Honored Veteran 2025

After graduating in 1966, the Vietnam War was at its peak. America had been through a lot with the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy, the Bay of Pigs, and the looming threat of nuclear war with Russia. It felt as if communism was flexing its muscles.

At 18, I felt it was my duty to defend our way of life. With an older brother and an uncle already serving in Vietnam, I enlisted in the military. On February 20, 1967, I was sworn into the United States Army at the induction center in Portland, Oregon, with the rank of Private. I was then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, for basic training. After basic training, now a Private First Class, I was stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, for Advanced Infantry Training (AIT). There, I specialized in helicopter maintenance (UH- 1C and 1D Huey Helicopters). I received my Aircraft Crewman Wings and the rank of Specialist 4th Class, and was ordered to report to Da Nang, Vietnam, in August 1967.

In Da Nang, I was deployed to Lai Khe, home of the 173rd Assault Helicopters, 408th TC, call sign Robin Hoods, with the motto "If you are going to be one, Be A Big Red ONE." We supported the US Army 1st Infantry Division. After 365 days in-country, surviving the Tet Offensive that began on January 30, 1968, I left Vietnam a changed person. Stepping into that war as a scared young boy of 19, I saw the reality of war and its effects not only on military personnel but also on the people of Vietnam and the total destruction of the country. Having lost some of my brothers in the Army was hard, but I grew up and left feeling like a man. With one and a half years left on my enlistment, I was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, after leaving Vietnam as a Specialist 5th Class (E-5). There, I crewed for General John J. Tolson until being honorably discharged on February 19, 1970.

America had changed from the time I enlisted to when I was discharged, now focusing on the Hippie movement. There were no parades when I returned from Vietnam. As I traveled home from Travis Air Force Base, proudly wearing my Army khakis, some people refused to sit with me because of my uniform. But it was good to be home. My mom met me at the door, holding on tight. Dad was working, so I went to see him that day. When he saw me, we hugged, and he told his coworker, "Tell the boss to mail me my check. I quit. I’m going to spend time with my son." That's when you know you are truly loved.

Fast forward: After my discharge, I returned to Scio, where a lifelong friend introduced me to my wife of 54 years. Three kids, nine grandkids, and five great-grandkids later, we live on what used to be my parents' property. In honor of them, we maintain a gathering place for friends and family to come together, have a great time, and forget about what is going on in the world. We host family reunions, weddings, funerals, graduation breakfasts, numerous youth events, baptisms, and the annual Link Up Vets campout.

I would like to thank the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fair Association for choosing me as your honored Vet.

Proud Veteran, William Mask

And to my brothers and sisters who served, thank you for your service. To those unaccounted for and those who gave all, you will not be forgotten.