Still Finding Ways to Serve
Vietnam war hero helps troops receive benefits
By BRANDY CRUZ | Photos courtesy of JOHN FOOTMAN and KILLEEN DAILY HERALD archives
Retired Staff Sgt. John Footman spent his early military career wading through the trenches of Vietnam, suffering from injuries and becoming a highly decorated American hero. He now wades through the trenches of paperwork needed to help soldiers, veterans and retirees receive the awards and benefits they deserve. Without charge and without expecting anything in return, he does this because he has one goal in life – to help soldiers and veterans face the difficulties that come with post-military service.
“When I retired, there wasn’t any help out there. Everything I’ve done, I did it on my own and funneled my way through it,” Footman explained. “Now I try to help soldiers by pointing them in the right direction.”
After being drafted in 1967, Footman deployed to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg and receiving a Purple Heart, he voluntarily went back to the jungle after reenlisting in Germany.
“I’m from Florida, so I don’t do snow,” he said. “I went and talked to the reenlistment NCO (noncommissioned officer) and told him, ‘Whatever you can do, get me out of here (Germany) as soon as possible.’”
By March 1970, Footman stepped back into the jungles of Vietnam. Not long after, he made the discovery of a lifetime. While conducting a search about 10 miles southwest of Camp Radcliff, the largest helicopter base in the world at the time, Footman discovered a large weapons cache containing five B40 heads, 16 B40 charges, five B41 charges, 210 blasting caps, four fuses for 82mm mortars, and a one-time fuse. The most impressive find, however, was a logbook detailing everything the enemy had been hauling since 1963. The discovery earned the cavalryman a Bronze Star with Valor.
He later earned a second Purple Heart after his armored vehicle hit a 60-pound mine, causing severe damage to his legs. Footman said he recalls waking up in the hospital surrounded by doctors who gave him grim news. They said he would never walk again due to the severity of his injuries, but a mere 15 days later, Footman was back on his feet.
“God had another plan for me and I am very blessed to be alive,” he said.
Despite his traumatic first few years of service, Footman went on to serve 20 years of active duty before retiring in July 1987. His devotion and service to his country did not end with retirement. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12209, Wreaths for Vets, Veterans Helping Veterans, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 29, and the senior vice for the Harker Heights chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He also serves as the senior vice for the state chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, as well as the Region 5 chief of staff.
He is the past commander of the Texas Military Order of the Purple Heart, served three terms as commander of the Central Texas Chapter and established three new chapters within Texas. He was instrumental in establishing Harker Heights as a Purple Heart City in 2014. He is also active in the community, serving on the Harker Heights Safety Commission.
Due to Footman’s continued service to the troops, he received a Congressional Veteran Commendation from Congressman John Carter in October 2020. The commendation is designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of residents of the 31st Congressional District of Texas.
After serving the Central Texas community for all these years, Footman was recently named a Fort Cavazos Good Neighbor, a program designed to recognize members of the community who have made significant contributions to the well-being of Fort Cavazos soldiers and families.
“It was an honor … such an honor, and I was totally shocked,” he said about the recognition. “I always thought it was for retired colonels, sergeants major. I’m just a retired staff sergeant, so I never thought it would happen to me.”
Footman said he helps because a lot of service members do not know the services that are available once they transition from the military.
One of the biggest issues they face is receiving their disability benefits. That’s when it helps to call on organizations like the VFW or DAV for assistance.
“We don’t want them going out and paying for their disability benefits,” Footman said. “Especially with all the services we have now.”
For assistance with military disability benefits or awards, contact Footman at 254-681-8807.
