The VFW 670’s Vietnam Veterans Lunch will be a celebration and remembrance of the men and women who fought and gave their lives in the Vietnam War. On March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Rodolfo P. Hernandez VFW Post 670 is hosting its annual Vietnam war veterans’ lunch.

Event organizer and Post Quartermaster Amelia Smith welcomes the community to come out in support of local Vietnam veterans and show them the care and appreciation they deserve. The luncheon is open to the public, but it is advised to reserve a spot in advance to ensure everyone can be accommodated. Smith eagerly requests female veterans or their families to come out and share their stories and experiences with their fellow servicemembers and the community.

“I do like to focus on the women because I don’t think enough female veterans get recognized. Every time we think of the Vietnam War, we think of men, which is understandable. But there were a lot of women there that played their roles and supported the men,” said Smith.

Also planned is a ceremony performed by the Fort Liberty Honor Guard to pay respects to the veterans of foreign wars and those still serving. Fayetteville Sound will be singing the national anthem, and the North Carolina Rolling Thunder’s first chapter will be performing a recognition ceremony for those lost and missing in action.

Smith went on to talk about some of the speakers they had coming this year.
“This year, we’ve got a retired, female, Native American captain that will be out here speaking. We have a couple of other ladies from the Vietnam Veterans of America Organization coming out as well.”

Up & Coming Weekly encourages the community to come out to support our Vietnam veterans and their local VFW post. For more information on the event and to RSVP, please reach out to Amelia Smith at 910-709-8306. To get involved with your local Veterans of Foreign Wars post please visit the VFW Post 670’s website at https://vfw670.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp . To join your local VFW online, visit https://vfw670.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=72054 . Membership requirements are listed below.

There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in the National Bylaws. An individual must meet all three to become a member. They are as follows:

1. Citizenship – must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.

2. Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.

3. Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:

• An authorized campaign medal (see a full list of qualifying medals and badges)

• Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)

• Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214. If other information is needed or if a veteran’s DD-214 is not complete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314-801-0800 to request more information.