The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) now has a website (www.honoravet.org) to honor Vietnam era veterans.

The new site is an extension of VFW's "Honor a Vet" campaign and offers Vietnam era veterans an opportunity to their share their experiences, connect with other Vietnam veterans and receive help in applying for government benefits and entitlements, as well as updates on related veterans' issues.

"This is just another way to say 'thank you' to our Vietnam veterans," said James Rowoldt, a Vietnam War veteran and VFW membership national director. "It's all about helping and honoring those veterans who served during the Vietnam War."

As one of 3.4 million military personnel who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, VFW National Commander George Lisicki said he vividly remembers how he and other Vietnam combat veterans were treated when they returned home and found themselves mired in a public debate about the rights and wrongs of a very unpopular war.

"I have to be honest with you -- as a Vietnam veteran, I was not openly accepted in my Post … and it wasn't until I became active that I realized I could make a difference," the combat veteran from Carteret, N.J., said. "And today, Vietnam veterans stand proudly beside our combat brothers from previous wars.

Lisicki, who's motto is Veterans Forever Serving, added that the VFW initiative to recognize Vietnam era veterans is an extension of VFW's service to others.

"We know that our service to our country and to our fellow Americans did not end when we took off the uniform, and that we wake up every morning knowing that we are going to help make a difference in someone else's life," he said. "We are proud of our Vietnam era servicemembers, and we want to give them the recognition they have long deserved, which is why we have designated this website specifically to them. Regardless of which war or what battle, we all have served with honor."

This is not VFW's first initiative to honor Vietnam War veterans. In May, 2005 - 30 years after the Vietnam War ended - VFW posts and Auxiliaries worldwide held week-long commemoration ceremonies to celebrate the end of the war and to recognize those who served by distributing thank you certificates to Vietnam War veterans.

About the VFW
The VFW was founded in 1899. The 2.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries are located in 8,400 VFW Posts worldwide. Through a system of service officers, it assists all veterans and their families in obtaining veterans entitlements and other services. As an organization of former servicemen and women, the VFW remains committed to our national security and the well being of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserves.