FORT HOOD, TX — Many Americans enjoy a good welcome home ceremony, however for many Vietnam veterans, coming home wasn’t all cheers and happy tears.
"Came back. It was just you're on your own. That's it," said Vietnam veteran Ernest Montemayor.
Regardless of what branch they served in, all veterans who served during the Vietnam War from 1955 to 1975 were invited to the the Fort Hood Clear Creek Exchange to receive commemorative Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins.
"And now we're getting a little bit of recognition we never had before. I rode in my first parade last, the year before last. It felt like I was welcomed home then," said Montemayor.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been a Commemorative Partner with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration since 2013.
Representatives from the Fort Hood Clear Creek Exchange said if any veteran missed the ceremony this year they will do it again in 2020 and continue the ceremonies until 2025.
