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The U.S. Department of Defense has recognized American Legion Post 49 in Smithfield as a top performer in its efforts, through the Vietnam Commemorative Partnership Program, to show the nation’s support for Vietnam-era veterans.

Maj. Gen. Ed Chrystal, director of that program, recently awarded Post 49 a certificate, which 

Post Commander Jerry Starling presented to Post Chaplain Charlie More, and Media Officer Tom Mastaglio on Jan. 7.

The Post was cited for its dedication, energy, and engagement as a significant partner in recognizing some of the 4 million veterans. The Smithfield Legion Post was recognized as one of the top 15% of programs in the nation. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump designated the five years from 2021 through 2025 as a period during which the nation would show its respect and gratitude to those military service members who served during the Vietnam War.

The Smithfield Post has sponsored a Vietnam recognition event each of the past four years that included a dinner for Vietnam-era veterans and their guests, and a recognition program with guest speakers. Mastaglio has been the primary organizer of those events with sponsorship from TowneBank. Over those years almost 400 guests, to include nearly half of them Vietnam-era veterans and Gold Star families of service members who died in combat from that period, have been feted by the Legion.  

The Post recognition program is also year-round; it has been primarily led and executed by More, who recognizes Vietnam-era veterans with a lapel pin provided by the Partnership, a brochure explaining the recognition program, a handshake, and a “welcome home, thank you for your service” greeting. 

Morec an be seen at local restaurants, stores, civic events, and hospitals seeking out veterans to recognize. To date he has greeted nearly 500 veterans in person and encouraged other members of the Post to also present these lapel pins. More said that this is the least he can do to ensure veterans of the Vietnam era who may not have been treated so kindly during that period know that the public today appreciate their past service.

This year the Post will host its Vietnam-era veterans recognition event on March 22.  Times and reservation information will be listed in local papers, the Post Facebook page, and via emails to past attendees in late February.  This will be the final recognition dinner during the 2021-25 period and the Post is planning for a grand conclusion of its recognition efforts.