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| Chapter member LTC. (Retired) Chuck Kettles receved the Medal of Honor - July 2016 |
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LTC Charles S. Kettles (ret) Passed Away On January 21, 2019. Rest In Peace My Friend, Rest In Peace.......
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Press Release: Dingell, Peters, Stabenow Announce Enactment of Bill to Rename Ann Arbor VA Facility After Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles
Lt. Colonel Kettles Received Medal of Honor in 2016 for Heroic Service During Vietnam War
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced that President Donald Trump signed their legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Ann Arbor after Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles. Lieutenant Colonel Kettles, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti who passed away in January of 2019, served in the Vietnam War as an Army helicopter commander and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2016 for leading a rescue operation that saved 44 soldiers. The lawmakers’ legislation passed the House of Representatives in October and the United States Senate earlier this month. “LTC Charles Kettles never asked for recognition or sought the spotlight for his selfless service and courage. But by engraving his name above the Ann Arbor VAMC, we will ensure his story is told for generations and his legacy cherished by all who seek care within those walls,” said Congresswoman Dingell. "He was a hero, a mentor, and a friend, and I will forever be grateful for the time I was able to share with him" In May of 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Kettles led three rescue flights into enemy territory to deliver supplies, reinforcements and to evacuate wounded airborne soldiers who had been ambushed by Northern Vietnamese forces. After Kettles was informed during the middle of his final flight that eight soldiers remained on the ground, he immediately returned without any support to rescue the remaining men. All told, his actions saved the lives of 40 soldiers and 4 crewmembers from the 176th Aviation Company. In 2015, Dingell led legislation to waive time limitations that deemed Lieutenant Colonel Kettles ineligible for consideration of the Medal of Honor. Finally, after the bill was enacted, President Obama awarded Kettles the Medal of Honor on July 18, 2016, nearly 50 years after his heroic actions.
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Our own LTC Charles Kettles, whose name our chapter proudly bears, will be honored again. The Ann Arbor VA has changed its name to the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center. The formal ceremony will take place on the hospital grounds on Friday June 18th at 1300hrs. VVA 310 member John Kinzinger is slated to be one of the speakers. We should also give a nod to Rev Bob Bull for instigating the name change.You can read the story of LTC Kettles actions, that resulted in his being awarded the Medal of Honor, in the book “We Answered the Call” (copies available from Vice President Vance McCrumb). The book is made up mostly of short stories written by chapter members of their time in Vietnam. Another location to read about Chuck's story is right here on our website. Click on the Lt. Colonel Charles Kettles tab.
Another book that is sure to be of interest is “Sacrifices Not Forgotten” by John Kissinger. It contains short character sketches of all 76 men listed on the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial as well as the very interesting story of the struggle to bring the memorial into being. See John for a copy.
On June 13th there will be an “Almost Flag Day” picnic at the VFW grounds on Wagner Road. All area veterans, their families and care givers are invited. It is advertised as a family friendly event like an “old fashioned church picnic” (except we will have beer.....don't tell Rev Bull).
Until next time,
Stay Proud
President