Vietnam Then and Now: From Forgotten Soldier to Celebrated Veteran

“Vietnam veterans are entering a new era in their lives,” says (Ret.) Brig. General James Hesson. “It is a time for reflection as well as coming to terms with that tumultuous period in time.”

Hesson, who served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam, will be the keynote speaker and panelist in a special seminar sponsored by the Tidewell Hospice’s Tidewell Honors Veterans Program. The seminar, scheduled for 4 p.m. February 27, will be held at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Company in Lakewood Ranch.

“Vietnam veterans have always faced unique challenges,” says Irene Henderson, vice president of volunteers and professional services at Tidewell and a retired Navy officer. “From health issues to recurring post-traumatic stress disorder to conflicts in public attitudes to the war—it can still be disturbing for veterans and their families. The goal of this seminar is to bring helpful and healing perspectives to all who experienced that time.”

Hesson and Henderson will be joined by a panel of distinguished experts taking questions from the audience and providing guidance for Vietnam-era veterans, their families, friends and the community. Moderated by attorney Dan D. Bailey, Jr. panelists include neuropsychologist George Lindenfeld, Linda Burch MSW, and Tom Smith, Vietnam veteran and volunteer in Tidewell’s Honors Veterans Program. A reception follows the seminar.

Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, email tidewellseminar@gmail.com.

About Tidewell

Tidewell Hospice is an independent, not-for-profit organization providing end-of-life care for people living with advanced illness and their families. Tidewell cares for more than 8,000 patients annually in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Offices are located in Arcadia, Bradenton, Englewood, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Venice. Tidewell is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP) with deemed status, signifying excellent care and meeting Medicare’s conditions of participation.