It has been inspiring to witness the accolades heaped upon the men and women returning from Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. Each deserves thanks for serving with honor.

Though I do thank them, I cannot feel totally gratified the military today receives so much praise when those returning from Vietnam were treated like scum.

My husband, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wayne Ethridge, served four tours in Vietnam, which he fulfilled because his country called and he answered. On his last tour, he received a permanent wound and was flown from Vietnam to Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver. 

As he was being wheeled from the operating room, the Army told him to report home immediately at the request of the Marines. His 18-year-old cousin, a Marine, had been killed in action and his mother wanted my husband to identify the body. He was sent in bandages to go to a funeral home in Atlanta to identify his cousin.

As I accompanied him that morning, we stopped to get a cup of coffee to steady our nerves. He was in his Army uniform, sitting in a booth, when a man walked over and spat in his face.

This incident was one of many he suffered upon his return from Vietnam. Until his death from illnesses caused by Agent Orange, he continued to suffer vulgar comments and slurs for serving in Vietnam. No one held a parade for veterans such as him, and Georgia did not bother to recognize the Vietnam Veterans Day in 2012 that our president declared.

Only a few people treated my husband in a positive and appropriate manner in recognition for his service. Among them were the members of Newnan’s VFW, who presented him with the Coweta Veteran of the Year Award in 2008. It appears Hanoi Jane received more accolades for her visit to Southeast Asia than did the brave men and women who gave countless efforts and lives to protect people.

Thank you, Rick Page, and members of the VFW for letting people know you care.

Judy Ethridge

Newnan