Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 Orange Heart Medals pinned on local Vietnam Veterans at Beachmont VFW Ceremony By Th e Advocate U .S. soldiers who fought in the Vietnam war in the late 60s and 70s fought two enemies: the Viet Cong and later, the horrible eff ects of Agent Orange. The herbicide defoliant, which was originally produced in the United States since 1940, was used in industrial agriculture to stop plant growth. Although it’s no longer in production, it’s deadly reach is still haunting our veterans. Following a long battle to obtain benefi ts for veterans and their families, Bill H.R.4982 was submitted in 2021 and H.R.1728 was submitted in 2023, both “To establish the Agent Orange Veterans Service Medal.” They have yet to pass. So, the Orange Heart Medal Program was founded in recognition of the plight of our veterans, offering support individually or in groups. With a staggering 300,000 deaths between 1962-1971 accounted for thanks to the 11 million gallons of Agent Orange spilled over 20 million acres in Vietnam, a foundation was started by U.S. Navy veteran Ken Gamble of Tennessee; created as a 501c nonprofi t, the Orange Heart Medal Foundation presented a $25,000 grant, distributing 6,000 Orange Heart medals. On Sunday, August 25, the veterans and families of Revere Beachmont VFW Post 6712 gathered to watch a loved one, friend or comrade receive the Orange Heart Medal. Quartermaster Gerry Goodwin, along with his committee and supporters, fl ew in U.S. Army veteran and victim of Agent Orange Bobby Tyner from South Carolina to present the Orange Heart Medals. Post 6712 Chaplain Dan Hernandez with the opening prayer Boston Police Offi cer Stephen McNulty performed the National Anthem. Orange Heart Medal recipients join Post Commander Ken Holgersen, Gerry Goodwin and Deana DeMarzo outside the Post. The Gold Star Scholarship was presented to Jaelyn Sirois of Lynn. Jaelyn is attending St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. Her father served two tours in Afghanistan and was killed in a training accident in South Korea in 2021. Presenting the scholarship for $20,000 to Jaelyn was Deana DeMarzo. Also in the photo are Ralph, Tawnie and Londyn Sirois. The Winthrop American Legion Post 146 was the Honor Guard for the Orange Heart Medal Ceremony, with members also receiving the Orange Heart Medal.
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