Gov. Kelly honors Vietnam War DustOff crews, declares official commemoration day

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - On April 10, 2025, Governor Laura Kelly designated this day as DustOff Day.

DustOff Day honors the work of DustOff crews during the Vietnam War. These crews were essential to the Army’s helicopter air ambulance service throughout the conflict.

During DustOff missions, 200 men lost their lives while attempting to assist individuals in need in Vietnam.

DustOff crews successfully saved 3,000 people over the course of 1,000 missions.

The United States Congress voted to award Congressional Gold Medals to each member of the DustOff crew for their service in Vietnam. As of 2024, the Vietnam Dustoff Association estimates that there are around 1,400 DustOff crew members still alive.

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