Vietnam war

SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Richard Greenwood, R-Roy, remembers coming home from Vietnam and being spat at in full uniform in San Francisco.

He and other Vietnam veterans shared different tales of their post-war experiences Friday in front of a House committee considering a resolution to honor veterans of the Asian conflict. The resolution, HCR 6, being run by Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, recognizes the 50th anniversary of the war and those who served in that conflict.

When Lt. Col. Shirrel Martin reported to Vietnam, he signed a statement that he wouldn’t talk about what he did or saw during the war.

“Our missions were so classified that we were not allowed to carry any identification at all when we were flying over there,” he said.

Much of that classified information has been released now, but the retired Air Force officer says he still hasn’t talked much about it. So he was surprised to find that a new exhibit at Hill Aerospace Museum has a display focused on him.

The exhibit, “The U.S. Air Force in Vietnam,” officially opened on Saturday, Sept. 22. Offering an overview of the Vietnam War, with emphasis on the role of the Air Force, several panels of text and photos explore the efforts of Hill Air Force Base during the conflict.

Some displays focus on individuals with Utah ties — including Martin, of Kaysville, and Farmington’s Jay Hess. Uniforms worn by Hess are combined with information about how he and his crew rescued a downed fighter pilot. Hess was held as a prisoner of war, and his cell at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” has been re-created in the museum.

David Bert Havas, born Jan. 1, 1941, died Saturday, September 1, 2012, after a sudden illness. Friends may call from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th St., Ogden, and from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Thursday before the memorial service, which will be held at 3 p.m. at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the ACLU, 355 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84103; the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, 2504 F Ave., Ogden, UT 84401; or to the charity of your choice. Post condolences at www.leavittsmortuary.com. See the complete obituary in the Standard-Examiner's e-edition.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Swathi Swaminathan and Saathrik Chukkapalli huddled under the belly of the military plane, waiting for the weather to clear.

The Utah State University friends had seen military aircraft before at the Hill Aerospace Museum, but never this close up. The KC-10A was primarily used for transportation, but on the grounds of Hill Air Force Base, it was now their 120-ton metal umbrella from the hail pouring down around them.

Within a few minutes, the inclement weather passed, and they and the dozens of others crowded under the cargo plane were free to enjoy the air show once more.

James 'Jim' Evans, 74, of Clearfield, died Saturday, April 21, 2012, surrounded by family. Srevices will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at Myers Mortuary, 250 N. Fairfield Road, in Layton, Utah. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the mortuary and from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday before services. Interment will be at Clearfield City Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded. Post condolences at www.myers-mortuary.com. To read the full obituary, see the Standard-Examiner's e-edition.

Heber Marsh Butler, 90, of Garland, died Friday, March 30, 2012, at the home of his son in Orem. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 6, at the Garland Stake Center, 140 W. Factory. A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Rudd Funeral Home, 1234 S. Main, Garland. Another viewing will be held before the funeral from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Garland Stake Center. Interment will be in the Garland Cemetery with full military honors. Post condolences at www.ruddfuneralhome.com. See the complete obituary in the Standard-Examiner's e-edition.

OGDEN -- Ogden Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1481 is holding a Spam-intensive welcome home party for Vietnam War veterans.

The party will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the post, 907 W. 12th St., and is designed to create an atmosphere of camaraderie among veterans.