Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) and the First Senior Center of Georgia are set to host a Veterans Day ceremony honoring Vietnamese-American veterans who served as high-ranking military officials during the Vietnam War. These distinguished veterans resettled in the United States under the Special Release Reeducation Center Detainee Resettlement Program (commonly known as the “Humanitarian Operation Program”), a program that offered former POWs and political detainees a pathway to freedom and stability in the U.S.
Event Highlights:
During the event, FODAC and First Senior Center will donate essential home medical equipment (HME), including wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen supplies, bathing aids, and personal care kits to support the veterans and seniors in need. Additionally, First Senior Center will present a $1,000 donation to FODAC, underscoring their shared mission of improving the lives of those who served.
Event Details:
- Date: Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024
- Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
- Location:
First Senior Center of Georgia
5555 Oakbrook Pkwy, Building 500, Suite 500-B
Norcross, GA 30093
Notable Guests:
- Von Tran – CEO, First Senior Center of Georgia
- Chris Brand – CEO, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
- Olga Westfall – VA Chaplain, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta VA Health Care System
- Tom Nguyen – Emcee, Volunteer at First Senior Center of Georgia
- Mr. Huan Pham – President, Vietnamese American Association of Georgia
- Mrs. Tramy Nguyen – President, USA Vietnamese American Association of Georgia
- John Butler – Project Manager, Vietnam War Memorial; Board Chairman, Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association
B-Roll/Visual Opportunities:
The event will offer compelling visuals, including:
- Veterans dressed in their military uniforms, symbolizing a legacy of resilience.
- FODAC staff presenting wheelchairs and other mobility aids to veterans.
- First Senior Center staff assisting veterans in need of equipment.
- Close-ups of medical equipment being distributed, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen supplies.
- Veterans sharing their stories and describing how this support impacts their lives.
Event Background:
The Humanitarian Operation Program enabled many Vietnamese veterans, who endured the challenges of reeducation camps, to resettle in the United States. This Veterans Day event highlights their remarkable legacy and acknowledges their health and mobility needs as they age. Through FODAC and First Senior Center’s support, these veterans receive critical equipment that allows them to maintain dignity and independence.
RSVP & Media Contact:
Media are encouraged to RSVP by contacting:
- Nicole Sage at [email protected]
- Amanda Brown-Olmstead at [email protected]
About First Senior Center
First Senior Center of Georgia (fscofga.com) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free services to Vietnamese elderly in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Their services include language support, wellness programs, benefits enrollment, crisis management, and more, creating a robust support network for low-income seniors.
About FODAC
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (www.fodac.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Tucker, Georgia, focused on enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. FODAC provides low-cost, high-quality medical equipment to individuals in need, supporting health, dignity, and