#VeteranOfTheDay is James Alvis.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran James Alvis.

James was a member of the Air Force Reserve and served during the Vietnam War with the 434th Troop Carrier Wing, the 930th Tactical Airlift Group and the 71st Special Operations Squadron.

In 1965, James enlisted in the Reserves and started boot camp one month later, he recalled during his 2002 interview with the Veterans History Project. He knew he wanted to work on planes, so he went to tech school to become a mechanic. At Lockbourne Air Force Base he was a crew chief in charge of overall maintenance of the airplanes. His job demanded pre-flight inspections, engine run throughs and system checks, preparation for new aircrafts to be sent off to Vietnam. James left for Vietnam in the beginning of 1969, and he helped ferry over the airplanes they had been working on. Once overseas he supervised the AC-119 gun shift programs and taught other Air Force personnel how to operate and care for the planes.

James and his squadron returned home June 1969. James was happy to have served in the ways he did. He continued his education and graduated with a bachelors of science. James is happy that the Air Force provided the opportunity to education that he wouldn’t have had otherwise.

The 71st Special Operations Squadron was decorated with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Presidential Unit Citation Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

We thank you for your service James!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.