from staff
Fourth-Congressional District Vietnam-era veterans will receive certificates of Special Recognition from U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw in a Nov. 10 ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The application deadline to receive the honor is Oct. 13.
“Vietnam veterans served our country with distinction during one of our most tumultuous times as a nation,” said Crenshaw. “They answered the call of duty, but when they returned home many did not receive the recognition they properly deserved. These brave individuals helped fight for freedom and democracy at a time when their country needed them, and this ceremony will help show our appreciation.”
In the past two years, Crenshaw has recognized nearly 500 Vietnam veterans eligible for either the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal. This year’s ceremony will recognize the contributions of all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines, during the dates of the Vietnam War, March 1, 1961–April 1975. Armed Forces members who qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal by service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965 will also be recognized. Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps members serving in Southeast Asia during the periods above are also eligible for special recognition.
If you are a Vietnam War-era veteran, live in the 4th Congressional District, and would like to participate, please contact Congressman Crenshaw’s district offices in Jacksonville at 598-0481 or Lake City (386-365-3316) or call toll free 888-755-5607 if you live in the 850 area code. You may also go to his Web site at www.Crenshaw.house.gov to obtain an application.
Click on Constituent Services, then Special Events & Notices, and lastly on the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony to download the press release and application. Completed applications and documentation should be mailed to 1061 Riverside Ave., Suite 100, Jacksonville, Fla. 32204.
To determine eligibility for the certificate, veterans must complete an application and submit a copy of their service discharge document or proof of service in the Diplomatic Corps or Merchant Marines. Veterans must be alive and a current resident of the 4th Congressional District of Florida to participate in this program.