Howard A. Nielson - 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
USCG Seman Apprentice Vietnam War Seaman Apprentice Howard A. Nielson III served in the United States Coast Guard from 1969 to 1971. He completed basic training and then reported immediately to his first assignment. While stationed at Air Station Alaska (Kodiak, AK), Seaman Apprentice Nielson worked in ground support. Ground support included extensive aircraft maintenance on his favorite HC-130 Hercules and helicopter types on the base. They specialized in fire/rescue and regional logistics for isolated Arctic units, managed as part of the Base. They assisted with MEDEVAC protocols, search-and-rescue missions, fish-and-game patrol, supply outlying stations, and refueling airplanes. While stationed in Alaska, Seaman Apprentice Nielson fondly remembers that on the 4th night on duty, while running security details, those on duty would stay in the Hangar until 6 am, when the power had to be turned on. After flipping the switch, he remembers the beauty of the aircraft's lights illuminating the Alaskan wilderness. He also remembers the relative disconnect from society on the frontier, with only military radio and television as sources of information during the 20-hour winter nights. Mr. Nielson received his Associate Degree in Photography and Graphic Design and originally planned to become a Coast Guard photographer while at this duty station. After his three years of enlisted service, he received his honorable discharge and returned to school to complete a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing. He then worked with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, followed by positions at a few hospitals in the San Diego area and with a few local construction companies.
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Howard A. Nielson - Vietnam War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
USCG Seman Apprentice Vietnam War Seaman Apprentice Howard A. Nielson III served in the United States Coast Guard from 1969 to 1971. He completed basic training and then reported immediately to his first assignment. While stationed at Air Station Alaska (Kodiak, AK), Seaman Apprentice Nielson worked in ground support. Ground support included extensive aircraft maintenance on his favorite HC-130 Hercules and helicopter types on the base. They specialized in fire/rescue and regional logistics for isolated Arctic units, managed as part of the Base. They assisted with MEDEVAC protocols, search-and-rescue missions, fish-and-game patrol, supply outlying stations, and refueling airplanes. While stationed in Alaska, Seaman Apprentice Nielson fondly remembers that on the 4th night on duty, while running security details, those on duty would stay in the Hangar until 6 am, when the power had to be turned on. After flipping the switch, he remembers the beauty of the aircraft's lights illuminating the Alaskan wilderness. He also remembers the relative disconnect from society on the frontier, with only military radio and television as sources of information during the 20-hour winter nights. Mr. Nielson received his Associate Degree in Photography and Graphic Design and originally planned to become a Coast Guard photographer while at this duty station. After his three years of enlisted service, he received his honorable discharge and returned to school to complete a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing. He then worked with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, followed by positions at a few hospitals in the San Diego area and with a few local construction companies.