Not too keen to join a combat unit, John Metzger of Metropolis, Illinois jumped at the opportunity to become a chaplain’s assistant after enlisting in the Army in 1969 and being sent to Quy Nhơn, Vietnam. After serving his time, he graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Ph.D. in history.

Bill Martin of North Pekin, Illinois joined the Army in 1965 and served in Quy Nhơn, Vietnam for 18 months as a forward observer for artillery units where he coordinated communications for firing rounds and adjusted coordinates for the soldiers. Ever since returning from the war, Martin has been involved in several organizations that aid and celebrate American war veterans.