Vietnam Veterans Honored At Southington Retirement Complex

Hartford HealthCare

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Vietnam War-era residents at a retirement housing complex in town recently were honored at a special ceremony commemorating the end of the Vietnam War.

On Wednesday, March 29, Vietnam veterans were recognized for their service during the Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by The Orchards at Southington, which is located on Hobart Street.

Sherri Vogt, veterans’ liaison with the Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, started this initiative in 2019 to celebrate Hartford HealthCare colleagues.

She has, since, expanded the scope with the help of her team and The Orchards at Southington.

“It is my humble honor to welcome home and celebrate Vietnam veterans. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I look forward to serving all of you and ensuring that we won’t forget the sacrifices you made,” she said.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed into law in 2017 by President Donald Trump, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, commemorating the day 50 years ago when the U.S. military ended its action in Vietnam.

James D. Evon, a veteran who served three years in Army Hospital SP5, recognized his brothers, Robert J. Evon, who served as a master gunnery sergeant, and William J. Evon who served as an Air Force chief.

“I served in the Vietnam era for three years, from 1966 to 1969. I am here today to honor my brothers, one who is in Georgia and the other who is no longer with us, and send them a pin,” he said.

Each veteran received a certificate signed by former presidents Barak Obama and Donald Trump and then were presented with a lapel pin designated for Vietnam veterans, as Hartford HealthCare is a Department of Defense commemorative partner.

Those recognized were: Rusty Kimball - Army; Robert Chevrette- Air Force; Walter Belanger- Army; Nick Salerno- Army; Edward Bullock Jr.- Army; Kenneth Benson- Army; Paul Marsen- Navy; Warren Williams - Army; John Greenlaw Jr. – Army; Emory Meyerjack - Army; George Proffit- Army; Peter Hilborn - Army; James D. Evon- Army; Robert J. Evon- Marine; and William J. Evon- Air Force.

Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is a not-for-profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, visit http://hhccenterforhealthyagin... or call 1-877-424-4641.

The Orchards in Southington is a Hartford HealthCare assisted living and retirement facility on 34 Hobard St. in Southington. For more information on The Orchards, click on this link.