LEESBURG, Va., April 3, 2026 — Leesburg and Loudoun County officials on March 29 joined the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR, VFW Post 1177 of Leesburg, and American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post 2001 of Ashburn to welcome home and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War. Virginia SAR President Darrin Schmidt attended, offered remarks, and presented the guest speaker with an SAR 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair‑at‑Large Phyllis Randall delivered remarks and reflected on the service of her father, a Vietnam Veteran who completed two tours. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk also addressed the gathering.

The guest speaker, Captain Kenneth “Dutch” Rauch, USN (Ret.), flew A‑4 Skyhawks from carriers in the Tonkin Gulf during 1968–1969. He shared memories of his service as a young Navy pilot and offered reflections on his combat missions over North Vietnam.

A POW/MIA flag and Missing Man Table were displayed, with their significance explained by Master of Ceremonies Barry Schwoerer, president of the SMJC Chapter. U.S. Army Veteran Anita Bonner led the singing of the National Anthem. A one‑third‑scale Liberty Bell was rung after each name of Loudoun County’s Vietnam War fallen was read. The VFW Post 1177 rifle squad executed a three‑shot volley, followed by Taps.

Approximately 55 people attended the ceremony, with eight Vietnam Veterans receiving Vietnam War Veteran pins. Nine SMJC compatriots participated.

Photo: Ringing the bell after the name each Veteran from Loudoun County KIA in Vietnam was read. L-R: Mark Sink Vietnam Veteran-Bell ringer, Dutch Rauch-Guest speaker, Richard Ryan-SMJC & AL2001, Charles Loomis-AL2001-reader.