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700+ Vietnam Veterans to Hold Biennial Convention. Getty image.

Episode 3079 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a press release about the Vietnam Veterans of America Convention being held in New Orleans. The press release appeared on the Biz New Orleans website and was titled: 700+ Vietnam Veterans to Hold Biennial Convention. The presser was submitted by the site staff.

The Vietnam Veterans of America’s 22nd biennial National Convention represents a pivotal gathering for the Vietnam War veteran community, taking place August 5-9 in New Orleans at the Marriott on Canal Street. This significant event brings together more than 700 delegates from VVA chapters nationwide, alongside hundreds of additional veterans, family members, and supporters from the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America.

The convention serves as the democratic heartbeat of the organization, where delegates will shape VVA’s direction for the next two years through policy decisions and strategic planning. Beyond governance, the gathering provides essential opportunities for networking, education, and mutual support among veterans who share the unique experiences of Vietnam service.

The convention’s programming reflects the importance of honoring both service and artistic achievement within the veteran community. The keynote address by Marine veteran and acclaimed writer William Broyles Jr., whose groundbreaking 1986 book “Brothers in Arms” chronicled one of the first veteran returns to Vietnam, underscores the event’s commitment to healing and understanding. The Excellence in the Arts awards recognize veterans Doug Bradley, Dan Lauria, and Tobias Wolff, demonstrating how creative expression helps process and share the Vietnam experience.

For Vietnam veterans and those who care for them, this convention represents validation, community, and continued advocacy. It provides a space where their service is recognized, their ongoing needs addressed, and their contributions to society celebrated. The gathering reinforces that Vietnam veterans are not forgotten and that their experiences continue to shape important conversations about war, healing, and national responsibility.

Listen to Episode 3079 and discover more about the Vietnam Veterans of America Convention being held in New Orleans.

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Episode 3078 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Vietnam Vet Ron Mosbaugh and his testimonial about the War and Angels. Ron is from Joplin, Missouri and he served in the Vietnam War as a Navy Field Corpsman with the U.S. Marines. He went out on 300 missions and he

Ron Mosbaugh receiving the Silver Star

treated 200 wounded Marines.

Recently he sat down and wrote his memories of his terrible times and challenges in Vietnam.in the featured testimonial of this podcast episode.

Ron began his testimonial with this: To begin my story, I would like to set the stage by exploring my moral character. I was raised in a Christian family and was saved at a young age. I live by Christian principles with high moral values. I guess you could say I was a fundamentalist. The cliché “I don’t drink, don’t chew, and don’t go with girls that do” described me well. I always tried to represent myself as a faithful Christian. In doing so, I did not curse; it was a sin to swear. I was aware of numerous biblical scriptures that substantiate this. When a Christian cursed, he identified himself with the enemy of God. It was wrong to praise God in one sentence and use his name in vain in the next. I do not mention this topic of cursing as a statement of pride or bragging; it was just the way I was raised. At the age of 81, I still do not cuss. That is not to say I never sinned, because we are all sinners from birth.

He ended with this: The people of South Vietnam are still suffering from the effects of the Vietnam War—not only from Agent Orange but also from landmines. Since the fall of Saigon, over 40,000 Vietnamese have been killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance (explosives) left behind from that conflict. Through the years, I have prayed for our soldiers and the Vietnamese people.

                          “Only the dead have seen the end of the war.” Plato

When encountering a service member, a simple and sincere “Thank you for your service” is a meaningful way to express gratitude. Alternatively, you could say “Thank you for our freedom” or “Thank you for your sacrifice,” both of which acknowledge their dedication and the freedoms they help protect.

Listen to Episode 3078 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Ron Mosbaugh and his testimonial about the War and Angels.

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Richelle Birk, Clay Childs (middle), and Ed Rathke are the three main organizers of the The Wall That Heals appearance in Emporia.[Amanda Davis/Gazette]

The Wall That Heals Transporter

Episode 3077 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of The Wall That Heals in Emporia, KS. The featured story appeared in the Emporia Gazette and was titled: The Wall That Heals rolls into Emporia next week. The story was submitted by [Amanda Davis amanda@emporia.com].

Davis reported that The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, opens in Emporia next week. The traveling exhibit, operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, provides a realistic and educational Vietnam Wall viewing experience that can be seen from anywhere in the country.

The effort to bring The Wall That Heals to Emporia has been nearly a year-long affair. Ed Rathke, Clay Childs, and Richelle Birk have spent hours planning the experience. For Rathke in particular, planning the exhibit educated him on aspects of Vietnam that were unfamiliar. Although the event focuses on the Vietnam War, Rathke wants every veteran to feel seen with the exhibit.

A nearly two mile long escort – made up of up to 120 motorcycles and 50 cars – will welcome the exhibit into Emporia the morning of August 12. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia Fire Department, and Coffey County Sheriff’s Office will also join the procession.

Birk plans to station herself to be able to assist anyone who experiences vehicle malfunctions. According to Childs, the best way that people can support the procession is to watch.

The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.

Listen to Episode 3077 and discover more about the appearance of the Wall That Heals in Emporia, KS.

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Bill Morey and Gerald Bright reuniting after 58 years.

Episode 3076 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the reunion of two Vietnam Vets after a 58 year lapse. The featured story comes from a show on News ABC 12 of New Bern, NC that was titled: Vietnam veterans reunite after 58 years, recalling the daring rescue that defied orders. The story was submitted by Alaina Laster.

Gerald Bright’s hands trembled as he embraced the man who had saved his life fifty-eight years ago. “I made a promise, to the man upstairs. If he got me out, got me through this, I’d try to be a better person,” Bright whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Captain Bill Morey stood before him in Jacksonville, the years having silvered their hair but not dimmed the intensity of that June night in 1967. The date was June 19th, 1967. And both men say they didn’t really get to meet that night due to Bright’s extensive injury, he spent much of that time unconscious.

That fateful evening, Morey had piloted his gunship into danger against direct orders. It was against the rules for a gunship to do med-evacs due to their heavy weight. But when the call came for six badly wounded soldiers, Morey made a split-second decision that would define two lives forever. He dropped the excess weight from his aircraft and flew the rescue mission anyway.

Now, surrounded by family and friends, the two veterans finally had their proper introduction. Bright looked at Morey with reverence. “This man right here… he’s next to God,” he said, his voice breaking.

Morey, ever humble, insisted his actions were simply what any soldier would do. He had been reprimanded for disobeying orders, though the punishment was later reversed with a valor commendation. But for Bright, it was divine intervention manifest through human courage—a promise kept by both God and a brave pilot who refused to leave fellow soldiers behind.

Listen to Episode 3076 and discover more about the reunion of two Vietnam Vets after a 58 year lapse.

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MIG-21 Fishbed

MIG-21 Fishbed

MIG-21 Fishbed in flight

Episode 3074 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the the challenges posed to American pilots during the Vietnam War by the MiG-21 Fishbeds . The featured story appeared on the Slash Gear Website and was titled: Why The MiG-21 Was The Most Feared Soviet Fighter Jet During The Vietnam War. It was submitted by Zohaib Ahmed on Aug. 3, 2025.

Ahmed reported that American pilots, rose to meet this formidable adversary with courage, skill, and innovation. Despite initial disadvantages, U.S. airmen quickly adapted their tactics. They learned to overcome the MiG’s superior maneuverability by flying in coordinated formations, relying on teamwork and superior radar systems. Programs like the Navy’s Top Gun and the Air Force’s Red Flag were born in response to the MiG-21 threat, training pilots in aggressive, realistic air combat scenarios.

Aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, though heavier and less nimble, became lethal platforms in the hands of skilled American crews. Notably, U.S. pilots like Duke Cunningham and Steve Ritchie achieved ace status by downing multiple MiG-21s in dogfights.

Ahmed’s article emphasizes that while the MiG-21 was a symbol of Soviet aerospace prowess and a key threat during the Vietnam War, it was ultimately the courage and adaptability of American pilots that turned the tide in the skies. Their victories reflected not only technical improvements but unwavering determination under fire.

Listen to Episode 3075 and discover more about the challenges posed to American pilots during the Vietnam War by the MiG-21 Fishbeds.

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Photo by Emma Delk| VFW Post 4442 members install the new sign to reserve a Purple Heart parking space at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack while Wheeling Island Casino officals help.

VFW Post 4442 Commander Gerald McMasters, center, donates a Purple Heart parking sign on Sept. 4, 2024, to an employee of the Washington County VA Clinic and Valor Healthcare Center in Washington, Pennsylvania. McMasters said his Post’s Purple Heart Parking Project is now spreading to other states.

NOTICE – All references to the American Legion in this episode should be to the VFW

VFW Post 4442 Info

Episode 3074 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the American Legion Post 4442 Purple Heart Parking Program. The featured story appeared in the 2025 July/August issue of VFW magazine and was submitted by Ismael Rodriguez Jr., the associate editor for VFW magazine. The title of the story is The Success has been Overwhelming.

What started as a simple gesture of gratitude at American Legion Post 4442 in Triadelphia, WV, has grown into a movement of respect for Purple Heart recipients.

The Purple Heart Parking Program began in 2021 when Post Commander Gerald McMasters  noticed a lack of visible public acknowledgment for combat-wounded veterans. Inspired by a photo of a designated Purple Heart parking spot outside a small-town grocery store, McMasters  proposed the idea at a post meeting: why not create reserved parking spaces in front of the post for Purple Heart recipients?

The members enthusiastically agreed, and within a week, a sign went up—bold, purple, and proudly proclaiming: Reserved for Combat Wounded Veterans. Local media picked up the story, and soon neighboring businesses, schools, and even the county courthouse requested help to set up their own signs.

Word spread through American Legion channels, and by mid-2025, over 200 Legion posts and civic organizations across 3 states had adopted the program.

“It’s a small act that says a lot,” said McMasters . “It tells our Purple Heart heroes, ‘You are seen, you are appreciated.’”

Getting started is easy. As McMasters  puts it, “This isn’t just about parking. It’s about parking a little pride and honor in every corner of America.”

Listen to Episode 3074 and discover more about the American Legion Post 4442 Purple Heart Parking Program.

VFW Post 4442 Info

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Baby Asian Tiger

Asian Tigers

Episode 3073 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the contention that the American Vietnam War caused the near extinction of  the Asian Tigers. The featured story comes from an Op=Ed that appeared on the Revelator website and is titled: 50 Years Later: The Vietnam War’s Enduring Effect on the Tiger Trade – The war created systems that enabled trafficking in tigers and other animals. We can finally address that legacy and help both people and wildlife. The Op-Ed was submitted by Rob Pickles.  He leads Panthera’s counter wildlife crime research and analytics.

In the op-ed titled “50 Years Later: The Vietnam War’s Enduring Effect on the Tiger Trade” published by The Revelator, Rob Pickles explores how the legacy of the Vietnam War continues to shape the illegal tiger trade across Southeast Asia. The piece marks the 50th anniversary of the war’s end by connecting wartime destruction to long-term environmental consequences.

He argues that U.S. bombing campaigns and defoliation operations, such as Agent Orange, devastated tiger habitats in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As forests were razed, tiger populations plummeted. In the postwar years, economic desperation and weakened governance in the region laid fertile ground for poaching and trafficking networks. Tigers, once symbols of strength in local folklore, became commodities in a booming black market driven by demand for traditional medicine, trophies, and status symbols.

The op-ed highlights how former military trails like the Ho Chi Minh Trail now serve as smuggling routes for wildlife parts. Pickles calls for renewed international cooperation, particularly with Vietnam and Laos, to protect remaining tiger populations and preserve biodiversity. He closes by urging readers to recognize the hidden ecological costs of war—costs that linger long after the last gunshots fade.

Listen to Episode 3073 and discover more about the contention that the American Vietnam War caused the near extinction of  the Asian Tigers.

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USAF MAJ Frank C. Parker III, Vietnam KIA

PHOTO: From left to right, Quakertown Borough Councilman Michael Johnson; Peter Chong, from the Office of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick; Commissioner Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia; Bucks County Veterans Affairs Director Matt Allen; Maj. Frank C. Parker’s children Deb Parker-Hill and Frank C. Parker IV; Maj. Parker’s wife Sue Parker; Ed Preston, Chair of the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF); Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie.

Episode 3072 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the renaming of a bridge in Quakertown, PA to honor the memory of fallen Vietnam Vet USAF Maj. Frank C. Parker III. The featured story appeared on the Bucks County Website and is titled: Quakertown Bridge Dedicated for USAF Major Lost in Vietnam War.

It was reported in the story that The County of Bucks on Tuesday honored the memory of a fallen Vietnam War hero by dedicating Bridge #264 in Quakertown to U.S. Air Force Major Frank Claveloux Parker III.

A small crowd gathered near the bridge, spanning a quiet creek, to witness the unveiling of a sign bearing Parker’s name. Standing near it, a man placed his hand on the post, head bowed in silence, honoring the pilot whose story still echoes through the community.

Maj. Parker, a Quakertown native, served as the Electronic Warfare Officer aboard a C-130E Hercules aircraft on a classified mission over Southeast Asia on December 29, 1967. That day, the aircraft and its crew vanished without a trace. For decades, his family and fellow airmen held onto hope and remembrance.

“Maj. Parker made the ultimate sacrifice for his country during a time of great uncertainty,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. “It is fitting that this bridge, which connects parts of our community, will now forever bear the name of someone who gave so much.”

The dedication is part of an ongoing effort by the county to recognize local servicemen who never returned from war. For the Parker family and Quakertown residents, the sign is more than just a name—it’s a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and hometown pride.

As cars now pass over the bridge, the name of Maj. Frank Claveloux Parker III will serve as a quiet but powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.

To learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor, visit BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges. 

To see more photos from Tuesday’s ceremony, visit the County’s Flickr page.

Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, jtomalley@buckscounty.org

 Listen to Episode 3072 and discover more about the renaming of a bridge in Quakertown, PA to honor the memory of fallen Vietnam Vet USAF Maj. Frank C. Parker III.

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The 170th ceremony for repatriation of remains of U.S. servicemen in Vietnam, held in Da Nang City, July 25, 2025. Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Oregon National Guard Soldiers Working to Bring Home Missing Vietnam War Service Member.

Episode 3071 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the 170^th MIA Repatriation Ceremony held in DaNang. The featured story appeared in the Vietnam Express website and was titled: Vietnam hands over remains of three US servicemen at Da Nang ceremony

It was reported that in a solemn ceremony held on July 25, 2025, at Da Nang International Airport, Vietnam handed over the remains of three U.S. servicemen believed to have died during the Vietnam War. The event marked the 170th official repatriation ceremony between the two nations, continuing decades of cooperation in accounting for those missing in action.

Representatives from the Vietnamese Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), alongside officials from the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), participated in the ceremony. The remains, recovered during joint field operations earlier this year, were placed in flag-draped cases and transferred with full honors.

DPAA Director Kelly McKeague, expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s continued humanitarian efforts. “Today’s repatriation is a powerful reminder of the progress we have made in healing the wounds of war,” she said.

Vietnamese officials reaffirmed their commitment to the humanitarian mission, underscoring the long-standing cooperation between the two former adversaries. Since joint operations began in the late 1980s, the remains of over 730 American service members have been repatriated from Vietnam.

The ceremony was both a gesture of respect for the fallen and a symbol of the evolving relationship between the United States and Vietnam. As the remains are transported to Hawaii for further identification, families across America remain hopeful for closure.

The event reflects ongoing efforts to honor those lost and to strengthen reconciliation between two nations once divided by conflict.

Listen to Episode 3071 and discover more about the 170^th MIA Repatriation Ceremony held in DaNang.

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At the Laos-Vietnam Combat Alliance Monument in Paksong district. (Photo: VNA)

Episode 3070 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about. how Laos and Vietnam are celebrating the good relations between the two nations. The featured story appeared on the Vietnam Plus website and is titled: Vietnamese in Laos pay tribute to fallen heroes. The story was submitted by Nguyễn Bích Hường.

On July 27, 2025, Vietnamese communities across northern, central, and southern Laos solemnly observed the 78th War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day, honoring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for national independence and freedom. A range of heartfelt ceremonies and cultural activities were held to remember the fallen and pay tribute to their enduring legacy.

The commemorations were organized by Vietnamese embassies, consulates, and expatriate associations in Laos, drawing participation from local authorities, Laotian friends, and Vietnamese residents. Events included incense-offering ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and memorial services at cemeteries and historical sites where Vietnamese volunteer soldiers once fought alongside Laotian forces during times of war.

In Vientiane, the capital, a solemn gathering at the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Monument served as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds shared between the two nations. Representatives laid wreaths, offered prayers, and expressed gratitude for the selfless sacrifices made by martyrs and war invalids.

Across the provinces of Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, and Champasak, Vietnamese youth and community members joined in clean-up campaigns at war memorials, presented gifts to veteran families, and engaged in storytelling sessions to pass down memories of heroic acts to younger generations.

The events, reported by Vietnam Vu, highlighted the Vietnamese community’s unwavering commitment to preserving historical memory and honoring those who laid the foundation for today’s peace and unity. The day also strengthened the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos—built on shared history, mutual sacrifice, and a vision for lasting peace in the region.

Listen to Episode 3070 and discover more about how Laos and Vietnam are celebrating the good relations between the nations.