ASHLAND — Greg Gorrell waited decades to recount his experience surviving the Vietnam War — both overseas and at home.
But the Ashland native and Vietnam War combat veteran in the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division knows his views, experiences and perspectives — among others — must be shared before those memories are gone forever.
Gorrell is set to be featured as this year’s keynote speaker at the annual Ashland-area Vietnam-Era Veterans Recognition Dinner. In its seventh year, the event is set for March 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ashland Eagles Aerie 2178, 400 Eastlake Drive.
Gorrell was selected to speak after he published a book about his experiences fighting in the Vietnam War as a 21-year-old. It published March 28, 2025, exactly one year from the date of this year’s dinner — which is also one day before National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29.
The 130-page book, titled “Vietnam Survival: There and Home,” is intended to help other Vietnam veterans feel comfortable sharing their stories, too, and so family members can understand what he went through.
Gorrell emphasized that he hopes the book can help the wives and widows of Vietnam veterans.
As of Tuesday, event organizers said 275 tickets have been sold. Seating is limited, with up to 350 seats available, said Ann Schar, who helps organize the event.
Tickets are available for purchase and pick up Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kellogg – DeSanto Law Office, 432 Center St., for $15.
The event includes a social hour, a performance by the Ashland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1067 Color Guard, introduction of special guests, prayer, dinner and a speech from the keynote speaker.
Gorrell said most Vietnam veterans are in there 70s and 80s.
A decade from now, most of them may be gone, he said.
That is part of his motivation to continue sharing his story, along with making sure young people in America have a chance to learn about the war.
It took him nearly 60 years to share his story, but as Gorrell phrased it, “war never ends, it was just dormant.”
Below is additional information from a press release issued by event organizers.
Gorrell chronicles his journey before, during and after the Vietnam War in his book, “Vietnam Survival: There and Home.” Deployed to South Vietnam, Mekong Delta in 1967, he served in the United States Army, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.
His service included multiple 4.2-inch mortar (High Angle Hell) illumination and high explosive round fire missions during Operation Enterprise and other missions. He also was a forward observer during enemy Viet Cong search and destroy missions in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam.
His story, like thousands of other Vietnam veterans, is about life, death, divorce, mistakes and heartache. It is also about faith, forgiveness, hope, resilience and healing.
He shares in unvarnished detail specific events in what he calls “the two wars;” the one in Vietnam and the one he personally experienced when he came home.
“It took me nearly 60 years to share my story, primarily for my family because they wanted to know,” Gorrell said.
Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of over 400 per day. This pace will only accelerate. It is the hope that other Vietnam veterans will share their story to those they love, while they still can.
Otherwise, their history and a portion of our country’s history will be lost forever.