Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Larry Harrison holds a photo of the Vietnam soldier sculpture the Washburn Rotary Club hopes to add to the town’s veterans memorial park this summer. The park has undergone many additions, but this would be the first specifically to honor those who served in Vietnam. (Paula Brewer | The County)

Washburn hopes to add a tribute to Vietnam veterans at its Area Veterans memorial this summer. The bronze statue would be dedicated to U.S. Army Cpl. Stuart A. Woodman of Washburn (left) and U.S. Army Cpl. Dellwyn Fitch of Perham, both of whom died while serving in Vietnam. (Courtesy of Larry Harrison)

Episode 3347 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature stories about the new Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Aroostook, ME. The stories are titled: Washburn ceremony to honor 38 Aroostook County Vietnam veterans with statue dedication, (WAGM) and Washburn undertakes its most ambitious veterans project yet,( The County).

It was reported that A powerful tribute to the Vietnam Veteran Generation is taking place in Washburn, Maine, where a newly commissioned statue will honor 38 Aroostook County men who served in the Vietnam War. The dedication ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park represents far more than the unveiling of a monument—it is a long-overdue welcome home for American veterans who answered their nation’s call during one of the most difficult chapters in U.S. military history.

Funded entirely through community donations, nearly $23,000 was raised by local residents, former community members, veterans, and supporters from across the country. The statue, produced overseas and transported thousands of miles before arriving in Washburn, stands as a lasting symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, courage, honor, and service.

The ceremony will also remember two Aroostook County heroes who gave their lives in Vietnam: Stuert Alen Woodman of Washburn and Dellwyn Allen Fitch of Perham. Their names and sacrifices remain an important part of the community’s history and the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War.

Larry Harrison, a 20-year Air Force veteran and longtime supporter of the memorial park, understands the importance of honoring these veterans. He witnessed the heartbreaking consequences of the Vietnam War while serving on the Honor Guard at Loring Air Force Base, participating in military funerals for Vietnam veterans.

Many Vietnam veterans returned home as young men in their late teens and early twenties without receiving the respect, gratitude, and recognition they deserved. Today, as these veterans reach their 70s, 80s, and beyond, communities across America are finally making sure their service is remembered.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, their families, and countless supporters continue to preserve this history. This Washburn memorial reminds us that every Vietnam veteran deserves our deepest gratitude and respect. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication helped shape America, and their legacy must never be forgotten. Welcome home, Vietnam veterans—and thank you for your service.

Listen to episode 3347 and discover more about the new Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Aroostook, ME.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Eugene “Red” McDaniel, Vietnam POW and Living Legend of Alexandria, Dies at 94

Episode 3346 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the obituary of Vietnam War hero Navy Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel. The obituary is titled: Eugene “Red” McDaniel, Vietnam POW and Living Legend of Alexandria, Dies at 94. It appeared on the the Zebra Press website and was submitted by Mary Wadland, Editor in Chief of the Zebra Press.

Wadland reported that Capt. Eugene “Red” McDaniel lived a life that stands as a powerful testament to the courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and greatness of America’s Vietnam Veterans. A highly decorated U.S. Navy pilot and Vietnam War POW, McDaniel survived nearly six years of captivity after his A-6A Intruder was shot down near Hanoi in 1967.

During his 81st combat mission, McDaniel was captured and imprisoned in North Vietnam, including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. For nearly three years, his wife and children did not know whether he was alive. Despite brutal treatment, torture, isolation, and unimaginable hardship, McDaniel refused to surrender his faith or his courage. His extraordinary conduct as a prisoner of war earned him the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars with Combat “V,” and two Purple Hearts.

Released in March 1973, McDaniel returned home and continued serving his country. His mission did not end with his release from captivity. For more than four decades, he became a tireless advocate for American POWs, MIAs, and missing Vietnam service members, seeking answers for those who never returned home.

McDaniel also dedicated himself to his Alexandria, Virginia, community, helping establish organizations focused on national defense and creating a home-care service for seniors. His life demonstrated that service to America can take many forms.

His story also reminds us of the remarkable strength of the Vietnam Veteran generation. These men and women answered their nation’s call, endured combat, loss, captivity, and controversy, and carried their responsibilities with extraordinary determination. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

Capt. Eugene “Red” McDaniel died on August 7, 2026, at age 94. His legacy will live on through his family, his military service, his advocacy for POW/MIA remembrance, and the countless Americans inspired by his courage.

We honor Capt. McDaniel and all Vietnam Veterans who served America with courage, dignity, and unwavering devotion to duty.

American Defense Institute (ADI)

9316 Craig Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22309

Listen to episode 3346 and discover more about the passing of Vietnam War hero Navy Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Portarlington’s Peter Nash. Photo: Matthew O’Donnell/Hails + Shine.

Episode 3345 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Peter Nash, the Australian Vietnam Vet. who opened up about the War. The story is titled: ‘No one ever asked’: Portarlington Vietnam veteran reflects 60 years on from Long Tan. It appeared on the Bellarine Times website and was submitted by Tahlia Sinclair.

Sinclair reported that Vietnam Veteran Peter Nash carried the memories of war home with him—but, like so many members of the Vietnam Veteran generation, he rarely spoke about what he experienced. Conscripted at just 20 years old, Nash was among approximately 15,000 Australian national servicemen who served in Vietnam. Deployed in June 1966, he spent a year facing the realities of the Vietnam War.

Some of his most enduring memories came from 18 August 1966—the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant battles in Australian military history. For three and a half hours, just 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought an estimated 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops in torrential monsoonal rain. Nash remembers the desperate struggle for survival, the critical role of Australian artillery, and the heartbreaking days spent burying the dead.

Like countless Vietnam veterans, Nash returned home to a nation that did not always understand or appreciate their service. Many veterans remained silent, carrying their experiences alone. Recognition finally began to arrive with the 1987 Australian Vietnam Forces Welcome Home Parade, when approximately 22,000 Vietnam veterans marched through Sydney.

Nearly 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, and around 500 Australians were killed. Their courage, sacrifice, resilience, and commitment deserve our deepest respect.

As we mark Vietnam Veterans Day and the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, we honor Peter Nash and every Australian who served in Vietnam. These men and women answered the call of duty, endured unimaginable challenges, and carried the burden of war long after returning home.

The Vietnam Veteran generation is a generation of courage, sacrifice, duty, and honor. Their service matters, their stories matter, and their legacy must never be forgotten. We remember. We honor. We thank all our Vietnam Veterans.

Listen to episode 3345 and discover more about the Australian Vietnam Vet. Who told his story.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Australian Vietnamese Refugees

Episode 3344 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a a letter to the editor that expresses Vietnamese refugees great gratitude to Australian Vietnam Veterans. The letter is titled: A debt of gratitude to Australia’s Vietnam veterans. It appeared on the Illawarra Flame website and was submitted by Teresa Thuy Tran, OAM.

Tran reported that The 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, fought on 18 August 1966, provides a solemn opportunity to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of the Australians who served in the Vietnam War. Eighteen young Australians were killed and 24 were wounded in the battle, but their sacrifice represents only part of the extraordinary story of the Australian Vietnam veteran generation.

For many Vietnamese Australians, the service of Australian soldiers carries an especially profound meaning. They stood alongside the people of South Vietnam, helping defend a nation and a people who cherished freedom, democracy and independence. Their service created memories that remain deeply important to Vietnamese refugees and their descendants.

After the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, thousands of South Vietnamese military officers were imprisoned in communist re-education camps, while millions of Vietnamese people eventually fled their homeland. The Vietnamese Boat People endured dangerous journeys marked by starvation, piracy, imprisonment and death in search of freedom and a better future.

These experiences help explain why Vietnamese Australians continue to express such deep gratitude to Australian Vietnam veterans. They remember the young Australians who traveled thousands of miles from home, endured combat and hardship, and often returned carrying physical and emotional scars. Too many veterans came home without receiving the respect, understanding and gratitude they deserved.

The Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam veterans, Australian military history and the legacy of the Vietnam War remain powerful reminders of courage and sacrifice. We must also remember the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) soldiers who fought and died defending their homeland.

The message is clear: Vietnam veterans must never be forgotten. Their courage belongs not only to history but to future generations. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to preserve their stories and honor the sacrifices made for freedom, democracy, dignity and hope.

To every Australian Vietnam veteran: we remember you, we honor you, and we thank you.

Lest we forget.

Contact the editor.

Listen to episode 3344 and discover more about the letter to the editor that expresses Vietnamese refugees great gratitude to Australian Vietnam Veteranscccccccc

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

U.S. Navy Admiral George Morrision and his son rocker Jim Morrison.

Episode 3343 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Navy Admiral George Morrison and his son Jim Morrison. The featured story is titled: Jim Morrison Claimed His Parents Were Dead — But His Father May Have Helped Launch the Vietnam War 62 Years Ago This Week. It appeared on the Parade website and was submitted by Deborah Cruz, Lifestyle Writer, Parade.

Cruz reported that The story of Jim Morrison and his father, U.S. Navy Admiral George Morrison, reveals one of the most extraordinary family conflicts connected to the Vietnam War. While Jim Morrison became the legendary voice of a generation struggling with the horrors of war, his father was a decorated American military commander whose career placed him at the center of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.

George Morrison was a true American war hero. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1941, witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor, earned his Wings of Gold, and flew combat missions during World War II. During the Korean War, he earned the Bronze Star for combat operations. In 1964, he commanded American naval forces during the Gulf of Tonkin events that helped lead to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the Vietnam War.

The historical controversy surrounding the second alleged attack has remained a major part of Vietnam War history, particularly after declassified documents indicated that the August 4 attack did not occur as originally reported.

Meanwhile, his son Jim became one of the most influential voices of the 1960s counterculture and anti-war movement. Through songs such as “The End,” Jim Morrison captured the fear, destruction, and emotional turmoil associated with the Vietnam era.

Yet this story should never overshadow the greatness of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. Hundreds of thousands of American men and women served their country during the Vietnam War, facing combat, sacrifice, hardship, and often an ungrateful reception when they returned home. Our Vietnam Veterans answered the call of duty, and their courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and service deserve enduring respect and gratitude.

George Morrison later helped Vietnamese refugees in Guam, assisting nearly 100,000 displaced people. Before his death in 2008, he finally offered a touching reflection about his son: “He was just somebody you would like to know.”

The Morrison story is filled with tragedy, controversy, sacrifice, and separation—but above all, it reminds us that the Vietnam War generation and its veterans deserve to be remembered, honored, and never forgotten.

Listen to episode 3343 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Navy Admiral George Morrison and his son Jim Morrison.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Moving Wall

Episode 3342 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of The Moving Wall at Newcastle, WY. The featured story is titled: Moving Wall coming to Newcastle. It appeared on the Buffalo Bulletin website and was submitted by Alexis Barker, News Letter Journal Via Wyoming News Exchange.

Barker reported that The Moving Wall is coming to Newcastle, Wyoming, Aug. 13-17, offering a powerful opportunity to honor the greatness, courage, service, and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans. This traveling, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will stand at the corner of U.S. Highways 16 and 85, adjacent to Pinnacle Bank. The free memorial display will remain open 24 hours a day, allowing veterans, families, residents, and visitors to pay their respects at their own pace.

Stretching 253 feet and featuring more than 58,000 names of American service members killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War, The Moving Wall serves as a solemn reminder of the extraordinary price paid by America’s military heroes. It also provides an important opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans, whose bravery and dedication deserve lasting appreciation and respect.

Brought to Weston County by the Newcastle Wyoming Veterans Memorial Committee during Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week, the event is designed to honor Vietnam veterans while introducing thousands of visitors to Newcastle and supporting plans for a permanent veterans memorial.

Special events include an opening ceremony featuring retired Air Force Col. Chris “Switch” Roness, a free screening of the Wyoming PBS documentary “Home from the Vietnam War,” and a closing ceremony featuring retired Army Capt. and Vietnam veteran John O’Connell, a decorated combat pilot who flew more than 800 medical evacuation missions.

The Newcastle community invites everyone to visit The Moving Wall, honor Vietnam Veterans, remember America’s fallen heroes, and reflect on their sacrifice. Visitors may also create name rubbings from the memorial.

This historic event is more than a tribute—it is a celebration of Vietnam veteran courage, military service, American heroes, patriotism, remembrance, sacrifice, and freedom. Newcastle welcomes all who wish to stand together and say thank you to our Vietnam Veterans.

Listen to episode 3342 and discover more about the appearance of The Moving Wall at Newcastle, WY.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Wall That Heals

Episode 3341 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of The Wall That Heals at White Bear, MN. The featured story is titled: “The Wall That Heals” honors Vietnam War veterans around the country. It appeared on the KIMT website and was submitted by Joe Van Ryn.

Van Ryn reported that The Wall That Heals came to White Bear Township, Minnesota — Honoring Vietnam Veterans and the Fallen

The Wall That Heals brought a powerful piece of American history to White Bear Township, Minnesota, giving families, veterans, and community members an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

This three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. carries the names of more than 58,000 American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. For many visitors, seeing the names in their own community created an emotional opportunity for remembrance, reflection, healing, and patriotism.

Among those paying tribute was Sue Prachar, who came to find the name of her brother, Gerald Riedlberger, on the Wall. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that behind every name is a family, a life, and a story that must never be forgotten. Prachar expressed the pride her family continues to have in her brother and his honorable service.

Vietnam Veteran Dave Britz also visited the memorial to remember friends whose names are etched on the Wall, as well as fellow veterans who later died from Agent Orange exposure. Britz described the importance of welcoming home Vietnam veterans and recognizing the sacrifices made by an entire generation.

The Wall That Heals has traveled to hundreds of communities, bringing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial experience directly to American communities and allowing people to spend meaningful time remembering their loved ones.

This video is a tribute to Vietnam veterans, fallen Vietnam War heroes, Gold Star families, military families, American service members, and the Vietnam Veteran Generation.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Listen to episode 3341 and discover more about the appearance of The Wall That Heals at White Bear, MN.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Air Force Vietnam Vet COL Rich Buickerood

Episode 3340 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Air Force Vietnam Vet COL Rich Buickerood. The featured story is titled: Voices of Veterans: Colonel Rich Buickerood Shares His Story of Service in the United States Air Force. It appeared on the Gilmer Mirror website and was submitted by the editor.

The editor reported that Colonel Rich Buickerood’s remarkable story is a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, sacrifice, and greatness of America’s Vietnam Veterans. Featured in the Texas Veterans Land Board’s Voices of Veterans Oral History Program, Buickerood shares the story of his journey from a New Jersey college student to a United States Air Force pilot who served during the Vietnam War.

The first member of his family to attend college, Buickerood enrolled at Rutgers University and joined Air Force ROTC almost by chance. What began as an elective ultimately became a lifelong commitment to serving his country. Commissioned in 1965, he entered the demanding world of Air Force pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, where many aspiring pilots faced intense challenges and some were forced to wash out.

As the Vietnam War escalated, Buickerood found himself heading to Southeast Asia. Like many young Vietnam Veterans, he approached his mission with confidence, determination, and a deep sense of duty and patriotism. He described his generation as young and confident, believing they were prepared to do the job their country had asked them to do.

One of the most dramatic moments of Colonel Buickerood’s Vietnam service came on Easter Sunday, 1968, near Saigon. His unit was called to support American forces under attack. A rescue helicopter sent to evacuate the troops was shot down, placing even more lives in danger. Buickerood and his fellow airmen provided critical air support, dropping bombs and conducting strafing runs while remaining over the target until they were nearly out of fuel.

Their courageous actions helped save numerous American lives, earning Buickerood his first Distinguished Flying Cross.

Colonel Rich Buickerood’s story represents the extraordinary bravery of the Vietnam Veteran generation. These American heroes answered their nation’s call, faced unimaginable danger, and served with honor, courage, and sacrifice. Their legacy deserves our deepest respect, gratitude, and remembrance. We salute Colonel Buickerood and every Vietnam Veteran who served America during the Vietnam War.

Listen to episode 3340 and discover more about the career of Air Force Vietnam Vet COL Rich Buickerood.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The names of Western New Yorkers who died fighting in the Vietnam War are fading on the memorial at the Erie County Naval and Military Park, so a group of volunteers is working on restoring them.

Episode 3339 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about what the patriots in Buffalo, NY are doing to honor their Vietnam Veterans. The featured story is titled: ‘We can’t allow them to be forgotten’: Public repainting names on WNY Vietnam Memorial. It appeared on the WKBW website and was submitted by Maki Becker..

Becker reported that in Buffalo, New York, a group of dedicated volunteers is making sure the names of Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives for their country will never be forgotten. At the Erie County Naval and Military Park, the names of Western New York service members who died during the Vietnam War have been fading after more than 40 years of exposure to Buffalo’s harsh weather. Now, caring Americans are stepping forward to restore this important Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

This powerful restoration effort is more than repainting names on a wall—it is an act of patriotism, respect, remembrance, and gratitude for the brave men who served during the Vietnam War. These Vietnam Veterans answered their nation’s call during one of the most difficult periods in American history. Their courage, sacrifice, dedication, and service represent the greatness of the Vietnam Veteran generation.

Dan Frontera, an Iraq War veteran and member of the Iraq Afghanistan Memorial Committee, noticed the fading names during a Memorial Day visit. He and fellow volunteers decided they could not stand by and allow these heroes to disappear from public memory. Volunteers have already spent hours filling cracks and carefully repainting the names by hand, preserving the memorial for future generations.

The message behind their work is powerful: a hero should never be forgotten. Every name represents a life, a family, a community, and an American who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

The Buffalo community deserves recognition for honoring these Vietnam War heroes. Their efforts demonstrate that America’s Vietnam Veterans and those who never returned home remain worthy of our highest respect.

The Erie County Naval and Military Park memorial serves as a lasting reminder of Vietnam War history, military service, patriotism, sacrifice, and the extraordinary courage of America’s Vietnam Veterans. By restoring these names, Buffalo is keeping their legacy alive and teaching future generations why we must always remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

Listen to episode 3339 and discover more about what the patriots in Buffalo, NY are doing to honor their Vietnam Veterans.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

U.S. Air Force Col. Walter A. Renelt, 40, of Roberts County, South Dakota

Episode 3338 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a press release about the identification of another Vietnam War MIA. The featured story is titled: Pilot Accounted For From Vietnam War (Renelt, W.). It appeared on the DPAA website.

It was reported that the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced the successful identification of U.S. Air Force Col. Walter A. Renelt, a courageous Vietnam War pilot who was missing in action for more than five decades. Col. Renelt, 40, of Roberts County, South Dakota, was officially accounted for on June 23, 2025, bringing long-awaited answers to his family and honoring the sacrifice of one of America’s finest Vietnam veterans.

Serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Renelt was flying an O-2A Skymaster reconnaissance mission over Laos on November 20, 1969, when his aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed. Dangerous weather and intense enemy activity prevented rescue efforts, and he was declared presumed dead in 1973. Through decades of relentless recovery missions, scientific forensic analysis, and international cooperation, DPAA finally identified his remains using dental records and recovered material evidence.

This remarkable recovery highlights the unwavering commitment to America’s Vietnam War heroes, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and the promise that no fallen service member will ever be forgotten. The dedication of the DPAA, the U.S. Air Force, the American Battle Monuments Commission, the governments of Laos and Vietnam, and their partners demonstrates the nation’s enduring mission to bring every missing warrior home.

Today, Col. Renelt’s name is memorialized at the National Cemetery of the Pacific and on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., where a rosette now marks that he has been accounted for. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on August 17, 2026.

The story of Col. Walter A. Renelt is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of all Vietnam veterans. Their service, dedication, and heroism will never be forgotten, and America’s commitment to honoring every missing service member remains stronger than ever.

For more information about this MIA identification – see these websites:

• https://www.dpaa.mil
• https://www.facebook.com/dodpaa
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dodpaa
• https://www.instagram.com/dodpaa/
• https://x.com/dodpaa
• https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BTU8EAO

Listen to episode 3338 and discover more about the identification of another Vietnam War MIA.