Lakewood, Colo. – In honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) hosted a panel discussion with three brothers who served during the Vietnam War: Gerry Spann, Don Spann and John Spann.

This panel discussion served as the culminating event to the eight Vietnam War 50^th Commemoration pinning ceremonies held by Congressman Perlmutter in 2017 which honored nearly 900 Vietnam-era Veterans in Colorado. The Spann brothers were recognized for their service during a pinning ceremony in August 2017.

Congressman Perlmutter held the Vietnam War 50^th Commemoration ceremonies as part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized a program to honor Veterans of the Vietnam War and to highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

• Master Sergeant Gerald Spann, U.S. Marine Corps and Colorado Army National Guard

Master Sergeant Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1968, enlisting with his brother, Donald, and serving in-country in the Republic of Vietnam for one year, two months and eighteen days. From there, he served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 1976-1992, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. Gerald’s military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese  Service Medal with one device, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with the 60 device, the USMC Good Conduct Medal, the rifle and pistol badges.

• Sergeant Donald Spann, U.S. Marine Corps

Sergeant Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1968, serving for one year, two months and twenty-three days in-country, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Spann’ military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with one device, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with the 60 device and the Rifle Qualification Badges.

• Lieutenant Colonel John Spann, U.S. Army and Colorado Army National Guard

Lieutenant Colonel Spann served as a Specialist 5 in the United States Army from 1972-1975, and served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 1975-1993, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John also served as a Federal Civil Service civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force at Buckley Air Force Base from 1984-2014. Lieutenant Colonel Spann’s    military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Desert Storm Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

• Captain Stephen Spann, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy Reserve (ret.) (In Memoriam)

Captain Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959-1963, and in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Captain Spann served for thirty years as a member of the United States Navy Reserve, retiring at the rank of Captain. Captain Spann’s military awards and decorations include National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Meritorious Unit, rifle and pistol ribbons. Captain Spann passed away on March 8, 2018.

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