Written by Barb Smith

We met Oberlin, Ohio, resident Barb Smith last year at our storytelling events in Youngstown, Ohio, and she has since joined us on Zoom and in Pittsburgh. Blessed with a beautiful voice and magnetic personality, Barb and her Navy veteran husband Bob have devoted themselves to the veteran community. Barb wrote the following review of the Veterans Breakfast Club’s Vietnam Veteran Day event in Pittsburgh on March 29, for The DD-214 Chronicle newspaper, which we thank for the courtesy of reprinting.

To all veterans, active duty, and civilians!

I’d like to introduce you to an organization which shares your interest in military history, the Veterans Breakfast Club (veterandsbreakfastclub.org,).

Todd DePastino, director of the non-profit since its inception in Pittsburgh 17 years ago feels that the best way to thank a veteran is to listen, and Todd and his dedicated staff do so by hosting both in-person and online events, such as interviewing veterans during scheduled breakfasts, and via online ZOOM events.

Please join me on Mondays and Thursdays, from 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm connecting with veterans, adult children of war heroes, authors, historians and civilians who share your passion for history, all without leaving your home.

If you’re new to ZOOM, please contact me, Barb Smith @ ussfdr82@gmail.com for assistance navigating through your first upcoming Veterans Breakfast Club online ZOOM event. You may remain anonymous, or click the video icon to share your image during the event.

The VBC hosted a special in-person event at the Senator John Heinz History Center Pittsburgh, PA, on March 29, 2025:

Vietnam Veterans Day 50th Anniversary Commemoration

A friend from Lorain County, Ohio, Vietnam Veteran told me that he was so moved by the story in the 1983 film, Uncommon Valor, that he wishes the song, “Brothers in the Night,” would be played at each Vietnam Veterans event. ‘I’ll let you know,” I told him.

450 attended, 90 of which were Vietnam veterans who served on active duty from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location were recognized with a handshake, commemorative pin and a special 64-page Limited Edition Commemorative Book with VBC Vietnam stories and history, written by Todd DePastino. Todd, a civilian, who has taught Vietnam history to students of all ages, and has conducted three tours throughout Vietnam brings the Vietnam War to life. I’ll be donating copies of this must-read to local public libraries.

The remarks from dignitaries were impactful including:

Rose Gantner, A Donut Dolly, aka Chopper Chick who gave aid and comfort to the troops including a shave!

View her heartwarming story on the VBC website.

Dr. Bill Silver- Vietnam CAP (Combined Action Platoons) Marine- “Any other CAPs out there? I’m not surprised !

Only 5000 of US marines who served in CAP.

I was in a mobile camp deep out of marine amphibious forces.

Outside my hooch a young 12-year-old boy kept going around with an ox separating the rice from the chaff. He kept watching a box of c-rations. He stole a box and hid it under the rice. I grabbed the boy and shook him. I had anger. I had to leave. This isn’t me. I took a walk and met a missionary family. That changed me. I promised to give my life to God. I walked back to my hooch and gave the boy another box of c-rations. I love the Vietnamese people!

I started a ministry 56 years ago.

Whatever life throws at you there’s always hope. Never give up!”

Linh Nguyen.

For all the veterans. They are the true heroes. They have made a difference for our family. I was lucky to survive our flight over here.

Linh later spoke with me at length.

My birth name is Nguyen Thi Mong Linh.

In Vietnam we put our last name first on legal documents.

I am #3 of eight children, and the last born outside Saigon, Vietnam, in May, 1974.

I was one and half years old when my parents came to America. I have seven siblings. If not for the brave American soldiers, we would not have a life here. The American dream is also possible with help from the community.

My dad was in the military. My mom had a feeling that the war wasn’t looking good. She got dad a leave of absence and told his C.O. that his father was dying. We went onto our grandfather’s fishing boat with about 70 people and fled the country. A U.S. naval ship picked us up in the middle of the ocean.

Because my mom was eating and I was still being nursed, I was very ill. When we got to the Philippines, they wanted to take me to the “mainland” (U.S). because they didn’t have the medical supplies for an infant. Mom wouldn’t just let them send me to the USA. She feared she would never find me. So, she prayed and kept the family together. By the blessing of God, I started to get healthier. After a week, we were sent to Guam. We stayed there for about one month waiting for the USA to take refugees.

From there we ended (up) coming to Indiantown Gap, PA. It was once an Army base that was transformed to a refugee camp. Our official documents were dated Sept. 13, 1975.

We got sponsored by a family in Pittsburgh. I believe the sponsorship began in Indiantown Gap. Robert and Ruth Slinskey were our sponsor family, our “American Grandparents.” Mom has a picture of us with the bishop when we first met the Slinskeys. Nuong was 7 years, Van was 3 years and I was a little over a year. Resurrection Parish in Brookline helped us assimilate to the American culture. Mom worked in restaurants doing dishes when Johnny started kindergarten. Then eventually in 2000-2015, she had her own restaurant, Mekong Restaurant in Dormont, PA. Dad was a fish cutter for Wholey’s, a big fish market in Pittsburgh.

Mom and dad now have 8 children, 21 grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons.

All eight children have careers and families.

I wanted to join the military when I was 18, but mom didn’t let me because of the war. I am a union carpenter, local #423. I am also an honorary member of VVI (Vietnam Veterans, Inc.) I love ice hockey and the Penguins. I started playing ice hockey in 2000, where I met my husband. I got my dream wedding! We had our first dance on the ice! I have three children, Bradon, 19, Xuan 17, and Corbin, 9. I’m not your “typical” Asian female!

My parents achieved the American Dream. She owned a successful restaurant for 15 years and they have their own home.

I tell her how proud I am of her. She is my hero, raised a family from nothing!

Kindness and love always prevail!

For eight months in 1975, Fort Indiantown Gap housed more than 20,000 Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees. (https://www.pennlive.com/life/2017/04/fortindiantown_gap_after_the.html)