Victor "Vic" Johnston - 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
Please email

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 (Spec 5) Vietnam War Vic was born on September 8, 1944, in Vineberg, California, the youngest of five children. His father was an aerospace engineer at Aerojet General. The family moved frequently, and Vic attended 12 schools before graduating from San Juan High School in 1962. Vic enlisted on September 27, 1965, and completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attended AIT for heavy equipment engineering (MOS 62B) from January to April, eventually reaching a "30" skill level. He was assigned as a gas turbine generator repairman (MOS 54D), though he never actually saw one. Vic’s primary duty assignment was with D Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Support Brigade, 1st Maintenance, in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He arrived in Germany aboard the USNS General Alexander M. Patch (T-AP-122), the final troopship to sail from the Brooklyn Naval Yard to Germany. While stationed in Germany, Vic transitioned from an engineer to a Training NCO after his First Sergeant learned that Vic could type and assigned him as a publications clerk. That role evolved into managing training schedules and teaching classes on topics such as first aid. He was offered a promotion to E6 if he reenlisted, but chose to leave the service because of the ongoing Vietnam War. Specialist Johnston was promoted to Spec 5 on 27 July 1967 before leaving Germany. Vic returned to the United States to Fort Dix. Specialist Five Victor Johnston was honorably discharged on September 7, 1968, and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After the service, Vic pursued several career paths. He used the GI Bill to study geology for two years at Sierra College, worked as an assayer testing rocks for gold and silver, and worked in construction as a carpenter and painter. He eventually went to school to become a barber, a profession he practiced for 23 years.
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Victor "Vic" Johnston - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
United States Army Specialist Five (Spec 5) Vietnam War Vic was born on September 8, 1944, in Vineberg, California, the youngest of five children. His father was an aerospace engineer at Aerojet General. The family moved frequently, and Vic attended 12 schools before graduating from San Juan High School in 1962. Vic enlisted on September 27, 1965, and completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attended AIT for heavy equipment engineering (MOS 62B) from January to April, eventually reaching a "30" skill level. He was assigned as a gas turbine generator repairman (MOS 54D), though he never actually saw one. Vic’s primary duty assignment was with D Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Support Brigade, 1st Maintenance, in Ludwigsburg, Germany. He arrived in Germany aboard the USNS General Alexander M. Patch (T-AP-122), the final troopship to sail from the Brooklyn Naval Yard to Germany. While stationed in Germany, Vic transitioned from an engineer to a Training NCO after his First Sergeant learned that Vic could type and assigned him as a publications clerk. That role evolved into managing training schedules and teaching classes on topics such as first aid. He was offered a promotion to E6 if he reenlisted, but chose to leave the service because of the ongoing Vietnam War. Specialist Johnston was promoted to Spec 5 on 27 July 1967 before leaving Germany. Vic returned to the United States to Fort Dix. Specialist Five Victor Johnston was honorably discharged on September 7, 1968, and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After the service, Vic pursued several career paths. He used the GI Bill to study geology for two years at Sierra College, worked as an assayer testing rocks for gold and silver, and worked in construction as a carpenter and painter. He eventually went to school to become a barber, a profession he practiced for 23 years.