By Cadet Taylor Andrews
Photos courtesy of Kevin Shanahan

Cadet Shaffer Kimball saluted Lieutenant Commander Roger Williams, US Navy Retired, during a program hosted by Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science that recognized the service of Vietnam veterans.  The program took place at the James A. Noe Armory.

NSU ROTC Cadet Karl Marzahl saluted Lieutenant Colonel Truman Maynard, US Army Retired, during a program to commemorate those who fought in the Vietnam War. The program, sponsored by NSU’s Department of Military Science,  took place recently.  

Serving as a commemorative partner, cadets of the 67th Demon Battalion of Northwestern State University’s Army ROTC Program recently hosted a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War at James A. Noe Armory. Veterans were recognized for their service and sacrifice in speeches given by Lt. Col.  Katherine Carlson, professor of military science, and Dr. James Henderson, president of Northwestern State.

Carlson provided details of the commemorative program, while Henderson honored the nine million Americans who served in the conflict, those whose names are etched on walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and those still missing.

Following the program, guests were ushered into the conference room where Cadets presented Vietnam Veterans with commemorative pins and thanked them individually for their service. Cadets and Veterans were given the opportunity to socialize at a reception following the presentation of the pins.

Vietnam Veterans receiving recognition were:
Army Specialist Five Larry Amberg
Marine Sergeant Charlie Davis, Jr.
Army Major (Retired) Leonard Fowler
Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Vade Gordon
Army Major (Retired) Richard Hooter
Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Charles McNeely
Army Specialist Four John Masson
Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Truman Maynard
Army Specialist Five Foy Melder
Marine Sergeant Dave Riggs
Army Specialist Four Mike Wilburn
Navy Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Roger Williams