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Sandra van Bebber
Episode 3155 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Sandra Van Bebber, a special Vietnam Vet. The featured story is titled: Trading comfort for courage: The story of Sandra van Bebber. It appeared on WHNT of Huntsville, Ala. and was submitted by Peyton Newman.
Newman reported that Sandra van Bebber’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage and quiet heroism shown by all who served in the Vietnam War—especially the often-overlooked women who stepped forward when their country called. Trading comfort for conviction, van Bebber volunteered without hesitation, launching herself into a life-changing journey that carried her from Denver’s snowy mountains to the war-torn landscapes of Vietnam in 1967.
A graduate of the Army-Baylor program and one of the very few physical therapists sent overseas, van Bebber found herself surrounded by young soldiers who depended on her strength more than she ever expected. Her first moments in Vietnam—walking off the plane ahead of dozens of anxious servicemen because they needed someone to follow—captured the essence of her service: steady, courageous, and selfless.
Stationed at the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Quy Nhon, she treated grievously wounded soldiers, young men whose shattered bodies and uncertain futures weighed heavily on her heart. She remembers them still—the injuries, the faces, and the parents waiting at home—carrying their stories with the reverence of someone who witnessed both the brutality of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Now 91, van Bebber’s pride in her service remains unwavering, and through her memories shines a deep appreciation for the flag and the nation she served. Her journey honors not only her own sacrifice but the greatness of every Vietnam Veteran. Each one—man or woman—answered a call that demanded extraordinary courage, and their legacy endures in every story like hers.
Listen to Episode 3155 and discover more about Sandra Van Bebber, a special Vietnam Vet.
