The Wall That Heals visits Spokane Valley
By Senior Airman Nick J. Daniello and Senior Airman Sean Campbell, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
/ Published September 07, 2017
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --
The Wall That Heals, a 250-foot-long half-scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington was in Spokane Valley at Mirabeau Meadows Park Aug. 23-27.
More than 25 Airmen from nine units around base including the 336th Training Support Squadron, 22nd Training Squadron, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron, 66th TRS, 92nd Maintenance Squadron, 92nd Force Support Squadron, 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Fairchild Honor Guard helped to assemble the wall at Mirabeau Meadows Park.
“This was an awesome opportunity and a humbling experience,” said Master Sgt. Lance Hasz, 92nd FSS carrier assistance advisor. “My father was in Vietnam, the first piece I picked up made me feel humbled and honored.”
The replica was unveiled in 1996 on Veterans Day in Washington. The wall has seen more than 400 locations across the United States since then.
“People deal with things differently,” said Mr. Patrick O’Neill, The Wall That Heals sight manager. “Some people dealt with the war and never looked back, others just pushed it aside for years. This wall gives people a chance to reflect on what happened, who they lost and show veterans that they are not alone.”
According to Hasz, everyone who was able to volunteer, felt honored to be a part of it and honor those who have fallen.
“We are trying to keep the younger people educated on what happened in Vietnam and keep it alive for families,” said O’Neill.