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On the heels of Veterans Day, Y’s Men member Jay Dirnberger has created a program about the Vietnam War for the Westport Library’s Oral History Project.
On November 23 (7 p.m., Westport Library) he and 3 other combat veterans — all now Westporters — will talk about their war experiences, reflect on its impact since leaving the military, then answer questions from the audience.
Captain Jay Dirnberger, US Army retired, came home from his last college final exam to find he’d been drafted. He missed his graduation to report to the Army. He completed helicopter flight training, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and assigned to an assault helicopter battalion in Vietnam in 1968.
Also on the panel: Lieutenant JG Tucker Mays, US Navy retired. He served most of 2 9-month tours at Da Nang as a boat group commander,
Air Force Sergeant Bud Siegel was assigned to an air traffic control unit responsible for controlling fighter/bombers near the North Vietnam border.
The final member of the panel, Army Sergeant and Y’s Man Preston Koster, was first assigned to Vietnam as a combat engineer, then finished his tour of duty near Saigon.
Y’s Man John Brandt, a Vietnam era Naval Reservist, though not a combat veteran, will moderate the discussion.
Jay Dirnberger served with the 1st Cavalry Division in South Vietnam.
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Speaking of Veterans Day:
They’re years away from military service. But Boy Scout Troop 100 had the honor of accompanying and supporting veterans during yesterday’s ceremony at VFW Post 399.
Led by Scoutmaster Alexey Syomichev, the troop has dedicated this year to supporting local veterans, and the VFW post. Scouts have built relationships with VFW members, and are dedicating service hours, and leadership and Eagle projects, to benefit and support those who served.
Before yesterday’s festivities, Troop 100 cleaned and painted the VFW parking lot, provided fresh painted lines and arrows, and cleaned up the VFW grounds.”
Boy Scout Troop 100, at yesterday’s VFW Veterans Day ceremony.
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Speaking still of Veterans Day: Ed Simek spotted this former servicemember yesterday on the Post Road, near Stop & Shop.
He held an American flag — and wore roller skates.
There must be a back story. If you know it, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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After Alec Baldwin shot and killed someone on a movie set with a prop gun, the industry has been reeling.
Among the first people to take action: Staples High School Class of 1985 graduate Alexi Hawley.
The showrunner for ABC’s “The Rookie” banned “live” guns. Instead, “air soft guns” — replicas, used in airsoft sports — will be mandatory.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: David Roth)
Alexi Hawley
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When is a dog a turkey?
When he’s the statue outside Winslow Park Animal Hospital, and he’s decorated for Thanksgiving.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
Check out the real thing when you’re stopped at the Post Road light by Playhouse Square.
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Speaking of the Playhouse: There’s no “doubt” that the current production of “Doubt: A Parable” — the first in-person play since the pandemic — is a hit.
It runs through November 21. Click on the trailer below. Then click here, for tickets and more information (including virtual tickets).
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Continuing our “Westport … Naturally” fall foliage series — as long as it lasts — we offer June Rose Whittaker’s shot of Longshore’s 5th hole.
She says, “my golf game was terrible. But the scenery was fantastic.”
(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
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And finally … happy birthday to Booker T. Jones. The pianist/saxophonist/ songwriter/producer/Grammy Award Lifetime Achievement winner is 77 years old.
Last night was our first venture, in almost 2 years, into a live, professional theater. We saw,”Doubt”, at WCPH and were thrilled. The Production was wonderful and the Actors superb! They all did an absolutely amazing job. It is a must see.
Thank you WCPH and crew.
Pat Porio
It took a long time for Vietnam vets to be appreciated and that was a real shame.