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Veterans Day Keynote Speaker Lt. Col. Donald C. Kauffman US Army (ret)

Veterans Day, 2018 is the 100th anniversary of the Armistice signed in Paris November 11, 1918, by the allies ending the War to end all wars. Since that day America has fought in numerous conflicts. Vietnam was one of them. Our Veterans Day speaker for 2018 gallantly defended our nation serving 2 tours as an Army Infantry Officer and helicopter pilot in Vietnam. On this auspices day join us to hear his remarks about the honor of being a Veteran and serving our nation. Here is Don Kauffman’s military biography.

In 1966 Don was about to enter his 5th year at Arizona State University when he was drafted because of the 4 year deferment ruling.
He headed to Fort Bliss, TX for basic training. He inquired about OCS and was accepted. He attended OCS Infantry Officer training at Fort Benning, GA. From there Don attended paratrooper school at the same military post.
His next duty assignment was to the 101st Airborne as a platoon leader; from there to Vietnam in November of 1967.
He was heavily involved in the Tet offensive at Ben Hoa, RVN. Shortly thereafter he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Don was then assigned to Fort Ord, CA preparing soldiers for combat. He was promoted to Captain.
He received orders to attend Rotary Wing (helicopter) school in 1970. He trained at Fort Wolters, TX and completed his solo flight. Don was then assigned to Fort Rucker, AL for 5 months transitioning to the Huey helicopter. After a short assignment at Fort Carson, CO in 1971 he was again assigned to RVN. He joined the 134th Assault Aviation Group experiencing intense combat duty. The war was winding down in 1972. Don then was assigned back to Fort Carson awaiting orders to attend Infantry Officer advanced Courses at Fort Benning, GA. which was a yearlong school, 1972-1973. From there he received his BA from St. Martins University in Lacey, WA.
Don then was assigned for 3 years to the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. His unit was then deployed to Guam to assist Vietnamese refugees for 3 months. He returned to Schofield as a company commander which was one of the most rewarding assignments of his military career.
From there he was promoted to Major with an assignment as the professor of Military Science at Trinity University. He later attended the Command and General Staff College in 1979.
After CGSC graduation he was assigned to Fort Ord, CA, then on to Fort Bragg, NC working with senior officers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne and Special forces.
Don’s final assignment Fort Gillem, GA as Chief of Organization Effectiveness.
In 1983 he earned a MA from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. subsequently he had a 4 year assignment which ended his military career as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1987.
His retirement ceremony was at Fort Benning, GA at the Infantry Hall where he received his Second Lieutenant Commission 20 years and 10 months before.

DONALD KAUFFMAN US ARMY AWARDS “V”=VALOR/HEROISM

LEGION OF MERIT
BRONZE STAR W/”V” 2 AWARDS
PURPLE HEART
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL 2 AWARDS
AIR MEDAL W/”V” 22 AWARDS
ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL W/”V” 7 AWARDS
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNEMESE SERVICE MEDAL
HUMANITAIAN SERVICE MEDAL
ARMY SERVICE RIBBON
OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON
VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
PARACHUTIST BADGE
ARMY AVIATOR BADGE
EXPERT MARKMANSHIP BADGE….RIFLE & PISTOL
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH SILVER STAR
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH PALM
VIETNAM CIVIL ACTION MEDAL

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE OF Monday, November 12, 2018, at 11 AM