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Old 05-13-2020, 07:28 AM
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Arrow COVID-19 has impacted Vietnam vets in more ways than one

COVID-19 has impacted Vietnam vets in more ways than one
By: Jackie Bange - WGN9 News - 05-12-20
Re: https://wgntv.com/chicago-news/covid...mic+Update+-+3

MORTON GROVE, Ill — WGN takes a closer look at how the virus is devastating one particular group: Vietnam veterans.

WGN’s Jackie Bange returns to a story she first shared in 2018.

A sign of the times — only drive-thru customers are allowed at a Dunkin Donuts in Morton Grove. But before the pandemic, the place served as an important gathering spot for a unique group of military veterans.

We first met these Vietnam vets two years ago as part of a story about the Donut Dollies — a group of young women who, through the Red Cross, traveled to the wars’ front lines to support the troops.

The Dunkin Donuts vets grew from just three people in 2013, to 80. Once a week, they’d enjoy coffee, donuts and each other’s company.

“Camaraderie. Being able to share stories to another vet, share information, just bring together as Vietnam veterans,” Roger McGill, Dunkin vet founder, said.

The coffee club is now canceled. Even worse, three members have died due to COVID-19.

Mike Mika, 73, died mid-March at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Mika served the Army as a transportation specialist in Vietnam.

In 2018, WGN met Bob Brieske. Just last month, the 70-year-old Marine lost his battle with COVID-19.

“He was probably the most giving person I’ve ever met. He would literally give you the shirt off his back,” Judy Brieske, Brieske’s widow, said.

Every year, Brieske would spend his birthday at Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath of remembrance — unselfish devotion to fellow warriors, even as he suffered from PTSD.

“That was the thing about him, treating his own PTSD by helping others with their’s. That’s how giving he was,” Taylor Brieske, Brieske’s daughter, said.

Wally Blasé, 78, died April 29. He spent his entire life in service as an Army MP in Saigon and, for 45 years as a firefighter.

“He was just a giver. He was a very gentle man. He worked very hard,” John Brogan, brother in law, said.

Fellow first responders from Niles attended Blase’s funeral May 2. That was not an option for most of his war buddies

“The reason it was so hard is there’s no closure. Couldn’t attend a wake or funeral to show their family support,” McGill said.

March 10 was the last time the vets met at Dunkin Donuts. They’ve already experienced one war, now these men wait for this current war to end so they can return to their coffee, camaraderie and donuts.

Another veteran and member of the coffee club, Robert Runtz, has also tested positive for the virus, but is at home recovering. He intends to donate plasma in honor of his lost friends.

For the latest Chicago news, stick with WGNTV.com.

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Personal note: Our sympathies to those VN Vets & Families who've passed away. It's not that the virus is hitting just VN Vet's - it's our age that makes us more vulnerable. Our immune systems are not as strong as the younger folks.

Boats
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Boats

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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