Vietnam Vet aims to keep veterans in forefront

When you think of what the Vietnam veterans have done no matter what they were up against when they came home, it is easy to understand how great they are.

Veterans Day Memories of Vietnam

Posted to Great Americans by NamGuardianAngel on September 12, 2009

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Midlo man aims to keep vets in forefront
February 6, 2010

BY MICHAEL DRAKULICH
At the beginning of every Midlothian village board meeting, Mayor Terry Stephens asks if there are any representatives from municipal committees or commissions. And at every meeting, a man sitting in the front row stands and says, "George Doeden, veterans committee."

Doeden attends every meeting because he is a firm believer in veterans remaining visible in the eyes of the public and public officials. It's the best way to ensure they aren't forgotten in terms of the recognition they deserve and the benefits they are entitled to, he said.


Doeden is a former Marine and a veteran of the Vietnam War. His enlistment was from 1964 to 1968, where he saw combat action during the Tet Offensive in early 1968.

When he came home, becoming active with veterans organizations wasn't high on Doeden's list of priorities.

First, he wanted to get back to school and find a stable job. Then it was time to get married and raise a family.

But it wouldn't have been easy for him to get involved with veterans even if he wanted to at the time of his discharge.

"Nobody appreciated us (Vietnam veterans). Even the VFW didn't want much to do with Vietnam veterans. That's why you have such groups as the Vietnam Veterans Association, because we weren't welcome in other organizations," Doeden said.
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