“Vietnam veterans are amazing,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. “After returning home, they continued to serve their communities through volunteerism, advocacy, public service and philanthropy.”

Deschane served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, arriving at Cam Ranh Bay in September 1968. He was assigned to the 614th Aviation Electronics Company North, 2nd Platoon, in Qui Nhon, where he worked as an airborne radar repair technician. He later advanced to technical inspector and shop foreman and was awarded the Bronze Star.

After returning to Crivitz in 1970, Deschane committed himself to community service, including 25 years on the Crivitz Village Board, leadership in founding the Crivitz Business Association and local library, veterans advocacy, historical preservation, and church leadership.

The award was presented Sunday during a ceremony on the East Knoll of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of National Vietnam War Veterans Day events.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this distinguished award,” Deschane said. “Community service is a value I learned from my parents and have worked to pass on to my children and grandchildren.”

Deschane was unable to attend the ceremony in person but watched the livestream with his family.

Founded in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and continues to honor Vietnam veterans and educate future generations.

More information is available at https://www.vvmf.org/News/Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial-Fund-Announces-2026-SBS-Award-Recipients/.