Photo: (L to R) Arne Henderson, Sr. Vice Commander; Roger Brooke, Post Commander; and Charles Morgan, Jr. Vice Commander. (Courtesy Photo)
Fairfield VFW Cites Vietnam Veterans
In their March 2018 meeting, the Fairfield Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars paid tribute to all veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The overwhelming majority of the current Fairfield Post members fit into that category and as such, are recipients of the Vietnam Service Medal.
On Memorial Day of 2012, then President Barack Obama began a 13 year program to “honor and give thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through one of the most challenging missions we have ever faced.” He added, “It is never too late to honor the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor.”
President Obama’s proclamation set each year between May 2012 through November 2025 as a recurring commemoration of the sacrifices made by all who served in the Vietnam War and especially to those who gave their very lives in service to their country.
As part of this effort, each year the Fairfield VFW Post cites some of its members as part of the “Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.” In the March meeting of the Fairfield Post, the Post Commander, Roger Brooke, presented “Vietnam War Commemorative Certificates” to Post members Charles Morgan and Arne Henderson. These certificates were signed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Ash Carter, and accompanied by an Anniversary proclamation letter signed by President Barack Obama.
Both Morgan and Henderson served in the US Air Force and were both stationed in Thailand although in different years during the war. Both facilitated or actually carried out air operations over Vietnam and Laos.
Morgan was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Henderson was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, and two Air Medals w/Oak Leaf Clusters
The Fairfield Post Commander, Brooke, is himself a veteran of the Vietnam War. In his presentation, Roger expressed his appreciation of the sacrifices made by all Vietnam War veterans and particularly to his fellow Post members.
