Panel Discussion: “Vietnam: In Our Own Words”

An illustrious panel of Vietnam Veterans will speak at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History on Friday, May 16 as the next talk in the Talk & Talkback speaker series. Panelists include Lt. Col. Patricia Rumpza (US Air Force, Santa Barbara), Lt. Gen. Fred Lopez (US Marines, Santa Barbara), Tom Elliott (US Marines, Santa Barbara), Craig Belknapp (US Marines, Carpinteria), and Peter Bie (US Army, Carpinteria). Personal remembrances of the war period and reflections on the legacy of the Vietnam War will be the focus of the panel.

The 2025 Talk & Talkback Speaker Series is hosted by the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. The Vietnam War: Personal Recollections 50 Years On will be presented in partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 218 Santa Barbara and will be held on May 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the museum, 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. The talk is free for members of the museum and veterans, and $10 for visitors.

“We’re looking forward to this important discussion of the Vietnam War period and are honored to host a robust panel of Veterans at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History in partnership with VVA Chapter 218” said Jayme Yahr, the museum’s director. “We hope community members will come together at the event to share stories in a collegial and history-focused space.”

For more information on the Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, volunteering at the museum, or other questions, call (805) 684-3112, email info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visit carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org.

To learn more about the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 218 Santa Barbara visit vvachapter218.org.