Caring for Vietnam Veterans Then, Now, and Always

When soldiers began returning home from the Vietnam War, they were not welcomed home with celebration and gratitude the way they are today. America was divided for many reasons, including racial tensions, the unpopular military draft, high number of casualties, and opinions about our involvement in a foreign conflict. It was also the first war to be televised, pulling back the curtain for Americans to view the brutality of battle in a way they had never seen before.

Because of strong anti-war sentiment, many Vietnam Veterans struggled to find the support they needed to reintegrate back into civilian life. Public understanding of their experiences was still evolving, and many lacked the resources they needed to move forward, such as stable housing and steady employment. Quality mental health support was also hard to come by, as the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were not yet recognized and diagnosed until the 1980s.

These very needs are why Nation’s Finest was founded in 1972, originally named “Flower of the Dragon” and organized by Vietnam Veterans in Santa Rosa, California, who understood what their fellow service members had gone through. Our sole purpose was to make sure Vietnam Veterans were seen and supported, providing them with the resources and community needed to get back on their feet after coming home.

Early services provided by Flower of the Dragon included homelessness prevention and assistance, job search support and preparedness, and counseling for Veterans and their family members. Almost all of our services were provided by volunteers, many (if not most) of them Veterans themselves. Peer support was the backbone of our success and has always remained a core element of our services.

Today, Nation’s Finest serves Veterans from all eras and backgrounds across California, Arizona, and Nevada. But Vietnam Veterans hold a special place in our history, and we still strive to make sure they aren’t forgotten.

In 2026, thousands of Vietnam War Veterans will cross into the 65+ population, a demographic shift that carries urgency and great responsibility. These men and women served our country decades ago, but many of them still need our help today. As the cost of living rises across the country, especially in the areas we serve, access to stable housing and daily support is becoming increasingly critical but more difficult to come by.

Too often, aging Veterans fall into gaps between housing options, healthcare systems, and social services. They are isolated and left to navigate their care alone. A missed rent payment, an untreated health issue, or the loss of a spouse can spiral into instability. It is up to us to break these cycles and ensure Veterans have what they need to age safely in their homes with pride and dignity.

This Vietnam War Veterans Day, may we give more than a simple gesture and a “thank you for your service,” because at times like this, actions, not words, matter most. Vietnam Veterans need us to show up. That might mean checking in on someone you know, making space to listen, or helping to connect a Veteran to support. For businesses and others in our communities, it might mean backing programs and initiatives that keep housing stable, healthcare accessible, and community within reach.

Our country may not have been there for Vietnam Veterans when they first needed us, but by our actions today, we can tell them – perhaps for the first time, that their sacrifices are, in fact, appreciated and that they will never be forgotten again.