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Event to honor Vietnam vets

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite will distribute commemorative coins to them on Saturday at VFW Post 10209 in Spring Hill.

By MARYAN PELLAND
Published October 13, 2005

SPRING HILL - For three decades, those who served in Vietnam have felt disrespected, their sacrifice unacknowledged.

On Saturday, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite will try to help resolve those feelings by distributing commemorative coins to Vietnam veterans at VFW Post 10209, 15166 Spring Hill Drive.

The event, which runs from noon to 5 p.m., is being co-hosted by the Hernando County VFW and the Hernando County Veterans Roundtable as part of activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam. A similar event commemorating the end of World War II was well attended in September.

Veterans wishing to receive the coin have to submit an application, available at Brown-Waite's office, with a copy of their DD214 (discharge form).

VFW commander Ed Noll, 80, helped plan the event. It's needed, said the World War II veteran. "These Vietnam vets should get due respect. They're entitled," said Noll, who served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. "When they came back, they didn't get a fair deal, and we hope this event lets them know we appreciate them and their sacrifices."

Brown-Waite is scheduled to make coin presentations and address attendees at 1 p.m outside the hall.

A traveling miniature version of the Vietnam Commemorative Wall will be displayed in the hall. Noll says the music will be country-western and classics of the 1960s and '70s. Food and beverages can be purchased on site.

One veteran invited by Brown-Waite to receive a coin is Joe Rabasca, 56, who served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 as a Marine during the Tet Offensive. Rabasca said the recognition is long overdue.

"It took over 30 years for us to be recognized and 50 years for Korea vets to be recognized," Rabasca said. "It's hard when people say we lost over there. We lost a lot, but I'm proud. We did our jobs to the best of our ability. Just like those guys in Iraq now - I'm proud of them."

Rabasca was one of a group of veterans to whom Brown-Waite presented Vietnam service medals at the courthouse Tuesday afternoon. He received a Conspicuous Service Cross medal with a gold shield and companion certificate.

"I get kind of emotional about this," he said. "It hasn't been easy."

With the renewed appreciation for those who served in the armed services, Noll expects to see a strong turnout at Saturday's celebration.

"We had 400 people turn out for the World War II celebration last month," he said.

"There are 150 applications for the Vietnam coins and that means at least 300 people will come out on Saturday."

The participants for the event include Springstead High School Drummers, Rolling Thunder Chapter 7, Marine Detachment 1002, Marine Detachment 708, American Legion Post 186, American Legion Post 186 Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post 10209, Central High Naval Junior ROTC, and the Hernando High School Junior ROTC. Chaplain William Webb will give the invocation.

Parking is available at the VFW hall for motorcycles, but not for automobiles.

Cars may be parked at the Chocachatti Elementary School, 4135 California St. A bus will provide shuttles between the VFW Post and the school from 11 a.m.

For information, call Rep. Brown-Waite's Brooksville office at 799-8354 or the VFW Post at 796-0398.

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 01:11:19]