September 1, 1950 – June 16, 2025
Gary Hansen, a proud U.S. Army veteran and longtime member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 9, passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 74.
Gary served his country honorably in the United States Army from November 14, 1969, to August 16, 1972, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His service included duty during the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert Badge (Rifle).
For more than 20 years, Gary was a dedicated and active member of Chapter 9, including serving as Second Vice President. He was known for speaking his mind without hesitation, always guided by a deep sense of loyalty and concern for his fellow veterans. Gary cared fiercely about the well-being of those who served, and he never stopped advocating for veterans’ issues within the chapter and the broader community.
Gary’s commitment to service extended beyond meetings and titles. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he and his wife spent countless hours making hundreds of surgical masks, which they donated to the John Dingell Veterans Administration Medical Center—an act that reflected both compassion and quiet leadership during a time of crisis.
In addition to his devotion to Chapter 9, Gary was genuinely concerned with the Vietnamese community, carrying forward a sense of responsibility and respect shaped by his wartime experiences. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to stand up for what he believed in left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Gary Hansen will be remembered as a soldier, a leader, a volunteer, and a veteran who never stopped caring about others. His voice, presence, and commitment will be deeply missed by his Chapter 9 family and the many lives he touched.
