Vietnam Veteran News

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Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient James H. Monroe.

Episode 3205 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient James H. Monroe with a story by Tara Ross. The featured story is titled: This Day in History: James H. Monroe’s bravery in Vietnam, it appeared on the Tara Ross website.  It was submitted by Tara Ross.

Ross reported that on this day in 1967, James H. Monroe performed an act of heroism in Vietnam that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Those who knew him were not surprised. Former teachers described him as an “ideal American boy” and one of the finest students they had taught. A graduate of Washington and Lee University, Monroe had been drafted into the Army but embraced his duty with enthusiasm. Friends remembered him as “gung ho” and upbeat about serving his country.

After only four months in Vietnam, Monroe’s platoon was ambushed at night by grenade and small-arms fire. As the unit’s medic, he crawled through intense enemy fire to aid wounded soldiers. The first foxhole he reached had been destroyed, its occupants killed. Pressing on, he found his platoon sergeant and a severely wounded radio operator. While administering aid, Monroe saw a live grenade land nearby. Shouting a warning, he pushed the wounded men aside and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the blast. He was killed instantly but saved at least two lives and spared others serious injury. He was just 22 years old.

A middle school in Wheaton bears his name, carefully distinguishing him from James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, who also nearly died as a young soldier in the Revolutionary War. Though history books spotlight the president, both men answered their country’s call with extraordinary courage.

Listen to Episode 3205 and discover more about Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient James H. Monroe with a story by Tara Ross.

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Vietnam Vet George Kalergis

105 mm artillery battery in action in Vietnam

Vietnam Vet George Kalergis

Episode 3204 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about speed, accuracy, and the discipline of leadership. The featured story is titled: Best Battalion in the Army, it appeared on the Modern War Institute website.  It was submitted by George Kalergis.

In this reflective memoir excerpt, retired U.S. Army officer George Kalergis recounts the defining lessons of his military career, beginning with his unlikely path from drafted enlisted soldier to artillery officer during the Vietnam War. Thrust into combat in 1967 as an aerial forward observer with the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, Kalergis quickly discovered a truth never fully taught in training: in artillery, speed saves lives.

While coordinating fire missions from a helicopter, he noticed wide differences in response times between artillery units. Most took minutes to fire after a request. One unit fired in forty seconds. That moment reshaped his understanding of leadership and performance. There was no secret advantage—only discipline, clarity of expectation, and a relentlessly enforced standard. From then on, Kalergis built his leadership philosophy around measurable excellence: if a standard can be achieved once, it can become the norm.

Later, as a battery commander in Korea and eventually as S-3 under Lieutenant Colonel Dave Meade, he applied combat-proven standards to peacetime training, emphasizing stopwatch-ready speed and accuracy. He found that when soldiers master their core mission, pride spreads across every aspect of a unit’s performance.

The essay closes with hard-earned reflections on attention—what leaders choose to notice or ignore. Institutions decline quietly, he argues, when standards soften and truth becomes inconvenient. Time matters in combat; attention matters in life. Together, they define excellence.

 Listen to Episode 3204 and discover more about speed, accuracy, and the discipline of leadership.

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VVMF

Episode 3203 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the VVMF is adapting to the future for continued service to Vietnam Veterans. The featured story is titled: How the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund transformed fundraising efficiency and it appeared on the Bonterratech website.

It was reported the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) was founded by Vietnam veterans to honor fallen service members and has grown into a leading organization dedicated to remembrance, education, and legacy preservation. As it manages the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall of Faces, and various educational initiatives, VVMF faces a critical transition: with nearly 500 Vietnam veterans passing away daily, its longtime donor base is rapidly changing. The organization must now engage the next generation—children and grandchildren of those who served—while sustaining strong fundraising performance.

VVMF’s fundraising operations were hindered by fragmented systems. Digital and direct mail efforts operated separately, donor data was often duplicated, and manual processes consumed significant staff time. Limited database functionality and poor data hygiene made donor segmentation, campaign selection, and reporting inefficient and unsustainable.

To address these challenges, VVMF implemented Bonterra EveryAction, creating a unified fundraising ecosystem. With support from Bonterra’s team, VVMF migrated over one million donor accounts and integrated digital and offline data into a single platform. Automated segmentation, advanced reporting, and workflow tools streamlined operations, improved direct mail targeting, and enabled highly personalized outreach at scale. Insights into donor behavior also reduced costs by refining retargeting strategies.

The results were transformative: average online gifts nearly doubled, the number of recurring donors doubled, and donor portfolio management expanded significantly. Automation eliminated manual administrative tasks and enhanced stewardship efforts, including expanded communications for the In Memory program. Today, VVMF operates with greater efficiency, deeper donor insight, and a stronger foundation for engaging future generations.

 Listen to Episode 3203 and discover more about how the VVMF is adapting to the future for continued service to Vietnam Veterans.

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The Wall That Heals

Episode 3202 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam War educational event coming to Bridgeport, WV. The featured story is titled: Educators urged to bring students to Wall That Heals in Belmont County and it appeared on the WTFR website. It was submitted by Amber Baker.

Baker reported that Local educators in Belmont County are preparing to turn the upcoming visit of The Wall That Heals into a powerful hands-on learning experience for students. The three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be displayed at the Belmont County Fairgrounds from Oct. 1-4, marking the first time the traveling memorial has visited the county. Belmont County was chosen as one of only 31 host sites nationwide out of 150 applicants.

The exhibit will be free and open to the public 24 hours a day. An opening ceremony is scheduled for noon on Oct. 1, followed by a Light the Night ceremony on Oct. 2 to honor veterans affected by Agent Orange. A closing ceremony will take place Oct. 4, and Taps will be played at sunset each evening.

Bridgeport Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson and committee co-chair Roberta Raymond are coordinating efforts to ensure students across the county can attend. Educators plan to prepare age-appropriate lessons in advance so students better understand the Vietnam War and the memorial’s significance. Lawson emphasized the importance of giving veterans the welcome many never received upon returning home.

Both women have personal connections to military service, deepening their commitment to the project. The Wall includes the names of 26 Belmont County service members, and organizers are encouraging families to reach out. Volunteers are also needed for the event, which is expected to draw visitors from across the region.

Listen to Episode 3202 and discover more about the Vietnam War educational event coming to Bridgeport, WV.

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Dorner Carmichael, shown here at age 20, volunteers in Vietnam as a Red Cross “Donut Dolly.” Now 76, Carmichael recently completed a new tour as a volunteer supporting deployed U.S. military personnel in Powidz, Poland. (Sarah Williams/U.S. Army)

U.S. soldiers attend a farewell for American Red Cross volunteer Dorner Carmichael in Powidz, Poland. After volunteering more than five decades ago during the Vietnam War, Carmichael signed up for another stint in a Red Cross program that supports overseas U.S. personnel. (Dorner Carmichael)

Episode 3201 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam War Donut Dolly who served in Vietnam and 5 decades later in Poland. The featured story is titled Red Cross volunteer draws on ‘Donut Dolly’ days in Vietnam for Poland tour 5 decades later and it appeared on the Stars and Stripes website. It was submitted by ShaTyra Cox.

Cox reported that Dorner Carmichael’s life of service came full circle more than five decades after it began. In 1970, fresh out of college and uncertain about her future, the 20-year-old left her Georgia hometown to volunteer with the American Red Cross during the Vietnam War as part of the Supplemental Recreation Overseas Program. Known as “Donut Dollies,” volunteers like Carmichael provided comfort, conversation, and morale to troops, often traveling by helicopter to remote firebases. Though untrained for the emotional weight soldiers carried, she listened with empathy, reminding them that the horrors of war did not define who they were.

That experience shaped Carmichael’s life. After returning home, she became a physician assistant, inspired by the medical personnel she worked alongside and empowered by the community of women pursuing meaningful paths. More than 50 years later, at age 76, she returned to the Red Cross for a six-month deployment to Powidz, Poland, supporting U.S. troops stationed there as part of NATO operations.

While the setting differed greatly from Vietnam, Carmichael saw the mission as essentially the same: offering presence, comfort, and a reminder that service members are not alone. In Poland, she organized therapeutic and morale-boosting activities such as art, music, crochet, and origami, helping troops decompress during demanding deployments. Her role evolved into that of a trusted listener and steady figure—someone she described as “the grandmother here.”

Carmichael’s return to service bridged generations, offering younger troops perspective and compassion rooted in lived experience. As she concluded her tour, she left behind more than programs; she left a legacy of empathy, connection, and lifelong dedication to serving others.

Listen to Episode 3201 and discover more about the Vietnam War Donut Dolly who served in Vietnam and 5 decades later in Poland.

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John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival lead singer

Bob Dylan

Episode 3200 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about whether Bob Dylan ended the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled whether Bob Dylan ended the Vietnam War and it appeared on the Far Out Magazine website. It was submitted by Ben Forrest.

Forrest reported that stripped of the clichés that often define the hippie era—psychedelics, excess, and chaos—the counterculture of the 1960s was driven by a sincere belief that music could reshape society and politics. Few figures embody that conviction more clearly than John Fogerty. Performing one of Woodstock’s standout sets in 1969, Fogerty witnessed the movement from the inside while avoiding the drugs and alcohol that clouded many memories of the time. Though Creedence Clearwater Revival were less psychedelic than Jefferson Airplane and less overtly political than Country Joe and the Fish, they were deeply embedded in the era’s cultural revolt.

That role was cemented by “Fortunate Son,” released in 1969 and quickly embraced as a defining anti-war anthem. The song attacked class inequality and the injustice of the draft, becoming a powerful critique of the Vietnam War. Fogerty has always acknowledged, however, that CCR were not alone in opposing the conflict. In his view, one artist towered above all others: Bob Dylan.

By the time Woodstock took place, Dylan had evolved from a folk traditionalist inspired by Woody Guthrie into one of America’s most influential songwriters. Fogerty has repeatedly praised Dylan’s cultural reach, even claiming that no exaggeration could fully capture his importance. Going further, Fogerty suggested Dylan may have been the single most important figure in ending the Vietnam War, arguing that millions of young people shaped their political consciousness through Dylan’s lyrics.

While Dylan undeniably helped galvanize anti-war sentiment, the war’s end in 1975 resulted from a complex mix of military realities, political negotiations, and economic pressures. Fogerty’s claim, then, reflects both the idealism of the era and its enduring faith in music as an engine of change.

Listen to Episode 3200 and discover more about whether Bob Dylan ended the Vietnam War.

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Fans say it’s among the best films about the Vietnam War. (Image: Paramount Pictures)

Episode 3199 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the ratings of the movie Hamburger Hill in the UK. The featured story is titled ‘Forgotten’ Vietnam War film that’s ‘more realistic’ than Platoon and Full Metal Jacket and it appeared on the Express.uk website. It was submitted by Chris Samuel.

Samuel reported that Hamburger Hill (1987) is a lesser-known Vietnam War film that has earned a strong reputation among fans for its gritty realism, often being compared favorably to more famous titles like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket. Set during the real-life Battle of Hamburger Hill in May 1969, the film follows the U.S. Army’s 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division as they attempt to seize Hill 937, a strategic ridge in Vietnam’s Dong Ap Bia mountain range. What unfolds is a brutal, ten-day conflict marked by relentless combat and heavy casualties against the People’s Army of Vietnam.

Directed by John Irvin and written by James Carabatsos, the film focuses less on spectacle and more on the physical and emotional toll of war. Its ensemble cast includes Michael Boatman, Dylan McDermott, Courtney B. Vance, Steven Weber, Tim Quill, and Don Cheadle in one of his earliest standout roles. Fans and critics alike have praised the performances and the film’s grounded approach, highlighting its balance of intense action and character-driven dialogue.

Over the years, Hamburger Hill has been described as an overlooked gem of late-1980s Vietnam cinema. Viewers on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Letterboxd frequently call it one of the most authentic portrayals of the conflict, with some ranking it alongside or even above better-known war films. The movie holds a rare 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a strong audience rating, reflecting its lasting impact.

Rated 18 for strong bloody violence, the film is not an easy watch, but many consider it a powerful and essential depiction of the Vietnam War. It is currently streaming free with ads on Plex in the UK, with additional viewing options available across major platforms.

Listen to Episode 3199 and discover more about the ratings of the movie Hamburger Hill in the UK.

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Kenneth Barber, center, is shown in a photo with Bayview Rehabilitation Center chaplain Rev. Robert B. Lancia, left, and Rep. Seth Magaziner after receiving a number of metals recognizing his service in the Army during the Vietnam War. The awards were delivered by Magaziner after Barber shared his story with Lancia during an event at the Center.
Photo Courtesy: U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner

Bayview Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown

Episode 3198 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Kenneth Barber receiving his Vietnam War medals 50 years later. The featured story is titled Decades after war, Vietnam veteran finally honored for heroism and it appeared on the Independent website. It was submitted by Allison Shinskey, staff writer

Shinskey reported that In 2025, America marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, a conflict that left many veterans returning home in 1975 to confusion rather than celebration. For the Vietnam Veteran generation, service often meant sacrifice without recognition, courage without applause. Although the war itself remained controversial and the U.S. did not claim victory, the character and heroism of those who served never diminished. Their greatness lies not in political outcomes, but in duty, resilience, and loyalty to one another.

For decades, many of these veterans carried their stories quietly, including U.S. Army Specialist 4th Class Kenneth Barber. A UH-1-H helicopter crew chief who enlisted in 1970, Barber played a critical role in a daring rescue mission on Dec. 4, 1971, helping save a downed Air Force helicopter and its crew. Like so many of his generation, he treated his responsibility as personal, keeping his aircraft mission-ready every day in a hostile environment.

Only recently, through conversations at Bayview Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown, did Barber’s story come to light. A simple coffee hour led to long-overdue recognition, reminding the community that Vietnam veterans are filled with untold stories of bravery. With help from Congressman Seth Magaziner’s office, Barber was finally awarded the medals he earned more than 50 years ago.

The ceremony was more than a personal honor—it was a tribute to an entire generation. Vietnam veterans served under extraordinary pressure, often returned home unrecognized, yet continued to live with quiet pride. Their greatness endures in their humility, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to service above self.

Listen to Episode 3198 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Kenneth Barber receiving his Vietnam War medals 50 years later.

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Vietnam vacation site

Episode 3197 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about what Australian vacationers have discovered in Vietnam. The featured story is titled Why Vietnam is Australia’s rising star destination and it appeared on the Bugle App website. It was submitted by John Stapleton.

Stapleton reported that Australian travel media have spent the past year spotlighting Vietnam’s rapid rise as a favorite destination, and the enthusiasm is backed by striking numbers. While Bali remains popular, Vietnam attracts near-universal praise from visitors. Australian arrivals surged 54% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 2019, with more than 276,000 Australians visiting in the first half of 2025 alone. Booking platforms report explosive growth, including a 250% increase in hotel bookings between March and June 2025.

Vietnam’s appeal lies in a rare combination of affordability, quality infrastructure, safety, friendly locals, dramatic landscapes, rich history, distinctive culture, favorable climate, and world-class food. For Australians grappling with rising living costs at home, value for money is the decisive factor. Outside major tourist zones, everyday expenses are remarkably low: dollar coffees and beers, $3 bowls of pho, and long taxi rides for around $10. Travel writers consistently highlight this affordability, amplified by a strong Australian dollar against the Vietnamese dong.

Beyond price, Vietnam offers a glimpse of a thriving, socially cohesive society. Streets buzz with informal commerce, from time-specific food stalls to home-based shops, reflecting an industrious culture unburdened by excessive regulation. Families and community life are central, with children appearing well cared for, disciplined, and joyful across all economic levels.

Vietnam’s social conservatism also distinguishes it from regional competitors. Unlike Thailand’s overt party tourism, excesses are contained, contributing to a more orderly atmosphere. Combined with deep national pride and a remarkable transformation from post-war poverty to modern prosperity, Vietnam increasingly captivates Australians seeking both value and meaning in their travels.

Listen to Episode 3197 and discover more about what Australian vacationers have discovered in Vietnam.

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Shaw Air and Space Expo returns this spring [MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM]

Episode 3196 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Shaw Air and Space Expo. The featured story is titled: Shaw Air and Space Expo returns this spring. It appeared on the Sumpter Item website and was submitted by Kayla Green.

Green reported that the Shaw Air and Space Expo is set to return to Shaw Air Force Base on March 28–29, marking the end of another long wait for one of the region’s largest public events. After a pandemic stretched the previous gap to six years, organizers are encouraging the community to start the countdown now for a weekend packed with aerial excitement, military heritage, and meaningful tributes.

This year’s show will feature headline performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights, along with demonstrations from the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team and a Heritage Flight. Attendees can also expect a dramatic joint airpower mission demo that includes pyrotechnics, rocket trucks, aerobatic flying, and a wide array of static aircraft displays and ground demonstrations. Portions of the show will highlight 60 years of the Wild Weasel mission and tie into celebrations of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

A central and especially significant focus of the weekend will be the recognition of Vietnam War veterans. In observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a special ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 29, honoring South Carolina–based Vietnam veterans and Purple Heart recipients as invited guests. This tribute underscores the base’s commitment to remembering and honoring those who served during the Vietnam War and recognizing their sacrifices in front of a large public audience.

The expo runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days, with gates opening at 9 a.m. Organizers anticipate crowds similar to 2022’s 80,000 attendees, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and spend the day along the flight line enjoying food, merchandise, and nonstop action.

Listen to Episode 3196 and discover more about the Shaw Air and Space Expo.