Central Pennsylvania Vietnam Round Table will meet on Thursday, June 8, at Vietnam Veterans of America, Michael J. Novosel MOH Chapter 542, 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg, at 7:30 p.m. Following a brief business meeting, Russell "Doc" Walters from Annville will discuss his Army enlisted service.

Walters graduated from Lewistown-Granville High School in 1969 and enlisted at age 17, attending basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., with additional training at Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Army Scout Dog School at Fort Benning, Georgia. His service in the Army from 1969 to 1975 included consecutive tours in the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) and the 196th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate). During that time, Walters served as a veterinarian specialist and combat medical specialist with five infantry platoons utilizing specialized military working dogs.

Returning from Vietnam, he was recruited for the Army Student Nurse Program at Penn State University Park. After graduation, he was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps and completed additional training. As an officer, he provided surgical support to the Marine survivors of the Beirut barracks bombing in 1983, deployed to Operation Just Cause in Panama and participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He retired in 1992 at the rank of major.

Walters continued his civilian career in the operating room and interventional pain management in both staff and supervisory positions until his retirement in 2015. He holds a master's degree in management and human behavior from California Pacific University.

He has received a host of military decorations and civilian honors. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Hospital and participates in the Patriot Guard Riders.

The meeting is open to the public, and all persons interested in the history of the Vietnam War are invited to attend. Donations will be accepted. For additional information, contact Richard Burton at 717-545-2336 or centralpavietnamrt@verizon.net. To learn more, visit http://www.centralpavietnamroundtable.com.