All posts by : NVVMF

Born in Omaha, Nebraska and an “attendee” of Omaha’s Central High School, Frank volunteered for the draft and joined the Army in the hopes of avenging the death of a good friend that was killed in Vietnam 17 days before his friend was to come home. Heeding the advice of his dad, Frank opted out of his first choice of being an infantryman and told the Army he wanted to be a “Combat Engineer” and wanted to go to Vietnam. Always willing to accommodate, the Army happily obliged Frank on both of his demands.

Charles’ Story:

The son of a WWII Army veteran that served in the Philippines, Charles was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Omaha South High School. Charles was drafted into the Army as a Medic in 1966.

George’s Story: George was born and raised in Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont. While in college, George joined the Navy Reserves and attended Navy OCS in order to be commissioned as an officer in the Navy after graduating from the University. George was stationed aboard the USS Lofberg (DD-759), which saw action giving support fire to ground troops in Vietnam.

Dale’s Story: Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Dale voluntarily joined the Navy Reserves in May 1962 and after graduation from University of Nebraska – Omaha in 1965, served active duty in the Navy as a Seabee, following in the footsteps of older family members who had also served as Navy Seabees. After serving in Vietnam, Dale continued his Naval career, retiring in 1996.

Michael enlisted in the Marine Corps, influenced by a long family history of honorable military service going back as far as the American Civil War. Trained as a highly skilled technician in the Marine Corps, Michael’s involvement while in Vietnam did not include any direct fire or combat missions, but his unit was instrumental in the electronic support of the war effort.

Walter’s Story:

Son of a WWII North African campaign Army veteran, Walter was drafted about a year after graduating from Fremont High School in Fremont, Nebraska. He served 2 active-duty tours – 1967-1969 with a Vietnam assignment and then again from 1971-1974 (no Vietnam assignment) and then continued his Army career in the Army Reserves from 1974 to 1991.

Doug’s Story: Born and raised in Elkhorn, Nebraska, Doug graduated from Elkhorn High School. After high school, Doug attended Midland University (then known as Midland Lutheran College), graduating in 1971. Doug was assigned his draft lottery number after his college commencements at which time he chose to enlist in the Navy. While Doug was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, the venerable ship was ordered to operate in the South China Sea to support the refugee evacuation efforts in Vietnam.

Joel’s Story:

The son of a WWII Army veteran that saw action on D-Day at Omaha Beach, Normandy, Joel was born in Omaha, raised in La Platte, Nebraska (8 miles South of Bellevue, Nebraska) and graduated from Platteview High School. Joel was drafted into the Marine Corps at the age of 20, was deferred due to a hearing issue, but volunteered to go into the Marine Corps anyway.

Tom’s Story:

A Native of New York, born in the Bronx June 1945, Tom enlisted in the Marine Corps in August of 1965 and served in Vietnam with the 3rd Shore Party, B-Company, 3rd Marine Division. Tom and his wife Terri are residents of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Tom is currently the Board President of NVVMF and has been instrumental to the realization of a state memorial to honor all those who served during the Vietnam Era. 

A son of a 30-year Air Force veteran, Ronald was born on Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Pease Air Force Base, Ronald volunteered for service in the Army. Ronald served in Vietnam as an infantryman.