Carson City remembers Vietnam veterans

Carson City’ Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 388 conducted its annual ceremony at Mills Park Saturday to remember the 151 Nevadans who were killed in Southeast Asia.

This year’s remembrance coincides with the 50th anniversary when United States combat troops left Vietnam in 1973 at the same time the North Vietnamese were releasing prisoners of war. The two-decade war didn’t officially end until April 30, 1975, with the fall of Saigon.

Chapter President Tom Spencer said it’s important to remember those who lost their lives as a result of the war.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 honors Vietnam veterans with a day of recognition. Although the official date is March 29, the two major Vietnam groups in Northern Nevada honored their fallen comrades on Saturday.

Approximately 58,220 American soldiers were killed, more than 150,000 were wounded and at least 21,000 were permanently disabled. Two VVA 388 members and a volunteer read the names of 151 Nevadans who were killed. As the names were read, attendees also learned of each community’s losses of men and women who died in the 1960s and 70s.

Once the names were read, taps was played.

Tony Argento, known as the cowboy poet, volunteered to read names. He said the annual ceremony is important to remember the fallen men and women.

“It reflects on who we are and what we sacrificed,” said Argento, who’s an associate member. “When those names were given today, we reflect on their sacrifices.”

With each passing veteran, though, Argento said society is also losing the history.

“When they go, the history goes with them,” Argento said.

The fallen Nevada Vietnam veterans include seven Carson City residents: Sgt. Daniel L. Ackerman, Petty Officer 3 Michael A. Bodamer, Cpl. David. L. Collins, Spec. 4 Danny L. Smothers, Lance Cpl. Keith D. Taylor, Cmdr. Frederick H. Whittemore and Cpl. James R. Willis.

Fallon residents include Spec. 4 Mahlon R. Arnett, Pfc. Michael D. Blea, Sgt. 1st Class Billy D. Hill, Spec. 4 Willard V. Johnson, Spec. 4 Fredrick E. Larsen, Capt. Eddie Molino, Jr., Spec. 4 Ronald R. Rodrigues and Spec. 5 William R. Rogne. Other area veterans include Cpl. Dale Eugene Hutchins, Douglas County, and Sgt. Danny Gerald Studdard, Virginia City.