SAN ANGELO, TX — Dozens of Vietnam War veterans and their families gathered Friday at Goodfellow Air Force Base for a final commemorative pinning ceremony, marking the conclusion of a decade-long national effort to honor those who served in one of America’s most contentious conflicts.
The ceremony, which happened on March 28, coincided with the 50th anniversary of the war’s end on March 29 and brought together military leaders, elected officials, and surviving spouses to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those affected by the war.
“This is the last year,” said Ron “J.J.” Graham, president of the Heritage Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association. "The Vietnam commemoration program was a 10-year program authorized by Congress. Today, we recognize these veterans and family members for their actions during the war and give them a long-delayed thank you for your service and welcome home.”
The ceremony included the presentation of commemorative lapel pins and certificates to Vietnam veterans, surviving spouses, and family members. The event was organized in partnership with the EC-47 History Site and featured recognition for individuals who traveled from across the U.S., including Hawaii, California, Indiana, and Massachusetts.
Col. Angelina Maguinness, commander of the 17th Training Wing at Goodfellow, opened the ceremony by recognizing the significance of the Vietnam generation’s sacrifices.
“Your stories of valor, camaraderie, and dedication continue to resonate within the halls of the 17th Training Wing and across the Department of Defense,” Maguinness said. “We are forever indebted to you, the Vietnam veterans, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that your service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), a retired Air Force officer, addressed the crowd and acknowledged the emotional weight of the day.
“This ceremony has been a long time coming,” Pfluger said. “We are able to right a wrong today that is 50-plus years in the making. Today is about welcoming home like we should have done 50 years ago.”
Graham noted that although the national commemoration is ending, Goodfellow AFB will continue to honor veterans during future Veterans Day events.
“We will continue to recognize veterans, but now it will encompass all veterans,” he said. “They will still be recognized as we do our normal Veterans Day ceremonies here on the base and in town.”
The event also featured stories of military heroism, including a tribute to the crew of a U.S. Army aircraft shot down over Cambodia in 1969 and a presentation honoring South Vietnamese airmen who took over the EC-47 mission after American forces withdrew. Bronze memorial pavers bearing the names of veterans and family members were added to Goodfellow’s EC-47 display as part of the legacy project.
Retired Chief Master Sergeant Tom Nurre, a Vietnam veteran and organizer of the EC-47 History Site, described the commemorative pinning as a long-overdue “do-over” for many veterans who were not welcomed home properly.
“This is being recognized for how they were mistreated after they came home,” Nurre said. “This is the welcome home they should have gotten 50 years ago.”
A surprise announcement near the end of the event revealed that Goodfellow’s Vietnam Commemorative Partner Program, led by Nurre, had been recognized as one of the top 1% of more than 13,000 partnerships nationwide by the program’s national director.
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