam Exchange. We knew we would be faced with the same issues as many others where we would only get a few Vietnam Veterans coming to our Exchange (due to base access limitations). We reached out to our Veterans Affairs office here on Guam and partnered up with them and our Governors office. A breakfast was held at the Governors house for our Vets in which we did our pinning there and it also allowed us to communicate our VetVerify benefit to those who did not have base access. The event itself was a success and it built a partnership between the Guam Exchange and the Guam Department of Veterans Affairs. It was an amazing experience that brought our Exchange and our mission into the spotlight and the feedback we got from our Veterans, their families, the VA and our Island leaders was beyond excellent and I encourage all others to continue to think “outside the box” and give it a shot.
Patrick:
Thanks for writing to your Exchange Post. Do you mind if I quote you on this for a follow-up story I’m doing?
Let’s keep the conversation going! How did your Exchange collaborate/partner with groups on your installation?
We want to hear!
Type your thoughts in the Comment box and hit enter. C’mon!
Steve Smith
Editor, The Exchange Post
Of course