Andrew Johnson VFW Post 1990 marked Vietnam War Veterans Day on Saturday evening by hosting a ceremony and supper for Vietnam veterans at the local post on Harlan Street. The day marks the day in 1973 when the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam and prisoners of war were released.
It was the fifth time the event had been held at the VFW, and over 100 people crowded into Medal of Honor Hall at the post for the event.
VFW Post Commander Larry Henderson said Saturday’s edition of the event was one of the largest.
Dozens of Vietnam veterans were a part of the gathered crowd. The Vietnam veterans were asked to stand, and given a round of applause.
As a part of the ceremony, the names of the 22 men from Greene County who were killed in Vietnam were read, and a bell tolled after each name was read aloud.
Those men who lost their lives in Vietnam were: Robert L. Alexander, Charles H. Ayres, Jimmy D. Cortney, William J. Cutshaw, Donald J. Fillers, Phillip Fink, Jimmy R. Harrison, Bobby E. Hunt, Arnold Jackson, James O. Jaynes, Ronald H. Justis, James D. Kelley, William F. Malone, Robert Mason, Charles Neal, Harvey Proffitt, Jr., Rae Rippetoe, Franklin T. Shelton, Harold Stills, Donnie J. Swatsell, Oliver N. Thompson, Floyd W. Lamb, Jr.
VFW Post member Milton Parham read a letter written by M.A. Lau, a friend of Kelley’s in Vietnam, about Kelley’s heroism and death. Kelley grew up on the south side of Greene County, and graduated from South Greene in 1967. He was on his way to Vietnam 10 month later. Kelley participated in four or five combat operations in only three months in Vietnam, and was killed in action on Sept. 19, 1968 while exhibiting extraordinary valor.
Parham said that Kelley’s name is misspelled on the monument outside the VFW, as is Rippetoe’s. He noted that the error, made decades ago, was “no one’s fault,” but that he would like to correct the monument that bears the names of those who have died in defense of America. He noted that the VFW was raising funds to place a brass plaque on the monument that would correctly spell the names, in addition to adding the names of two men killed in more recent conflicts.
Those looking to support the fundraiser can contact the VFW at 423-638-4201, and are encouraged to leave a message if a call is made when the post is not open.
As a part of the ceremony, Henderson conducted a ceremonial laying of wreaths, which were donated by the VFW, Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club. The laying of wreaths was followed by a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps.
Parham read a short poem often attributed to Vietnam veteran George Skypeck simply titled “Soldier.” He noted that fellow VFW Post member encouraged him to read the poem during the event.
A free meal for veterans and their families was served at the conclusion of the ceremony.
