Veteran Raymond Audet receives Commonwealth Military Appreciation Award; Nominated by State Representative Carole Fiola

Raymond Audet, a Fall River resident, who fought in the Vietnam War, received the Military Appreciation Award from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services at its’ 2nd Annual event on Thursday at the Massachusetts State House.

State Representative Carole Fiola nominated Ray who is a “most deserving Veteran and constituent who is a wonderful community advocate”, according to Fiola.

Fiola’s Office states that Raymond’s military history, provided by his wife Lorraine, is as follows:

It was the winter of 1967 and Ray received his notice, report for induction into the Army. First was Ft. Dix, then Ft. Jackson. Given six days to come home and get married. Then the news. He was being sent by President Johnson to Vietnam to fight a very unpopular war.

Ray was sent to Qui Nhon and became the “ammunition runner” every time the base was under attack.

The Tet offensive was brutal. No incoming or outgoing mail. His new wife was ever aware when she saw an army vehicle, “they were coming to tell her he would not be returning home.”

Miraculously, he was not going to be one of the over 58,000 thousand names on the Vietnam wall.

Ray returned home and was told not to speak of where he had been.

Times have changed. He is now gratefully thanked for his service and the time he gave to defend our freedoms.

The war had its effects. PTSD when he heard fireworks going off. His exposure to Agent Orange resulted in the loss of two unborn children, prostate cancer, and hyperthyroidism.

Despite the effects he went on to be an exemplary employee at Charlton Memorial Hospital for 35 years. He volunteered his weekends off to organize and run trips for hospital staff.

He became an accomplished artist and constantly donates his artwork to local fundraisers and Veteran events.