Uvalde Honors Vietnam Veterans, Decades After Homecoming Neglect

Community event highlights lasting impact of war and need to support those who served.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:33am

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The Vietnam Veteran Honorarium held in Uvalde, Texas on March 27 served as a reminder of how poorly the country treated veterans returning from the Vietnam War. Former U.S. Army Green Berets Gary O'Neal and David Kutchinski spoke at the event, organized by the American Legion, about the lack of appreciation they faced and the importance of veterans supporting each other. The event also included a reading of the 13 names of Uvalde County soldiers who never returned from the war.

Why it matters

The Vietnam War deeply divided the United States, with some refusing to serve while others answered the call to duty. The poor treatment of Vietnam veterans upon their return home has had lasting impacts, underscoring the need to properly honor and support those who serve, even in unpopular conflicts.

The details

The event featured remarks from decorated Vietnam veterans Gary O'Neal and David Kutchinski, who spoke about the lack of appreciation they faced when they returned home from the war. O'Neal, who served five years in Vietnam, said veterans need to take care of each other since they 'weren't appreciated when we came home.' Kutchinski, a veteran of conflicts in Bosnia, South Sudan and Iraq, said Vietnam veterans wanted to hear 'Welcome home' instead of just 'Thank you for your service.'

  • The Vietnam Veteran Honorarium was held on March 27, 2026.
  • O'Neal served five years in Vietnam during the war.

The players

Gary O'Neal

A highly-decorated former U.S. Army Green Beret who served five years in Vietnam, building on infantry and Airborne training for service as a member of an elite long range reconnaissance patrol team (LRRP). He eventually earned his Army Ranger designation and the Green Beret 'long tab.'

David Kutchinski

A decorated former U.S. Army Green Beret who saw combat in Bosnia, South Sudan and Iraq. He is also a decorated FBI Agent and author of 'Send Packs.'

Alex Castillo

An Army veteran who read aloud the names of the 13 soldiers from Uvalde County who never returned from the Vietnam War, ringing a bell after each name.

George McGovern

The late U.S. Senator from South Dakota, who flew 35 missions as a bomber pilot during WWII, and captured the sentiment about the Vietnam War when he said: 'I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.'

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What they’re saying

“So welcome home, guys. We served our country well, even though we wasn't appreciated when we came home.”

— Gary O'Neal, Former U.S. Army Green Beret

“You guys definitely didn't get that and then a thank you. You guys stood up when everybody else was going on Wall Street, making a lot of money …”

— David Kutchinski, Former U.S. Army Green Beret

What’s next

The community of Uvalde continues to honor and support its Vietnam veterans, with plans to hold similar events in the future to ensure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

The takeaway

The poor treatment of Vietnam veterans upon their return home has had lasting impacts, underscoring the need for communities to properly honor and support those who serve, even in unpopular conflicts. This event in Uvalde is an important step in acknowledging past failures and ensuring future veterans receive the welcome home they deserve.