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No Thursday Night Program This Week! We’ve Changed Up Our Schedule for the Spring and Summer. We’ll Be Back Monday Night at 7:00pm ET.

➢ VIETNAM WAR

Remembering the Edison 64

Philadelphia’s Thomas Alva Edison High School suffered more casualties during the Vietnam War than any high school in the United States. On Monday night at 7:00pm, the VBC welcomes Richard Sands, author of Edison 64: The Tragedy in Vietnam and at Home. We’ll hear their stories and share stories of your own high schools and hometowns, and those who didn’t come home.
Join on Zoom →

➢ IN THE NEWS

Elderly Couple Credits Escape from Dementia Ward to Military Morse Code Training

A few weeks ago on our Wednesday morning program, we talked about Morse Code training. So, when I saw this headline—"Elderly Couple Use 'Morse Code' to Escape Assisted Living Facility”—I was fascinated to know the story. But, after reading it, I can’t see how Morse Code training had anything to do with their escape. Someone, please, tell me if I’m missing something here!

➢ NEW PROGRAM!

Rescued from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

On May 11, 1972, Lt. Michael Blassie saddled up for a mission in his A-37B Dragonfly at the Bien Hoa Airbase and never returned. Thursday night, we talk with his sister, Col. (Ret.) Patricia Blassie, about the decades-long effort to identify Michael’s remains so they could be removed from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Join us for this new VBC program, “A Veteran’s Story with Pete Mecca”!

➢ STORIES

ARVN Pilot Recalls Landing on USS Midway during the Fall of Saigon

Last week, Chieu Le shared his remarkable story of escaping Vietnam as the NVA took over Saigon on April 30, 1975. Chieu piloted his Huey helicopter overloaded with refugees and almost ran out of fuel before spotting the USS Midway in International Waters. We made a short video to share his story.

➢ COAST GUARD

Where in the World is the Coast Guard?

The answer, it seems, is everywhere. Including entering the Black Sea for the first time since 2008. As the US looks to counter regional actors, the USCG is set to take on an increased role to supplement the Navy and cooperate with our allies. Currently, the USCG is patrolling in the Western and Eastern Pacific, Arctic, Africa's Atlantic coast, South Atlantic, and the Taiwan Straight. Just to name a few. You can read more about the USCG in Navy.mil and Businessinsider.com

➢ MON. MAY 10 @ 7PM

VBC Happy Hour

ADD TO CALENDAR
Mondays at 7pm ET on Zoom; simulcasted to Facebook and YouTube. BYOB(everage). With Edison 64 author Richard Sands. 64 students from Edison High School in North Philadelphia were killed in the Vietnam War—the most killed from a single high school in the United States.
Join on Zoom →

➢ WED. MAY 12 @ 9AM

Veterans Breakfast Club

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Wednesdays at 9am ET on Zoom; simulcasted to Facebook and YouTube. With veteran Jake Barsottini discussing Operation Eagle Claw
Join on Zoom →

➢ THURS. MAY 13 @ 7PM

A Veteran's Story
with Pete Mecca

ADD TO CALENDAR
Wednesdays at 9am ET on Zoom; simulcasted to Facebook and YouTube. Hosted by Pete Mecca of VeteransArticle.com. With Colonel Patricia Blassie, sister of Michael Blassie, who was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown until his identity was confirmed 30 years later.
Join on Zoom →

We're always looking for guests, program ideas, and sponsors. Please let us know if you have any ideas to share!

Email Todd at todd@veteransbreakfastclub.org

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