Vietnam Veteran Jack Gauthier. Photo credit Chris Stone

National Vietnam War Veterans Day – March 29

If you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (at any time) from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, then this day is for you – National Vietnam War Veterans Day. 

Every year on March 29, our country gives a long overdue THANK YOU and honors Vietnam veterans, and their families, for their service and sacrifice. Many may ask, “Why March 29th?” This date is significant because it was March 29, 1973, when the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. Also, on and around this same day [Continue Reading]

Flags for Navy HA(L)-3 Seawolves

For the past several years we have had a dilemma – what to do with the 50 flags from the Avenue of Flags when they can no longer be flown. Twice a year, around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we need to replace all 50 flags as they become wind torn and faded by the sun. 

This past fall, we partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Honor Flight San Diego, to gift 46 of those flags. The organization flies senior veterans on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built for their sacrifice and to truly honor them for their service. Priority is given to the most senior veterans, so prior to [Continue Reading]

BGEN Cardenas, USAF recognized in Distinguished Flying Cross Magazine

In the recently published Distinguished Flying Cross Society Winter 2022 Magazine, there is an article detailing the life of USAF Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Cardenas. General Cardenas passed away on his 102nd birthday in March 2022.  continue reading

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 472 unveiled a new memorial in MNC’s Memorial Walk

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 472 recently installed and dedicated a memorial at Miramar National Cemetery that honors the men and women of the Vietnam War. During the sixteen years of combat action, over 2.7 million military men and women served in country, and more than 58,000 personnel were killed, as well as the 300,000 who were wounded. This memorial will remember their service and sacrifice.

From conception in October 2019, it took over two years to design, build, fund, and receive approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs for installation at the cemetery. The memorial is constructed of black granite, the same black granite that was used [Continue Reading]

The Avenue of Flags’ colorful red, white and blue display can beviewed from I-805 and surrounding streets, and when lighted at nightis visible from several miles away.

Avenue of Flags: A Decade as Cemetery Focal Point

Fifty silvery steel flagpoles reach into the sky. 

Fifty red, white and blue flags flutter in the breeze. 

In the distance, an immense American flag commands the heights.

(April 15, 2022) The Avenue of Flags has stood sentinel over Miramar National Cemetery for 10 years, since its dedication on 28 January 2012, inspiring all who enter or pass by the cemetery. At night, the lighted display can be seen for miles, even by aircraft approaching the city.

Sponsored by the Miramar National [Continue Reading]

A U.S. Air Force detail escorts the casket of Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas during a committal service.

General, I Salute You!Support Foundation Chairman Schoville Bids Brig. Gen. Cardenas Farewell

(March 31, 2022) Beneath a sky heavy with dark clouds that mirrored the solemnity of the occasion, a committal service was held at Miramar National Cemetery for retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas.

Some 275 family members, friends, and veterans were on hand to pay their respects to a man whose 34-year career is unmatched in the nation’s military annals. Bomber pilot in World War II, renowned test pilot, commander of the group that broke the sound barrier, jet fighter pilot in Vietnam, leader of Air Force special forces, [Continue Reading]

A contingent of Vietnam veterans gave a patriotic context to the ceremony.

Vietnam War Veterans Day Event at Miramar National Cemetery

(March 29, 2022) The Vietnam War officially ended April 30, 1975, but for Charlie Inot, sights, sounds and smells can still trigger memories of that long-ago conflict. As keynote speaker at a Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration at Miramar National Cemetery, Inot recalled his experience as a young soldier.

“Fifty-four years ago,” he told an audience of veterans, “I was a young 22-year-old Green Beret sergeant serving in Vietnam. That combat experience is seared forever in my memory. I had many good days in-country and some bad times.

Support Foundation Director Charlie Inot recalled Vietnam War experiences for an audience of [Continue Reading]

Cardenas speaks at the dedication of a monument at the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park honoring his military service.

Bob Cardenas

American Hero

Fighter Pilot

Cardenas: Federal, State and Veterans Leadership; Honored for Military Service

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan appointed Robert Cardenas the California coordinator for the Southwest Border Economic Action Group. In 1985, California Governor George Deukmejian named him chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Group.

He also served on the California Council of Criminal Justice, and later as a member of the California Veterans Board, eventually becoming chairman. He served as chairman of the San Diego United Veterans Council, and as a director on the Board of the Veterans Memorial Center & Museum of San Diego, among many [Continue Reading]

Cardenas flew jet aircraft during the Korea and Vietnam wars.

Bob Cardenas

American Hero

Community Leader

Cardenas: Flew Jet Fighters During Korea and Vietnam

During the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Cardenas flight-tested new jet fighters and bombers and then was assigned as commander of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing on Okinawa. On his return to the States, he was named chief of the Aircraft and Missiles Program Division at the Pentagon.

In 1962, Colonel Cardenas led a joint Army-Air Force special command into India to evaluate and improve high-altitude resupply drops in the Himalaya Mountains. The techniques the group developed were used to equip troops and prevent a Chinese incursion through the Himalayas into East Pakistan.

During the early days of the Vietnam War, Cardenas [Continue Reading]