On Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m., Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV) will pay tribute to our Vietnam veterans at the upcoming Veterans Forum, which will be hosted at Aunt Chilada’s Restaurant at 7330 N. Dreamy Draw in Phoenix. This unique gathering provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of those who served during one of our nation’s most challenging conflicts.
The Vietnam War left a profound impact on those who fought and their families. Many returned home to a nation divided, without the gratitude and support they deserved. Today, we strive to correct that oversight by ensuring Vietnam veterans receive the long overdue honor, respect, and appreciation.
This month’s forum will feature three distinguished speakers: Terry Araman, Thomas Kirk, and Pat Upah. Each veteran brings a unique perspective on service, sacrifice, and the challenges those who served in Vietnam face.
- Terry Araman served in the U.S. Army as a medic with the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing a fellow soldier. He has been a dedicated advocate for veterans, particularly in addressing homelessness and post-service challenges. He created a group called MANA House within the homeless veterans community. MANA stands for Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force. Araman knew these veterans would fare better if they could join together through camaraderie and discipline while facing veteran homelessness. MANA house is now a part of Catholic Charities.
- Thomas Kirk served in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. In October 1967, while flying an F-105 Thunderchief on a mission over North Vietnam, he was shot down and captured, spending over five years as a prisoner of war (POW) in Hanoi, including time at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison. After his release in 1973, Colonel Kirk continued his Air Force career, eventually retiring and dedicating himself to supporting veterans and sharing his experiences to promote resilience and patriotism.
- Patricia “Pat” Little-Upah served in the U.S. Army as a nurse from 1966 to 2004, both on active duty and in the reserves. She was deployed to Vietnam in 1968, serving with the 93rd and 95th Evacuation Hospitals, and later participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 with the 403rd Combat Support Hospital. Throughout her career, she held positions such as Officer in Charge of an Intensive Care Unit, Chief Nurse, and Unit Commander, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel. After her military service, Little-Upah continued her dedication to healthcare as the CEO of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital for a decade. She has been actively involved in veteran support organizations, serving as President of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society and participating in various veterans’ advocacy groups.
After the panel presentation, HAV will conduct a pinning ceremony to present each Vietnam Veteran with a commemorative pin, on behalf of a grateful nation. The Veterans Forum is a platform for camaraderie, learning, and reflection. It is open to veterans, families, and community members who wish to express their gratitude and gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnam veteran experience.
For more information about the Veterans Forum and other HAV events, visit honoringamericasveterans.org/veterans-forum.
