Vietnam Veteran News

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Donovan Cumpston laughs at a joke his wife Jamie Moran said in the dining room of their West Union home.
[Staff photo by Faithlyn Graham]

Donovan and his wife, Jamie Moran dressed up to match North Bend State Park car show theme. Cumpston went as the Cowardly Lion while his wife dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
[Staff photo by Faithlyn Graham]

Episode 3138 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Dovonan Cumpston and life of service to his country. The featured story is titled: ‘The land was a lot like West Virginia’: 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran reflects on his time at war. It appeared on the WV News website and was submitted by Faithlyn Graham,  Staff Writer.

Graham reported that Doddridge County native Donovan Cumpston exemplifies the quiet strength and enduring pride of America’s Vietnam veterans. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Cumpston served from 1965 to 1968, spending eight months in Vietnam at Camp Radcliffe in the Central Highlands. There, he handled finance duties—managing payroll and travel for fellow soldiers—with the same dedication he brought to every part of his life. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during the Tet Offensive, one of the war’s most pivotal and dangerous campaigns.

Cumpston recalls Vietnam’s hills and warmth as reminiscent of West Virginia, and he remembers the kindness of local villagers. Yet his homecoming was harsh—he, like many Vietnam veterans, was met with silence and disapproval from a divided nation. Over time, however, public attitudes shifted, and today he’s proud to see Americans offering the respect that Vietnam veterans long deserved.

After the war, Cumpston built a career in government finance with the Bureau of Public Debt and later found camaraderie in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, honoring his service and that of his brothers in arms. In retirement, he and his wife, Jamie Moran, share a love for classic cars, traveling to shows around the state and celebrating life with humor and creativity.

At 81, Cumpston reflects on his journey with humility and gratitude. His story is a testament to the resilience, integrity, and quiet heroism of Vietnam veterans—men and women who served their country faithfully, even when recognition was slow to come.

Listen to Episode 3138 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Dovonan Cumpston and life of service to his country.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Stanley Ross, the company’s tallest soldier, with the company’s shortest in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the author)

Episode 3137 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Stanley Ross and his Friday 13^th experience in Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Vietnam Was Scary Enough. Friday the 13th Added To Our Fear. It appeared on the War Horse website and was submitted by Stanley Ross himself.

Stanley remembered that On December 13, 1968—an ominous Friday the 13th—Stanley Ross and his fellow soldiers prepared for a dangerous mission on Vietnam’s Monkey Mountain. Intelligence warned of increased Viet Cong activity, and as Ross’s company ascended the fog-covered trail, an uneasy sense of dread hung in the air. The men, weighed down by gear and fear alike, faced swarms of mosquitoes, venomous snakes, and the constant threat of hidden ambushes. Every rustle in the jungle could have been a monkey—or an enemy scout.

Ross, serving as a forward observer, carried the responsibility of coordinating artillery and air support. His role demanded courage under pressure, and he performed it with steady resolve. When his platoon encountered a fortified Viet Cong position, chaos erupted. Enemy AK-47 fire tore through the jungle as Ross moved forward under fire, calmly directing artillery strikes to neutralize the threat. A grenade exploded dangerously close, burning through his shirt, yet he stayed focused, ensuring the bombardment was accurate. His actions helped silence the enemy and save lives.

That day, several Americans were wounded, but none were lost—a small miracle on a day marked by superstition and danger. For Ross and his comrades, survival came through bravery, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.

Vietnam veterans like Stanley Ross embody the very best of American valor—ordinary men who faced extraordinary challenges with courage and resolve. After returning home, Ross built a remarkable civilian life as a businessman, educator, and author. His story stands as a testament not only to his own heroism but also to the enduring greatness of all Vietnam veterans who answered their country’s call and carried its honor through hardship and sacrifice.

Listen to Episode 3137 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Stanley Ross and his Friday 13^th experience in Vietnam.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam veterans, Roger Edmunds (left) and David Langdon (right), with Vietnam War widow, Mary Richardson at the commemoration luncheon.
[Photo courtesy the Murray Pioneer]

Episode 3136 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Australian Vietnam Veterans honoring their Vietnam Vet widows. The featured story is titled: Australian War Widows feted by Riverland Vietnam Veterans on their National Day of Recognition. It appeared in the Australian Rural and Regional News and was submitted David Langdon, Riverland Vietnam Veteran.

Langdon reported that on Sunday, 19 October, National War Widows Day was commemorated for the first time in South Australia with a special luncheon organized by the Riverland Vietnam Veterans (SA) Association. This event, held at Nanya Bistro in Renmark, marked a significant moment in honoring war widows, who have shown immense courage and resilience, standing by their veteran husbands during and after their service.

Vietnam War veterans Roger Edmonds and David Langdon spearheaded the event, which was met with heartfelt participation from local war widows, their families, and representatives from organizations like Legacy and the Renmark RSL. The event not only launched the War Widows Day in the Riverland but also established it as a significant annual observance alongside ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, and Vietnam Veterans Day.

Langdon spoke movingly about the deep admiration Vietnam veterans hold for the widows, who were integral to supporting their husbands through both war and grief. He emphasized the role of war widows as “unsung heroes” who, after their husbands’ passing, continued to hold their families and communities together. Edmunds echoed this sentiment, thanking organizations like the RSL and Legacy for their vital support in preserving the memory of veterans and their sacrifices.

A poignant moment of the luncheon was the reading of the Honor Roll, remembering six Riverland war widows who had passed away. Their absence was a reminder of the preciousness of time and the importance of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of these remarkable women. National War Widows Day now serves as a powerful tribute to the enduring strength of these women, whose sacrifices have shaped the freedoms Australians enjoy today.

Listen to Episode 3136 and discover more about Australian Vietnam Veterans honoring their Vietnam Vet widows.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tracy Shaw, Sue Freden, and Ed Bleitz display the Quilt of Valor presented to Bleitz in honor of his military service.
COURTESY OF NORM MANLY

Episode 3135 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Quilts of Honor presentation in Washington State. The featured story is titled: Local veteran honored with a Quilt of Valor. It appeared in the Lake Chelan Mirror and was submitted by Quinn Propst, Ward Media Staff Reporter.

Propst reported that on October 21, U.S. Army veteran Ed Bleitz was honored with a Quilt of Valor in a heartfelt ceremony at Bayshore Court in Chelan, recognizing his lifetime of service and sacrifice. Hosted by the Quilts of Valor Foundation and the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, the event was led by Tracy Shaw and Sue Freden, who wrapped Bleitz in a handmade quilt—a powerful national symbol of gratitude and respect for those who served.

Born in 1943, Bleitz enlisted in the Army at just 17, training as an aircraft mechanic and later serving as an aircraft operations specialist. Though he volunteered to serve in Vietnam, his request was denied, and he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, until his honorable discharge in 1964. His life afterward reflected the same resilience that defined his generation—working in sales, racing cars, running a service station, and ultimately answering a spiritual calling as a pastor and chaplain. He and his wife, Sharon, built a large, faith-filled family and devoted their lives to service, both in ministry and through community leadership.

Bleitz’s story echoes the experience of many Vietnam veterans, a generation of warriors who returned home without fanfare or thanks. Unlike modern veterans, they often faced rejection rather than recognition. That’s why ceremonies like this one matter deeply—they reclaim the honor long overdue.

The Vietnam veteran generation stands as one of America’s greatest: courageous, loyal, and steadfast despite the hardships they endured. Through programs like Quilts of Valor and the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, the nation now stands united in gratitude—ensuring heroes like Ed Bleitz are finally celebrated for the strength, sacrifice, and service that defined an era.

For more information about the Lake Chelan Quilts of Valor group, contact Sue Freden, group leader, at lakechelanqov@gmail.com.

Listen to Episode 3135 and discover more about the Quilts of Honor presentation in Washington State.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

METRO IMAGES

Episode 3134 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Vets are being honored in Greene County, Indiana. The featured story is titled: Honor Vietnam veterans in your community. It appeared in the Greene County Daily World of Linton, Indiana.

It was reported that More than 2.7 million Americans served during the Vietnam War, a conflict that left deep emotional, physical, and social scars. Unlike veterans of earlier wars, many who returned from Vietnam faced widespread hostility and neglect rather than gratitude. This lack of support made reintegration into civilian life extremely difficult, compounding the trauma they had already endured. Today, the nation has a chance to right some of those wrongs by honoring Vietnam veterans through meaningful acts of remembrance and appreciation.

The Official Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program plays a vital role in this effort. Through this initiative, organizations can become commemorative partners, receiving free resources to create events that recognize and thank those who served. By joining the program, communities take an active step toward ensuring that Vietnam veterans are finally given the respect they deserve.

Local involvement is key to the program’s success. Communities can “adopt” VA hospitals or care facilities, organize visits, and host special events to uplift veterans. Local media outlets can feature stories about Vietnam veterans, preserving their experiences for future generations. Businesses can also show appreciation by offering discounts or special promotions on National Vietnam War Veterans Day each March.

These actions, though small in scale, have a powerful impact. They remind Vietnam veterans that their sacrifices are not forgotten and help bridge the emotional gap left by decades of misunderstanding. The Official Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program ensures that honoring these heroes becomes a collective national commitment, not just a passing gesture.

Listen to Episode 3134 and discover more about how Vietnam Vets are being honored in Greene County, Indiana.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Riley L. Pitts.

Episode 3133 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Riley L. Pitts was honored again in Kansas. The featured story is titled: WSU Military and Veteran Center honors first African American Medal of Honor awardee. It appeared in the WSU Sunflower and was submitted by Reporter Kami Steinle.

Steinle reported that Wichita State University recently rededicated its Military and Veteran Student Center to honor one of its most distinguished alumni, Army Captain Riley L. Pitts, the first African American officer in the U.S. Army to receive the Medal of Honor. A 1960 journalism graduate of WSU, Captain Pitts embodied courage, leadership, and integrity both in the classroom and on the battlefield. Serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, he was tragically killed in action on October 31, 1967, at the age of 30. For his extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest military honor on December 10, 1968.

Originally dedicated to Pitts in 2014, the center has now been relocated to the newly renovated Shocker Success Center, a move celebrated by the university, the City of Wichita, and the Kansas Legislature. The rededication ceremony drew dignitaries, including State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, who presented an official letter from the legislature recognizing Pitts’s lasting legacy.

WSU officials praised Pitts as a symbol of leadership, compassion, and service, values that transcend military life. “His story reminds us that leadership and service are not only military virtues, but human ones,” said Samuel Jones, Director of Military and Veterans Services. Vice President Marché Fleming-Randle emphasized that Pitts rose above adversity and prejudice with unshakable dignity and excellence, representing the very best of Wichita State.

A new plaque and ceremonial saber were unveiled in his memory, with members of the Pitts family in attendance. His son, Mark Pitts, expressed deep gratitude, saying the honor reflected his father’s enduring spirit, character, and integrity — qualities that continue to inspire generations of students and soldiers alike.

Listen to Episode 3133 and discover more about how Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CPT Riley L. Pitts was honored again in Kansas.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jeremy Glazier, producer of the documentary about Iowa Vietnam Vets.

Episode 3132 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story detailing the new documentary film about Iowa Vietnam Veteran memories.  The featured story appeared on KCRG-TV and was titled: Father’s service inspires Iowa filmmaker’s Vietnam era documentary. The story was submitted by Rebekah Vaughan.

Vaughan reported that Iowa filmmaker Jeremy Glazier has accomplished a remarkable feat with his new full-length documentary, From Iowa and Back, which honors the stories of Iowa veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. Deeply personal in both origin and purpose, the project emerged from Glazier’s desire to understand his father’s military service and to ensure that the experiences of an often-overlooked generation of veterans are preserved for history.

Born on an Air Force base in Japan, Glazier grew up proud of his father’s service but knew little about it. His curiosity eventually grew into a mission—to tell the broader story of Iowans who left small towns to serve their country and then returned home to rebuild their lives. That mission gained new urgency after his father suffered a medical emergency that temporarily robbed him of speech, nearly preventing his story from being told. After a hard-fought recovery, Glazier was able to record his father’s interview before his passing in March 2024—a profoundly meaningful inclusion in the film.

Glazier’s tireless work didn’t stop there. He traveled across Iowa, interviewing dozens of veterans whose experiences spanned combat in Vietnam, postings in Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines, and the struggles of returning to civilian life. Through these conversations, Glazier gives voice to men and women who were too often met with silence when they came home.

Beyond the film, Glazier is expanding the project into a companion book that will feature portraits and personal stories, further cementing his extraordinary commitment to preserving Iowa’s veterans’ history. From Iowa and Back premieres November 21 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids, a free event celebrating Glazier’s tremendous dedication and heartfelt storytelling.

See more about the documentary at Brucemore

Listen to Episode 3132 and discover more about the new documentary film about Iowa Vietnam Veteran memories.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 3133 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Vet who returned a diary found on the battlefield in 1967. The featured story is titled: Vietnam veteran carried enemy’s diary for 56 years — until he fulfilled his silent promise to fallen soldier’s family. It appeared on the Upworthy website and was submitted by Hridyambika A Manu.

Manu reported that in a powerful reminder of compassion and reconciliation, Vietnam War veteran Peter Mathews fulfilled a decades-long mission to return a lost diary belonging to a fallen Vietnamese soldier. In May 2023, 56 years after discovering the diary during the brutal battle of Dak To in 1967, Mathews returned it to the family of Cao Van Tuat, a 21-year-old soldier who perished in the war. The diary—filled with poetry, music, and vivid illustrations—had remained in Mathews’ care for over half a century, a symbol of both the tragedy and humanity of war.

Despite political divisions and the horrors of combat, Mathews, like so many Vietnam veterans, carried a deep respect for life and a desire for healing. His emotional journey—from counting bodies on the battlefield to reuniting with Van Tuat’s family—speaks volumes about the character of these veterans. His act of kindness brought peace to a family that had no mementos of their lost son, not even a photograph. Vietnam veterans like Mathews exemplify dignity, integrity, and compassion, showing that even after decades, their service and humanity continue to make a difference in the world.

Listen to Episode 3133 and discover more about the Vietnam Vet who returned a diary found on the battlefield in 1967.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

UWF Vietnam Vet Program

Episode 3130 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the University of West Florida program that documents Vietnam Vet’s memories. The featured story appeared on WEAR-TV and was titled: UWF students document Vietnam veterans’ stories for new oral-history project. It was submitted by Hailey Samples.

Samples reported that a powerful new initiative at the University of West Florida is helping the nation uncover and preserve the personal experiences of Vietnam Veterans. Led by the History and Philosophy Department, this oral-history project pairs UWF students with veterans from the Azalea Trace retirement community in Pensacola—home to over 100 Vietnam-era servicemen and women.

Nearly 40 veterans have already come forward to share their stories, offering firsthand accounts of their service during one of the most complex and controversial conflicts in U.S. history. These conversations provide more than just historical insight; for many, they serve as a form of emotional healing.

“Some have said that it’s almost a bit of therapy,” said Dr. Erin Stone, chair of the department. One remarkable moment came when two veterans, previously strangers, discovered they had served in the same platoon. That chance reconnection led them to share a beer and reminisce—an emotional reminder of the deep bonds forged in war.

The students are working to compile these interviews into a documentary, which will be shared with the broader community. Through this effort, the program not only enriches students’ understanding of history, but also honors the sacrifices of those who served.

By recording these personal narratives, the University of West Florida is contributing to a national effort to better understand the Vietnam War through the voices of those who lived it. The project ensures these veterans’ stories are heard, preserved, and valued—helping the country gain deeper insight into its past and the individuals who shaped it.

Listen to Episode 3130 and discover more about the University of West Florida program that documents Vietnam Vet’s memories.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Wheeling VFW Vice Commander Chuck Ryan addresses the crowd during a military banner dedication on Friday outside of Ritchie Elementary School in South Wheeling in honor of Lance Cpl. Charles Robert “Robbie” Olson, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Episode 3129 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how fallen Vietnam Vet Hero Marine Lance Cpl. Charles Robert “Robbie” Olson was honored in his West Virginia home town. The featured story is titled: City Salutes South Wheeling Serviceman Killed in Action in Vietnam. It was submitted by Eric Ayres.

Ayres reported that the city of Wheeling came together to honor the legacy of Lance Cpl. Charles Robert “Robbie” Olson, a brave U.S. Marine who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970 at the age of 19. A moving ceremony was held outside Ritchie Elementary School, near Olson’s childhood home, where his military banner was rededicated as part of the city’s exceptional Military Banner Program, which now proudly showcases over 250 banners honoring both veterans and active-duty service members.

Olson served courageously with the Combined Action Program in Vietnam and tragically lost his life during a patrol operation. His heroism earned him multiple medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. During the ceremony, family members, city officials, veterans, and students reflected on Olson’s sacrifice, remembered his vibrant youth, and celebrated his unwavering love for his country and the Marine Corps.

Dale Olson, his cousin and a decorated Air Force veteran, performed a heartfelt rendition of “Taps,” while a letter Robbie wrote weeks before his death and the poem “Immortality” were read aloud — both powerful reminders of his enduring spirit.

The Military Banner Program in Wheeling, coordinated by dedicated volunteers like John Larch, continues to be a profound tribute to the community’s heroes. It offers a public and permanent way to ensure veterans like Robbie Olson are never forgotten. As Wheeling VFW Vice Commander Chuck Ryan noted, these banners and ceremonies not only honor those who served but also recognize the families who bore the burden of their loss.

Wheeling’s commitment to its veterans through this banner program is nothing short of remarkable. To learn more or to sponsor a banner, visit www.troopbanners.com/wheeling

Listen to Episode 3129 and discover more about how fallen Vietnam Vet Hero Marine Lance Cpl. Charles Robert “Robbie” Olson was honored in his West Virginia home town.