Vietnam vet speaksin Lake Bluff of being there

Paul Baffico, a Vietnam veteran, will speak about his war experiences at a free event from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Lake Bluff Public Safety Building, 45 East Center St., Lake Bluff.

Also speaking is Tom Voss, who walked 2,700 miles across the U.S. with a fellow veteran to heal from their time in combat. A documentary has been made about their journey and includes stories of veterans they met along the way.

Reservations are not required for the free program, which is part of the series "The Stories of War from those Who Have Been There," coordinated by the Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program affiliated with the Lake County Health Department.

Baffico served as a communications platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division in 1970 and 1971. He flew 206 combat assaults and is the recipient of the Air Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with 1 oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal. Baffico fought in Vietnam 44 years ago and he still lives with the memories of that experience every day since coming home.

The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program assists veterans, whether they served in Vietnam or more present day conflicts, and their families, face challenges before, during and after deployments. Call (847) 377-8386 or visit lmvfs.org.