Vietnam-era veterans and their guest enjoy a chicken and roast beef dinner at the American Legion post.

 

Smithfield (Va.) Post 49 conducts Vietnam veteran recognition dinner

Smithfield , VA

On March 23, 2025, Smithfield Dashiell-Barlow American Legion Post 49 recognized the service and sacrifices of 28 local veterans who served during the Vietnam conflict with dinner and a program at the Post. Sixty-two attendees, the veterans plus family members and Legionnaires from Post 49 were entertained by the Smithfield High School Chorus conducted by Kathryn West. Sen. Emily Brewer thanked the veterans for their service and assisted Post Chaplain Charlie More present service lapel pins to 12 veterans. The guest speaker, SFC Jake Mrzena, U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant of the Year, thanked the veterans on behalf of those currently serving and acknowledged the country’s indebtedness to them. Many of the veterans attending volunteered, during a sharing time, to discuss their service and experience during the period of the Vietnam War. The dinner was catered by Cockeyed Rooster Restaurant of Smithfield; dessert provided and served by the Colonel Willian Allen chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Towne Bank provided financial support for the event.


Virginia Post 49 Commander Jerry Starling, right and 2nd Vice Commander Ron Fravel, left, thank the ladies of the DAR for providing dessert. Towne Bank's banner is shown as a prime fund-provider.

The Virginia Post 49 chaplain welcomes home eight Vietnam-era veterans and presents them with lapel pins, assisted by State Sen. Emily Jordan and Post Media Officer Thomas Mastaglio.
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