Episode 8: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with Ric Vandett

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Ric Vandett shares his journey from Brooklyn, New York, into the United States Air Force and eventually into Army service during the Vietnam War. Rick reflects on enlisting at 17, adapting to military life, being sent from weather training into Army duty, and serving in Vietnam with both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Infantry Division. Through vivid memories, humor, and hard-earned perspective, he speaks about friendship, fear, survival, cultural encounters, and the lasting lessons he carried home from war. Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty