Etsitty’s perilous tour of duty
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ed Ryan was with Army Cpl. Van Etsitty when he was K.I.A. in Vietnam. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura Van Etsitty was laid to rest at the Fort Defiance Veterans Cemetery. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dave Cuellar by Tom Hartsock Sun Correspondent
C
orporal Van Etsitty had a dangerous job for the short time he spent in the Army.
Drafted in 1967, he had less than a year’s training in infantry tactics before being sent to Vietnam, where he was assigned to a Recondo Team under the leadership of Staff Sergeant Ed Ryan, the squad
leader. After four-five months of being inserted by helicopter into jungle areas for reconnaissance and to actively disrupt the enemy, the team landed in the middle of an
NVA encampment. Enemy fire raked the helicopter before it could set down, and one of the first bullets claimed Etsitty, the radio operator. Ryan, now a Doctor of Forensic Psychology, praised Etsitty for his toughness and ability to always looks forward, never questioning orders or the
politics of the war. For his service in Vietnam Ryan received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Valor device, and two Purple Hearts. He now works part-time with groups like Vietnam Veterans of America, giving seminars on PTS and testifies in court as an expert witness on psychological matters.
Memorial Day time for families, remembrance in Gallup By Bernie Dotson Sun Correspondent
F
olks around greater McK i n ley Cou nt y obser ved Memorial Day in a variety of ways. For some May 29 was a day for reunions, including a
of the 11th annual Memorial Day Celebration put on by the Gallup-McKinley County Veterans Committee. The event is a Gallup mainstay that draws locals and tourists alike. “I thought it was a very wonderful day,” Gallup City Councilor Fran Palochak said.
was honored to recognize fellow veterans,” Palochak said. The day’s events were full of short speeches and recognitions by area veterans and lay people. Dave Cuellar of Veterans Helping Veterans led a pledge of allegiance at the event. Joe Zecca, also a U.S. Navy veteran, provided introductory and closing remarks. Mayor Jackie McKinney, McKinley County Board of Commissioner Bill Lee, City Councilor and veteran Fran
Pa lochak, a nd State Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, spoke at the event. “I have been attending this function even before I was elected mayor,” McKinney said afterward. “It’s a great city tradition and a great way to honor the people who served this country.” Monday’s festivities featured a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. And, there was a flag retirement ceremony and a flag presented to the family of
Van Etsitty. Jimmy Sanchez, who lives on Gallup’s north side, said his late grandfather served in the Vietnam War. He said he and his grandfather were close and that’s the primary reason why he comes downtown for the annual affair. “I don’t think people respect veterans enough,” Sanchez, 59, said. “They take our veterans for granted. I think our veterans should be respected a lot more than what they are.”
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City Councilor and U.S. Navy veteran Fran Palochak served as the Grand Marshal of Gallup’s Memorial Day parade May 29. Photo Credit: Knifewing Segura family gathered at Ford Canyon Park in Gallup. A lot more families, friends and couples made their way downtown to get a glimpse COMMUNITY
Palochak, a Gallup native and a U.S. Navy veteran, served as the grand marshal in the parade. “It was an honor to participate in the festivities, and I
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Gallup Sun • Friday June 2, 2017
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