Grant Townsend was 18 when he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. He soon found himself surrounded by war in Vietnam. Read his story here. In 2022, he was one of several veterans able to be part of an Honor Flight, which allows veterans to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. — in one day.

In 2022, you joined other veterans as you traveled to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight. Why did you say, “Yes,” to the opportunity? Did you hesitate?                             

I had signed up several years prior, but flights were delayed due to COVID-19. Previously I had talked with other veterans who had made the flight, and they all encouraged me to go. The only hesitation was the delays due to COVID-19.

What did you experience that you are most grateful for?

The entire day was very memorable, and I am thankful for all the preparation that was done to make this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was impressed by the fact that when we got off the airplane and entered the Washington, D.C., terminal, people in the terminal applauded us continuously from the moment we entered the terminal all the way through the airport and continued to applaud us until we exited the building. And when we arrived back in Springfield about 11 p.m., hundreds of people greeted us, including the Missouri governor and his wife, honor guards and military bands, even though they had to go to work the next morning. It was quite overwhelming.

What gift was it for you to see and study the memorials?

As a Vietnam veteran, the Vietnam Veterans Wall was impressive. I located several who I had served with and/or knew whose names are inscribed on the wall. All the memorials are impressive and are worth taking the time to see. Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were quite impressive.

Your grandson went with you as your guardian. What do you hope he takes away from the experience? How do you hope he uses it in the future?

Kyle Dick, my grandson serves in law enforcement as a game warden/conservation agent for the state of Missouri. Over the years of his lifetime, I did not talk much about my Vietnam experience. I have been diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD. Hopefully this gives him some insights to war and its outcome on soldiers who served. In the future, I hope it will deepen the bond between me and him.

Though you didn’t serve with the people you traveled with, how did your shared veteran status bond you?

I have a special place in my heart for soldiers serving abroad. Today, I mailed the 54th care package overseas to soldiers who are serving our country. I like to send to remote areas. Right now, we are working with a chaplain in Korea who is aware of who does and who doesn’t have family. He helps the packages get to soldiers who aren’t receiving other mail. My small group at church sponsors this effort, and we send a Bible and the Gospel message with snacks, toiletries and words of encouragement. Over the years, I have always avoided the guys with their Vietnam hats. In recent years, I attended a school play at Nixa High School that my grandchild was in. A man with his Vietnam hat was directing people to their seats. I decided it was time to address him and tell him I had served in Vietnam and had always avoided the Vietnam people. He shouts at me, “Welcome Home, Soldier.” I was overcome with emotion and went and sat down to regain my composure. I then became aware I was carrying more baggage from the war than what I had realized. I then went in to be evaluated and was diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD. It was 44 years after I got home from Vietnam that I received this diagnosis.

Your time in Vietnam was life threatening. Your living conditions were unsanitary. Your job blanketed you with Agent Orange regularly. You were constantly in a war zone. What emotions or memories did seeing the memorials in Washington, DC, bring to you on this trip? Was it healing?

For me, I did not experience any emotion or war memories. I was impressed with all of the memorials and what they stood for. For me, this trip was a healing experience. I was moved by all of the fanfare and tribute given to us soldiers. I did not realize the extent of my indignation I had for society because of the way soldiers were treated upon their return from Vietnam.

How did your time in active duty influence the man you became? What influence did it have on how you serve the Huichol/Wixárika people?

I grew up in extreme poverty and a dysfunctional home. My parents divorced when I was 15, and I worked and barely made it through high school. I was unsupervised and was left to my own devices. The military taught me life disciplines that I needed to know and that I employ to this day. My experience with poverty and living in a war zone helped me relate to the Huichol/Wixárika people group and their life experiences.

What are ways in which readers can continue to honor those who have served or who are serving our country?

• Prayer is essential. Our Lord hears and answers our prayers.

• I enjoy the military discounts I receive at restaurants and stores.

• People thanking me for my service is well received. Initially, I felt it was too little too late, but today I appreciate the recognition I get for my service. Express gratitude to soldiers for their sacrifices in order that we have the freedoms and opportunities we have. 

• Many veterans are homeless and feel unloved. Many are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. We need to reach out to them and not only let them know they are cared for but give them the help they need.  The Veterans Administration here in Springfield, Missouri, deserves an A+ for their care of veterans. The VA is not a perfect experience but is much better than years gone by.

• Contributions to soldier organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and many other organizations assisting soldiers with their needs.

• Care packages to soldiers who are serving away from their families. Many overseas locations have modern facilities, but a word and gift from home is very encouraging.

• Our country is a wealthy nation and can afford to provide for our soldiers affected by war. There is much more we can do.

• The freedoms and privileges we have here in America were fought for and won by soldiers in uniforms. War is an ugly business and young 18- to 19-year-old boys are the ones who are called to arms to fight.

COVER Grant Townsend and his grandson, Kyle Dick, in Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight.

All photographs courtesy of Kyle Dick.

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