Vietnam Veteran News with Mack Payne

Episode 1160 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about one of the more elaborate Vietnam Veteran welcome home ceremonies being conducted across the country. There was an article about the event called “an Auburn High School gesture of gratitude” planned by AP U.S. history teacher Blake Busbin on the oanow.com website titled: Auburn High to welcome Vietnam veterans home. The article was submitted by Kara Coleman ([email protected]), a reporter for Opelika-Auburn News.

Across this great nation events have been held, are being held now and being planned for the future. Most are taking place with the encouragement coming from the DoD's Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program. As most are aware, when the Vietnam Veterans came home from that war they were abused verbally and sometimes physically then ignored for their service.

The returning veterans discovered they had been drastically short changed on the gratitude and recognition they were expecting especially considering the tremendous service they had rendered to their country in a very difficult and controversial war.

Finally after all these years America is beginning to see its Vietnam Veterans as the heroes they truly are and it is also beginning to realize how much these veterans gave to their country with their service. America is also coming to realize the Vietnam Veterans can never be fully repaid for their service to their country.

That may be true but events like the one being led by AP U.S. history teacher Blake Busbin at Auburn High School is making a being effort to make up for the shabby treatment Vietnam Veterans received when they came home through San Francisco airport and first encountered the misguided anti-war demonstrated.

For more information about the event call Blake Busbin at 334-887-2120 or email him at  [email protected] .

Listen to the entire episode 1160 and discover more about one of the more elaborate Vietnam Veteran welcome home ceremonies being held across the country.

Episode 1159 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will highlight the soon to be dedicated Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crew Member monument in the Arlington National Cemetery. There was a story about the upcoming event in The Military Times website titled: Dedication ceremony set for monument honoring Vietnam helicopter pilots, crews by Charlsy Panzino who covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times.

Thanks to a great deal of work done by the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and other interested parties the monument is becoming a reality. It will be dedicated on April 18, 2018 at the cemetery. The story surrounding the monument and the fight to get it approved was covered in episodes 713 and 900 of this podcast.

It is only fitting and appropriate that such a monument be created. Among the many other unique features of the Vietnam War, it was the first to be fought with the widespread use of helicopters. 40,000 helicopter pilots and crew members served in that war. 5,000 did not come home. Today their names are on a black marble wall in Washington DC.

Air Force Lt. Col. Bob Hesselbein first made the proposal for the monument back in April 2014. At the time he was the legacy committee chairman of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. His initial attempts to obtain approval for the monument were rebuffed by then Secretary of the Army John McHugh who stated: “The prime directive for the cemetery is to do everything it can not to initiate an action that would displace an otherwise-eligible veteran.”

When Vietnam Veterans came home they were older, wiser and tougher. That is why they were able to succeed and on April 18 the monument dedication happen.

Listen to the entire episode 1159 and discover more about the monument honoring Vietnam helicopter pilots soon to be dedicated at the Arlington National Cemetery.

Episode 1158 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an incident that occurred in Collier County, Florida that shows the venerable Vietnam Era UH-1 Huey helicopter is still serving its country and saving lives. There was a story about this event on WPTV NBC channel 5 of West Palm Beach, Florida titled: Vietnam War-era helicopter rescues hiker lost in the Everglades. The story was submitted by Scott Sutton of Channel 5.

Collier County, Florida sits in the southwest portion of the peninsular of the state. Although the urban portions of the county that include Naples, Marco Island and Golden Gate are heavily built up with homes, condos, and commercial and industrial facilities the majority of these county is a vast watery preserve.

The preserves include the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, the Big Cypress National Preserve and of course the Florida Panther National Wildlife Preserve. In reality this means most of the county is taken up by the Everglades which happens to be one of the world's largest septic tanks. It does a good job of cleaning up the water that flows down the state on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Many visitors who come to Collier County marvel at the "beauty" of the Everglades. Something this writer could never appreciate. The Everglades is basically one large swamp. On occasion visitors like to explore the preserves by hiking through their watery delights.

Recently one of those hikers in the watery preserve became disoriented deep in the gator and snake infested swamp. He called for help and the Collier County Sheriff's department responded with their recently acquired 1968 model and Vietnam Veteran Huey helicopter.

Listen to episode 1158 of the podcast and discover more about the exciting rescue of a lost hiker in the Everglades by a Vietnam Era Huey helicopter.

Episode 1157 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an education project being conducted by the Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Known as the Community Days: The Hmong Education Project it is a program with a mission of informing all in the area about the story of how and why the Hmong people in the area made the long trek from their homeland in the mountains of Laos to La Crosse.

There was a story about the event in The La Crosse Tribune titled: Hmong Community Days in La Crosse explores journey from Laos to America that was submitted by Emily Pyrek of the La Crosse Tribune. Local Hmong leaders were concerned that their young people were growing up in a new and strange land without the benefit of possessing the knowledge of their challenged history.

Most were unaware of the "secret war" fought in Laos during the larger American Vietnam War. The Hmong people were no fans of communism, a foreign white-man's western concept of government that stole the property and freedom from its people. They wanted no part of it so they joined up with the American CIA managed war against the North Vietnamese.

The Hmong proved to be loyal and effective allies for the Americans. Unfortunately for the Hmong, they paid a heavy price for their siding with the Americans. More than a quarter of the male Hmong population died in the war. After they were abandoned by their American protectors in 1972, the newly installed communist Lao government carried out a genocide program against the surviving Hmong people.

Fortunately many were able to relocate to the United States. Don't miss listening to episode 1157 of the podcast and discover more about the trials, tribulations and accomplishments of the Hmong people of the La Crosse, Wisconsin area.

Episode 1156 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about an Australian Vietnam Veteran and the strong bond he has with his favorite Australian National Rugby League team the St George Illawarra Dragons. The story came from The Chronicle of Toowoomba, Australia and was titled: City's bravest Dragon: Digger's War affinity with the Red V. It was submitted by Anton Rose.

The ANZAC countries of Australia and New Zealand proved to be loyal and effective allies for the US during the Vietnam War. ANZAC soldiers fought well in that war. Their most shining moment was at the Battle of Long Tan where 110 ANZAC soldiers defeated an NVA numbering 2000 fighters.

ANZAC soldiers were and still are known as "diggers." Bill Mason of Oakey was a digger serving in Vietnam. He had been a big fan of St George Illawarra Dragons for many years. The Dragons did something very special for Bill and his mates who were serving in the War at the time that bonded Bill to the team forever. Today he is an honorary life member of the club

In 1968 bill was injured when his armored personnel carrier ran over a mine and he was blown 65 feet away by the blast, thank goodness he survived.  His wounds were serious so he was sent home to nurse his wounds that included a broken diaphragm and serious burns to his legs, torso and face.

After what the Dragons team did for him in Vietnam he became a bigger fan and never forgot his Vietnam experiences and what the Dragons did for him and his mates.

Listen to episode 1156 of the podcast and discover what the St George Illawarra Dragons rugby team did for its digger fans in Vietnam that bonded Vietnam Veteran Bill Mason with them forever.

Episode 1154 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story that describes a presentation retired MG Patrick H. Brady made to the Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association that has been declared by this podcast as best speech ever about Vietnam War. The story appeared in The Citizens newspaper of Fayetteville, Georgia titled: A VETERAN’S STORY: Saving lives, not taking lives and was submitted by Pete Mecca.

General Brady was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery while flying as a medevac pilot on January 6, 1968. At that time he was with the 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. The Action took place near Chu Lai. On that day in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and bad weather he was able to rescue 51 seriously wounded soldiers who otherwise would have died on the battlefield had not Brady braved incredible odds and brought them to safety. In the process he had three helicopters shot out from under him. On September 1, 1993 he retired as a major general that capped off 34 years of service to his country.

The leaders of the Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association made a great choice in having General Brady as their featured speaker at a Vietnam War 50 year Commemoration event. In his presentation he covered such areas as the dangers to our country of a lying. Another was the nobility of America's veterans and the important role they play in keeping America free with emphasis on how important it is for the citizens of the country to show them their appreciation.

He went on to praise the virtues of all America's veterans. It truly was one of the best speech ever about Vietnam War.

Listen to episode 1154 of the podcast and discover more about the tremendous presentation retired MG Patrick H. Brady made to the Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association about the Vietnam War and its brave veterans.

Episode 1155 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will highlight the efforts of Thy Cavagnaro, a wonderful lady of Vietnamese descent, who is working to honor Vietnamese Veterans. She lives in Barnegat Township, New Jersey with her husband, Jimmy Cavagnaro. They offered to erect a Vietnam veterans memorial for the town at their own expense. A story about their offer to the township appeared in The SandPaper.net website titled: Vietnam Veterans Get Day of Honor March 29 by Eric Englund ([email protected]).

The Cavagnaros' intention is to have their proposed Vietnam veterans memorial establishment coincide with the first nationally recognized Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on March 29. The National Vietnam War Veterans Day was created by an act of Congress to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day of recognition. It was signed into law by President Trump with the first day of recognition to be on March 29 of 2018.

Thy Cavagnaro who was 1 and a half years old at the time escaped with her family the ravages brought on by the North Vietnamese communists when they took over Saigon in 1975.

Thy is highly appreciative of the American military for helping her escape the communists in Vietnam and giving her the opportunity to proper in America, the land of freedom and liberty. She said this about why she is so motivated to show her appreciation: “These veterans were heroes and were not given their due thanks when they initially came back,” and that “Barnegat seems like the type of community that would support this. And this is my way of saying thanks for what you did.”

For more information about her Vietnam Veterans Day celebration on March 29, call Thy Cavagnaro at 908-461-8409.

Listen to episode 1155 of the podcast and discover more about this wonderful American lady of Vietnamese descent and how she is working to honor all Vietnam Veterans.

Episode 1153 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the sad story of a brave Vietnam Veteran who met with an untimely death in the Palo Pinto County Jail not far from Mineral Wells, Texas who he trained to be a helicopter pilot. There was a story about the sad event in The Dallas Morning News titled: War hero-turned-robber who used helicopter to flee bank heists dies in Texas jail that was written by Matt Peterson, Breaking News/Justice Editor.

Jim Little was a helicopter pilot who served two tours in Vietnam where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 50 Air Medals. The first year he was a Huey with the 1st Infantry Division and the second year he flew Cobra gunships with the 235th Air Assault Company. He came home with a troubled mind and had trouble fitting into civilian life.

Seeking relief he moved with his family to Alaska. While there he became an Alaska State Trooper and did well. He was captivated by the ruggedness and beauty of the state. That period in his life brought him the satisfaction he was seeking. It was a world away from his poor upbringing in Big Spring, Texas. It all ended when he arrested the child of a prominent attorney and his was dismissed from the force.

He was devastated by his firing that led to a downward spiral which led him to becoming a bank robber. It was there he gained infamy as the first person to use a helicopter in making a getaway from a bank robbery where he was involved.

Howard Swindle is a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning editor at the Dallas Morning News. He wrote a book titled Once a Hero about Jim Little that chronicled Jim Little's twisted life. It is on the recommended reading list of this podcast.

Listen to episode 1153 of the podcast and discover more about Jim Little's  journey from greatness to his death in the Palo Pinto County Jail.

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Episode 1152 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature one of the more amazing stories of miraculous survival by a Vietnam Veteran who was struck by lightning and ended up in a body bag. John Bennett's story of survival and irony was presented in an article found in The York Dispatch of York, Pennsylvania titled: Local Vietnam vets reunite decades after one was declared dead that was written by Christopher Dornblaser, (717-505-5436/@YDDornblaser).

There are many amazing stories that occurred in the Vietnam War. One of the strangest is that of Vietnam Vet John Bennett. He not only survived a year on the front lines in Vietnam but also a direct hit by a bolt of lightning.

On top of that challenging situation what happened later is even worse. His family received a letter of condolence from the battalion chaplain who informed them of John's death. What happened later to family is almost unforgivable.

Another notable thing about this Vietnam story is that the same chaplain who wrote the condolence letter to John's parents had settled down in nearby Manchester Township. An acquaintance of the chaplain put him in contact with Bennett. The two put on their old uniforms and met up for a reunion at the Round the Clock Diner in York. What is more amazing about this story is the fact that both gentlemen could still get into their Vietnam Era uniforms.

John Bennett's story is another one of those fascinating stories produced by the war in Vietnam that attests to the greatness of the Vietnam Veteran Generation.

CLICK HERE  to hear John Bennett tell the story about how he ended up in a body bag and how he got out of the body bag.

Listen to episode 1152 of the podcast and discover more about John Bennett's miraculous story along with podcast comments.

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Episode 1151 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the life of another tremendous representative of the Great Vietnam Veteran Generation Chuck Sankey. He recently passed away and was memorialized in a story that appeared in The Hutchinson News titled: A tribute to lives well lived and was submitted by Dan Deming.

As has been stated many times before in these show notes, one of the primary missions of this podcast is to extol the virtues and accomplishments of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. Rarely in the history of this great country has a group like these veterans given so much to their country and received so little in appreciation for their service. Not only did they receive scarce appreciation but in many cases they were abused verbally and physically scorned upon their return to their home shores.

Chuck Sankey is one of those veterans who truly represent the greatness of that generation of veterans. He put down his earthly burdens on Jan. 25, 2018, in Wichita, Kansas and will be sorely missed by his family, associates and a grateful nation.

His obituary said this about Chuck: "Chuck earned the nickname Captain America among his peers because of his straight-arrow nature, fighting spirit, superb physical condition, leadership skills, esprit de corps, and commanding presence."

While serving as an advisor to ARVN troops in Vietnam he was awarded a Silver Star for his actions during an ambush where 90 percent of his men became casualties. His obit said this abut his actions: "Despite his own wounds, Chuck remained in an exposed position, directing return fire, medevacs and ammunition resupply. He refused to be evacuated until the firefight ended and all other casualties were evacuated. His valiant actions inspired the Vietnamese soldiers to fight against overwhelming odds."

Listen to episode 1151 of the podcast and discover more about the life of Chuck Sankey a truly outstanding representative of the Great Vietnam Veteran Generation.