In early July 2010, First Strike’s Vietnam Veterans gathered for a reunion on the hallow grounds of STRIKE Field at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Taps softy echoed from the bugle, sending chills up their spines as they proudly stood and rendered salute in respect and honor to their comrades, who lost their lives or still missing in Vietnam. Most people look forward to a reunion because it is a time to reconnect with friends and to show accomplishments; both professional and personal. But this very reunion is different. They were there to remember what and who they have lost since their last “Rendezvous With Destiny.” Some came in wheel chairs and others with Seeing-eye dogs, but most importantly, everyone came with a sense of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These are the values that brought the former Screaming Eagles back to their nests at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in the summer of 2010 to check on the welfare of the young Soldiers, and to share the stories of their comrades. It was a memorial to honor the fallen Talons of the Vietnam era (1967-1972); the ones who could not be present because they made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and for the freedom of all. They answered America’s call and did so without reservations. Their names are scripted into a strong, shinny marble stone, adorned with various unit’s symbols and insignia. The monument is a reminder to all that there is always a time in our history when each generation is called upon to defend our freedom.

       Malcolm Craig (Left) renders a salute from his wheelchair as the National Anthem played.                              CPT (Ret) Mike Donovan (right) presents a Silver Star Medal to the family of PVT John Martin.
                                                                                                                                                                       Mike Donovan was PVT Martin’s Platoon Leader in Vietnam.

The Talons are a band of brave men and women from all walks of life. They thrive in excellence, hard work, and dedication. Some people may be Asking, “Why tell the story of these brave men and women of now?” The reason is because the Vietnam Veterans of the Talon family continue to serve our country; many years after returning from the battlefields. They visit their former units regularly, mentor Soldiers, and stay actively engaged in numerous community services all across the United States. The former Talons check in with us in Afghanistan through letters, emails, and phone calls. They send care packages to Soldiers deployed in combat. The Vietnam Veterans of the 101st Airborne Division Chapter continue to serve because they understand the mission, they are devoted, and they share a true bond with each other; the bond that got them through difficult times as they ploughed through the rough terrains of Vietnam. For people like; COL (Retired) Les Carter, Bill Lux, Wallace “Wally” Morrow, Rodney Green, John Hay, MAJ (Retired) Jack Justice, Wayne Dugger, Tom Bar-ret, CPT (Retired) Mike Donovan, MAJ (Retired) Harlie R. Treat, and every American who honorably served or continue to serve with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), “It is rewarding to serve.” These great heroes provide more than friendly well wishes, they motivate and inspire us to do even better. They are the reference point for the young Soldiers who stand guard in the desert of Kandahar, Afghanistan; knowing that as Talon Veterans served heroically in every war from WWII to OIF, so will he with the strength, determination, and agility of the eagle in support of OEF (10-11). Most importantly, he knows that the Veterans will always be proud to see that their legacy carries on from one generation of the Screaming Eagles to another.