Veterans often receive service recognition pins as a token of appreciation for their service. Since Vietnam veterans often returned home to hatred, misplaced anger, and an intense lack of support from a country angry about the war, service recognition has proven especially important. In that regard, former President Obama and Congress authorized specific acknowledgement of Vietnam veterans for the 50th anniversary of the war. In response, the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration created the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin for presentation to all Vietnam veterans in acknowledgment of their service for the 50th anniversary. While visiting the Coffee Bunker in Tulsa on April 13th, local veteran David Ray received his Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin.
David served four years active and two years reserve duty during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Air Force. He also worked as a teacher for much of his post-service life. Although now retired, he attends and continues to serve God, country, and community through his memberships of the First Church of God and Bristow VFW Post 3656.
Earlier this month, David and his wife, Virginia, stopped by the Coffee Bunker to drop off some children’s activity bags assembled by Bristow VFW Auxiliary members. The Coffee Bunker is a peer-run drop-in center, serving veterans and their families. It functions as a recreational center, food and clothing bank, and resource center with free Wi-Fi and computer access, providing transitional services to help vets adjust to post-service life through personal and professional development.
While at the Coffee Bunker, David learned that one of his former students, Mike Atwell, is an employee there. As he recounted their interaction, David disclosed having been overcome with emotion as his former student thanked him for the structure, accountability, and correction his instruction provided. Mike also thanked him for impressing upon him and his peers the importance of developing an attitude of responsibility for building job skills, especially for those who did not plan to attend college. As he thanked David, David said he turned away from Mike with tears in his eyes.
During his time visiting the Coffee Bunker, David was asked if he had ever received his service recognition pin. After stating that he had not received it, the Coffee Bunker Commander held a pinning ceremony against a backdrop of the American flag to award it to him, pinning it upon his lapel.
What began as a simple, selfless visit to drop off some children’s activity bags ended in so much more for David: recognition for his service in Vietnam, gratitude for his instruction, appreciation for his commitment and sacrifice as a veteran and teacher, and all of the emotions and memories that accompany them. Although he waited a long time before being acknowledged for his service in Vietnam, the day and way in which he received it sound memorable enough to have been worth the wait.
If you know or encounter David or another Vietnam veteran, please take a moment to thank them for their service.