Vietnam War Exhibit

04/11/2026

I am proud to be a co-sponsor for the first annual Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home event. This event was in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29th. We had more than 80 veterans attend with family and friends. Two great guest speakers and a free meal sponsored by local restaurants. There was pride in service all over the venue, with veterans talking and some meeting others they had not seen in a while. With pride shown in the shirts and hats worn, you didn't want the evening to end. Blessed to have been able to do this for my brothers.

10/01/2024

At the Kankakee Illinois "Soldiers Reunion" I was awarded a Life Time Achievement Award by Doctor Leonard Porter for my involvement in veteran activities. I was humbled and proud. Also awarded were my friends John Fulton, Roger Bean and Barry Baron. From the early 1980's and into the 90's the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Military order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) worked together to for the veteran's community along with other military organizations. We were directly involved founding Manteno Veterans Home, the Veterans Assistance Commitee and contributing to the second largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the country located in Oakridge Cemetary across from Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield Illinois. We also sponsored the first Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Illinois and our VVA Chapter #52 were the first Vietnam Veterans to march in a parade in Kankakee County. Through the leadership of John Fulton, we accomplished much, and I was privileged to have bene part of these and more. Thank you, John, Roger, Barry and Leonard for your dedications to veterans and your friendship.

09/04/2024

Ben Bydalek recently received the "Excellence in Community Service " Certificate of Award from The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. at a ceremony held in Melbourne Florida.

09/29/2023

Florida Today newspaper did a nice article on the Vietnam Exhibit & Education Center

A Vietnam War veteran's collection of memorabilia has become a museum and a way for other vets to grapple with the trauma that still haunts them.

09/11/2023

President Joe Biden said Sunday his visit to Vietnam to showcase stronger ties with Hanoi was not about trying to start a “cold war” with China, but rather was part of a broader effort to provide global stability by building U.S. relationships throughout Asia at a time of tensions with Beijing. ...

08/18/2023

04/15/2022

The Presidential Unit Citation is comparable to the Navy Cross.
Second only to The Medal of Honor.
For the marines in the Que Son valley in 1967 there were 3 PUC's awarded.
Operation Union
Operation Union 2
Operation Swift
From the Valley they went to fight in Hue Coty during the Tet Offencive.
The average combat soldier in Vietnam was in combat 240 days as compared to the WW2 veteran who saw an average of 40 days.

04/11/2022

Many names on "The Wall" directly related to the issues with the M-16. The Book " Road of 10,00 Pains graphically tells many of those stories. MANY NAMES ON "THE WALL" because of faulty weapons. In the fight for your life, live or die, and no way to defend yourself.

04/01/2022

03/31/2022

Let it be Known. 75% 25% One thing we had in common and share the burden of as equals - Agent Orange!!

At least three-quarters of U.S. troops in Vietnam served in the rear, many of them surrounded by luxury and leisure