Vietnam War Veterans Honored in Las Animas

Description: Vietnam Veterans receiving their 50th Commemorative Welcome Home pin.


Published: 04/04/2022
Byline: Tomlin

VIETNAM WAR VETERANS HONORED

By Kathleen Tomlin

April 3, 2022

Las Animas honored their Vietnam veterans by celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29th.  The Las Animas Avenue of Flags was proudly displayed, and the VFW Auxiliary hosted a coffee for all veterans at Las Animas VFW Post #2411. 

The Auxiliary served coffee, donuts, and homemade goodies.  Pam Valdez kicked the event off by presenting 11 Vietnam veterans their 50th Anniversary, “Welcome Home,” commemoration pins.  Pam explained the purpose of this meeting was to address the possible loss of the Lamar and La Junta VA Clinics recently announced by the Veterans Administration.  She invited those that had information to discuss and help with a plan to keep the clinics. 

Commissioners Kim MacDonnell and Chuck Netherton; Veterans Service Officer Rick Ward; District American Legion Commander Thomas Florez; and many others voiced concerns and made suggestions.  One of the ideas was to have a practitioner in the Arkansas Valley treat veterans, and then have them make telehealth calls to large cities. 

Veterans must enroll and visit their clinics at least yearly.  All supporters are encouraged to write, email, or call our congressmen.  Sign a petition!  Our voices are really important!  God bless our veterans and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Amanda Leck, Bent County Development Coordinator, holding a 48-star flag that flew on the Navy Ship, the U. S. S. Forrestal, during the Vietnam War.  They had a big fire on the ship in 1967 and her dad helped put out the fire.  She was able to buy this flag that flew on the ship.



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