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Friday, April 26, 2024

Heroes help heal wounds 50 years later

April 28, 2017 12:00 am • Last Updated: April 28, 2017 4:39 pm

We continue to engage in global retracted battles that again claim lives and inflict medical injuries. Our VA health care system in New London has a staff member that exudes compassion, dedication, loyalty and professionalism toward his fellow veterans. This gifted individual is Dr. Ben Hong.

I personally owe him an immeasurable amount of gratitude. Dr. Hong has helped me as a Vietnam veteran dealing with difficulties almost 50 years later (1968-1969). I have persevered with his help, an incredible journey to say the least. I commend you, Dr. Hong, my hero!

There are other heroes I salute, veterans who mean so much to me for their patriotism and respect – Chuck Andrews, Tom Burke, Kevin Brown, John Cotter, Richard Friedrich, Patrick McMahon, and Andrew Pavlak are also my heroes.

Benjamin P. Lathrop

Veteran – USAF 1966-1970

Former Norwich mayor, 2005-2009

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