A Healing Heart With a Mission

Ken Buckles, a retired high school P.E. teacher and football coach, has a passion for honoring veterans that started with his own personal loss. His father, a Korean War veteran, took his own life, a tragedy that devastated Ken’s mother so much that she passed away three years later. This loss led Ken to reach out to veterans and invite them to the high school in 1996. His goal was to have them share their stories, enjoy lunch and experience a USO-style show in the gym. His principal, whose own father was a D-Day veteran, was deeply moved by the idea.

By 1999, over 900 veterans from World War II through more recent conflicts had visited the school, including Holocaust survivors. Ken aimed to teach students that while they might disagree with wars, they should still respect those who served. Many of the veterans found healing through these visits as they shared their experiences and sacrifices. Since then, Ken has brought thousands of veterans to over fifty-two high schools during their Living History Day programs.

Inspired by New Zealand’s National Vietnam Apology Day, Ken created shirts in 2019, saying, “Sorry for how you were treated when you returned.” Though the pandemic delayed his plans, the idea resurfaced in 2022, and he expanded his vision. With design input from Ken and his wife, Malinda, the Weston Dealerships in Gresham donated and wrapped a Hummer with the American flag and messages reading, “Honoring Vietnam Veterans Across America” and “We honor you for your service, valor, and sacrifice and we are sorry for how you were treated when you returned.”

With the financial support of the Weston Dealerships, Cutsforths, and the generous people of Canby, Ken and Malinda embarked on a 41-day journey through forty cities. Many widows expressed deep gratitude as they shared that their husbands had never found closure. Ken is also struck by how unaware younger generations are of the challenges Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home. As they travel the roads of America, Ken and Malinda hope their message sparks conversations and fosters healing and understanding in the hearts of all who see their message on the Hummer.

In addition to their work with veterans, Ken authored the REMEMBRANCE series, Volumes I-III, which feature compelling stories from veterans of various wars. These accounts resonate deeply with both men and women because they focus on the human experience in war. The books are available on Amazon.

Ken’s dedication to educating younger generations about Vietnam veterans remains strong. As he prepares for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in 2025, he hopes to raise funds for another journey to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., to make sure that the message of respect and gratitude for veterans continues to reach new audiences. For more information or to support their mission, email Ken at kenwaynebuckles@gmail.com or visit their website at www.rahusa.us.

Know a local veteran we should feature? Contact Active Media today — donovan@activemediausa.com or 503-825-2111.