Sheldon, Iowa — Many soldiers who returned home from serving in the Vietnam War received a less than warm welcome, and little appreciation for having served in that unpopular war. But now, decades later, some of those veterans are receiving the token of appreciation that was missing back then, through Operation LZ.
Jeremy Beenken of American Legion Post 145 in Sheldon tells us how Operation LZ started, and how it spread to Sheldon.
Beenken says Burns took it upon himself to expand Operation LZ to Sheldon.
The Vietnam vets from Post 145 who received the medalions were: Robert Sundstrom, Mark Poyzer, Dennis Brouwer, Harlan Kuyper, Elmer Schmidt, Dennis Baack, Dave Hillary, Ron Beenken Sr., Harold Wagennar, Ron Ling, Bob Poppema and Robert Schuiteman.
Beenken says that, since the soldiers were shown such little appreciation back then, it’s especially important to honor them now.
Beenken says we need to remember to honor all Americans who have worn the uniform and defended this country.
