Monday, January 27th will commemorate the end of one of the most devastating conflicts in United States History
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (www.dvnf.org), a nonprofit veterans service organization that focuses on helping men and women who serve and return home wounded or sick after defending our safety and our freedom, is reflecting upon the importance of the coming anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. January 27th will mark the 41st year since the war came to an official end.
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However, DVNF recognizes that even though the Paris Peace Accords may have ended the Vietnam War, veterans of the conflict are still struggling today. This fact is one that many of DVNF's board members hold near, as their service in Vietnam resulted in lifelong pursuits of helping their fellow veterans.
More than 58,000 United States service members paid the ultimate price in the conflict, but many of the ones who made it back were met with disdain and anger from those back home.
Of the more than 3 million troops sent to Vietnam, half of those fought in combat, 150,000 were wounded, and more than 21,000 were left permanently disabled.
Perhaps the most alarming figure to DVNF CEO, Joseph VanFonda (Sgt. Maj. Ret.), is the estimated number of veterans suffering from symptoms of PTSD.
"Over 800,000 Americans suffered—and continue to suffer—from symptoms of PTSD," said VanFonda. "Though it was not recognized at that time, it is so important that we continue reaching out to these men and women who have agonized so greatly."
DVNF is urging any Vietnam veterans who are still in need of help of any sort to visit their local VA office for medical or non-medical assistance.
For more, go to www.dvnf.org.
Media Contact:
Doug Walker, Communications Director, 202-737-0522, Email