Veteran John Kerins Finally Recognized For His Service In Vietnam War, Awarded 13 Medals, Including Bronze Star

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA) - More than 50 years after his service as an Airborne Ranger during the Vietnam War, John Kerins, who was drafted into the Army in 1966, received 13 combat medals in a ceremony Monday.

The veteran had given up on ever receiving medals until the Disabled American Veterans Chapter-12 contacted Congressman Pete Aguilar.

Aguilar awarded Kerins 13 long overdue medals, including the Bronze Star in a ceremony with 10 other veterans who received their Vietnam service pins.

"I feel people care," Kerins told CBSLA, "and now I can walk the walk. That's an old saying. I don't know if people know what it means, but veterans do, and be honored. That's a big thing."