Vietnam vets recognized
BUTLER TWP — The event refreshed memories for some. For others, it was a chance to show respect to a group of soldiers who may have returned home to protests rather than thanks.
Veterans gathered Monday at the VA Butler Healthcare system's auditorium for the second annual Vietnam Veteran Commemoration, hosted by the Veteran “X” program.
The veterans enjoyed refreshments and paid respects through the Butler County Vietnam Wall, before the ceremony began. Then the national anthem was sung, followed by some speakers. Later, pins were given to the Vietnam veterans in attendance.
“When I came home, it was nighttime,” recalled David “Griff” Griffith, a Navy veteran of Vietnam. “I walked through the airport by myself and had to buy a hot dog.”
Griffith said Vietnam veterans never received the recognition they deserved. He said the soldiers who came home and the 58,220 who died fighting were ignored, hated or forgotten by the collective conscience of this country.
Griffith said that Monday, along with last year's ceremony, demonstrates that the American people have come around.
“A lot has changed in the last 30 years,” Griffith said. “(But) to be recognized is something we still need today.”Griffith also serves as a senior sergeant at arms for the Veteran “X” program. He said after spending time in prison, he continued to spiral downward until he found the program, and it helped him stay out of trouble. He said the program saved his life.“I think the VA Butler Healthcare needs commended for what they do,” Griffith said. “(Veteran “X”) has taught us to love ourselves and function in society in a safe manner.”The program helps veterans by letting them help, according to Eric Walker, a Veteran “X” facilitator. He said the group brings in members of the community who act out different scenarios and the veterans work through the situations and give advice from their perspective.“We work through the scenario weekly to accomplish goals,” Walker said. “The veterans give advice, but it empowers them to go and do it for themselves, too.”
Eddie Caszatt, an Army veteran of the Persian Gulf wars, said there are a lot of different scenarios that the program walks the veterans through, and many of them reference the VA and what it has to offer. He said it covers everything they need to know about being productive.“When I first came here, I was skeptical about the group,” Caszatt said. “After the first meeting, I was sold.”Walker said the Veteran “X” members helped Monday's event, but it wasn't about the group. He said it was about Vietnam veterans getting the respect they deserve.“We feel it's right to honor our Vietnam veterans,” Walker said. “They did influence an entire generation after them.”
