More than 37 years after he left Southeast Asia, Vietnam veteran and Algoa Correctional Center (ACC) Storekeeper II William Couch was honored with a commemorative Vietnam Veterans medallion, a certificate and pen. Couch headed a platoon of 30 infantrymen from November 1969 to October 1970.
"I am proud. It's been many years," Couch told the Horizon. "When I came back from Vietnam, most people looked down on American soldiers. Many were spit on. This feels good."
Couch was one of 35 veterans honored in April by Gov. Matt Blunt, who proclaimed the day "Vietnam Veterans Day." The ceremony was held in the Missouri National Guard Armory in Jefferson City.
"They deserve our sincere gratitude and respect for their service in defending our freedom," Blunt said. "This is Missouri's way of honoring the bravery of all who served and it's an honor for me to personally recognize many of the brave Missourians who served our country in the Vietnam War."
Couch began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections in March 1983, and has more than 25 years of service. He is a Storekeeper II in the clothing commissary at ACC.
"It (the award) was a long time coming," Couch said. "It was pretty emotional at the ceremony. My daughter had tears in her eyes."
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