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Dole VA hosts ceremonies that honor nearly 400 Vietnam-era Veterans

Vietnam-Era Veteran receives lapel pin in ceremony honoring the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

By Dole VA Office of Communication Services

In moving ceremonies held at Wichita State University’s Metroplex on June 20, Dole VA Medical Center honored nearly 400 Vietnam-era Veterans and 10 surviving spouses with official lapel pins. The event marked the culmination of the 13-year commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Charles McFadden, Chief of Transportation Services at Dole VA, opened each of the four ceremonies held that day with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcoming remarks. McFadden quoted retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael Brazelton, a four-time Silver Star recipient and former Vietnam War POW, who received his lapel pin in 2015.

“I have had a number of medals pinned on me in my day,” Brazelton reflected. “And this is certainly the highest ranking and the most honors I have received for any pinning ceremony. Even though it might just be a lapel pin to a lot of people, this is like a medal to the Vietnam Veterans.”

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act empowered the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program on behalf of the nation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. By presidential proclamations issued in 2012, 2017, and 2022, the Commemoration runs from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025.

Congress articulated five objectives for the Commemoration, the most important being to thank and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.

Dole VA executives were joined by members of the Wichita City Council to give remarks and bestow honors on the Veterans, their families, and surviving spouses.

City Council Member Mike Hoheisel, representing Wichita’s District 3, reflected on the Veterans’ quiet resilience. “You represent a generation who exemplified the very meaning of courage, bravery, honor, and sacrifice,” he said. “You deserve to know your service mattered. You deserve to know we care.”

Noting the camaraderie and tight bonds the Veteran community is known for, Bob Malay, an Air Force Veteran in attendance with his wife, said, "Oh, it was wonderful, you know? This is a brotherhood, regardless of what service, and we all stick together."