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Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Evelyn J. D'Errico
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, speaks during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. After McAllister’s speech, the Heritage Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association presented National Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pins to local San Angelo veterans and their surviving spouses.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, speaks during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. After McAllister’s speech, the Heritage Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association presented National Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pins to local San Angelo veterans and their surviving spouses.
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The 17th Training Wing celebrated National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, on March 29. 

The observance commemorates the 51st anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Vietnam, which occurred on March 29, 1973, ending an eight-year intervention that cost the lives of over 58,000 service members.

U.S. service members and distinguished guests attend the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza served as a poignant reminder of the heritage and legacy of past and present intelligence missions.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. service members and distinguished guests attend the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza served as a poignant reminder of the heritage and legacy of past and present intelligence missions.
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The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, were the guest speakers for the event.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybczynski, 17th Medical Group commander, and Ronald “JJ” Graham, Freedom Through Vigilance Association Heritage Chapter President, unveil the United States Air Force Security Service Airborne Radio Direction Finding mission First Term Airmen Vietnam War Plaque at the Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The plaque was dedicated to the First Term Airmen who served on the EC-47 during the Vietnam War for one contract.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybczynski, 17th Medical Group commander, and Ronald “JJ” Graham, Freedom Through Vigilance Association Heritage Chapter President, unveil the United States Air Force Security Service Airborne Radio Direction Finding mission First Term Airmen Vietnam War Plaque at the Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The plaque was dedicated to the First Term Airmen who served on the EC-47 during the Vietnam War for one contract.
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“Welcome to this ceremony today to honor the veterans who served and fought in Vietnam,” said Corbett. “We are paying tribute to our veterans, not because of unique motives, but because of a common remembrance, more as a common affection.”

McAllister reflected on the true reason for honoring those who paved the way for today's service members. He also spoke about the cryptological service and sacrifice of the Vanguard 216 soldiers' mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander, pins Bobby Cortez, Vietnam War veteran, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pin includes an eagle’s head representing courage, stripes representing the nation's flag and six stars representing the allies during the war.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander, pins Bobby Cortez, Vietnam War veteran, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pin includes an eagle’s head representing courage, stripes representing the nation's flag and six stars representing the allies during the war.
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Ronald “JJ” Graham, Freedom Through Vigilance Association Heritage chapter president, emcees during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

Ronald “JJ” Graham, Freedom Through Vigilance Association Heritage chapter president, emcees during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander, pins Dan Barbero, Vietnam War veteran during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Corbett, 17th Training Wing deputy commander, pins Dan Barbero, Vietnam War veteran during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
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“I am immensely proud to be able to participate in today’s ceremony to recognize our local veterans and remember those lost,” said McAllister. “It is our solemn duty to ensure that our Vietnam Veterans receive the respect, gratitude and support they’ve always deserved. Especially with today’s paper dedication to the crew, the United States Air Force Security Service Airborne Radio Direction Finding mission Vanguard 216.” 

After McAllister’s speech, the Heritage Chapter of the Freedom Through Vigilance Association presented National Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pins to local San Angelo veterans and their surviving spouses. 

“Thank you, everybody who were pinned today,” said Ronald “JJ” Graham, Freedom Through Vigilance Association Heritage chapter president. “We appreciate that, whether you’re a veteran or surviving spouse, we appreciate your service and sacrifices.”

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybczynski, 17th Medical Group commander, shakes hands with Cash Milroy, Army Vietnam War veteran, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pin includes an eagle’s head representing courage, stripes representing the nation's flag and six stars representing the allies during the war.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Air Force Col. Ian Rybczynski, 17th Medical Group commander, shakes hands with Cash Milroy, Army Vietnam War veteran, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veteran commemorative lapel pin includes an eagle’s head representing courage, stripes representing the nation's flag and six stars representing the allies during the war.
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The Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza displays names of fallen Vietnam Veterans during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The plaza was named after retired Chief Master Sgt. Paul W. Weyandt and retired Lt. Col. David H. Eddy, late EC-47 crew members who served during the Vietnam War.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

The Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza displays names of fallen Vietnam Veterans during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The plaza was named after retired Chief Master Sgt. Paul W. Weyandt and retired Lt. Col. David H. Eddy, late EC-47 crew members who served during the Vietnam War.
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U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, poses for a photo with Kathleen D. Bendinelli, the surviving spouse of Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ed Bendinelli, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Goodfellow Honors Vietnam Veterans

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, poses for a photo with Kathleen D. Bendinelli, the surviving spouse of Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ed Bendinelli, during the 2024 National Vietnam War Veteran Memorial and Pinning Ceremony at the Weyandt-Eddy Memorial Plaza, Norma Brown Headquarters building, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, March 29, 2024. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
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