The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 670 will host a three-day Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Luncheon to honor those who served in the Vietnam War from March 27 to March 29. This event commemorates the 50th Anniversary of American combat troops withdrawing from Vietnam on March 30, 1973, a significant moment in U.S. history that resonates deeply with veterans and their families. The event will be held at VFW Post 670 on Doc Bennett Road and is open to all Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families, regardless of their VFW membership status.
Amelia Smith is VFW Post 670 quartermaster and the point of contact for the event. Smith, whose father served in Vietnam, shared her connection to the event.
"I can remember the bitterness my father sometimes expressed about the treatment that he and others in his community received upon their return from Vietnam. This event is so important to everyone at VFW Post 670 and me. It's about giving our Vietnam veterans the recognition they deserved all along,” she said.
To make this event as impactful as possible, Smith and Ann Provencher from the Cumberland County Veterans Council have worked hard to expand the traditional luncheon into a multi-day celebration.
This year's event also honors the 125th Anniversary of the VFW, marking a special milestone for the organization.
"We are hoping that by holding a three-day event, we can get as many Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families as possible to attend at least one of our activities," Smith explained.
With this extended Celebration, VFW Post 670 seeks to provide veterans the recognition they earned and perhaps missed in previous years.
"It's time to make sure these veterans and their families know they are appreciated," Smith added.
The event will feature a variety of activities, beginning on March 27 at 11 a.m. with a ceremony to recognize the 38 North Carolina service members who are still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. A BBQ buffet will follow the ceremony, with all attendees invited to partake at no charge.
"This is just one way we can honor the men and women who have been missing and unaccounted for," said Smith. "We are so grateful for the opportunity to host this event, and we hope that as many people as possible will come out to show their support."
On March 28, the day will begin at 8 a.m. with a grab-and-go breakfast social, allowing veterans and families to connect before the next event. At 11 a.m., the luncheon will feature Tracy Smith Mathis, author of Pennies from Vietnam, A Sister at Home, A Brother at War. Mathis will speak about her brother, a Vietnam veteran who passed away, and her journey in writing the book as a tribute to him. The day will also feature a pasta and salad bar buffet. Later that evening, VFW Post 670 will host a lively social event featuring a DJ, with a special offer for Vietnam veterans and Gold Star family members: they can eat for free, while others will pay regular menu prices.
"It's important to have fun, too," said Smith. "This is a celebration of their service, and we want to honor them in every way possible."
The event's final day, March 29, will offer a catered dinner dance featuring live music from The Guy Unger Band. A highlight of the evening will be a speech by Vietnam veteran and author John Montalbano, who will share stories from his time in Vietnam. Montalbano's book, Bullets in My Bottom Drawer, focuses on the lighter side of his tour, offering a different perspective on the Vietnam War.
"John's stories are full of humor, and we're excited to have him with us for the final night of the celebration," Smith explained. "It's going to be an evening of great food, dancing, and, most importantly, fellowship with those who understand the true meaning of sacrifice."
In addition to the planned activities, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Unit will be present for all three days of the event. The unit will give visitors a chance to learn more about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, showcasing the personal toll of military service and its impact on the nation. Smith expressed her gratitude to the team at Wreaths Across America for coordinating the unit's participation in the event.
"It's a privilege to have them with us," she said. "This is an opportunity for our community to learn about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today."
Smith emphasized the importance of spreading the word about the event to ensure that as many Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families as possible can attend. "You don't have to be a VFW member, live in Cumberland County, or even be a resident of North Carolina," she said. "This event is open to all Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families, and we want to ensure they know they are welcome."
Smith encouraged everyone to participate in the Celebration, which she hopes will be a moment of healing and remembrance for those who served.
For more information or to RSVP, call or text 910-709-8306, email 670vfw@gmail.com, or stop by VFW Post 670 to let the bartender know your name and that you want to RSVP for the event.
For more information about VFW Post 670 membership and events, visit https://vfw670.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?nid=1.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military members from the active, Guard, and Reserve forces. Three qualifiers for membership in the VFW are set out in the National Bylaws. An individual must meet all three to become a member:
1. Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
2. Must have served honorably 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 hostile waters. Any of the following can prove this:
• An authorized campaign medal
• 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 a veteran's DD-214 is incomplete, they can contact the National Personnel Records Center online or at 314.801.0800 to request more information.

(Photo courtesy of VFW Post 670)