1967 WAS BOTH a tumultuous and transformative time in the history of our nation. January began with a national tragedy when three astronauts were killed during the prelaunch mission of Apollo 1. Overseas, the war in Vietnam was escalating. President Lyndon B. Johnson requested more funding, fueling nationwide riots and protests that sometimes turned deadly.
In May of that year, the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley, married Priscilla. August was another pivotal month — the first African American, Thurgood Marshall, was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Supreme Court. Marshall’s most famous case, Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, helped desegregate public schools. The civil rights movement was making great strides toward equality for all Americans, but the nation was far from unified.
On the West Coast, the “Summer of Love” and the “Jesus Movement” created iconic hippie phrases such as “peace out” and “flower power.” Bell-bottoms, fringe vests, tie-dye T-shirts with oversized peace signs, and go-go boots paired with miniskirts were “far out,” “right on,” and “groovy.” McDonald’s debuted their first Big Mac, and the AFL-NFL World Championship — or, as we now know it, the Super Bowl — kicked off for the very first time, featuring rivals the Green Bay Packers versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
It was during these ups and downs across our nation that Dave Plumley — like many other brave young men — was drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1967 to 1973. Plumley, who is originally from New York, said, “My family was very supportive of me and mailed many letters during my military career. My basic training was at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and advanced infantry training was at Fort Polk, Louisiana. I was deployed to Vietnam during 1967 and 1968 after training, and the rest of my military duty was at Fort Carson, Colorado.”
Plumley credits his father, Walt Plumley, as being the one person who fully supported him. Plumley said, “My father was a great guy. He always mentored me during his lifetime in anything I chose to do.”
Although Plumley received several medals, including a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Conspicuous Service Cross, and others while serving in Vietnam, he has never been one to brag about himself or his personal achievements. He will, however, spend hours talking about the classic cars and trucks he has owned over the years — especially the ones he personally customized and now brings to the monthly cruise-in car show at the Shelbyville square. Stories about the two dogs he rescued and adores, or photos he snapped of the lush flowers he planted in his yard, flow more easily into his conversations than words that draw attention to himself.
In fact, Plumley sums up his entire career by saying, “I did the duty that was required of me every day, and I was an asset to my country. I would encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in any branch of the U.S. military. They can learn skills and get an education.”
Though Plumley transitioned from the military back into life as a civilian “seamlessly,” he — and other Vietnam veterans — returned from serving overseas and were met with indifference. Their bravery, willingness to submit to leadership, and the countless battles they faced both physically and mentally while in the jungles of Vietnam went unaddressed.
Plumley said, “Many veterans have issues dealing with day-to-day life. Every day, 20 veterans take their own lives. There are many support systems available to them. We all need to be aware of changes in family members who are veterans and be prepared to get them help.”
Veterans, active-duty military, or the families of either who need immediate, confidential help can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or simply text 838255. This service is free, and users aren’t required to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs services to qualify.
Patriotism is critical to Plumley. He said, “Patriotism is supporting the Constitution of our great nation. I feel that all U.S. citizens should support our country in any way they can. Parents can involve their children in patriotic activities for veterans within our community.”
Besides his two rescue dogs, Plumley has two sons and a niece who live in Tennessee, and they are very supportive of him. “I’m an officer of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. At this time, I am also a director of the United Veterans Council of Bedford County. My family is very supportive of my veteran activities and often devotes time to working at the local VFW.”
Though we can’t step back into the 1960s or 1970s and change the treatment our veterans received, we can show our support of these brave men and women today. The next time you encounter someone proudly wearing a Vietnam veteran’s hat or a shirt, or you notice they are displaying a bumper sticker or a vehicle tag that boldly declares they are a Vietnam veteran, make sure to thank them for their service, and always add these words: “Welcome home, soldier.” GN
For more information on local veterans’ services, visit www.vfw5019.org or follow VFW ‘Post 5019 Shelbyville, TN, on Facebook.’
