Soldiers returning home from World War II, or the Korean War, were welcomed back as heroes. This was not the case when our soldiers returned home from Vietnam. Some Vietnam Veterans were greeted with anger or hostility. Others noticed there was no reaction at all. Many shared that civilians seemed uncomfortable around them, and did not want to hear about their wartime experiences.
HCP’s Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event honors the Veterans in our care as well as all of the Veterans in our community. This program is just one way HCP recognizes the unique needs of Veterans, thanks them for their service to our country, and provides a respectful Welcome Home.
Welcome Home is presented by our friends at Highmark and Penn State Health. Brian Rinker (Market President for the Eastern Pennsylvania Region of Highmark Inc.) will serve as our honorary event chair. Thank you for your leadership, Brian!
This event is made possible through the generosity of many supporters including Capital Blue Cross, Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation, The Gierasch Family, Bob & Mimi Goodling, The Harnden Group, Hetrick-Bitner, Smith, Geigle & Neumyer Funeral Homes and Crematory, Honor Engineer, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Neill Funeral Home, PA Prostate Cancer Coalition, Smart Life VIA Willow Valley, UPMC Central PA | UPMC Health Plan, VFW Memorial Post 6417, Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA) 542, Walmart #1591, and WoodmenLife Hershey Chapter #364. Thank you!
Sponsorships are still available. Individual ticket sales (and Veteran reservations) will be available after September 1. All Veterans are welcome to attend with a guest for free. Pre-registration is required to attend.
AGENDA
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Resource Fair for Veterans and Guests
Live Music by No Last Call
12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Served
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Program
RJ Harris, WHP 580
Brian Rinker, Highmark
Maria Weimer MIDN, USN
Ret. Army Col. Charles Bechtel and Liberty War Birds Association
Honor Salutes
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Resource Fair for Veterans and Guests
Live Music by Ralph Diekemper
Shuttles Available to Visit Helicopters
About Our Speakers
Midshipman Maria Weimer is currently entering her junior year at the United States Naval Academy. Maria attended Mercersburg Prep Academy as a United States Naval Academy Foundation student. After completing a year of preparatory school at Mercersburg, she was given an appointment to the Academy for the class of 2023. Maria studies Political Science at Navy and is a part of the club basketball and volleyball team, Focus Bible study group and teaches Catholic Sunday school. Maria hopes to pursue a career in the surface warfare or marine ground community after graduation. Maria enjoys weight lifting, reading, boating, and spending time with her friends and family.
Please click here for more information about this event and sponsorship opportunities.