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It was during these ups and downs across our nation that Dave Plumley \u2014 like many other brave young men \u2014 was drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1967 to 1973. Plumley, who is originally from New York, said, \u201cMy 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plumley credits his father, Walt Plumley, as being the one person who fully supported him. Plumley said, \u201cMy father was a great guy. He always mentored me during his lifetime in anything I chose to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, Plumley sums up his entire career by saying, \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though Plumley transitioned from the military back into life as a civilian \u201cseamlessly,\u201d he \u2014 and other Vietnam veterans \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plumley said, \u201cMany 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t required to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs services to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/shelbyville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/07\/4-3-1024x683.jpg\")
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