Heroes Welcome on September 21st Celebrates Local Vietnam Veterans
In these challenging times of political division, one thing that unites us is our recognition and respect for veterans. On September 21, 2024, Alamogordo will honor three Vietnam War-era veterans with a special “Hero’s Welcome” event.
Honoring Vietnam Veterans
American soldiers returning from the Vietnam War often faced scorn as the conflict grew increasingly unpopular. Many of these soldiers were drafted and had no choice but to serve. They deserved a warm welcome home, and now Alamogordo is preparing to give them just that.
Save the date: September 21st, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The event, hosted by the Patriot Guard Riders, the US Veterans Motorcycle Club (Trinity Chapter), and Honor Flight, will take place at the Alamogordo Fairgrounds.
The public is encouraged to attend and join AlamogordoTownNews.com and KRAZY KALHRadio.org in welcoming home these three local Vietnam veterans from their Honor Flight. Let’s show our appreciation with a crowd waving flags and carrying signs in support of our returning heroes.
A Hero’s Journey
The Honor Flight will transport the veterans from Las Cruces, with a flight departing from El Paso to Washington, D.C. During their visit, they will tour significant sites, including Arlington National Cemetery and the war memorials dedicated to honoring their service.
When they return, they will be greeted at El Paso airport with a hero’s welcome and escorted back to Alamogordo. The escort will be led by Texas State Police, El Paso Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Patriot Guard Riders, and the US Veterans Motorcycle Club. As they enter Alamogordo, the local police department will take over the escort, leading them down White Sands Boulevard to the fairgrounds for a meet-and-greet celebration.
Honor Flight: A Mission of Gratitude
Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico and El Paso transports World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. This journey offers veterans closure, healing, and the recognition they deserve. The trip is provided at no cost to the veterans. To learn more about Honor Flight, visit https://www.honorflightnm.org/.
Honorees
The event will honor three veterans who served during the Vietnam War era:
- Joseph Green served in the US Marine Corps, US Navy Reserve, and US Air Force Reserve. He worked as an aviation technician and military police officer during his time in the Marines. In the Navy Reserve, he became a photographer, documenting crashes and other significant events. Later, in the Air Force Reserve, he worked as a civil engineer and generator maintainer. He retired on February 1, 1995, after a long and diverse career.
- Floyd Stringer, a native of Alamogordo, served in the US Army as a helicopter crew chief and gunner on UH-1 helicopters. He was shot down twice in five days during the Vietnam War, with the second incident resulting in 23 months of recovery at the Old Army Hospital, William Bowmont, at Fort Bliss. Floyd now enjoys drag racing with his family in his retirement.
- Susan Stringer served as a medical nurse in the US Army during the Vietnam War era. After her training in Alabama and Sam Houston, she was stationed at Fort Bliss, administering vaccines to new recruits and working in the officers’ ward. Susan later worked at Holloman Air Force Base, helping airmen and their families with emergency aid services.
Show Your Support
Join the community at the Alamogordo Fairgrounds on September 21st at 7:30 PM to give these veterans the hero’s welcome they deserve. Let’s make this a memorable event with a large crowd to honor their service and sacrifice.
