This is a belated tribute on my blog to the Vietnam War Veterans. 

On Vietnam War Veterans Day, I honored my husband Doug and all Vietnam veterans who served with unwavering courage. This is one of the very rare photos of Doug in uniform. He’s the adorable one on the left!

At 78, Doug embodies the stoicism characteristic of his generation. Men and women who endured unimaginable hardships, returned home without the hero’s welcome they deserved. Quietely carrying the weight of their experiences on their own. Many were among the first to be diagnosed with what we now recognize as PTSD, yet most rarely spoke of the trauma they endured, choosing silence over vulnerability.

Recent studies have shed light on the long-term health impacts faced by these veterans. Exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the war, has been linked to a significantly increased risk of developing dementia. Research indicates that veterans exposed to Agent Orange are nearly twice as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis compared to those without such exposure, and they tend to develop symptoms at a younger age. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33492338

Currently, approximately 500,000 American veterans are living with some form of dementia, predominantly Alzheimer’s disease, a number expected to rise in the coming years. Veterans face a higher risk if they also suffer from PTSD, TBIs, or Agent Orange exposure. This underscores the urgent need for awareness, support, and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by our veterans and their families.

https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/vietnam-veterans

As I reflect on the sacrifices of so many veterans and their families, I am commited to understanding and addressing the ongoing battles our veterans face long after their service has ended. 

To all Vietnam veterans: I am grateful for your service and resilience, both are deeply appreciated, today and always.