Vietnam Veteran News

Soil tunnels lined with plywood under the Mexico- United States border.

Episode 2631 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1.14 and 1.15 – of an academic paper on the history of tunnels in North America. The featured paper was created by Kenneth R. Olson and David R. Speidel. It is titled: Review and Analysis: Successful Use of Soil Tunnels in Medieval and Modern Warfare and Smuggling.

Professor Olson [krolson@illinois.edu] is associated with the Department of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. David R. Speidel is associated with the Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington DC, USA.

Tunnels were a significant factor for allied troops in the American Vietnam War. Professor Olson and his Merry Band of Retirees associates have produced another academic paper about tunnels. This paper deals with the historical use of tunnels throughout history.

Previously, Professor Olson produced a paper about the tunnels of the Vietnam War. That paper was so well received; he decided he decided to expand on the subject with this paper which will be featured on this podcast.

According to the abstract of the paper:

For more than 2500 years, soil tunnels have been used in warfare and smuggling. Initially tunnels were utilized to attack fortresses that were underlain by unconsolidated (non-bedrock) soil materials. Later tunnels provided housing and served as smuggling corridors. The medieval warfare undermining technique involved digging soil tunnels with wooden or beam props to hold up the soil ceilings. Then flammable material, such as hay or straw, was put in the tunnel and set on fire. The fire burnt the support beams which collapsed the soil tunnel ceilings and undermined the overlying perimeter wall. Later gunpowder and dynamite replaced fire when attempting to collapse a tunnel, fortress or perimeter defense. Modern warfare soil tunnels were the pathways used to move troops, weapons and supplies to the other side of a border or wall for surprise attacks. Most of the soil tunnels were placed in easy-to-dig unconsolidated soil materials that had a low water table and were not subject to flooding. Eventually, machinery was used to drill through bedrock permitting deeper and longer tunnels for troop movement or smuggling.

Listen to episode 2631 and discover more about the history of tunnel warfare.

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Afghan tunnels

Episode 2630 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1.12 and 1.13 – of an academic paper on the history of tunnel warfare in Lebanon, Israel and Afghanistan. The featured paper was created by Kenneth R. Olson and David R. Speidel. It is titled: Review and Analysis: Successful Use of Soil Tunnels in Medieval and Modern Warfare and Smuggling.

Professor Olson [krolson@illinois.edu] is associated with the Department of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. David R. Speidel is associated with the Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington DC, USA.

Tunnels were a significant factor for allied troops in the American Vietnam War. Professor Olson and his Merry Band of Retirees associates have produced another academic paper about tunnels. This paper deals with the historical use of tunnels throughout history.

Previously, Professor Olson produced a paper about the tunnels of the Vietnam War. That paper was so well received; he decided he decided to expand on the subject with this paper which will be featured on this podcast.

According to the abstract of the paper:

For more than 2500 years, soil tunnels have been used in warfare and smuggling. Initially tunnels were utilized to attack fortresses that were underlain by unconsolidated (non-bedrock) soil materials. Later tunnels provided housing and served as smuggling corridors. The medieval warfare undermining technique involved digging soil tunnels with wooden or beam props to hold up the soil ceilings. Then flammable material, such as hay or straw, was put in the tunnel and set on fire. The fire burnt the support beams which collapsed the soil tunnel ceilings and undermined the overlying perimeter wall. Later gunpowder and dynamite replaced fire when attempting to collapse a tunnel, fortress or perimeter defense. Modern warfare soil tunnels were the pathways used to move troops, weapons and supplies to the other side of a border or wall for surprise attacks. Most of the soil tunnels were placed in easy-to-dig unconsolidated soil materials that had a low water table and were not subject to flooding. Eventually, machinery was used to drill through bedrock permitting deeper and longer tunnels for troop movement or smuggling.

Listen to episode 2630 and discover more about the history of tunnel warfare.

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Viet Cong Tunnel Complex

Episode 2629 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1.5 – Cambodia and Vietnam of an academic paper on the history of tunnel warfare. The featured paper was created by Kenneth R. Olson and David R. Speidel. It is titled: Review and Analysis: Successful Use of Soil Tunnels in Medieval and Modern Warfare and Smuggling.

Professor Olson [krolson@illinois.edu] is associated with the Department of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. David R. Speidel is associated with the Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington DC, USA.

Tunnels were a significant factor for allied troops in the American Vietnam War. Professor Olson and his Merry Band of Retirees associates have produced another academic paper about tunnels. This paper deals with the historical use of tunnels throughout history.

Previously, Professor Olson produced a paper about the tunnels of the Vietnam War. That paper was so well received; he decided he decided to expand on the subject with this paper which will be featured on this podcast.

According to the abstract of the paper:

For more than 2500 years, soil tunnels have been used in warfare and smuggling. Initially tunnels were utilized to attack fortresses that were underlain by unconsolidated (non-bedrock) soil materials. Later tunnels provided housing and served as smuggling corridors. The medieval warfare undermining technique involved digging soil tunnels with wooden or beam props to hold up the soil ceilings. Then flammable material, such as hay or straw, was put in the tunnel and set on fire. The fire burnt the support beams which collapsed the soil tunnel ceilings and undermined the overlying perimeter wall. Later gunpowder and dynamite replaced fire when attempting to collapse a tunnel, fortress or perimeter defense. Modern warfare soil tunnels were the pathways used to move troops, weapons and supplies to the other side of a border or wall for surprise attacks. Most of the soil tunnels were placed in easy-to-dig unconsolidated soil materials that had a low water table and were not subject to flooding. Eventually, machinery was used to drill through bedrock permitting deeper and longer tunnels for troop movement or smuggling.

Listen to episode 2629 and discover more about the history of tunnel warfare.

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Entrance to a soil tunnel dug by the Palestinians under the Syria and Israel border

Episode 2628 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1.10 and 1.11 of an academic paper on the history of tunnel warfare. The featured paper was created by Kenneth R. Olson and David R. Speidel. It is titled: Review and Analysis: Successful Use of Soil Tunnels in Medieval and Modern Warfare and Smuggling.

Professor Olson [krolson@illinois.edu] is associated with the Department of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. David R. Speidel is associated with the Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington DC, USA.

Tunnels were a significant factor for allied troops in the American Vietnam War. Professor Olson and his Merry Band of Retirees associates have produced another academic paper about tunnels. This paper deals with the historical use of tunnels throughout history.

Previously, Professor Olson produced a paper about the tunnels of the Vietnam War. That paper was so well received; he decided he decided to expand on the subject with this paper which will be featured on this podcast.

According to the abstract of the paper:

For more than 2500 years, soil tunnels have been used in warfare and smuggling. Initially tunnels were utilized to attack fortresses that were underlain by unconsolidated (non-bedrock) soil materials. Later tunnels provided housing and served as smuggling corridors. The medieval warfare undermining technique involved digging soil tunnels with wooden or beam props to hold up the soil ceilings. Then flammable material, such as hay or straw, was put in the tunnel and set on fire. The fire burnt the support beams which collapsed the soil tunnel ceilings and undermined the overlying perimeter wall. Later gunpowder and dynamite replaced fire when attempting to collapse a tunnel, fortress or perimeter defense. Modern warfare soil tunnels were the pathways used to move troops, weapons and supplies to the other side of a border or wall for surprise attacks. Most of the soil tunnels were placed in easy-to-dig unconsolidated soil materials that had a low water table and were not subject to flooding. Eventually, machinery was used to drill through bedrock permitting deeper and longer tunnels for troop movement or smuggling.

Listen to episode 2628 and discover more about the history of tunnel warfare.

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The bedrock tunnels under the DMZ in Korea.

Episode 2627 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an academic paper on the history of tunnel warfare. The featured paper was created by Kenneth R. Olson and David R. Speidel. It is titled: Review and Analysis: Successful Use of Soil Tunnels in Medieval and Modern Warfare and Smuggling.

Professor Olson [krolson@illinois.edu] is associated with the Department of Natural Resources, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. David R. Speidel is associated with the Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington DC, USA.

Tunnels were a significant factor for allied troops in the American Vietnam War. Professor Olson and his Merry Band of Retirees associates have produced another academic paper about tunnels. This paper deals with the historical use of tunnels throughout history.

Previously, Professor Olson produced a paper about the tunnels of the Vietnam War. That paper was so well received; he decided he decided to expand on the subject with this paper which will be featured on this podcast.

According to the abstract of the paper:

For more than 2500 years, soil tunnels have been used in warfare and smuggling. Initially tunnels were utilized to attack fortresses that were underlain by unconsolidated (non-bedrock) soil materials. Later tunnels provided housing and served as smuggling corridors. The medieval warfare undermining technique involved digging soil tunnels with wooden or beam props to hold up the soil ceilings. Then flammable material, such as hay or straw, was put in the tunnel and set on fire. The fire burnt the support beams which collapsed the soil tunnel ceilings and undermined the overlying perimeter wall. Later gunpowder and dynamite replaced fire when attempting to collapse a tunnel, fortress or perimeter defense. Modern warfare soil tunnels were the pathways used to move troops, weapons and supplies to the other side of a border or wall for surprise attacks. Most of the soil tunnels were placed in easy-to-dig unconsolidated soil materials that had a low water table and were not subject to flooding. Eventually, machinery was used to drill through bedrock permitting deeper and longer tunnels for troop movement or smuggling.

Listen to episode 2627 and discover more about the history of tunnel warfare.

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Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer, a top dentist and reigning Dr. USA pageant queen

Episode 2626 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer, a wonderful gift from Vietnam to the USA. The featured story comes from the Journal-News – Butler County’s Local News Now and is titled: Dr. USA pageant queen shares story of emigrating from Vietnam to America with local audience – Top dentist speaks to crowd at Fitton Center in Hamilton. It was submitted by Ginny McCabe, a contributing writer to the paper.

Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer came to this country in her mother’s womb along with her family and a C-130 plane load of desperate refugees escaping the communist paradise that enveloped her home country. The plane she escaped on was commandeered and piloted by her father Bao Nguyen.

She and her family have done well in their adopted country because they appreciate what it has to offer and they have taken advantage of what it offers and have returned their blessings with much service to the USA.

According to McCabe’s story, Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer, a top dentist and reigning Dr. USA pageant queen kicked off the Fitton Center for Creative Arts’ annual “Celebrating Self” series, sharing about her life emigrating from Vietnam to live in America.

When Yoxthimer’s family first came to America, with no home, no food, and no money, they were housed by kind Americans, who drove her father to interviews, so that the family could be successful.

Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer said this, “Success, and the American Dream, it’s great to have all these titles and accolades, but it’s ‘What do you do with it to give back to society?’ and to me, that is living the American Dream. It’s just paying it forward and helping people in need.”

Listen to episode 2626 and discover more about Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer, a wonderful gift from Vietnam to the USA.

Dr. Bekah Yoxthimer, a top dentist and reigning Dr. USA pageant queen surrounded by family and Ian MacKenzie-Thurley on left

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Episode 2625 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet James J. Jacques and how he died for his country. The featured story comes from The Aerotech News and was titled: Veteran of the Day U.S. Marine Corps Veteran James J. Jacques. It was submitted by Veterans Administration.

Aerotech News and Review serves the aerospace and defense industry of Southern California, Nevada and Arizona. Comments are welcomed and encouraged.  CLICK HERE for more information about Aero Tech News. https://www.aerotechnews.com/about-us/

James J. Jacques is one of the last names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall. His name appears on Panel 01W Line 131.

Born and raised in Colorado, Jacques enlisted in the Marine Corps soon after his eighteenth birthday in 1974. Though his family was worried about him joining, they supported his desire to serve his country.

Jacques deployed to Vietnam in December 1974. Though the Paris Peace Accords had been signed, establishing peace in Vietnam and ending the war, the agreement did not encompass Laos and Cambodia, where Jacques’ unit served.

From May 12 to May 15, 1975, the U.S. merchant vessel, “SS Mayaguez,” was seized and its crew taken hostage by Khmer Rouge, the name given to communist forces in Cambodia. The U.S. launched a rescue operation on May 15, encountering much stronger defenses than expected.

Jacques was killed during this operation when his helicopter was shot down. His family received the news of his death just seven months after he enlisted. “The Mayaguez Incident” was the last battle of the Vietnam War. Twelve Marines were unaccounted for at the battle’s end, Jacques among them. It wasn’t until 1995 that the location of his remains were discovered, after a Cambodian civilian turned in his dog tags to U.S. officials. It took another 17 years for DNA technology to positively identify his remains.

In 2012, after almost 40 years, Jacques’s sister was notified that her brother was finally coming home. In October, Pfc. James Joseph Jacques returned to Colorado to be buried in Fort Logan National Cemetery.

We honor his service.

Listen to episode 2625 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet James J. Jacques and how he died for his country.

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Episode 2624 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet Ken Rodgers and his documentaries to be shown in Beach, North Dakota. The featured story comes from the Dickinson Press and is titled: Vietnam War veteran honors heroes with compelling documentaries at New Bijou Theater – Ken Rodgers and wife pay tribute to veterans and their families with pair of award-winning films to be shown in Beach. The story was submitted by James B. Miller, Jr. He the Editor of The Dickinson Press in Dickinson, North Dakota. He strives to bring community-driven, professional and hyper-local focused news coverage of southwest North Dakota.

Miller reports that Ken Rodgers, a survivor of the grueling 77-day Siege of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War, is bringing his remarkable journey and that of other veterans to the heart of Beach’s New Bijou Theater.

Rodgers, a former Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, and his wife Betty, have embarked on a mission to honor the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans through two compelling documentaries. These films will be showcased at the New Bijou Theater on Tuesday, Oct. 17, offering a poignant look into the lives of those who served and the families who stood by them.

“BRAVO! Common Men Uncommon Valor” is the first documentary on the docket. Drawing on interviews with 15 veterans from Ken’s Bravo Company who endured the siege in trenches and bunkers, the film sheds light on the harrowing experiences faced by these men. However, it transcends their specific stories to honor the collective service of all Vietnam veterans.

“I Married the War,” is a poignant documentary that provides a compelling voice to the wives of combat veterans, spanning from World War II to the ongoing Middle East conflicts, shedding light on the profound challenges these resilient women confront.

Listen to episode 2624 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet Ken Rodgers and his documentaries to be shown in Beach, North Dakota.

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VVMF In Memory program

Episode 2623 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast features a story about how the VVMF In Memory Program is working in Spartanburg, SC. The featured story comes from WSPA – TV of Spartanburg, SC and was titled: ‘In Memory’ Program inducts Upstate Veteran ahead of ‘The Wall That Heals’ tour. It was submitted by Olivia Parsons    

Parson’s story, tells about Noelle Waddell‘s effort to get her late father Mitchell F. Ward inducted into the VVMF “In Memory” program.

Since the Vietnam War ended, thousands of Vietnam veterans have suffered due to Agent Orange exposure, PTSD and other illnesses as a result of their service.  The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) believes all those who served in Vietnam should be honored and remembered for their service.  The In Memory program enables the families and friends of those who came home and later died the opportunity to have them be forever memorialized. ​​​​​​​

The plaque on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site in Washington, D.C. that honors these veterans was dedicated in 2004 and reads:  In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice.

In Memory was created in 1993 by the group – Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. VVMF began managing the program and hosting the ceremony in 1999. More than 6,000 veterans have been added to the In Memory Honor Roll since the program began. To see all the honorees, please visit the In Memory Honor Roll.

Noelle said this about her father’s induction in the program;

“I got to say his name in front of all those people and let them know who Mitchell Frank Ward was. To watch each person go up on that platform and say the name of their loved ones and see the emotion of how much they love that person,”

It was sad, but peaceful.

CLICK HERE for more information about how to get a Vietnam Veteran inducted into the “In Memory” program.

Listen to episode 2623 and discover more about how the VVMF In Memory Program is working in Spartanburg, SC.

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Navy sailor Patrick Glennon

Episode 2622 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast features a story about how the great state of North Dakota is honoring the memory of its fallen veterans, specifically that of Navy sailor Patrick Glennon. The featured story appeared in the Minot Daily News and was titled: Community pays tribute to fallen sailor at bridge dedication.  It was submitted by Jill Schramm, Associate Editor.

According to Schramm, Community members and the family of the late Navy sailor Patrick Glennon gathered on Saturday to honor his memory by dedicating a bridge near the Fessenden farm where he spent his youth.

During the ceremony, the Fessenden American Legion Post 33 presented the Colors. Kathy Muscha from the American Legion Auxiliary paid tribute by casting flowers into the river from the bridge in a traditional salute. Approximately 80 attendees released balloons into the sky, and afterward, they proceeded to have lunch at the First Lutheran Church. A procession of about a dozen motorcycles, in tribute to Glennon’s passion for Harley Davidsons, joined them.

This bridge dedication marked the first of three such events following a legislative action taken last spring by the North Dakota Legislature. House Bill 1352 designated three bridges in honor of veterans, with the N.D. Highway 30 bridge over the James River in Wells County being named the Petty Officer Third Class Patrick G. Glennon Vietnam Bridge.

Tragically, Glennon, along with 73 others, lost their lives when a portion of their ship sank in the South China Sea on June 3, 1969.

Glennon was born Aug. 22, 1945, in Philadelphia, moving to the Fessenden area as a youth with his brother and mother, who later remarried and had four additional children. Glennon entered the Navy in Fargo after graduating from Fessenden High School in May 1966.

Listen to episode 2622 and discover more about how the great state of North Dakota is honoring the memory of its fallen veterans, specifically that of Navy sailor Patrick Glennon.