BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley Space Force Base leadership participated in a Vietnam veterans pinning ceremony at the local Chapter 3 of the Retired Enlisted Association in Aurora, Colorado, on September 4, 2024.
This ceremony, a significant part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a program authorized by Congress, established under the Secretary of Defense, and initiated by President Barack Obama in 2012, was a momentous occasion.
The event began with welcoming remarks from former U.S. Army Ranger Rep. Jason Crow, who represents Colorado's 6th Congressional District.
"Vietnam veterans did not initially get the homecoming that they deserved, but their service was not forgotten," said Rep. Crow. "This pinning ceremony was a recognition of their bravery and sacrifice and thanks from the American people. To the Vietnam veterans who joined us: Welcome home."
Colonel Heidi Dexter, Space Base Delta 2 commander, then addressed the gathering, stating, "On behalf of the joint service men and women of Buckley Space Force Base, we thank you, and those who could not be in attendance today, for your dedicated service to our nation. This morning's event is to honor you with the recognition that you deserve. I thank each one of you and your families for your honorable sacrifices to this nation."
During the Vietnam War, more than 124,000 individuals from Colorado served. Among them was the 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, stationed at Buckley Air National Guard Base. This squadron was the first Air National Guard unit to be mobilized for combat as a unit and continues to operate as the 120th Fighter Squadron under the 140th Wing from Buckley Space Force Base.
Following the speeches, Chief Master Sergeant Marlene Locks, senior enlisted leader of Space Base Delta 2, invited veterans to receive their commemorative lapel pins from Congressman Crow and certificates of congressional recognition from Colonel Dexter.
Retired U.S. Air Force veteran Artemis Bowens remarked, "It was a very good ceremony. I went to Vietnam in May of 1970 and returned in 1971. The welcome home we got wasn't very good, and it feels really special to receive recognition like this today."
The presidential proclamation will continue through Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, marking over 13 years of honoring our Vietnam veterans. Buckley Space Force Base remains steadfast in honoring every local veteran and their service to this nation.