Steve Ware
The Vietnam Veterans of Quail Creek held their first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 23 with approximately 40 Quail Creek residents and seasonal residents attending. Our first speaker was Pam Hartwell-James with The Women of Quail Creek (TWOQC). Pam informed the attendees of a special program being put on by TWOQC in April. It will be an informational meeting promoting the Honor Flight of Southern Arizona. She is looking for speakers who have taken an Honor Flight and is hopeful that veterans who wish to take one will attend.
Our second speaker was Doris Van Vleet. Doris is also a Quail Creek resident. She opened her presentation saying that she had wondered what she had in common with Vietnam veterans. Then she realized that we had all shared the experience of war at a very young age. Doris recounted her life in Shanghai, China, during the years that Japan invaded the country. They were allowed to remain in their apartment until the American air raid on Tokyo. Then the Japanese moved everyone over the age of 12 to prison camps. Doris, her mother, and her brother were now alone, as her father, older brother, and sister were moved into the camp. She recounted the food shortages, lack of money, the Japanese occupation of portions of their apartment, and the constant threats of being evicted. Finally, they obtained visas to go to America in 1947. Doris answered many questions after her presentation.
Our next meeting will be April 24. Our speaker will be announced at a later date.