OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved a pair of resolutions recognizing Vietnam veterans and welcoming them home. The House also honored Vietnam Veteran Gary LaBass, of Owasso, as the Veteran of the Week.
House Resolution 1018 by Rep. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, officially recognized and honored Vietnam War veterans for their service and sacrifice, joining the national celebration of Vietnam War Veterans Day. The resolution also expressed appreciation for the veterans’ service to the state and nation and with deep appreciation welcomed them home.
“Unfortunately, due to the unpopularity of the Vietnam War at its end, our nation’s veterans were not welcomed with open arms as they should have been when they finally returned home,” Hardin, a Marine, said. “These brave service members deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for their country and in pursuit of freedom everywhere, and we thank them for their heroism and valor.”
House Resolution 1017 by Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, proclaimed March 29, 2021, as “Captain Bob Ford Day,” in recognition of Captain Robert L. Ford, a native Oklahoman who flew over 1,000 combat missions in Vietnam for the U.S. Army. Ford was instrumental in helping to establish the “Tip of the Spear” exhibit, which officially opened at the Oklahoma History Center on Monday, and which was attended by many representatives. The outdoor exhibit features a Bell UH-1 helicopter, better known as the Huey, which become an iconic symbol of the Vietnam War. It sits atop a representation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall, which represents the more than 58,000 lives of U.S. service members, including 988 Oklahomans, lost in the war.
“Many months of hard work and investment by Captain Ford helped make this exhibit a possibility,” Dobrinski said. “But this is just one aspect of his long life lived in public service to his fellow Oklahomans and our nation. He’s not only been recognized for his bravery and commitment during the war, but he continues working hard to serve his hometown of Okeene, his country and the State of Oklahoma in schools, civic groups and organizations with generous donations of his time and personal resources.”
Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, recognized Army Veteran Specialist Fourth Class Gary LaBass, who is from his House District, and who was his former football coach, as Veteran of the Week in the House.
“In high school I learned that Coach LaBass was a veteran, but as to the extent of his service, I was initially unaware,” Vancuren said. “Only later did I find out from a relative who was reading a book about battlefield valor of Purple Heart recipients about the true sacrifice and wartime experiences of Coach LaBass. Now, he is not just my ninth-grade football coach, but a hero. He is not only a hero because of his experience in war, but because of his hours of service and endless dedication to Owasso students who he still coaches.”