FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24th 2022
Buffalo MO: As the only veteran founded and managed national conservation organization in the United States and Missouri, we are grateful for the support of all organizations and people who respect and assist all veteran efforts and especially our elected officials when they go above and beyond. U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler just completed such an effort for all Vietnam veterans in MO. A Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony was just held in Jefferson City, Missouri at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) hall to recognize all Vietnam veterans and welcome them home.
Each of the 300 attending Vietnam Veterans was personally given a custom-made Challenge Coin by Congresswoman Hartzler and then a personal pinning on each veteran of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin by LT. Governor Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Major General Levon Cumpton, MO. National Guard.
All service members from all branches who served any time from 1955 to May of 1975 on active duty are defined and honored as Vietnam Era Veterans.
“I work with Congresswoman Hartzler and her great staff on Veteran’s support, recognition, fair treatment along with agriculture and wildlife conservation matters across the country. I was honored when she asked me to join her and perform the opening Invocation (photo above right with Congresswoman Hartzler to my right, with Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to her right) and closing Benediction after the 21 Gun Salute and the Playing of Taps at the Ceremony” reflects Craig Alderman, himself a USAF Vietnam Veteran, a former B-52 Pilot and Sr. Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter in MO. “It would surprise the average citizen how we have to fight our own government at times, corporations and people who are prejudice or just don’t care about veterans nor the love, dedication and respect we have for this country. Congresswoman Hartzler and her team leads us, fights for us against all unfairness and prejudice from all sources. That is what true leaders do” Craig says.
The featured guest speaker was Col. John Clark, Vietnam Veteran and former POW for 6 years. Col. Clark was an Air Force Pilot of the F4 Phantom shot down over North Vietnam in 1967. He was released in February of 1973 during Operation Homecoming.
All veterans stand on the historical shoulders of those veterans who came before them. Every veteran signs a contract up to and including their lives to keep this country free for all citizens. Veterans are .05% of the general population and therefore willingly protect 99.05% of those who never know military service to this country. Veterans never stop serving this country, they never forget the cost of freedom and respect those who support them.