Exchange Honors Vietnam Veterans at Welcome Home Event in Nation’s Capital
Thousands of Veterans and 90 supporting organizations, including The Exchange, participated in The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration’s first “Welcome Home” celebration in Washington, D.C., May 11 through May 13—giving Vietnam Veterans a long overdue thank you for their service and sacrifice.
Maj. Gen. Edward J. Chrystal Jr., acting director for the Commemoration, kicked off the celebration with an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting at Camp Legacy, where attendees checked out performances, exhibits and more.
“The Vietnam Veterans did not turn their back on society—they changed the culture,” Chrystal said. “We as a Nation are looking to right that wrong, to welcome you home and to thank you.”
Fort Belvoir Exchange Store Assistant Adianez Ortiz hands out Exchange swag to a Vietnam Veteran attending the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration’s first “Welcome Home” celebration in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed concerts, discussion panels, special tributes, films and more. The Fort Belvoir Exchange and HQ’s Corporate Communication and Brand Marketing teams handed out Exchange swag, shared information on expanded shopping benefits and provided tours of a mobile field Exchange to those walking through the National Mall.
“More than 8.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam era,” said Jose Hernandez, director, Corporate Communication and an Army Veteran. “Participating in this event helps the Exchange celebrate those who have served while communicating the hard-earned shopping benefit to honorably discharged and disabled Veterans who may not know they can still shop with us.”
In addition to participating in the “Welcome Home” celebration hosted by the Commemoration, Washington, D.C. area Exchanges—including Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Meade, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling—offered Vietnam War 50th Anniversary merchandise for sale in their stores for the first time to observe the anniversary.
United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration leadership visited the mobile field Exchange during opening day of the “Welcome Home” event. From left: Acting Director for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Maj. Gen. Edward (Ed) J. Chrystal, Jr.; Exchange Senior Vice President, Corporate Communication and Brand Marketing Sandi Lute; Commemoration Senior Enlisted Advisor Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Jenks; and Exchange Director, Corporate Communication Jose Hernandez.
The commemoration launched in 2012 and continues through 2025. It honors all Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. The Exchange has been a commemorative partner since 2013.
View the weekend’s events live here. For more information on the organization, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com.
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