Baird, Transportation Corps vets reunite for The Gathering

Courtesy photo

State Rep. Jim Baird (front row, third from left) joins other Vietnam veteran members of the 523rd Transportation Corps in front of the legendary "Ace of Spades" gun truck parked at the Indiana War Memorial during "The Gathering" event earlier this month

INDIANAPOLIS -- The 11th reunion of Transportation Corps of Vietnam veterans, known as "The Gathering" was staged recently in Indianapolis.

State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) joined 20 plus members of the 523rd Transportation Corps as well as their families for the week-long event, honoring and remembering those who served or gave their lives during the Vietnam Conflict.

"I want to thank everyone that joined us for The Gathering in remembering those brave men and women that served during the war," Rep. Baird said. "There were incredible testimonies given by brave men and women, and I was honored to be a part of it."

The 523rd was inducted into the Transportation Corps Hall of Fame last year for the crucial role it played in Operation Lamson 719.

In 1971, U.S. troops were tasked to resupply soldiers who were assaulting a logistics base across the Vietnamese border. With three years of experience, six gun trucks from the 523rd were sent to protect the convoys and assist in the resupply mission.

Driving around the clock, the trucks overcame overwhelming odds -- encountering 23 ambushes along the way -- to deliver necessary cargo to the forward camps.

Five of the gun truck replicas like the "Ace of Spades," in addition to other military-style vehicles used by the 523rd, were parked outside the Indiana Statehouse, the Indiana War Memorial and at the State Fair during The Gathering earlier this month. Individuals were allowed to take photos and speak with the drivers, listening to their stories and firsthand accounts of their experience during the war.

Additionally, those attending were able to talk with Rep. Baird about his military service as well as new laws that he recently helped enact to benefit veterans.

"The Gathering means a great deal to members of the 523rd as well as their families, and I hope those who participated got just as much out of it as I did," Rep. Baird said. "Veterans have sacrificed so much for this nation, and I will continue to remember those who served by supporting legislation to benefit them."

Serving District 44, Rep. Baird represents all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.