"I Survived": Vietnam veteran shares experiences
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, SIC focused its 6th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony on the conflict, which lasted from 1955-1975. This year, SIC partnered with the Michael Hillegas Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to celebrate the veterans who served.
The featured speaker at the Nov. 6 ceremony was Vietnam veteran Donn Gines, a native of Harrisburg, who served in the Marine Corps from 1967 - 1971, and spent 13 months in combat in Vietnam.
In the lobby of the George T. Dennis Visual and Performing Arts Center at SIC, Vietnam veteran Donn Gines spoke to a crowd that included veterans, students, and family members, about his experiences overseas.
During Gines' time in the Marines, he served as a helicopter door gunner, and saw over 140 hostile firefights. "I don't recall many of those situations," Gines said.
"It's just something you did, and didn't think about."
Gines primarily served in the Quảng Trị Province of Vietnam, and was shot down three times during his service.
"Each guy, like me, just thinks 'I survived,'" Gines said. "And you always ask yourself why."
Gines became emotional when discussing his homecoming to Harrisburg, and the reaction of those around him. Instead of facing protesters, or people wishing to talk to him about his time in Vietnam, Gines came home to "silence."
"I think that was worse than anything," Gines said. "Nobody said anything. It was like I had never been in war, and I think that bothered me more than anything."
After returning home, Gines finished his education at SIC, received his bachelor's and master's degrees at Eastern Illinois University, and became a teacher. Gines is currently the head coach of the SIC women's softball team.
Emily Hensen, director of financial aid and the coordinator of veterans' services, said that Gines was chosen to speak this year due to his service to both SIC and the Marines.
"Every year he comes to our ceremonies, and since we were honoring Vietnam veterans, I thought it was time that we honor him and honor one of our own here at SIC," Hensen said.
For his service, Gines received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Aircrew Insignia, Air Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with 14 air strike awards, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame.