The Vietnam War began on Nov. 1, 1955, and ended on April 30, 1975. The United States suffered more than 58,200 casualties from the war. Casualties from other allies include: Australia – over 400 KIA and 2,400 wounded; New Zealand – over 80 KIA; and Republic of Thailand – 350 KIA. On Jan. 27, 1973, President Nixon signed the Paris Peace Accords, ending the direct U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese accepted a cease fire. But, as U.S. Troops departed Vietnam, North Vietnamese military officials continued plotting to overtake South Vietnam. From February to April 1973, North Vietnam returned 591 American prisoners of war, including future U.S. Senator John McCain, in what is known as Operation Homecoming. In 2007, Congress incorporated language in H.R. 4986 authorizing a program Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The Vietnam War. H.R. 4986 was signed into law on Jan. 28, 2008. In 2012, The Vietnam War Commemoration began with the presidential inaugural event at the Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012. In 2017, The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 established The National Vietnam Veterans Day to be celebrated each year on March 29.
Who does Vietnam War Commemoration Honor?
Vietnam War Commemoration honors U.S. Armed Forces personnel with active duty service between Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. That includes nine million Americans serving during that time; seven million living today; 2.7 million U.S. service members who served in Vietnam. Over 58,200 names are memorialized on a black granite wall in our nation’s capital. 304,000 were wounded. he Department of Defense lists more than 1,500 as missing in action. There were 245 service members awarded the Medal Of Honor.
Military Sexual Assault Task Force
This past week, Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan agreed to support the recommendation of Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) to immediately establish a Department of Defense task force to eliminate sexual assault inside the U.S. military. The task force will be led by Sen. McSally and will be comprised of military personnel and civilian advisors. It is expected to deliver its preliminary recommendations in time for the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act mark-up.
Air Force General Tapped for Top NATO Position
President Trump has nominated Air Force General Tod D. Wolters for appointment as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of the U.S. European Command. Currently, General Wolters serves as the Commander Allied Air Command; Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. If confirmed, he will be replacing General Curtis Scaparrotti who has served as the SACEUR since late spring of 2016.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
