Mountain Home VA Medical Center

The Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, TN was the site for the Second Annual Vietnam Veteran’s Homecoming in June. Mountain Home VA staff took part in this celebration including the medical center director, staff from Social Work, Home Telehealth (CCHT), Vet Center, and many more.

The goal of the VA group was to welcome all veterans, but also to THANK them all for their service!  VA staff shook Veteran’s hand, offered ribbons and a set of commemorative flags. Staff was able to "pin" red/white/blue ribbons with small flag pins to hundreds of Vietnam Veterans! They accepted these ribbons proudly and many had tears in their eyes as they were offered these small tokens of our appreciation! Veteran’s were allowed to share their stories of returning home from the service and not getting a warm welcome and often receiving unkind remarks.

Mountain Home staff personally purchased small trinkets to give away to Veterans of all wars and their families.  They were offered candies, patriotic bracelets, pens, bags, pencils, and stickers that had messages like" My Dad/Husband/ Son/Grandfather/Brother/Wife was a Vietnam Veteran".  It was so touching to see the Veterans and their family members come to ask for a sticker with the Vietnam Ribbon.

This event is scheduled to be an annual affair hosted by Rolling Thunder, Fountain of Life Bible Church and The Vietnam Veterans Chapter 979 as well as others.  A replica of the Vietnam Wall was on display.  Seeing the Vietnamese village display gave visitors an idea of how challenging it was to live and fight in that environment.

VA staff reported it was such an awesome experience to actually thank several thousand Veterans for their service and to let them know the VA CARES for them. Staff also answered many questions about the VA and provided benefit books and local contact information. 

By James H. Quillen Public Affairs Office