Candy For A Cause....
Helping Veterans and their families!
Helping Veterans and their families!
Who was Michael?
Michael A. Corcoran served with the 101st Airborne during his 3 tours of duty in the Vietnam War. During his last tour he was severely wounded and returned to the states to recover. He saved many lives this day. He spent most of the next year in the hospital recovering. Michael was decorated with: 3 Purple Hearts; 2
bronze stars; Silver Star; Army Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge and the
Ethan Allen Award.
While recovering from his wounds, Michael joined the only group of people that seemed to care about what he had gone through in Vietnam, the Disabled American Veterans. Michael Corcoran was the first Vietnam Veteran to serve as the Vermont DAV Commander. He held this position in 1971, '72 and '73. In April of 1994 Michael was named the DAV Man of the Year.
In 1974, after taking the National Service Officer Course and passing the exam, Michael began working at the Veterans Administration in White River Junction, Vermont. He retired in 1984 when his health began to deteriorate due to wounds he received in Vietnam. He devoted himself to Veterans and getting them the benefits that they earned and deserved. Michael worked with Matt Friedman of the VA in White River Junction. Together they worked hard to get the government to recognize Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a disability.
Michael was instrumental in planning the much delayed Homecoming for Vermont’s Vietnam Veterans. He worked hard to get the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. He was also involved in setting up several vigils and memorials across the state of Vermont. Michael helped to get handicapped plates and parking spaces in Vermont. Michael helped set up the Vet Centers, and the Sharon, Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Michael passed away in 1994, from a lung cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange. He is now one of the “chosen ones” and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
While recovering from his wounds, Michael joined the only group of people that seemed to care about what he had gone through in Vietnam, the Disabled American Veterans. Michael Corcoran was the first Vietnam Veteran to serve as the Vermont DAV Commander. He held this position in 1971, '72 and '73. In April of 1994 Michael was named the DAV Man of the Year.
In 1974, after taking the National Service Officer Course and passing the exam, Michael began working at the Veterans Administration in White River Junction, Vermont. He retired in 1984 when his health began to deteriorate due to wounds he received in Vietnam. He devoted himself to Veterans and getting them the benefits that they earned and deserved. Michael worked with Matt Friedman of the VA in White River Junction. Together they worked hard to get the government to recognize Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a disability.
Michael was instrumental in planning the much delayed Homecoming for Vermont’s Vietnam Veterans. He worked hard to get the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. He was also involved in setting up several vigils and memorials across the state of Vermont. Michael helped to get handicapped plates and parking spaces in Vermont. Michael helped set up the Vet Centers, and the Sharon, Vermont Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Michael passed away in 1994, from a lung cancer caused by his exposure to Agent Orange. He is now one of the “chosen ones” and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Pictures of Michael throughout the years.
Michael is pictures above in his basic training uniform.
Michael during basic training.
Michael took the DAV van around to those Veterans that could not make it to him. Michael is seated just inside the open door of the van.
Michael is pictures above in his basic training uniform.
Michael during basic training.
Michael took the DAV van around to those Veterans that could not make it to him. Michael is seated just inside the open door of the van.
On October 30, 1982 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was opened at the Interstate 89, Northbound Rest Area in Sharon, Vermont. Michael is pictured here giving one of the dedication speeches.
Jim Jeffords is pictured here giving one of the dedication speeches at the Dedication Ceremony of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Sharon, Vermont rest area. The memorial honors the 138 service persons who gave their all in the Vietnam War. Jim Jeffords sent this picture and letter to Michael, thanking him for all his hard work.
Michael is pictured in the center of this photograph. The picture was taken at a DAV Convention.
This picture was taken at the much delayed Homecoming Ceremony for Vermont's Vietnam Veterans. Michael was presented with his Silver Star.
This picture was taken of the Vermont Contingent of Veterans attending the Dedication and Opening
of the Vietnam War Memorial in 1982. Michael is pictured second to the
right of the Vermont Sign.
Michael is pictures here during one of the several times he traveled to Washington, DC to testify in front of Congress. The picture was sent to him by Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont.
Michael is pictured below as he was getting ready to accept the DAV Man of the Year Award in 1994. This picture was taken just 2 months before he would pass away.
This picture of Michael A. Corcoran was taken on Memorial Day 1994 at a ceremony at the Ethan Allen Cemetery in Colechester, Vermont. Michael spoke to soldiers and the families of those fallen and serving. Michael strongly believed that Memorial Day was for honoring the fallen and those who had served, picked up the pieces and came home. This would be the last speech Michael would give. He passed away a month later.
