September 10th | 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Please join us at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham for a sneak preview of Ken Burns' newest documentary, THE VIETNAM WAR -- premiering September 17th on Alabama Public Television.
The event is free. The museum will open to the public at 1:30pm, and the program begins at 2pm.
Join us after the screening VIETNAM WAR REFLECTIONS, a panel discussion featuring local veterans, historians and community leaders discussing their experiences during the war, upon coming home, and in leadership today.
Appetizers and beverages will be available, with free museum access from 1:30 until 4:00pm.
All are welcome although some topics and discussion may not be suitable for children under 16. Please RSVP on Eventbrite at https://vietnamwarscreening.eventbrite.com/
Moderator
Dr. Brian Barsanti
Executive Director of the Southern Museum of Flight, Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard
Brian has been a part of the Southern Museum of Flight team for over ten years. He serves as a part-time faculty member at Huntingdon College, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Miles College. Brian is a graduate of a number of military training schools including the United States Army Airborne School, and he currently serves as an officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
He completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and his education includes a graduate degree in History from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Brian also holds the Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research interests include Museums in the 21st Century, Collaborative Organizational Structures, Museums as Interdisciplinary/Educational Resources, and 20th Century Military History within Public History Settings.
He completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and his education includes a graduate degree in History from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Brian also holds the Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research interests include Museums in the 21st Century, Collaborative Organizational Structures, Museums as Interdisciplinary/Educational Resources, and 20th Century Military History within Public History Settings.
Panelists (5)
Colonel Bob Barefield
(United States Army, Retired), Chairman Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery and Chairman of Patriotism in Action
More About Colonel Bob Barefield
COL (Ret.) Robert L. Barefield, Sr. is a decorated U. S. Army Veteran who has lived his life for his country both as an active career Army Ranger and in retirement serving Veterans. Barefield grew up on a farm in Kentucky where he learned his steadfast work ethic. He entered the U. S. Army in 1968 where he served as an Infantry Soldier, retiring as Colonel in 1998.
Among his assignments included duty in Vietnam and the invasion of Cambodia with 1st Calvary Division. In March 1970 Barefield was a Platoon Leader with Co A, 2-8 CAV DIV when his company rescued Company C and he was wounded. Company A received the Presidential Unit Citation for this heroic rescue in September 2014, 44 years later.
Some of Barefield’s other Army assignments included: Director of Plans, XVIII Airborne Corps including humanitarian relief during Hurricane Andrew, 1992; Director of Advanced Operations Studies Fellowship; 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 82nd Airborne Division; Inspector General of U.S. Forces in Panama; Instructor at U.S. Army Ranger School, 5th Ranger Training Battalion; commanded the 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne in Panama leading up to Operation Just Cause; and last Commander, 5th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Some of Barefield’s many awards and decorations include: Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Aviation Wings, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “V,” Bronze Star Medal (3rd Award), Purple Heart (5th Award), Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” and the State of Florida Distinguished Service Medal.
Barefield’s passion today is patriotic causes especially the Scenic Overlook Project at the Alabama National Veterans Cemetery where he is chairman of ALNC Support Committee. SCALNC is raising funds for an outdoor sanctuary where families and friends can reflect on the lives of their deceased veterans. He is also Second Vice Commander American Legion Post 911 and with wife Nancy co-chairs of Patriotism in Action and he is on Board of Directors of Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.
Bob and Nancy Barefield have been married for 43 years. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Among his assignments included duty in Vietnam and the invasion of Cambodia with 1st Calvary Division. In March 1970 Barefield was a Platoon Leader with Co A, 2-8 CAV DIV when his company rescued Company C and he was wounded. Company A received the Presidential Unit Citation for this heroic rescue in September 2014, 44 years later.
Some of Barefield’s other Army assignments included: Director of Plans, XVIII Airborne Corps including humanitarian relief during Hurricane Andrew, 1992; Director of Advanced Operations Studies Fellowship; 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 82nd Airborne Division; Inspector General of U.S. Forces in Panama; Instructor at U.S. Army Ranger School, 5th Ranger Training Battalion; commanded the 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne in Panama leading up to Operation Just Cause; and last Commander, 5th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Some of Barefield’s many awards and decorations include: Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Aviation Wings, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “V,” Bronze Star Medal (3rd Award), Purple Heart (5th Award), Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” and the State of Florida Distinguished Service Medal.
Barefield’s passion today is patriotic causes especially the Scenic Overlook Project at the Alabama National Veterans Cemetery where he is chairman of ALNC Support Committee. SCALNC is raising funds for an outdoor sanctuary where families and friends can reflect on the lives of their deceased veterans. He is also Second Vice Commander American Legion Post 911 and with wife Nancy co-chairs of Patriotism in Action and he is on Board of Directors of Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc.
Bob and Nancy Barefield have been married for 43 years. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Dr. Wayne Reynolds
Disabled Vietnam Veteran. Served in Vietnam from 68-69 with the 95th Evacuation and 22nd Surgical Hospitals. (United States Army), National Treasurer of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
More About Dr. Wayne Reynolds
Disabled Vietnam Veteran. Served in Vietnam from 68-69 with the 95th Evacuation and 22nd Surgical Hospitals. (United States Army), National Treasurer of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Dr. Wayne Reynolds of Athens, Alabama, was reelected August 2013 to his third term as National Treasurer of VVA at the organization’s 16th National Convention. Reynolds, who served as national treasurer from 2001-2003, is currently serving his 15th year as President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council.
His past VVA national service includes four years on the board of VVA’s affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, four years as secretary of VVA’s Conference of State Council Presidents; and three years as past president of VVA Chapter 511, Athens, Alabama. Reynolds has also served on the following VVA national committees: Finance; Veterans Healthcare; PTSD and Substance Abuse; Constitution; Employment Training Business Opportunities; and Veterans Affairs.
Reynolds, a disabled veteran, served in Vietnam from 1968-69 with the 95th Evacuation and 22nd Surgical Hospitals. He retired after 12 years as a public school superintendent and holds a doctorate in education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in finance. Reynolds has been a registered nurse since 2003 and since 1996, has been the owner and CEO of his own business.
He has been married to Carol for 44 years and is the father of two and the grandfather of two. His son, Wesley, is currently serving in the Air Force as a Physician with the rank of Major. His daughter, Paige Walker, is a Project Manager for the Army in Weapons Research at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Dr. Wayne Reynolds of Athens, Alabama, was reelected August 2013 to his third term as National Treasurer of VVA at the organization’s 16th National Convention. Reynolds, who served as national treasurer from 2001-2003, is currently serving his 15th year as President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council.
His past VVA national service includes four years on the board of VVA’s affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, four years as secretary of VVA’s Conference of State Council Presidents; and three years as past president of VVA Chapter 511, Athens, Alabama. Reynolds has also served on the following VVA national committees: Finance; Veterans Healthcare; PTSD and Substance Abuse; Constitution; Employment Training Business Opportunities; and Veterans Affairs.
Reynolds, a disabled veteran, served in Vietnam from 1968-69 with the 95th Evacuation and 22nd Surgical Hospitals. He retired after 12 years as a public school superintendent and holds a doctorate in education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in finance. Reynolds has been a registered nurse since 2003 and since 1996, has been the owner and CEO of his own business.
He has been married to Carol for 44 years and is the father of two and the grandfather of two. His son, Wesley, is currently serving in the Air Force as a Physician with the rank of Major. His daughter, Paige Walker, is a Project Manager for the Army in Weapons Research at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Rear Admiral Clyde Marsh
(United States Navy, Retired), State Commissioner and Director of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA)
More About Admiral Clyde Marsh
Commissioner W. Clyde Marsh Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Rear Admiral Clyde Marsh, USN (Ret.), assumed the duties as State Commissioner and Director of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) on October 5, 2005. The State Board of Veterans Affairs appointed him by unanimous vote. He was re-nominated and approved for a third term by unanimous vote in October 2013. As Commissioner, he is responsible for all administrative and executive duties of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. He manages the agency’s operations, coordinates mission execution and oversees 112 state employees in 67 counties as well as over 900 contract health service providers. He also manages an agency budget of over $100 million. Under his leadership, the ADVA implemented a statewide veteran claims management database. He reorganized the agency’s leadership structure by reducing the management scope of 67 county veterans’ service offices from six to three districts covering north, central and south Alabama, which improved consistency and efficiency. Commissioner Marsh served on the Alabama Veterans Court Task Force that led to the development of a state veterans’ court program consisting of 14 Veterans Treatment Courts. He also coordinated the construction of a $50 million, new concept, 21st Century state veterans’ home. Commissioner Marsh also coordinated the planning and construction of the first state-operated veterans’ cemetery. During his three decades of Navy active duty service, he served in the following command, headquarters and key staff assignments: Commander Amphibious Group Three, Commander Expeditionary Strike Group FIVE, Deputy Director Expeditionary Warfare Division the Pentagon, Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations the Pentagon, Plans and Policy Officer for U.S. Pacific Command, Commander Amphibious Squadron Five as well as Commanding Officer USS Sumter (LST 1181) and USS Cleveland (LPD 7). He also served in leadership positions at sea aboard the following ships: USS Essex, USS Manley, USS Ozbourn, USS Parsons, USS Pensacola, USS Prairie and USS St. Louis. Admiral Marsh led Task Force 51 during the Iraq War where he commanded 31 United States and Coalition ships and 44,000 personnel. He directed combat amphibious operations at sea, Littoral Operations at Kuwait and Umm Quasar in Southern Iraq. Marsh was born in Wedowee, Alabama and earned his BA Degree from Alabama A&M University in 1973. After graduation, he received a commission as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and later earned his Master of Science degree from Troy University. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. Admiral Marsh attended the National Defense University Flag and General Officer Course. He completed the Black Sea Regional Security Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Executive Business Course at the University of North Carolina. Admiral Marsh’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and various service medals and unit awards. He was the first Navy Admiral to receive the Department of the Navy Nathaniel Stinson Leadership and Equal Opportunity Award in 2003. He is listed in the 2011-2012 Global Directory of Who’s Who in Government. He is the author of a book chapter titled “The Changing Landscape of Veterans Affairs”. Commissioner Marsh was the recipient of the 2010 National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion for the State of Alabama. Additionally, he served on the Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee (VRHAC) from April 2012 to April 2014 which advises the Secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs on issues affecting rural veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System. He was appointed to the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee (GGAC) in November of 2012. The GGAC advises the VA Secretary on issues related to care of elderly veterans as well as research, development and training for geriatric facilities and treatment protocols. He is Co-Chair of the Alabama Veterans Executive Network (AlaVetNet). Commissioner Marsh is also the past President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.business.
Major Richard H. Collins (Hank)
(United States Army, Retired), Fourth Platoon Leader 221st Reconnaissance Airplane Company during 1966, and author of "Eyes Over the Delta"
More About Major Hank Collins
Major Hank Collins was the Fourth Platoon Leader of the 221st Reconnaissance Airplane Company stationed in South Vietnam’s Mekong Delta from November 1965 to November 1966. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Major Collins flew over 500 combat hours and accumulated over of 1500 hours of flying time while in the military. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with “V” Devise and 12th Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star and three Vietnam Cross of Gallantry awarded by the Republic of South Vietnam. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama and a MPPM Master’s Degree from Birmingham-Southern College. He served as Senior Vice President of SouthTrust Bank and as Consultant to Wachovia Bank. Major Collins recounts his gripping wartime recollections in his memoir, Eyes Over the Delta , which details the life and death experiences he had flying over the Mekong Delta. He and his wife Irene have five children (Richard deceased) and nine grandchildren and are retired near Columbiana. The Southern Museum of Flight, where Hank serves as a Foundation Board Member, displays his military items that are included in the museum’s Vietnam Military exhibit.
André J. Taylor
United States Army Veteran, member and past chairman of Lakeshore Foundation’s Board of Directors
More About Major André J. Taylor
A native of Mobile, André Taylor graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in journalism. He has worked in radio, television, and cable TV. In 1989, he was awarded the University of Alabama School of Communications’ Outstanding Alumni Award in Advertising and Public Relations. Taylor is a retiree from Alabama Gas Corporation where he served most recently as their Vice President of Communications. André joined the company in 1984 as Coordinator of Public Information. In his last position, he was responsible for planning and directing Alagasco's employee and customer communication efforts, along with their community affairs activities. He also served as the company's spokesperson, communicating with the media on various company issues.
Andre Taylor’s military career began in 1967 as a member of the U.S. Army, Infantry. Taylor is a Vietnam Veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart, having served one tour of duty in Vietnam from December 1967 through March 1968 when he was wounded. He then spent one month in a hospital in Japan and was then transferred to Ft. Rucker, Alabama where he was in and out of the hospital for the next five months. He was discharged from the Army in 1971 from Ft. Benning, Georgia as a Chaplain’s Assistant.
Today, André is a member and past chairman of Lakeshore Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Past President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. He was also featured in the inaugural edition of “Who’s Who in Black Birmingham”.
Andre and his wife Vivian live in Bessemer, Alabama.
Andre Taylor’s military career began in 1967 as a member of the U.S. Army, Infantry. Taylor is a Vietnam Veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart, having served one tour of duty in Vietnam from December 1967 through March 1968 when he was wounded. He then spent one month in a hospital in Japan and was then transferred to Ft. Rucker, Alabama where he was in and out of the hospital for the next five months. He was discharged from the Army in 1971 from Ft. Benning, Georgia as a Chaplain’s Assistant.
Today, André is a member and past chairman of Lakeshore Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Past President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. He was also featured in the inaugural edition of “Who’s Who in Black Birmingham”.
Andre and his wife Vivian live in Bessemer, Alabama.