In honor of Black History Month, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation will host “An African American in the Vietnam War,” an oral-history presentation by Vietnam veteran Calvin Gross on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m.  The lecture will be held at the Vietnam Era Educational Center in Holmdel.

      Calvin Gross, of South Plainfield, was a new graduate of Metuchen High School when he was drafted into the Armed Forces in 1965.   At the time, he was recovering from an automobile accident. His injuries were serious enough to cause him to lose his college football scholarship, which then caused him to lose his military service draft deferment.  Yet, he was given a passing grade for his Selective Service physical exam, was inducted into the Army and served a two-year stint.

      After receiving various specialized training, Gross was given high-security clearance and was assigned to serve in Vietnam as a military courier.  Three times while delivering messages he was involved in combat action.  He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant, but his return to civilian life was not without difficulty.   He had readjustment problems combined with health issues caused by exposure to chemical agents in Vietnam, but he was determined to focus his attention on helping other veterans in need.  He has participated in Operation Stand Down, a program designed to help homeless veterans and has served as president of the Metuchen chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

      Lecture attendees are asked to RSVP to (732) 335-0033.   A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  The Vietnam Era Educational Center is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Regular admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Regular adult admission is $4; student and senior citizen admission is $2; and children under 10 are admitted free.