By Senator Tom Brewer
I was honored to join the Governor and recently attend the dedication of Nebraska’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Pappillion. We are the 50th state to build one, but better late than never. Vietnam veterans have a special place in my heart. Part of the memorial includes a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter which I once flew. I thought it was amazing that crew members who served aboard the actual aircraft on static display were on hand for the dedication. John Nicholas Maulsby was there. He spent a year as a gunner on this particular Huey.
As a young lieutenant fresh out of flight school, I discovered most Army helicopter pilots in the Army National Guard in the mid-1980’s were Vietnam veterans. Many of them had multiple tours in Vietnam and thousands of hours of combat time. A pilot I flew with had been shot down multiple times and had to escape and evade the enemy. The last time he crash-landed, they found a crushed dead enemy soldier under his aircraft. What an incredible blessing it was to serve with soldiers of this caliber. Their wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience in counter-insurgency warfare has no-doubt kept me alive on numerous occasions in the various wars I’ve participated in.
Many of these incredible officers went on to have a Vietnam service ribbon, along with an Iraq and even Afghanistan service medals. I know Nebraskans with all three. I know of no other class of veterans who have given so much to their country. To endure the disgraceful way they were treated, and yet still yearn to serve their country, humbles me.
Former Senator Chuck Hagel was at the event. He said he and his brother Tom both served together in Vietnam in 1968, saw acts of uncommon courage, valor and selflessness for others. He said memorials remind us that, despite our shortcomings, we are special people, “and we should cherish that and focus on that part of our lives.” I have had the rare privilege of serving alongside Vietnam Veterans for a big part of my military career. I strongly agree with Senator Hagel. Veterans of this era have a long history of distinguished service to state and nation.
I was also happy to see that the “Sage brothers” who served together on the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans during the Vietnam War will be added to the national Vietnam Memorial. In June 1969, their ship collided with an Australian aircraft carrier. The three brothers and Gary Hodgson were the Nebraskans among the 74 who were killed.
The struggle to receive the recognition that they died during the Vietnam war hasn’t stopped since 1969. Thankfully they finally received it at this ceremony at Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Papillion.
Please contact my office with any comments, questions, or concerns. Email me at tbrewer@leg.ne.gov, mail a letter to Sen. Tom Brewer, Room #1423, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509, or call us at (402) 471-2628.