IN MEMORY HONOR ROLL

Lynda Van Devanter Buckley, an advocate for women veterans, died November 15, 2002 at her home in Herndon, Virginia, after a long illness. She was 55. An Arlington native, she served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970 as a surgical nurse with the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, near the Cambodian border. In 1979 she helped launch and became head of the Vietnam Veterans of America Women's Project. In 1987 the VVA honored her with the Excellence in the Arts Award and in 2002 she received a VVA Commendation Medal. After retiring in 1984 she continued to write articles, edit volumes of poetry, give speeches and conduct seminars. Lynda suffered from systemic collagen vascular disease, which she attributed to wartime exposure to chemical agents and pesticides.

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR Lynda Buckley

POSTED ON 11.12.2024

POSTED BY: Paul Villani

Never Forget

I was with the 92th combat support battalion in Da Nang, Vietnam 1969-70 and live with PTSD. Recently read Home Before Morning and then Lynda’s daughter Molly’s recent memoir, (if i don’t laugh i’ll cry). I was moved to tears to say the least. Lynda made it back to “the world” but didn’t survive PTSD and Agent Orange or the life sucked out of her by the Vietnam War. A sad and tragic story but inspiring in its own way. I ran a recent DAV 5K race and was inspired to dedicate it to Lynda. She endured the worst of War and its consequences. I am humbled by her bravery and dedication to service. She deserves the highest honors and will not be forgotten. God bless you Lynda.

Hand Salute

I have just finished reading Home Before Morning. I served as a combat medic with a rifle platoon in Vietnam in 1967. Ms. Van Devanter's book spoke to me. I leave this remembrance to honor her service. Thank you.

Never Forgotten

In Remembrance