8 April 2025 1330hrs

John Callahan is a Vietnam War Marine who’s given everything for this country—and now, he needs us. He’s in pain, both physically and emotionally, and right now he’s in a rehab facility fighting a brutal battle, the kind that never makes the headlines. But it should.

John was exposed to Agent Orange during his service, and the effects have caught up with him. He’s now at Bride Brook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Niantic, Connecticut, recovering from internal bleeding and complications that have left him worn down and hurting.

But the physical pain isn’t the only thing crushing his spirit. During a recent hospital stay, John’s personal belongings—including his wallet, car key fob, and, most heartbreakingly, his Vietnam-era unit challenge coin—were thrown away by mistake. That coin wasn’t just metal. It was history. It was memory. It was sacred.

John’s unit—5th Communication Battalion, 3rd Marine Division—was formed during the Vietnam War to replace radio operators who were wounded or killed. His coin came from a rare reunion with his brothers-in-arms, a symbol of survival, service, and unbreakable bonds forged in war. That one-of-a-kind coin is gone. And John feels like a piece of his soul went with it.

He’s a friend of Maddog, a fellow Marine who’s doing everything he can to get the word out and help lift John’s spirits.

This is where we come in.

We don’t know how long John will be in rehab, but we do know this: a card from you could be the spark of hope he desperately needs right now. A simple “Thank you for your service” or “Thinking of you” might seem small—but to a Marine who feels forgotten, it could mean everything.

Please take a moment today or tomorrow to send a get well card. Here’s where to send it:

John’s updated address;

John Callahan
165 Wolcott Hill Rd Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109

UPDATED: John’s coin has been reproduced and will be presented to him for the first time on Thursday 1 May 2025 at 1600 hrs. Stay tuned for the upcoming story of the presentation ctvetsbulletin.org

If you’re able to help track down a replacement for that rare challenge coin, even better. The original is nearly impossible to replace, but we’re putting our faith in the power of the Marine community—and those who support it—to do the impossible.

Let’s remind John that the brotherhood never ends. That we’re still here. That we still care.

Semper Fidelis.