Three brothers who grew up in Minot, served in the U.S. Army and had boots on the ground in Vietnam received Quilts of Valor from the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot Program.

They were called to the front during the Minot event, and their ranks and Army placements were read by Lynn Heard, chair of the Peace and Honor Quilts of Valor Minot Program.

Chris Senn and Allie Coleman, of the Minot Disabled American Veterans, pulled each quilt for the respective veteran it was being given to, folding it in half and placing it around their shoulders.

Loren Headrick, of Minot, Patrick Headrick, of Bismarck, and Wilson “Bill” Headrick, of Minot, all served during the Vietnam War between 1966 and 1971.

Ciara Parizek/MDN Those attending the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Celebration on Friday at the Armed Forces Reserve Center stand to applaud Gold Star Mother Arlene Berdahl for thanking everyone for attending and honoring the fallen. Uniform hats of different military branches are displayed in the foreground.

Loren Headrick volunteered for service in 1965, serving until 1969. From September 1966 to September 1967, he spent his time in the jungle with the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

During his time in the Republic of South Vietnam, he followed a battalion of infantry wherever they went, setting up their weapons in a jungle, clearing and firing when called upon.

Patrick Headrick enlisted in June 1969, only nine days after his high school graduation. From there, he came forward to serve in Vietnam until April 1971. He was a radio operator in the 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry of the Ninth Infantry Division.

“I was just a radio operator. So, you know, I had no idea what was going on, or who was what. I just kind of did what they told me,” Patrick Headrick said.

Wilson “Bill” Headrick also did 15 months in the Republic of South Vietnam with the 334th Radio Research Company of the 1st Infantry Division, starting in November 1966. His years of service span from 1964 to 1968.

The color guard walks in formation after presenting the U.S. flag and Prisoners of War flag during the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Celebration at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Minot, on Friday.

All three Headrick brothers said before the celebration began that they plan to use their quilts for naps.

Several Gold Star families who lost loved ones during the Vietnam War, also attended and were recognized during the event.

One such Gold Star Mother is Arlene Berdahl. Her son, David Berdahl, went to war and has been missing since January 1972. He was declared killed in action in 1973. His remains were never recovered.

At least 200 people including Vietnam veterans, family members and friends attended the Minot event.