CORONADO IN THE FOREST OF ASSASSINS:
The Mekong Delta was South Vietnam’s rice basket and its most densely settled region. If the Delta were to fall to the Viet Cong, the effects would have been devastating. The defense of Saigon was complicated by a swampy region known as the Rung Sat, or the “Forest of Assassins,” which lay within miles of the city. Traditionally the province of pirates and hardscrabble ruffians, most of the area was accessible only by boat. [more] [on the cover]

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG: VVA Region 4 Director Bob Barry explains, “Puerto Rico is like a forgotten battalion—out of sight, out of mind. With no representation in Washington, nobody fights for them. We wanted to show them that they are not forgotten.” [more]

LOST AND FOUND CONNECTIONS: No one knows better than readers of The VVA Veteran that combat produces trauma that has life-long consequences. But combat-related stress also has repercussions on spouses of veterans and their children. Eleanor Krassen Coven sheds light on this impact. [more]

PRIDE IN SERVICE: On October 19 and 20, The WIMSA Memorial celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. Women from all over the country from all branches and eras, ranging from World War II to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, came to celebrate their memorial and each other. [more]

FLORIDA’S AGENT ORANGE ROCK STAR TOUR: Florida VVA State Council Treasurer Tom Hall issued a challenge to the state’s chapters to become more involved with the Faces of Agent Orange campaign. They responded, organizing five town hall meetings across the state. [more]