Vietnam veterans recognized for service
Dripping Springs Vietnam veterans were honored by Congressman Roger Williams (R) in a mid-day ceremony at Sunset Canyon Baptist Church on Monday August 27. The event was coordinated by the congressman’s staff and by VFW post quartermaster officer Gary Hale.
“Today many people don’t understand the sacrifices you made as veterans. Less than one-percent of our population today serves in the military.” Williams said in a brief speech before the ceremony. “Today we are here to honor your sacrifice, your time away, the holidays with your family that you missed, and putting yourself in harm’s way.”
Hale, a retired United States Army Colonel, said, “The Vietnam era was a difficult time to render service, and oftentimes their call to duty goes unrecognized. I’m glad we were able to put this ceremony together and recognize these veterans.”
The ceremony was heavily attended by family members, including sons, daughters, and grandchildren of the Vietnam veterans—some of which were visibly moved. Also in attendance were Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant and City Councilman Travis Crow who assisted with the presentations. Veterans recognized were (by branch of service):
U.S. ARMY
1. Thomas W. Soltau
2. Harold W. Leung
3. Teddy Lee Weeks
4. Stanley W. Foster
5. Roger A. Keats
6. Richard Rossi
7. Michael H. Glascock
8. Joe Lynn Schwartz
9. Thomas A. Jenkins
10. Charles E. Bonney
11. A. B. Cauthen
12. Gary P. Hale
13. Lindel Bill Russell
14. Carey P. Holtzendorf
15. Richard L. Johnson
16. Victor L. Donnell
17. J. C. Carter
18. James R. Lingvai
19. Edward Lutz
20. Ernest Banasau
U.S. MARINE CORPS
1. Randy Van Camp
2. Thomas H. Sawyer, Jr.
3. W. Larry Chapman
4. Jerry L. Martin
U.S. NAVY
1. Lenny Jasinski
2. Ronnie G. (Shorty) Barnett
3. William T. MacQuarrie
4. Morgan O. Little
U.S. AIR FORCE
1. James L. Fletcher
2. Vernon Bode
3. Charles Drab