Recognizing the Veterans Who Served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars

By Scott Wheeler

Veterans of the Korean War returned home to a world that had little understanding of the war that they had fought. Welcome home celebrations were few. When many Vietnam veterans returned home from war they returned to a country that was at war with itself, self-destructing as protesters took to the streets. Instead of welcome-home celebrations, far too many veterans returned home to insults, and some were even spit upon by those protesting the war.

In my work as the publisher of Vermont’s Northland Journal, I have spoken to many veterans. A few years ago my family, which includes my wife, Penny, and our three children, along with me, helped raise money to send veterans who fought in World War II to Washington, D.C. to the newly unveiled monument to that war. We were fortunate to make the journey with them. It is now our hope to recognize the men and women who fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

I wasn’t even thought of when the Korean War was raging, and my memories of the Vietnam War are very limited. People only a few years older than I remember the nightly newsreels of the action in Vietnam and the protest riots in the streets of the United States. In a fog caused by the passage of time, my only memory of the war is of news footage of returning soldiers disembarking from aircraft. Some were walking, others were on crutches, and yet others were being carried on stretchers.

Our desire to host this celebration of the veterans, not the wars, is to give the veterans the recognition that many of them never received when they returned home. This event, which will take place on May 26 at the Elks Lodge on the Derby, Road, is a time to honor them, but as importantly, a time for the veterans to educate us about the wars that helped shape who they are today. In some cases, it will also serve as a time to heal and to bring closure to a painful chapter of their lives. Tentative plans are to hold the event between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. The community is strongly encouraged to attend.

Although plans are to invite a number of dignitaries to the event, this is not a political event or a time to debate. It is a time for community spirit, and a time to recognize those who fought in these two conflicts. Plans are to also provide each veteran, if they wish, space to bring mementos, such as photos and souvenirs from the countries in which they served, to exhibit to fellow veterans and visitors.

The Elks Lodge has generously agreed to donate the hall and help make this event a huge success. Equally as important is the generosity of the veterans that I have already been working with in preparation for this event. Among them are two Derby men, Dennis Beauchesne and Winston Charbonneau.

Dennis Beauchesne of Derby is a Vietnam veteran and the commander of the VFW Post 798. He is a tireless advocate of all veterans. He said he is looking forward to taking part in the Korean/Vietnam War Veterans recognition at the Elks Lodge in Derby. This photo of Dennis was taken while he was stationed in Vietnam.

Dennis is a Vietnam veteran and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 798 in Newport. Dennis, as a member of the Army’s 271st Aviation Company, was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious action when he successfully landed the helicopter he was piloting after it was crippled by enemy fire while on a mission in the Mekong Delta.

Winston Charbonneau of Derby is a combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam War. He distinguished himself in some of the fiercest action in Vietnam. As with Dennis, he is looking forward to attending the event to recognize Korean and Vietnam War veterans. This photo was taken of Winston while on duty in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

Winston, a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, was also awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. As a member of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Winston was recognized for continually distinguishing himself in some of the fiercest battles of the war. He also received the Purple Heart as a result of being shot in combat.

VFW joins Korea and Vietnam recognition

People and groups interested in donating to this event are welcome to do so. Any money left over following the event will go toward the continued work at the Veterans’ Park in Derby, including the placement of additional monuments. Please send your tax deductible donations, made out to “Korean/Vietnam War Veterans Fund,” to the VFW Post #798, P.O. Box 112, Derby, Vermont 05829, or to the “Korean/Vietnam War Veterans Fund” to the Northland Journal, P.O. Box 812, Derby, Vermont 05829.

My family and I would like to hear from veterans who hope to attend the event. We also welcome these same people’s thoughts and ideas to make this event a success. To reach us, Scott or Penny, call (802) 334-5920 or e-mail to northlandjournal@gmail.com. In addition, we plan to keep people abreast of the evolving event on our website, www.northlandjournal.com.