Special to the Times Vedette
Hospice of the Midwest hosted a Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Event on March 29 at Panorama High School. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, observed annually on March 29, is a day to honor the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War and provide the proper “welcome home” many did not receive upon their return. It is a day of recognition for their courage, service and sacrifice, officially signed into law in 2017.
Nearly 90 people were in attendance to welcoming home 26 Vietnam veterans and honoring all other veterans in attendance.
Ralph A. Swain, an associate professor of history and political science with the Iowa Community College Online Consortium (ICCOC), was the keynote speaker. He also teaches for Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Nebraska. Swain enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam from 1969-70 with Area Command Headquarters northwest of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). He received training as a combat medic and as a Headquarters Company clerk. Among his ribbons and medals is the Army Commendation Medal for his work investigating corruption at military service facilities during the war.
Swain possessed Top Secret/Crypto clearance and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 4 (sergeant equivalent). He is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of American Legion Post 84, Gila River Indian Community based in Sacaton, Arizona. He is married with two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He delivered a message of remembrance, hope and honor, followed by special Vietnam Veteran pinning and presenting challenge coins to all Vietnam Veterans, Veterans and active service men and women.
After the event, those in attendance gathered for fellowship, refreshments, cookies and bars, which were provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 124.
