Exchange to honor Vietnam Veterans with pinning ceremony

  • Published
  • By Christi Cook, AAFES
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

The Hurlburt Main Exchange will honor Vietnam-era Veterans with a ceremony on Mar. 29 at 10 a.m., in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has partnered with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to provide free commemorative lapel pins to Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. The pins feature the message, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”

“We owe so much to these heroes, and it’s a privilege for the Exchange to have an opportunity to thank them during this ceremony,” said Hurlburt Exchange General Manager Sheila Clark. “The pins are a lasting memento of the nation’s gratitude to these Veterans for their service, valor and sacrifice.”

All Veterans with service-connected disabilities are now eligible to shop at the Hurlburt Exchange, as are retirees, active-duty and military dependents. Veterans with service-connected disabilities and their primary family caregivers can find more information on accessing the Exchange at ShopMyExchange.com/Vets.

Veterans who typically do not have access to the base should contact the Hurlburt Visitor Center at 850-884-2310 for a visitor’s pass. Contact the Hurlburt Exchange at 850-581-8225 with questions about the event.

The Exchange has been a Commemorative Partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration since 2013, planning and conducting events and activities recognizing the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their Families.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Commemoration was authorized by Congress, established under the secretary of defense and launched by the President in 2012. It will continue through Veterans Day 2025.