The Minnesota veterans who returned to Vietnam
For a growing number of veterans, some of their wounds could only begin to heal with a trip back to Vietnam years, if not decades, after they served.
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For a growing number of veterans, some of their wounds could only begin to heal with a trip back to Vietnam years, if not decades, after they served.
In 1969, WCCO reporter Al Austin and photojournalist Gordon Bartouche traveled to Vietnam and followed nearly a dozen Minnesota soldiers on the front lines. Pauleen Le reconnects with one of those "grunts": John Steele.
There will soon be a new place to visit honoring the stories of Minnesota's history in world conflicts, including the Vietnam War.
For a growing number of veterans, some of their wounds could only begin to heal with a trip back to Vietnam years, if not decades, after they served.
For the Vietnamese community, April 30 is known as Black April, or Tháng Tư Đen. It's a day to lament and reflect on the fall of Saigon and of South Vietnam.
In 1969, WCCO reporter Al Austin and photojournalist Gordon Bartouche traveled to Vietnam and followed nearly a dozen Minnesota soldiers on the front lines. Pauleen Le reconnects with one of those "grunts": John Steele.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
In this extended interview, WCCO's Pauleen Le sits down with Dr. Tuong Ho Ha, Tam Nguyen, Dieu Tran and Trang Thanh Son — four Vietnamese veterans who now call Minnesota home, and say the pain they feel today is just as real as it was 50 years ago when the Vietnam War ended. This interview is presented in Vietnamese with English subtitles. Watch Le's documentary, "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota," on WCCO.com and on our YouTube channel.
The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction just outside of Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Set to open in late 2026, the $40 million, first-of-its-kind project in the nation will be eight times the size of the existing museum. It will honor not only Minnesota's service members and their sacrifices, but the refugee experience as well. Watch and read more in Pauleen Le's series "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota."
The Vietnam War ended April 30, 1975, with the Fall of Saigon. Refugees escaped the communist government by helicopter, by boat, and on foot, leaving their families behind. Some ultimately made it to Minnesota. In this WCCO 50th Anniversary Special, Pauleen Le shares untold stories, footage, and interviews from some Vietnamese, Hmong, Laotian, and Cambodian Americans who still remember that fateful day.
For the past 50 years, Camp Ripley in Little Falls has been home to the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. In this web extra, WCCO's Pauleen Le and photojournalist Arthur Philips take us along for a look inside its archives ahead of the museum's massive transformation. Watch Le's documentary, "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota," on WCCO.com and on our YouTube channel.
Previous state leadership prioritized ending veteran homelessness. Now, lawmakers are looking at eliminating state-funded direct financial assistance that helps veterans.
State funding cuts could dismantle a system that's making huge progress to house our homeless veterans.
It's proof you can make friends at any age: A couple of World War II veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin struck up a friendship well after they turned 100.
The groundbreaking for the 15th home in the Housing for Heroes initiative took place Monday.
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is building a home that offers more than just shelter. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and reporter Jeff Wagner take us to St. Paul where construction is now underway to help homeless veterans.
Two dozen people in Eagan, Minnesota on Thursday — many of them veterans themselves or who have family who served in the military — rallied against proposed workforce reductions in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
As the Trump administration slashes federal spending, some are concerned about what cuts to the VA could mean for veterans.
Veterans in the state prison at Moose Lake have helped open up an American Legion Post.
A Minnesota prison is making history as becoming one of the newest American Legion posts where veterans can continue to uphold their promise to serve and protect, even while behind bars. WCCO's Reg Chapman reports.
Changing state law to define them as veterans would unlock state veterans benefits like the Minnesota GI bill or access to the state's veterans homes.
Hmong soldiers who fought for the U.S. during the Vietnam War are asking to be recognized for their service. The CIA recruited and trained them during the Secret War in Laos. As Caroline Cummings reports, they hope Minnesota law will honor their legacy.
The national commander of the American Legion has been in Minnesota this week, visiting different posts to talk about a variety of veterans' issues.
The national commander of the American Legion has been in Minnesota this week, visiting different posts to talk about a variety of veterans' issues.
This morning, he was at Fagen Fighters World War II Museum in Granite Falls, and that’s where we find WCCO’s John Lauritsen who got a chance to speak with the commander.
A Minnesota woman running for U.S. Senate, accused of throwing a live tarantula onto a staircase leading to where her then-tenant was staying, has been convicted in the 2024 incident, according to court records.
A 53-year-old man is in the hospital after he was stabbed in Scandia Valley Township, Minnesota, on Sunday morning.
Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino was pulled away from a high-profile role leading immigration raids in major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, earlier this year.
President Trump said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles will "continue doing the job she loves" even while undergoing treatment for early stage breast cancer.
In remarks ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Mr. Trump provided an update on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A Minnesota woman running for U.S. Senate, accused of throwing a live tarantula onto a staircase leading to where her then-tenant was staying, has been convicted in the 2024 incident, according to court records.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the Minnesota communities that have declared snow emergencies in the wake of this weekend's massive blizzard.
It might be a pain and cause travel chaos, but Minnesota's weekend blizzard is also bringing a lot of fun, especially for furry friends who got to have a fun snow day with their owners, and people who wait for this weather.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A weekend snowstorm blanketed parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of snow, leading to hundreds of school closings Monday.
A 53-year-old man is in the hospital after he was stabbed in Scandia Valley Township, Minnesota, on Sunday morning.
A 22-year-old man died in a crash in Meeker County, Minnesota, early Saturday morning.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the Minnesota communities that have declared snow emergencies in the wake of this weekend's massive blizzard.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
A weekend snowstorm blanketed parts of Minnesota with more than a foot of snow, leading to hundreds of school closings Monday.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino was pulled away from a high-profile role leading immigration raids in major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, earlier this year.
President Trump said White House chief of staff Susie Wiles will "continue doing the job she loves" even while undergoing treatment for early stage breast cancer.
In remarks ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Mr. Trump provided an update on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
U.S. intelligence has circulated to President Trump's inner circle that Iran's late supreme leader had misgivings about his son replacing him, viewing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as not very bright.
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
A Minnesota woman running for U.S. Senate, accused of throwing a live tarantula onto a staircase leading to where her then-tenant was staying, has been convicted in the 2024 incident, according to court records.
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect or suspects in a fatal shooting in a parking lot overnight.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali made two purchases at a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan. He told the store staff the fireworks were for the end of Ramadan.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
Hollywood's biggest stars were honored at the 98th annual Academy Awards on Sunday. Here is what to know and how to watch the 2026 Oscars.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 116-103 as the Thunder won their eighth straight and he increased his record 20-point streak to 128 games.
Igor Shesterkin made 46 saves and Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and two assists as the New York Rangers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 42 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-117 win.
Rookie Peyton Anderson scored her first career goal to spark the Minnesota Frost to a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.
Minnesota siblings Jamison and Amaya Battle are both basketball stars, with the brother playing forward for the Toronto Raptors and sister playing point guard for the Gopher women's team.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
It'll be a mild and breezy Monday, but snow starts to move in again on Tuesday evening.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Following the weekend snow, it remains breezy at times with some blowing snow in open areas, but the sun is out, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
The whopping March blizzard has exited Minnesota, but the next storm system — albeit much smaller — is on the way, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Joseph Dames.
The weekend snowstorm is over, but many flights into and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are still being canceled Monday.
It'll be a mild and breezy Monday, but snow starts to move in again on Tuesday evening.
Those hoping to take to the skies over the weekend were mostly out of luck.
It’s a pretty penny to get your car out of the impound lot in the Twin Cities after a snow emergency.
Maisie Adams, trend spotter for The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, shares some ideas.
Author Scott Maslow talks about his long-standing love for the David Lynch and Mark Frost series.