VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL VETERANS HONORING VETERANS CEREMONY

APRIL 2010

IN THE NEWS

Vietnam vets show admiration, support for Wounded Warriors

By Sgt. 1st Class Manual Torres-Cortes

Published 12:05 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2011

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Vietnam-vets-show-admiration-support-for-Wounded-1313523.php#ixzz1JiCuEls6

SAN ANTONIO — For local Vietnam Veterans, some of whom dug trenches in the wetlands of South Vietnam in the late 1960s, there are vivid memories and a deep understanding of the hardships and tribulations combat causes; those shared experiences and common struggles inspired them to come together for a common cause — to serve veterans of America's more recent conflicts.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, Alamo chapter 366, volunteered their time March 24 by donating and serving a Mexican-style lunch to Wounded Warriors at the Warrior and Family Support Center here. “We were founded on the basic principles of never abandoning our brothers and sisters, who are veterans of war,” said Dan Medrano, VVA Alamo Chapter president. Medrano said that support has gotten much better through the years, especially due to the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I feel very appreciative to these gentlemen; in fact, I think we should be thanking them instead of them thanking us,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Heuton, 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, who was working in Balad, Iraq, when he was injured. “It sets a good example for all of us to give back to our fellow soldiers and what we can do in the future to help our fellow comrades.”

The Alamo Chapter visits the WFSC once a month to donate food to soldiers and the workers at the facility. The March 24 Tex-Mex lunch featured tacos, fajitas and rice and beans. The meal was served by Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Vietnam Veterans.

“It's about honoring those who give of themselves for their country,” said retired Marine Sgt. Leroy Trevino, radio operator for the 5th Marine Regiment, who served in Vietnam.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Vietnam-vets-show-admiration-support-for-Wounded-1313523.php#ixzz1JiCduIYG