It was a warm tribute on Saturday night at the American Legion, as James “Jimmy” Schools, a Vietnam-era Marine Corporal, received a well overdue “Welcome Home.”
Schools, who is battling cancer, received his distinguished pins and certificates that he did not receive upon his return home from Vietnam.
“One of the most painful chapters in our history was Vietnam,” said Lt. Col. Dean Preston, former commander of 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard.
“In particularly, how we treated our troops who served there. You were often blamed for a war you did not start when you should have been commended for serving your country with valor.”
Preston noted it was a national shame that should not have happened.
“While away in war in Vietnam, Mr. Schools endured great hardship,” Preston continued. “Separation from family and friends and the experience of the horror of war. He sacrificed his today so this nation could have a better tomorrow.”
Yet, Preston noted, when Schools returned home, he and other Vietnam veterans did not receive the praise from a grateful nation for their sacrifices.
“There were no ticker-tape parades when they boarded the plane, there were no announcements made over the intercom urging passengers to acknowledge and thank the service members on board,” Preston explained. “And there was no spontaneous applause.”
The Vietnam veterans had helped defeat communism, liberated nations and spread the word of democracy all over the world.
“They have carried the great burden of not just protecting our country, but several million thousands of for innocent citizens throughout the world,” he added. “This world owes a great debt of gratitude to our veterans that can never be repaid. For all the sacrifices you have made to defend and protect this great nation, your contributions are unparalleled and your courage and bravery has made this world a better place to live.”
Preston said to Schools and those in attendance, the efforts in support of a noble cause — a fellow veteran and patriot — a nation and a community now welcome you home.
“The message is profound, albeit simple. Thank you for your extraordinary service and sacrifices, including the sacrifices of your family,” Preston said. “The history of our nation is testimony to the fact that we, as Americans, cherish and enjoy freedom.”
Preston went on to thank Schools for protecting the American way of life and the freedom each one enjoys.
“Without our brave veterans like, Mr. Schools, there would be no land of the free that we speak of,” he added.
Preston said he was personally welcomed home by Vietnam veterans upon his return from Iraq in 2005, and again, when he returned this past summer from Afghanistan.
“That is a feeling that is amazing and moving,” he said. “And that is a feeling you deserve a hundred fold.”
Preston, glancing towards Schools, said he believed Schools would agree with this statement: “Warriors don’t go to war for memorials. You go to war for the man on your left, the man on your right and the one behind you.”
Whether serving in Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan whether they came home or are awaiting a homecoming, Preston said, “There is no difference in their courage or their sense of duty.”
Schools was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with V (valor) device, the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal, a combat action ribbon, a Vietnam Campaign medal with the 1960 device and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit citation.
Schools was an 81mm mortar man for the First Marine Troop 5. He was a squad leader — leading men in combat — and he was on the ground.
“The backbone of the Marines is the squad leader,” said Preston.
Schools was in two areas that anyone can read about in a history book.
“He was not in a spot that no one ever heard of,” said Preston. “He was in an area called Arizona Territory and he was right next door to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Those missions were not easy. It is pretty simple from where I stand, Mr. Schools, is a true American hero.”
First Lady Ann LePage, a strong supporter of Maine veterans, read Schools’ citation certificate to those in attendance.
“We the citizens of Maine, express our sincere appreciation of your sacrifice, courage and willingness to serve our great state and nation. We are proud of you and thank you for your contribution to the defense of freedom. Signed Gov. Paul R. LePage and James Campbell, adjutant general of Maine. So, Jim, welcome home,” she said with a smile on her face.
DeWayne Belanger of Fort Kent introduced the First Lady and spoke of her being a “passionate advocate for military service members, their families and our beloved veterans.”
LePage’s top priority has been raising awareness for veterans.
“She has participated in the Wreaths Across America’s week-long escort traveling in an 18-wheeler tractortrailer truck to Arlington National Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes,” said Belanger.
Most recently, in 2013, LePage led that escort on the back of a Harley Davidson in December.
“She was selected as the 2012 Joshua Chamberlain Chapter Person of the Year by the first region association of the United States Army,” Belanger continued. “She is selfless in her dedication to veterans. Ann crisscrosses the great state of Maine to attend award and recognition ceremonies. She works tirelessly, side by side, with Travis Mills in his dream to create a national recreation center for disabled veterans, right here in the great state of Maine.”
LePage hosts ice cream socials at the Blaine House for children of active duty military, as well.
“Handing out prizes, putting smiles on little faces to help relieve the burden of their moms and dads standing on the wall in our defense,” Belanger added.
LePage said she will be doing another trip on the back of a motorcycle to D.C.
“We are hoping to raise enough money to be able to cover every grave at Arlington National Cemetery with a wreath from Wreaths Across America,” she said.
For anyone wishing to donate to Wreaths Across America, call Errol Hunt at 538-6755. There have been 450,000 burials at Arlington National Cemetery. Each wreath costs $15.
LePage noted it was nice to be back in The County and looking at Schools, she said, “I am honored to present Jim with this certificate for your honorable service during the Vietnam War and the Armed Forces of our Country.”
Preston showed the audience what Schools’ medals looked like before joking, “Once we get Mr. Schools in his Class A’s later on, these will be hanging from his chest.”
Holding the Navy Achievement Medal V Device, Preston said, “You just don’t walk through and hang out and have this award given to you. This is earned. It is pretty amazing that he has this medal because it shows what an amazing individual he truly is.”
Preston walked to Schools and presented him with his medals and in closing the ceremony, Schools was given a shadow box of his uniform with his medals attached.
