Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet Serves in Iraq
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - From the battle at Belleau Wood, where Marines earned the name “Devil Dog,” to the iconic image of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, Marine Corps history is embedded in every Marine from initial training at boot camp, and it continues to provide inspiration to those who serve.
Some veterans of past wars not only hold on to the memories of their service, but also are making new ones while they serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Viriato B. Sena, first sergeant for Transportation Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 46, is one of the few Vietnam veterans still serving in the Marines.
Sena, who joined the Marine Corps in 1973, participated in the evacuation of Vietnam and now is deployed to Iraq during the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment, which has been noted to be the largest operation of its kind since Vietnam.