In Memory Program

Local vets inducted

By Bethaney Wallace on July 6, 2017

On June 17, Vietnam veterans were added to the In Memory Program in Washington, D.C. In addition, five fallen soldiers from Washington state were among those on the list. The Memory Program serves as an induction for those whose time was cut short because of the war. (Due to long-term injury, exposure to herbicides like agent orange, etc.) However, who also did not meet guidelines to be listed on The Wall. Due to Department of Defense qualifications, not all killed during the war made it to the iconic monument.

The induction program was held June 17 and hosted more than 2,000 guests in attendance on the East Knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Each of the 411 honorees' name were read out loud by master of ceremonies, Capt. Denis Faherty. Their names can also be found listed on the In Memory website, along with photos and bios of each fallen veteran.

The In Memory Program began in 1999 and is recognized by a plaque within the Veterans Memorial to show its importance and commitment to veterans and their loved ones. It has since listed more than 2,800 veterans as part of its goal to recognize and honor others.

Washington Inductees:

Richard William Frederking, Sr., U.S. Army
Walla Walla, Washington
Aug. 19, 1945-Jan. 2, 2012
After serving in Vietnam, Frederking returned to the U.S. to marry his wife, Patty, and have two children, a son and a daughter. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping and boating, and in later years, loved spending time with his grandsons and working on home improvement projects with his wife.
 
Jimmy Dale Johnson, U.S. Navy
Oak Harbor, Washington
Nov. 26, 1931-June 24, 2012
After enlisting in the Navy in 1959, AEC Jimmy Dale Johnson retired in April 1979, during which he served four tours to Vietnam. At this time he continued to serve as a DAV certified counselor for more than 10 years. His daughter stated that, during his time in the military, he traveled to locations where he was needed to avoid moving his family on a frequent basis.

Dale Wayne Lawrence, U.S. Army
Puyallup, Washington
May 3, 1946-May 18, 2015
Dale Lawrence served as the NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge) with the 328/601st, Radio Research Detachment - Americal Division, located at LZ Baldy, Chu Li, Vietnam. During 1967 to 1969, he did two tours for the war during this time. For his efforts, he was awarded two Bronze Stars - one for bravery and another for leadership.

Billy Kay Tarver, U.S. Air Force
Kent, Washington
Dec. 29, 1946-April 16, 2010

Roy Owen Bowron, U.S. Army
Renton, Washington
Aug. 1, 1946-Dec. 29, 2012
Roy Bowron joined the Army in 1966 with whom he served one tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. While serving, he was stationed at Camp JJ Carroll as a canon direction specialist/SP4(T) in the third army, C Battery, 6th Battalion, 1st Artillery.

After his contract with the Army, Bowron worked in construction before earning a degree in environmental horticulture and working for the King County Parks Department. In addition, he had a passion for feeding the homeless, especially Vietnam veterans.

For more information on the In Memory Program, visit vvmf.org/inmemory.