TREA: The Enlisted Association Blog

TREA "The Enlisted Association" Washington Update

National Vietnam Veterans Day and Navy Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Update

Friday, March 29 is
National Vietnam Veterans Day.

Of the approximately 8,744,000 servicemen and women who served during the Vietnam era, approximately 3.4 million were stationed in the Southeast Asia theater, including flight crews based in Thailand, along with aviators and sailors in the adjacent South China Sea.

In a nation where less than one percent of the population has worn the uniform, military service is now recognized and appreciated as the act of service it is.

TREA and a grateful nation says Welcome Home and Thank You for your service.

COMMEMORATION OBJECTIVES

1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.

3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.

5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

For more information, please visit www.vietnamwar50th.com
 

UPDATE: Navy Blue Water Vietnam Veterans Get Big Win
 
The Department of Veterans Affairs will not appeal a January court ruling that ordered it to provide health care and disability benefits for approximately 90,000 veterans who served on Navy ships during the Vietnam War. The action likely paves the way for "Blue Water Navy" sailors and Marines to receive Agent Orange-related compensation and VA-paid health care benefits. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie announced to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on March 26 that he will recommend the Justice Department not fight the decision. Former service members have fought for years to have their diseases recognized as related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange. TREA will continue to monitor actions and provide updates as they occur.