Page 55 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 54 Late Spring 2025

Bill Lussier and Bob Lombardo Joe Cordova and Bill Lussier

At the podium, our speakers began ford Elks Lodge was perfect. The room, have never looked back, only forward.
to line up. Their notecards and pa- our hosts, the help from the members I am privileged and honored to be in
pers being looked at quickly to ensure exuded love and respect for each and their lives and they in mine. Starting
they’re prepared and ready to give every one there. Thank You. with 24 attendees, we now can boast
that most powerful opening line – we have nearly 60 each month. It is a
wonderful sight to see, a sea of proud,
WELCOME HOME VETERANS! strong, extremely interesting and ex-
ceptional individuals. Come and see
Returning home from service, our vet- for yourself! A fascinating military
erans were then back with their fami- speaker is always on the agenda.
lies perhaps starting one of their own.
Needing a job the challenges contin- Across this nation hundreds of VFW
ued. Stepping off the planes in count- posts will be honoring their veterans
less airport terminals, looking through this year. Forty of our guests that day
the crowds, standing on the tips of received a plaque stating “In recog-
their boots to try and catch a glimpse nition of your honorable service and
of a loved one or lover. Their son or dedication during the Vietnam War.
daughter they’ve never seen till now Your bravery, sacrifice, and commit-
because he was called up to serve to Bob Lombardo ment to our nation are deeply appre-
do his duty. And then a rush of, YES, ciated and will never be forgotten.”
there they are! Got to get to them, got Topping the speakers list was a very This was given to those who served
to get through. But then voices in the special guest. Someone I truly admire in-country, boots on the ground.
crowd. Speaking out painful remind- and respect as I had no idea what an Without the courage and sacrifice of
ers that their service was not wel- impact he would make on me nearly All who served, we recognize true pa-
comed. A sad homecoming indeed. four years ago. Robert Lombardo. U.S. triotism in every aspect of this tragic
Instead of shaking hands, there were Army, Combat Medic. Among Bob’s war. Our town photographer, Ray
Americans shaking fists. awards he received 5 Purple Hearts
and 2 Bronze Stars for Valor Under
Today our Vietnam Veterans still Fire. Bob is prominently featured in
proudly wear their colors, medals, two published books by his CO, Major
badges, vests, hats and tattoos. They George Durgin, “The Delta Dogs”.
were there! They came home to un-
certainty and questions. But then fifty Listening to him speak four years ago,
years later, the decision to pay tribute I was mesmerized. I knew I had to be
and celebrate that historic day slowly a part of this group somehow. I could
came to light. The word went out. By not wait to run to the front and say,
the first of April we had 132 signed up “I’m here, need a volunteer?” I was
to gather one more time. Our Walling- ready to help in any way possible.
These men and women hooked me. I Senator Cicarella and Mary Mushinsky
It Was A Day

Like No Other!

Joe Doll & Laurene Goode

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