Former Astronaut and Marine Colonel Robert Springer to Address Ashland Vietnam Vets

Joe Lyons • March 1, 2023

Colonel Robert Springer will address area Vietnam era veterans at their annual reunion dinner on March 25, 2023. Col. Springer is a 1960 graduate of Ashland High School and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine Corps pilot. Best known as a NASA space shuttle astronaut, Colonel Springer started his career flying F4 Phantom fighter jets over the skies of Vietnam. He also flew the legendary Huey helicopters.

The reunion dinner will be held at Ashland Eagles. Tickets can be purchased at the law office of DeSanto & Kellogg on Center Street in Ashland. This will be the fourth such Vietnam veterans’ reunion dinner. The dinner is organized by a group of Vietnam veterans associated with American Veterans Appreciation Events, Inc. and has been commissioned to hold the event by the National Vietnam War Commemoration.

Co-organizer Greg Gorrell said that Col. Springer is looking forward to coming “home” to speak to his fellow Vietnam veterans. According to Gorrell, while he is here Colonel Springer will address area high school students, encouraging them to patriotism and greatness.

Co-organizer Bob DeSanto said the veterans and their families find the reunions very meaningful. “Although the veterans’ tours of service were typically for only a few years, those years have a lasting impact on the veterans’ lives,” said DeSanto.

John Cadley, a navy combat medic, encouraged all area Vietnam era veterans to come to the dinner and enjoy fellowship with their fellow veterans.

Carl Richert, who also flew in F4 fighter jets over Vietnam, said, “I am sure interested in hearing what Colonel Springer has to say. Those were magnificent planes.”

Brooks Whitmore, another Vietnam veteran, said, “Most people know Col. Springer as an astronaut. It will be an honor to know him as a Vietnam veteran.”

Many veterans will remember that March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day.

The doors open at 5:00 p.m. for the reunion dinner. Colonel Springer will be available to meet with veterans and friends before the dinner which will be served at 6:00 p.m. Master of Ceremony will be Vietnam veteran and Sheriff of Ashland County Wayne Risner. For information call 419-289-1454. Family and guests welcome.

The reunion will be on March 25 at Ashland Eagles Club, 400 Eastlake Drive, Ashland, Ohio.

Contact Robert DeSanto for tickets:

Robert P. DeSanto

DeSanto & Kellogg, LLC

432 Center Street

Ashland, Ohio 44805

Tel: 419-289-1454

Fax: 419-903-0207

e-mail: swiftsword@hotmail.com