Vietnam veterans laid to rest at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Vietnam veterans laid to rest
By John Hall For the Sun-News
Posted: 07/22/2010

EL PASO - Army Sgt. Dana J. Carr and Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Harold Lee Gibson were laid to rest Thursday at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery - more than two years after their deaths.

The men served during the Vietnam War.

Dozens gathered to pay their respects and honor the veterans, though none were family or friends. Carr and Gibson were homeless when they died.

The Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program has provided services for four homeless veterans in the area this year, including Carr and Gibson.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders from El Paso and Alamogordo as well as American Legion Riders rode into the cemetery on their motorcycles for the services. The Patriot Guard Riders are a nationwide organization that attends funerals for service members and veterans to "protect and respect" the deceased and their families.

Vietnam veterans laid to rest
read more here
Vietnam veterans laid to rest Silver City Sun News

Veterans say goodbye to Dignity Wall

Veterans touch the wall in the Call to the Wall during the closing ceremony for the Dignity Vietnam Memorial Wall at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier on Tuesday March 30, 2010. The last day of the traveling wall is also Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/SWCITY)

Veterans say goodbye to Dignity Wall
By Sandra T. Molina Staff Writer
WHITTIER - The closing ceremony Tuesday for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall was a time of reflection, healing and remembrance.

About 1,000 people - mostly veterans and their families - attended the final event of the 10-day program held at Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary.

Pico Rivera Councilman Bob Archuleta opened the program with "Welcome home," a phrase he said is used by combat veterans greeting one another.

Read more:
Veterans say goodbye to Dignity Wall

Vietnam Vet Andrew Elmer Wright found a home as a homeless vet

A simple casket with an American flag for Vietnam Veteran Andrew Elmer Wright.

A simple bouquet of flowers was placed with a simple photo a church member snapped.

By all accounts, Andrew was a simple man with simple needs but what was evident today is that Andrew was anything but a "simple" man.

A few days ago I received an email from Chaplain Lyle Schmeiser, DAV Chapter 16, asking for people to attend a funeral for a homeless Vietnam veteran. After posting about funerals for the forgotten for many years across the country, I felt compelled to attend.

As I drove to the Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, I imagined an empty room knowing how few people would show up for a funeral like this. All the other homeless veteran stories flooded my thoughts and this, I thought, would be just one more of them.

When I arrived, I discovered the funeral home was paying for the funeral. Pastor Joel Reif, of First United Church of Christ asked them if they could help out to bury this veteran and they did. They put together a beautiful service with Honor Guard and a 21 gun salute by the VFW post.

I asked a man there what he knew about Andrew and his eyes filled. He smiled and then told me how Andrew wouldn't drink the water from the tap. He'd send this man for bottled water, always insisting on paying for it. When the water was on sale, he'd buy Andrew an extra case of water but Andrew was upset because the man didn't use the extra money for gas.

Then Pastor Joel filled in more of Andrew's life. Andrew got back from Vietnam, got married and had children. His wife passed away and Andrew remarried. For some reason the marriage didn't work out. Soon the state came to take his children away. Andrew did all he could to get his children back, but after years of trying, he gave up and lost hope.

A few years ago, after going to the church for help from the food pantry, for himself and his cats, Andrew lost what little he had left. The tent he was living in was bulldozed down in an attempt to clear out homeless people from Orlando. Nothing was left and he couldn't find his cats.

Andrew ended up talking to Pastor Joel after his bike was stolen again, he'd been beaten up and ended up sleeping on church grounds in the doorway. Pastor Joel offered him the shed in the back of the church to sleep in so that he wouldn't have to face more attacks.

The shed had electricity and they put in a TV set, a frying pan and a coffee maker. They wanted to give Andrew more but he said they had already given him enough.

Pastor Joel told of how Andrew gave him a Christmas card with some money in it one year. Pastor Joel didn't want to take money from someone with so little, but Andrew begged him to take it saying "Please, don't take this away from me" because it was all he had to give and it meant a lot to give it to the Pastor. Much like the widow with two cents gave all she had in the Bible, Andrew was truly grateful for what little he had been given from the church.

What was soon made clear is that Pastor Joel gave him even more than he imagined. Andrew took it on himself to be the church watchman. While services were going on after Andrew greeted the parishioners, he would travel around the parking lot to make sure the cars were safe. At night he made sure any guests of the church were equally watched over. Pastor Joel not only gave him a roof over his head and food, he gave him something to make him feel needed.

More and more people came to the service and there was a lot of weeping as Pastor Joel spoke. What was very clear this day is that Andrew was called a homeless veteran but he was not homeless. He found one at the church. He lost his family and his children, but he found a family at the church.

From what was said about Andrew, he was a Vietnam veteran with PTSD and he wanted no help from the VA. Too many of them feel the same way and they live on the streets, depending on the kindness of strangers to help them out. Andrew wasn't one of the panhandlers we see in Orlando. He refused to beg for money and he wanted to work for whatever he was given. His health got worse but he still did what he could. Right up until March 16, 2010 when Andrew passed away, no matter what happened to him during his life, Andrew proved that this veteran was not hopeless, not helpless because he found the fulfillment of hope in the arms of strangers who took him in and he found help as he asked as well as gave.

The legacy of this homeless veteran is that he touched the lives of so many hearts and will never be forgotten.

Behind this church, in a tiny shed, Andew spent his last hours on this earth. Born in Riverside Park NJ on November 5, 1938 he returned to God on March 16, 2010.

John 14:2-3
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Matthew 25

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

UPDATE to what happened after this story came out.

Crowds flock to see replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial

No matter how we treated them, no matter how we ignored them they did overcome. Older generations of veterans wanted nothing to do with them. They overcame that and then started their own groups to take care of each other. Then they took on the fight for all veterans to be taken care of. The newer generation is treated with a lot better care and appreciation because of what they went through. These men and women have always been remarkable and this nation is a lot better off for them having been here.

Forrest Cormany plays "Amazing Grace" on his bagpipes for the "Clearing of the Wall" during the Opening Ceremony for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier on Tuesday March 23, 2010. The wall is a three-quarter-scale traveling exhibition replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.The 8-foot tall, 240-foot-long replica is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 service members who died or are missing in Vietnam. The wall will remain on display, 24 hours a day, through March 30.(SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/SWCity)

"We overcame that disrespect, that disregard," Ramos said.

Crowds flock to see replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial
By Ruby Gonzales Staff Writer
Posted: 03/23/2010 08:10:45 PM PDT

WHITTIER - John Perez of Pico Rivera once more stood before a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to thank his friends and the medic who treated his wounds in October 1968.

"I come here just to honor my friends and there's one special name I come to see, Robert Haig. He patched me up when I got wounded. When I came back, he was killed," Perez said.

The Army veteran was among hundreds to attend Tuesday's opening ceremony at Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, which is a three-quarter-size copy of the memorial in Washington, D.C.
read more here
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14744320

Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrives in Whittier

Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrives in Whittier
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/21/2010 08:16:31 PM PDT

WHITTIER - More than 400 motorcyclists escorted a scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sunday on the last leg of its journey to Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary.

The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter size replica of the memorial in the nation's capital, will remain at Rose Hills through March 30 - the first state-recognized Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans holiday, Rose Hills Executive Director of Business Bruce Lazenby said.

Just like the original, the wall is engraved with the names of the more than 58,000 men and women killed or missing in action in the Vietnam War. It stretches for 240 feet and stands 8 feet tall.
read more here
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14727570

Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral

Local Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral

by WKRG Staff
Published: Tue, October 20, 2009 - 5:08 pm CST
Last Updated: Tue, October 20, 2009 - 5:42 pm CST

MOBILE, Alabama - It's estimated that there are over 150,000 homeless veterans across the U.S..

Many pass away with no family or money to see to a proper burial.

One group made sure that a homeless veteran from right here in the Port City got the honor that his Vietnam war service merited.

News 5 photojournalist Gary Arnold takes us to Biloxi where Air Force veteran Anthony Vallia was given full military honors.

With more than 150,000 homeless veterans in the U.S., many whose remains are unclaimed at their death risk burial in pauper’s graves. Through the Dignity Memorial® Homeless Veterans Burial Program, one Mobile-area veteran won’t be among them.

U.S. Air Force veteran Aubrey Vallia Jr. (1945 – 2009) is the first homeless veteran in Mobile to be served by the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program. The program has existed in other parts of the country since 2000 but was organized in the Mobile area just this summer.

read more here
Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral

Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral

Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral
By STACY MORROW
Updated 12:04 AM CDT, Thu, Sep 24, 2009
Getty Images A U.S. Army veteran who was found dead behind a dumpster gained some dignity in a memorial service attended by strangers Wednesday morning at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Cpl. William Thomas Spence, 64, lived in a cardboard box behind a Haltom City shopping center. He was laid to rest with military honors in a graveside service that included the folding and presentation of the American flag, a rifle volley and the playing of taps.

The Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program organized Spence's final arrangements after no legal next-of-kin could be found for him. No possessions were found with Spence, and his fingerprints established his identity, the organization said.

VA records confirmed Spence served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1985.


"When his country needed him, he went. When he needed people from his country to help him, they walked on by," said Jeff Thorp, a Staff Sergeant in the Texas State Guard who attended the funeral. "If all we can do is give him this one last salute, this one last honor, then that's what we do."

Spence was one of more than 150,000 homeless veterans in the U.S., the organization said.
read more here
Homeless Veteran Receives Military Funeral

Traveling Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Comes to Seattle

Traveling Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Comes to Seattle

Community Invited to Pay Respects to America's War Veterans


SEATTLE, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dignity Memorial(R) Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be open for public viewing August 14-16, 2009 at Acacia Memorial Park, 14951 Bothell Way NE in Seattle.


Free and open to the public 24 hours a day from Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, the replica is eight feet high and 240 feet long. Its black, reflective surface is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who died or are missing in Vietnam. Paper and pencils will be provided so visitors can make rubbings of names etched on the wall.


The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall is dedicated to all Americans who served in Vietnam and honors all veterans of the U.S. military. The three-day exhibition is sponsored by Vietnam Veterans Association Posts 102 and 423 and local Dignity Memorial funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.


"The monument was created as a service to those who might never travel to the nation's capital to experience the Vietnam Veterans Memorial firsthand," said Donna Wagner, director of Dignity Memorial providers in Seattle. "Our replica offers visitors a chance for healing and reflections, and we are very pleased to be able to share it with the community," she said.
go here for more

Traveling Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Comes to Seattle

Don't pay to see Dignity Memorial Wall, you already paid the price!

Once again an email came from part of my network of friends making sure I don't miss anything when it comes to our veterans. This one came in and it shocked me. There are many different ones traveling around the country. They are not all the same because they money made goes to different people. They operate on donations, not charging people to see them.

Just last month the Wall was at the Melbourne reunion. While there were many other things going on, the Wall was in a place all by itself, away from people making money, away from noise, where people could really pay respect to the names of those who sacrificed their lives. Asking people to pay to pay their respects is like charging them to go into a cemetery to visit a family member resting there.

Tickets on sale soon ....

NEW THIS YEAR! The General Admission area will be OPEN for the Friday Night Show. Purchase your reserve seat, come early and visit the exhibits, see the static displays and walk along the amazing Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall! This is a great opportunity to visit the Entertainment Center without the crazy crowds you'll see on Saturday and Sunday! Check out our ticket specials as well to take great advantage of the best entertainment value this summer!

Looking for tickets for a group or company? Then be sure to check out our Chalet programs that we also offer! Chalets are a great way to privately entertain just about any size group. It's the perfect solution for a company party, family reunion or really "wowing" those VIP clients!

Advance ticket sales end Thursday, August 27th at 5:00 pm.

GATE TIMES:
FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 28 : Gates open at 6:00pm, show starts at 7:15pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 : Gates open at 9:00am, show starts at 11:00am
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 : Gates open at 9:00am, show starts at 11:00am

General Admission

Watch the show from the general admission area located off the flight line with easy access to concessions and the entertainment area. No seats are provided, so bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show!

In honor of the many that have served our country The Oregon International Air Show will be giving FREE general admission all weekend long to all who are presently serving, or have served, in the military. This includes all active, retired and honorably discharged military. Just bring your DD214 or miliitary ID and a drivers license or other state-issued picture identification with you to the Show and you will be admitted at no charge.

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most-visited National Park Service site in Washington, D.C. Even so, millions of Americans will never see or experience the impact of "The Wall" in their lives. To allow more people this opportunity, Dignity Memorial network providers created a three-quarter-scale traveling replica of the memorial in 1990.

Known as the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, this faux-granite replica is dedicated to all Americans who served in Vietnam and honors all servicemen and women of the United States military forces. Each year the replica crisscrosses the country, allowing millions of visitors to see and touch its black, mirror-like surface inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam. Every exhibition is sponsored by a local Dignity Memorial provider, with the help and support of area veterans groups and civic organizations.
This program is only available in the United States.

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/DignityMemorial/VietnamWall.aspx

UPDATE From Larry over at Nam-Vet
Dignity Memorial won't be part of Air Show
Larry,

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us regarding the location of the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall in Portland.

For the last four years, Dignity Memorial providers have been a corporate sponsor of the Veteran’s Chalet at the Oregon International Air Show, annually hosting at no charge 300 Veterans and their guests to enjoy the Air Show as honored guests. Last year, Dignity Memorial providers and Air Show organizers began to explore the possibility of showcasing the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall as a special exhibit at the 2009 Air Show.

However, we have received expressions of disappointment from many Veterans that within the Air Show gates, the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall will not be free to all people as it has been in Portland and other cities in the past. We obviously misjudged the response of the Veteran community to this first partnership with an admission-based venue. We have heard clearly the voices of the Veterans disappointed in the decision to include the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall as an exhibit within the Oregon International Air Show, and we apologize to any Veterans offended by this decision. We researched placing our exhibit outside the Air Show gates but logistics, security and space limitations prevented this from being a viable option. Therefore, the decision was made to withdraw the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall exhibit from the Air Show.

go here for the rest

http://nam-vet.net/dignity_retained.htm

Homeless Veteran buried with dignity

Homeless Veteran Gets Military Burial
Miri Marshall-KFOX Morning News Traffic Anchor/Reporter
POSTED: 12:39 pm MDT March 27, 2008

EL PASO, Texas -- Family and friends wiped tears as they bid farewell to Navy Veteran Steven Lee Osborn Monday at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

“We’re all gonna (going to) miss him,” said Osborn’s friend Besi Nicholes.

Osborn, 48, died of pneumonia. He was known for loving the desert and polishing trucks.

“He was a really a neat guy.” Said Nicholes. “He really was very humble, kind, loving, very understanding."

Osborn was homeless and last living in Socorro’s Tent City. He was one of more than 270,000 homeless veterans living on the streets.

The Dignity Memorial Program paid for Osborn’s burial arrangements. The program is sponsored by Kaster-Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home. Dignity Memorial pays for the military burial of homeless veterans.

"Instead of being buried in a pauper's grave they will be buried here at the national cemetery,” said Dignity Memorial spokeswoman Mary Slawson. “They served their country and did what they did for our country, then we need to give back to them."
go here for the rest
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/15724291/detail.html