ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Escanaba Vet Center hosted an open house on Wednesday. Veterans from various branches of service attended to learn about available resources and connect with fellow service members.
After graduating from high school in 1963, Army veteran Ralph Johnson went straight into the military
“I was in Củ Chi and the Ho Chi Minh Trail,” said Johnson. “I was with the 25th Infantry Division. I was kind of close to death a few times because I was in combat, trying to count the people coming in, pushing their bikes with the loads on them. I was about 20 – 25 feet from them when they came through.”
Dennis Parrott served in both the Air Force and the Army.
“I had a desire to travel, so that’s why I joined the military initially,” he said. “I’ve been to 13 countries, 47 states, so I got my money’s worth with 25 – 26 years in the military.”
When Vietnam-Era veterans returned home—whether they served in Vietnam or not—they did not receive a warm welcome. Despite the war coming to an end 50 years ago, those feelings are still fresh in many veterans’ minds.
“We were looked at like less than human or whatever,” said Parrott. “I was used to my parents’ generation. They had a lot of respect. They didn’t want it, but they got it. Then we lost it all.”
Parrott says they only got that respect back when Vet Centers came into the picture.
“That’s the reason they started, because they weren’t taking care of the Vietnam-era vets,” he said. “Now, I’m in the VA system. I go to a VA clinic, even though I don’t have a disability.”
The Vet Center offers support for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. For veterans struggling to transition back into civilian life, Johnson says that support is invaluable.
“War is awful for everybody,” he said. “When I got back, I did have to go for counseling for two years. They didn’t have the Vet Center here, but I drove to Iron Mountain twice a week. It would’ve been nice to have a Vet Center here at that time.”
The veterans at Wednesday’s open house said they are proud of their service during the Vietnam War.
“I think everybody should serve time in the service,” said Johnson. “They’ll learn a lot, certainly discipline. Even Vietnam was a great experience. I’m glad I went through it all and served our country.”
They also expressed their gratitude for the resources available to them through the Escanaba Vet Center.
“I’ve been overwhelmed at all the opportunities we have now,” Parrott said.
“I come here every once in a while, meet other people who’ve been in the service—some I didn’t know, some I recognize today,” said Johnson. “It’s a great place for the veterans.”
The Escanaba Vet Center is located at 301 North 30th Street, in the former Peninsula Federal Credit Union building. For more information on the Vet Center, click here or call (906) 233-0244 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
