Pennies from Vietnam

03/29/2026

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we honor the legacy of the millions who served our nation during the Vietnam War. On March 29, 1973, the last American combat troops left Vietnam. More than three million Americans served in-country during the war and 58,281 men and women made the ultimate sacrifice. We continue to lose Vietnam veterans every day as a result of the war’s lingering effects.

Many Vietnam veterans returned home to a divided country and, at times, little to no respect for their service. Today, we honor all they gave for their country. Together, we will continue to show our gratitude for our Vietnam veterans and work to ensure their service and sacrifices are never forgotten.

To our Vietnam veterans, “Thank you for your service and Welcome Home!”

02/17/2026

My book is on sale today at Amazon! Least expensive to date, for a limited time. Makes for a great gift…
And Vietnam Veterans Day is March 29!

12/31/2025

Mr. December - if you read this month's email you'll recognize Thom's name -- contributed over 800 slides and personal images from his days in Vietnam to Texas Tech University. This is the link that tells more about him, and if you're looking for amazing footage, and vast amounts of it, start right HERE!

The Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University collects, preserves, and makes available materials related to the Vietnam War era, and includes the Vietnam Center, the Vietnam Archive, the Virtual Vietnam Archive, and the Oral History Project.

12/30/2025

You’ve got mail!

For some reason, Wix will no longer allow me to share my emails as a link… so if you want to read about my “Mr December” and keep up with the journey to honor our heroes… please subscribe to the email list on my website, www.PenniesfromVietnam.

It took all month to finish, all year to get to “Major Thom” (can’t you hear, “This is ground control…”!!) but he is worth the wait. Last but not least, I’m proud to wrap up the 2025 1st Cavalry Calendar of “Then and Now” heroes with my friend, pilot (POLIT, IYKYK) Thom Iannarino.

11/27/2025

Thankful for every Soldier… past, present and future. Thankful for all of you, fans, friends, family and readers. Thankful for another year in a free country. God bless America! Happy Thanksgiving!!

11/11/2025

Head over to my Author Page (Tracy Smith Mathis, Author) to find a book giveaway! In honor of Veterans Day, I want to thank every soldier and their families for the sacrifices they willingly take on for our freedom. Happy Veterans Day. Welcome home.

10/14/2025

Finding Jim Hawks, then meeting him, was a true lifetime achievement for me. He and my brother Larry were the last 2 men hoisted up to safety in the search and rescue mission in the Happy Valley. Here is about 25 minutes with Jim, in 8 parts, describing the same story you will read about in our book, but in his own experience and personal words.

Priceless to me, Jim. Thank you for your service, your friendship to Larry and kind visit with me and Cathy last summer in San Diego. Welcome Home.

In this 8 part interview, pilot Jim Hawks relives the tenuous mission that almost ended in disaster for him and 7 other First Cavalry Soldiers. One of the mo...

10/03/2025

Silver Medal award! Larry got a Bronze Star and now we share a Silver Medal!!

09/26/2025

September email has arrived!

Mr. September....Man in the Yellow Suit

08/26/2025

Check your emails! Here's my August newsletter...featuring my friend Gordon Eatley, Mr. August and our rendezvous in St. Louis!!

Meet Gordon Eatley, Blue Max Pilot and Friend!