Indy Airport Honors Vietnam Veterans on 45th Anniversary
Airport personnel recognized for service during Vietnam War
INDIANAPOLIS (March 29, 2018) – Marking the 45th anniversary of the last American soldier’s return home from the Vietnam War, the Indianapolis Airport Authority – in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and the United Service Organization of Indiana – honored 17 IAA, USO and TSA Vietnam War veterans this morning in Civic Plaza at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The ceremony was held in part to commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day.
March 29, 1973, marks the final day the last American soldiers returned home from Vietnam – a significant day in our nation’s history. Senator Joe Donnelly sponsored the bipartisan legislation that officially dedicated March 29 as a national day of recognition in 2017.
“More than 58,000 men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during the Vietnam War,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the IAA. “Today the Indy airport is proud and humbled to honor our employees along with TSA and USO Vietnam veteran for their service and the sacrifices they made 45 years ago for our nation.”
The USO of Indiana provides military men and women services at the airport, including a lounge for soldiers to rest while traveling through Indianapolis.
Brigadier General Ronald A. Westfall, director of joint staff with Indiana National Guard, and a representative from U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly’s office addressed the 17 veterans at the ceremony. The IAA and TSA joint Honor Guard presented the colors during the commemoration.
“It was an honor today to recognize these Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifices and service to our country,” said Aaron Batt, federal security director with the TSA.
The Vietnam War lasted nearly 20 years – from November 1, 1955 until April 30, 1975 – with the U.S. involvement beginning in March 1965.