Dick Paff - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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Vietnam War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Vietnam War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2025 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
United States Army Specialist Five (SP5) Vietnam War Richard “Dick” H. Paff was born on July 16th, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Los Angeles area. After graduating from Van Nuys High School, he attended Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Physical Education in June 1955. He attended George Williams College of Aurora University in the Chicago area, working on a master’s degree, but was drafted and answered the call to serve in Vietnam. Dick reported for boot camp at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He also completed his Advanced Individual Training at Fort Ord, becoming a supply clerk and small-arms repair technician. During this time, he learned to repair and maintain the ArmaLite M-16 and various sidearms issued to soldiers. Dick was then assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Artillery (Persuaders), a U.S. Army artillery battalion serving in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam and was stationed at Fire Base C near Ban Me Thout, close to the Cambodian border, one of three fire bases of the 2/17. These fire bases supported a battery of the M115 203 mm howitzers within range of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Dick began his time in the country building the new base at Ban Me Thuot, including the construction of the howitzer platforms. When the armament arrived from up north, Dick returned to clerical duties, such as processing new arrivals and discharging departing soldiers. He also performed guard duty on the perimeter tours every third night. Dick extended his tour in the country by 67 days to fulfill his obligated service, staying on base during a major attack on his battery. He was then sent back to the US and honorably discharged from Fort Louis on March 15th, 1971. After the service, Dick decided he wanted to teach and coach. He completed his master’s degree and earned teaching credentials from the University of San Diego. While in school, he met and married Nancy, who was teaching at La Presa Middle School. Dick worked for the Sweetwater School District at Hilltop High for 33 years.
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Dick Paff - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
United States Army Specialist Five (SP5) Vietnam War Richard “Dick” H. Paff was born on July 16th, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Los Angeles area. After graduating from Van Nuys High School, he attended Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Physical Education in June 1955. He attended George Williams College of Aurora University in the Chicago area, working on a master’s degree, but was drafted and answered the call to serve in Vietnam. Dick reported for boot camp at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He also completed his Advanced Individual Training at Fort Ord, becoming a supply clerk and small-arms repair technician. During this time, he learned to repair and maintain the ArmaLite M-16 and various sidearms issued to soldiers. Dick was then assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Artillery (Persuaders), a U.S. Army artillery battalion serving in Vietnam. He arrived in Vietnam and was stationed at Fire Base C near Ban Me Thout, close to the Cambodian border, one of three fire bases of the 2/17. These fire bases supported a battery of the M115 203 mm howitzers within range of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Dick began his time in the country building the new base at Ban Me Thuot, including the construction of the howitzer platforms. When the armament arrived from up north, Dick returned to clerical duties, such as processing new arrivals and discharging departing soldiers. He also performed guard duty on the perimeter tours every third night. Dick extended his tour in the country by 67 days to fulfill his obligated service, staying on base during a major attack on his battery. He was then sent back to the US and honorably discharged from Fort Louis on March 15th, 1971. After the service, Dick decided he wanted to teach and coach. He completed his master’s degree and earned teaching credentials from the University of San Diego. While in school, he met and married Nancy, who was teaching at La Presa Middle School. Dick worked for the Sweetwater School District at Hilltop High for 33 years.