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Vietnam veteran Benno Cleveland is Iñupiaq, one of the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. He holds an eagle feather as he stands in the cemetery where he plans to be buried.
Episode 3284 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Agent Orange is killing Alaska Vietnam Vets. The featured story is titled: Loved ones remember another kind of war casualty: veterans sickened by Agent Orange. It was submitted by Shelby Herbert and it appeared on the WUSF website.
Herbert reported that the story of Alaska’s Vietnam veterans is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. Men like Benno Cleveland and James Akhivana answered their nation’s call during the Vietnam War, serving with honor despite the dangers they faced both on the battlefield and long after they returned home.
Cleveland, an Iñupiaq veteran from Alaska, earned two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. Yet like countless Vietnam veterans, his battle did not end when the war ended. Exposure to Agent Orange, the herbicide used extensively during the conflict, left him facing serious health challenges decades later, including heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Despite these burdens, Cleveland remains focused on honoring those who never made it home and those who have since passed away from war-related illnesses.
His friend James Akhivana, remembered for his kindness and leadership, struggled with the lasting effects of combat and eventually passed away after years of health complications. His widow recalls a man deeply affected by his wartime experiences but devoted to his fellow soldiers and family.
Their stories reflect a broader reality across Alaska, which has the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation. Many Alaska veterans sought healing in the state’s vast wilderness, finding peace among its mountains, forests, and waters. Yet many continued to suffer from the hidden wounds of war and Agent Orange exposure.
On Memorial Day and every day, Alaska’s Vietnam veterans deserve recognition for their unwavering service and sacrifice. Their generation displayed remarkable bravery, endured hardships few can imagine, and helped defend the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Their legacy of duty, resilience, and patriotism continues to inspire future generations.
Listen to Episode 3284 and discover more about how Agent Orange is killing Alaska Vietnam Vets
