By Marie Wunderlich
On any given day in America, you witness veterans being thanked for their service. On the evening news, during parades and small town events, you see booths set up by various associations, corporations and patriotic societies. What you may not think about, or consider, is: How do you say thank you to an incarcerated veteran?
The Echebucsassa Chapter, DAR, as a Vietnam War Commemoration partner, was contacted in January 2023 and asked to conduct a commemorative event by the Zephyrhills Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter #195 for incarcerated veterans. Considering this request and the individuals who might participate was important. The perception of the incarcerated veterans to receiving an outside group to commemorate the Vietnam War and their participation in it could be a very delicate matter. Some veterans are still very angry about how they were treated when they returned home, and things they had seen that could never be unseen. The volunteers for this committee needed to be skilled in inclusion and diversity, as well as sensitive and genuine of heart. These men would be able to determine their level of sincerity and commitment to provide them with a genuine “Welcome Home” within moments of their arrival.
There were many unique requirements and regulations that needed to be completed by each member of our committee prior to being allowed to proceed with holding an event at a Department of Corrections facility. Considering each of these issues, and the level of commitment required, Karen Patterson, who currently serves as the National ECW president, was asked by the DAR chapter to serve as chaplain to lead the prayers. The chapter was aware that Karen had taken training in diversity, and other courses offered by the Episcopal Church, and we knew that she would offer the sincerity and genuine warmth that would be needed at this event. The second member was Margaret Ann Swinford. Her husband served in Vietnam and she had unique insight and awareness into their welcome at that time. Terri Hensley was the third member and has an active duty son. The fourth member, Marie Wunderlich, was a “Navy brat” born on a base, raised in military housing, with a father who served for 25 years and brothers who served in Vietnam at different times. All felt that regardless of why these veterans were incarcerated, they were, in fact, still veterans who had served their country at a time when their country needed them most.
Participants were required to be vetted by the Florida Department of Corrections, forms were required to be filled out documenting individual information, and visitation rules and requirements needed to be reviewed by each member to ensure compliance with the Department of Corrections. There were many planning meetings, texts and phone calls concerning the presentation. Questions needed to be answered and communicated on what could be worn, what could be carried in/out, how much money could be brought in, search procedures, pat-downs… Even using the restroom has rules that must be followed. Meetings were held with the VVA Chapter representative regarding the specific agenda and who would be participating. It was during these meetings that we learned that the actual Vietnam Veterans Pin would not be allowed. Based on that information, we quickly created a solution by designing a poster containing the front and back of the pin, with all 26 veterans’ names displayed. The poster will hang permanently in the Correction Facility’s VVA meeting room.
Event day finally arrived, and our emotions were running full speed ahead. We had planned and practiced, and were now ready to implement. The program was extremely successful, well received and very much appreciated. Each veteran in attendance and other visitors were enthusiastic and grateful for the program and content provided. Refreshments were served post-program and we were able to speak one on one to many of the attendees.
At the conclusion of the Vietnam Commemoration, each of us expressed our own feelings of genuine gratitude for being allowed to present the Vietnam Veterans Flag and poster to the veterans. Our hearts were overflowing at the warm reception and positive comments made by the men. One veteran stated: “This is the first time in 47 years that I have felt welcomed home, respected and thanked for my service to my country.” Many veterans had tears in their eyes and their emotions were of gratitude, and I believe some of their honor had been restored.
We do not know what the future holds for these men, but hopefully the respect, honor and appreciation we communicated to them during our event may have healed a damaged soul just a little.