Event Information
The VNA of NWI is pleased to host its inaugural Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Breakfast Celebration on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00am CST to 11:00am CST at the Charles Pratt American Legion Post 94, 4 Monroe St., Valparaiso, IN. The program is an opportunity for Vietnam Veterans to come together to enjoy breakfast and a heartfelt program celebrating the service of Vietnam Veterans.
“The VNA recognizes that many Vietnam Veterans were not treated with respect upon return to home. Our goal is to provide Vietnam Veterans with a Welcome Home Celebration that is well deserved and long overdue. The VNA is forever grateful for their military service and to families for supporting them, stated Melanie Marshall, Chief Marketing Officer for the VNA.
During the program, veterans will be recognized for their time in Vietnam with a special pinning ceremony. “I am delighted to say that Dan Miller with the Wounded Warrior Project will be speaking about his experience at this celebration. Mr. Miller served in the U.S. Marines for twenty-nine years. During his years of service, he experienced multiple deployments,” Marshall said.
The VNA which provides hospices services throughout Porter, LaPorte, Lake, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties has a veteran specialty program. Employees receive veteran specific education throughout the year on a wide range of topics from things veterans want you to know to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As the organization sees more Vietnam Veterans on its services, it is placing a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat veterans.
During a presentation, Marshall remembered a Vietnam Veteran’s speech that hit home to her and all the VNA’s employees. “The Vietnam Veteran challenged listeners to replace the default phrase of thank you for your service with action. To listen to veterans, ask difficult questions, make sure that they are okay, and make sure veterans are not forgotten. The VNA is acting, we are here to listen, and we want to ensure that no veteran is forgotten. The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Breakfast Celebration is one of many veteran focused events that the VNA will be putting on throughout 2020.
The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Breakfast Celebration is free to Vietnam Veterans and family members. Seating is limited, it is asked you reserve your seat by Friday, April 10th by calling 219-531-8051 or emailing Kerianne at ksymons@vnanwi.org.
