Tulsa's Coffee Bunker Recognizes Veterans For National Vietnam War Veterans Day

The Coffee Bunker held two ceremonies Wednesday for National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Coffee Bunker Executive Director Michael Horton said nearly every day, Vietnam War veterans are honored with recognition pins.

But Wednesday marked 50 years since the last U.S. combat troops came home, so the bunker held two ceremonies.

"At the Coffee Bunker every day is Veterans Day,” Horton said.

As the music and conversations flowed among the Vietnam War veterans in the room, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice were remembered, and those who weren't given a welcome home were thanked.

The Coffee Bunker gave several members of the Landkamer family special pins from the Department of Defense, commemorating 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

Fred Landkamer's older brother, Michael, was killed in Vietnam when he was 20 years old.

"I actually do remember the vehicle coming to my mom's house and giving her the news and it was so sad, just unbelievable,” Fred said.

One of Fred and Michael's other brothers, Pat, served in the Navy during Vietnam. He was recognized at the ceremony too.

Pat's wife, Barbara, and another Landkamer brother, Kenny, were also given special pins for family members of those who served.

"Well to honor all these veterans, number one. But for them to honor my brother that didn't make it but two months in Vietnam, that's very special,” Fred said.

Several helicopter pilots from the Vietnam war were also given pins Wednesday.

"I just flew over the central highlands flying Chinooks. Just a job to do, we just did it,” Bill Meeks said.

Meeks served in the Army in Vietnam in ‘71 and ‘72. "I'm just glad that we've got a day for the guys that didn't come back,” he said.

For him, Wednesday’s ceremonies were about supporting the others there and being together at the bunker.

The Coffee Bunker is open to all veterans Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Horton said the bunker sees more than 8,000 visitors a year.