Vietnam War pilot tells his story
Lt. Col. Mike Jackson (Ret.) with an 0-2 plane, which he flew in Vietnam.
Provided photo
The Miami Valley Veterans Museum will honor Vietnam War and Vietnam War Era veterans at the July 4 parade on that Sunday afternoon and asks that veterans willing to participate by riding on the float, being driven in convertibles/antique cars or riding in their own vehicles, call the museum at 937-332-8852 and leave their name and telephone numbers.
When Lt. Col. Mike Jackson (Ret.) graduated from Ohio University in 1968 with certification to teach history, he declined a teaching position because he wanted excitement, challenges, and travel first and put the prospect of teaching on hold.
April 4, 1975: Operation Babylift
Colgan
April 4, 1975, will forever be etched in my memory.
At a Tulane University convocation on April 23, 1975, President Gerald Ford declared that the war in Vietnam was “finished as far as America is concerned.” But getting those who had supported the U.S. involvement out of the country in those last days as the North Vietnamese Army surrounded Saigon was another matter and there was the issue of the orphans, some who had been fathered by American military men and who would certainly suffer even more following the U.S. exit.
C-5A Galaxy Tail Number 80218 was loaded on April 4, 1975, with crew, escorts, US Saigon Embassy personnel, and Vietnamese orphans and escorts in those last days of the U.S. presence in South Vietnam. The heat was sweltering and there was unbelievable chaos as reported in the literature and by David Norman, a Marine stationed at the embassy as part of the U.S. Marine Security Guard Program, who now serves as an offi
Operation Babylift Lorie Sandaine
Lorie Sandaine and her twin brother, Landon Carnie, are pictured in Vietnamese orphanage.
Provided photo
Saindaine and her twin brother today. Both were brought to the United States as part of “Operation Babylift.”
Provided photo
The Miami Valley Veterans Museum will honor Vietnam War and Vietnam War Era veterans at the July 4 parade on that Sunday afternoon and asks that veterans willing to participate by riding on the float, being driven in convertibles/antique cars or riding in their own vehicles, call the museum at 937-332-8852 and leave their name and telephone numbers.
Each time I conduct another interview of the orphans the U.S. brought out of South Vietnam as the war ended, I learn about the ways in which there is a universal connection regardless of our countries of origin if we seek and embrace those connections.
A survivor of Operation Babylift
Chris Colgan (center) with his adoptive parents Len and Carol Colgon.
Colgan has worked with Special Olympics participants for 18 years.
April 4, 1975, will forever be etched in my memory.
At a Tulane University convocation on April 23, 1975, President Gerald Ford declared that the war in Vietnam was “finished as far as America is concerned.” But getting those who had supported the U.S. involvement out of the country in those last days as the North Vietnamese Army surrounded Saigon was another matter and there was the issue of the orphans, some who had been fathered by American military men and who would certainly suffer even more following the U.S. exit.
Volunteers needed for MVVM events
TROY The Miami Valley Veterans Museum (MVVM) is looking for volunteers to help with their weekly bingo events.
The museum needs volunteers to aid in their bingo fundraiser in support of their mission to Honor, Preserve and Perpetuated the legacy of Miami Valley Veterans.
Volunteers will wait on bingo players during the event, sell tear off tickets and support other bingo-related activities including serving food to attendees. Anyone 18 or older is welcome to volunteer.
Bingo games will be held every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. starting on Feb. 27 and running through April 24.
All event attendees and volunteers will be required to wear masks and to observe social distancing. The museum is working with the Miami County Health Department to make this event a fun and safe event for all.