Wayne County Vietnam veterans honored

Vietnam-era veterans were honored during a recent recognition event hosted by the Wayne County Veterans Service Commission at Greystone Event Center, bringing together local veterans, officials and community members to recognize their service and reflect on a defining period in American history.

According to va.gov, United States military involvement in the Vietnam War formally escalated Aug. 5, 1964. About 2.7 million Americans served during the conflict. More than 58,000 U.S. service members were killed, and approximately 153,000 were wounded. Of the 766 Americans held as prisoners of war, 114 died in captivity. The war was officially concluded by presidential proclamation May 7, 1975.

Keynote speaker Ken Kitchen, who served with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines in Vietnam, reflected on the shared experience of those who served and the lasting bond among veterans.

“We fought together; we bled together. We laughed together; we cried together. We shared our very lives. We helped each other survive, but sadly, some did not,” Kitchen said. “Most Americans will never know the horrors of war that our young soldiers in Vietnam witnessed. They will never know how hard those young soldiers fought for them, for their country and for each other. We held each other’s lives in our hands. That bond we shared does not fade.”

Decades after their service, the impact of that sacrifice continues — and so does the need for support. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports more than 3.4 million Vietnam veterans enrolled in VA health care and nearly 1.6 million receive benefits.

County-level veterans service commissions serve as a link in that system, guiding veterans through complex federal programs, helping them secure earned compensation, and connecting them to essential care and support. For many, these local offices are more than a point of contact. They are the frontline connection to the benefits they earned through service and a safeguard to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Established under Ohio law, county veterans service commissions, through trained service officers, provide direct assistance and help navigate federal benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, transportation services and advocacy to ensure veterans receive the support they have earned.

Wayne County Commissioner Matt Martin emphasized the lasting impact of service and the importance of recognizing those who came before, saying their example continues to shape future generations of veterans.

“This is truly an honor to stand here today with you as a fellow veteran. I am humbled to be in your presence,” Martin said. “Your legacy is a responsibility that we carry every day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your inspiration. It is a privilege to recognize you today. I say on behalf of a grateful nation, your impact will not be forgotten.”

Visit the Wayne County Veterans Service Commission on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WayneCountyVeterans.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.