Question:
Recently an individual stated to me that I am not a Vietnam Veteran because I was never in country in Vietnam. This was very offensive to me. I have always considered my self a Vietnam veteran. I served with the 3BN11thREG1stMARDIV from 1970 to 1971. I was in the homecoming parade with the 1STMARDIV on base. Could you please clarify the deference between a "Vietnam Veteran" and a "Vietnam Era Veteran" What in Federal Law defines this issue?
Jim's Reply:
The Vietnam Veterans of America group recognize, welcome and label anyone who served during the Vietnam era as a Vietnam veteran. Groups like VFW won't accept us since we didn't serve in a combat zone where most who were in country were subjected to the hazards of war. Like you, I served in Germany during the Vietnam era and I've always called myself a Vietnam era veteran. The government doesn't make any particular distinctions like that but there are differences in what sort of benefits you may receive. I differentiate between my relatively peaceful service to those who served in combat by being sure that nobody would suspect me of "stolen valor" for acting as if I had done something more heroic than what I did. I'm proud of my service but I respect those who earned the combat ribbons by setting myself apart from them