JRTC, Fort Polk set to honor Vietnam veterans

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Fort Polk’s Tigerland was the jumping off point for thousands of Soldiers headed to Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s. On Nov. 8, The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk will give those Warriors the welcome home they never received.  

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

10.18.2018

Story by Chuck Cannon 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — When veterans of the war in Vietnam returned home after their year-long tour in the jungles of Southeast Asia, it was mostly piecemeal, no more than a handful at the time. They were often ostracized, spit upon and labeled as “baby killers.”
It was much different than those who returned after World War II and today’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the returning warriors are met with post- and city-wide homecoming celebrations, along with other members of their units.
Television commercials laud their accomplishments and show them being honored at professional sporting events and other arenas where they are recognized as the heroes they are for answering their nation’s call to arms.
The Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk will do its part to thank and honor those who served in Vietnam with a “Salute to Veterans” ceremony Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. The event is held at the 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment hanger on Polk Army Air Field.
Veterans are invited to take part in the ceremony and Vietnam veterans are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. in bldg 4297 at Fort Polk Army Airfield before for a meet and greet before moving to the ceremony.
During the event, a special tribute to Vietnam veterans will offer them the welcome home they never received.
Following the ceremony, the veterans are invited to dine at an Army dining facility, visit the Fort Polk Museum and the Tigerland Regimental Room on their own.
For more information call 531-1392.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2018
• Date Posted: 10.18.2018 15:20
• Story ID: 296922
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US