At the Veterans Breakfast Club,

Stories Unite Us.

Check out our online & in-person veterans storytelling programs and see our full event schedule below. All are welcome to join us!

The Search for POW/MIAs in Vietnam on VBC Happy Hour @ 7pm ET

Date: December 4, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Zoom, Facebook, YouTube
All Events | Online Events | VBC Happy Hour

Bob Connor’s journey to locate the remains of Vietnamese soldiers from the Vietnam War is a poignant tale of reconciliation, humanity, and the power of individual efforts. Join us on December 4 to talk with Bob about the transformative impact of his mission, as well as the broader context of U.S. veterans collaborating with their former enemies for a shared humanitarian cause.

Bob Connor, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, embarked on an unexpected mission triggered by a seemingly casual Google search. While assisting his granddaughter with a school project, he stumbled upon a photo of Bien Hoa Airport from 1968. In a heartfelt post, he described a mass grave of approximately 150 Vietnamese soldiers who died during the Tet Offensive. This post set off a chain of events that would lead to an unprecedented collaboration between American veterans and their Vietnamese counterparts.

The response came in the form of an email from Che Trung Hieu and Colonel Mai Xuan Chien, seeking Connor’s help to locate the mass grave. Driven by a desire to rectify the past and facilitate reconciliation, Connor returned to Vietnam in March 2016. His meeting with Colonel Chien and the subsequent collaboration with Colonel Martin E. Strones led to the discovery of the mass grave at Bien Hoa Airport, marking a significant breakthrough in the search for missing soldiers.

Colonel Mai Xuan Chien emphasizes the importance of connecting with U.S. veterans and the Department of Defense to obtain information and documents crucial to finding mass graves. The success in locating graves at various sites, including Bien Hoa Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport, and provinces like Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, and Binh Dinh, showcases the positive outcomes of this collaboration.

Bob Connor’s personal dedication to this cause goes beyond a quest for closure; it becomes a symbol of humanity transcending borders and former enmities. The collaboration between American and Vietnamese veterans, driven by a shared goal of repatriating fallen soldiers, not only brings solace to grieving families but also signifies the evolving relationship between the two nations.

In the closing paragraphs, the summary reflects on the profound impact of these efforts, emphasizing the role of individual veterans as catalysts for healing and reconciliation. The reburial ceremony in Vietnam becomes a powerful symbol of closure and a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation between former adversaries.

Bob Connor’s journey, catalyzed by a simple Google search, emerges as a transformative narrative of compassion, understanding, and the pursuit of peace, echoing the sentiments expressed by Spencer Matteson: “To the families of the martyrs, all I can say is I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all the families that lost loved ones (Vietnamese and American), in a war that could have been avoided.”

Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

IN-PERSON Veterans Breakfast Club Beaver, PA, Seven Oaks Country Club I Wednesday, December 6 @ 8:30am

Date: December 6, 2023
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Location: Seven Oaks Country Club (132 Lisbon Rd, Beaver, 15009)
All Events | In-Person Events

Come to our live, in-person breakfast in Beaver, PA. We’ll have 6th grade students from a nearby elementary school in attendance, asking the veterans questions and getting an education from those who’ve served from WWII to the present.

On the left is Mason Holbrook, who served in the Army in Iraq.  In the center is Warren Goss, who landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944 and fought his way through Germany. On the right is Lt. Col. (Ret) Adam Points, who, among other things, commanded the Hanoi, Vietnam, Detachment of the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, searching for, identifying, and recovering Americans remains from the Vietnam War.

These are some of the people you’ll meet and the stories you’ll hear!

We meet at Seven Oaks Country Club (132 Lisbon Rd, Beaver, 15009). You’ll walk in, pick up your name badge, pay $15 if you plan to eat (no cost for those who don’t), and meet others who are there to hear and share the stories. Breakfast is served at 8:30am. At 9:00am, we start the program. For the next 90 minutes, we circulate the room with the microphone and have veterans share a slice of their service experience. You never know what you’re going to hear, and there’s always new people with new memories to offer.

RSVP by calling 412-623-9029 or emailing betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org. Please make sure to RSVP for events at least two days in advance. We understand that your schedule can change quickly, but advance notice of attendance always helps us and our venues prepare the program. Thank you!

Thank you to our Event Sponsors, Advocate Health Advisors, Beaver Financial Group, and St. Barnabas Health System

 

 

 

Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division on VBC Happy Hour @ 7pm ET

Date: December 11, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Zoom, Facebook, YouTube
All Events | Online Events | VBC Happy Hour

Arthur Wiknik Jr. joins us to talk about his Vietnam tour as captured in his masterful book, Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.

Nam Sense provides a gripping and personal account of his experiences during the Vietnam War as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. With vivid detail, Wiknik shares the challenges, horrors, and moments of camaraderie that defined his tour of duty, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the life of a soldier in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

The narrative unfolds with Wiknik’s arrival in Vietnam in 1969, a time when the conflict was escalating. As a member of the 101st Airborne Division, known for its mobility and readiness for rapid deployment, Wiknik found himself in the thick of the war. The author takes readers through the day-to-day life of a soldier in the jungle, detailing the physical and mental toll of navigating the harsh terrain, dealing with the ever-present threat of enemy ambushes, and grappling with the intense emotional strain of combat.

As the 101st Airborne Division engaged in fierce battles, the author provides a firsthand perspective on the brutality of war, the loss of comrades, and the overwhelming sense of fear that permeated the jungles of Vietnam.

One of the notable aspects of “Nam Sense” is Wiknik’s honest portrayal of the psychological impact of war on soldiers. He delves into the coping mechanisms developed by soldiers to navigate the constant stress and the coping mechanisms developed by soldiers to navigate the constant stress and uncertainty, shedding light on the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The author recounts his own struggles with reconciling the wartime experiences with civilian life upon returning home, offering a poignant reflection on the lasting effects of war on the human psyche.

Throughout the narrative, Wiknik highlights the camaraderie among soldiers, emphasizing the bonds forged under the most challenging circumstances. He shares anecdotes of humor and resilience, illustrating how soldiers managed to find moments of levity amid the grim realities of war. These stories serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who served and the unique brotherhood that developed among them.

The book also touches on the controversial aspects of the Vietnam War, including the sentiments of the soldiers toward the anti-war movement back home and the challenges faced by returning veterans in adjusting to a society divided over the conflict. Wiknik provides insights into the complexities of being a soldier in a war that was becoming increasingly unpopular, shedding light on the internal conflicts faced by those who served.

The book is rich in detail, transporting readers to the humid jungles of Vietnam and immersing them in the harrowing experiences of war. The inclusion of personal photographs further enhances the authenticity of the account, allowing readers to connect with the individuals and events described in the book.

Thank you to Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

SPECIAL EVENT: Legendary Undersea Explorer and Submarine Veteran Robert Ballard

Date: December 14, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Zoom, Facebook, YouTube
All Events | Greatest Generation Live | Online Events | VBC Happy Hour

Legendary undersea explorer and archeologist Robert Ballard joins us for a special event hosted by Glenn Flickinger.

Ballard’s groundbreaking work has transformed our understanding of the world beneath the waves. Throughout his illustrious career, Ballard has been a pioneer in deep-sea exploration, making significant contributions to marine science, archaeology, and technology.

Ballard’s journey into the underwater world began during his tenure in the United States Navy. Commissioned as an officer in 1965, he served as a commander in the U.S. Navy’s submarine service. His military background provided the foundation for his later career as an explorer of the ocean depths. Ballard’s passion for exploration, combined with his scientific curiosity, led him to pursue a doctorate in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Rhode Island.

One of Ballard’s most notable achievements is the discovery of the wreckage of the RMS Titanic in 1985. In collaboration with the French oceanographic institute IFREMER, Ballard used advanced deep-sea submersibles to locate the iconic shipwreck nearly 12,500 feet below the surface of the North Atlantic. This discovery captivated the world and marked a turning point in the field of deep-sea exploration. Ballard’s innovative use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and manned submersibles set a new standard for underwater archaeology.

Beyond the Titanic, Ballard has been involved in numerous other significant discoveries. In 1977, he participated in the exploration of the Galápagos Rift, where hydrothermal vents and unique ecosystems were found. These vents, teeming with life previously unknown to science, revolutionized our understanding of the potential for life in extreme environments. Ballard’s work in the Galápagos Rift laid the groundwork for subsequent studies on deep-sea biology and ecology.

In the 1980s, Ballard turned his attention to the Mediterranean, where he made another groundbreaking discovery – the well-preserved remains of ancient shipwrecks. Using his deep-sea exploration tools, Ballard and his team uncovered a wealth of archaeological treasures, including vessels dating back to the Roman Empire. These findings provided valuable insights into ancient seafaring practices and maritime trade routes.

In 2002, Ballard discovered in the Pacific Ocean PT-109, the patrol torpedo boat commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy during World War II.

On the night of August 2, 1943, during a moonless night in the Blackett Strait in the Solomon Islands, PT-109 was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer, the Amagiri. Kennedy and his crew faced a harrowing ordeal, with two crew members losing their lives. Kennedy’s leadership and heroic efforts to save his surviving crew earned him acclaim and played a role in shaping his political career.

Armed with advanced sonar technology, ROVs, and historical records and eyewitness accounts of the incident, Ballard and his team scoured the waters of the Blackett Strait.

After days of meticulous searching, they successfully identified and documented the remains of PT-109 on the ocean floor. The discovery marked the culmination of a concerted effort to piece together the puzzle of the boat’s final resting place. The images and data captured by Ballard’s expedition not only confirmed the location of PT-109 but also provided valuable insights into the condition of the sunken vessel.

Join us for this special event with a great American Navy veteran!

IN-PERSON Veterans Breakfast Club in Bethel Park, PA – Christ United Methodist Church | December 16 @ 8:30am ET

Date: December 16, 2023
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Location: Christ United Methodist Church (44 Highland Rd, Bethel Park 15102)
All Events | In-Person Events

 

Santa Claus promises to send our in-person programs off for the year at our last breakfast of 2023 on Saturday, December 16. We’ll have 6th graders from Jefferson Middle School joining us, as well as veterans, neighbors, and family members from throughout the South Hills.

Our breakfast location in Bethel Park, PA, is our largest, where the group can reach over 250 people. Our veteran attendees range from WWII and Korean War through the Post-9/11 era. The program is fast-moving and wide-ranging with lots of participation. Everyone is welcome to join us.

We meet at Christ United Methodist Church (44 Highland Rd, Bethel Park 15102) in a large hall that also serves as a gym. We show photos of veterans on the three screens at the front and interact with as many veterans as we can. You’ll walk in, pick up your name badge, pay $15 if you plan to eat (no cost for those who don’t), and meet others who are there to hear and share the stories. Breakfast is served at 8:30am. At 9:00am, we start the program. For the next 90 minutes, veterans share slices of their service experience. You never know what you’re going to hear, and there’s always new people with new memories to offer.

RSVP by calling 412-623-9029 or emailing betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org. Please make sure to RSVP for events at least two days in advance. We understand that your schedule can change quickly, but advance notice of attendance always helps us and our venues prepare the program. Thank you!

Thank you to our event sponsor John F. Slater Funeral Home and Country Meadows!

 

 

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