Flagler County Veteran of the Week: Ed Manen

Palm Coast Observer
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If you would like to submit a Veteran of the Week for publication, send the details below, and photos, to [email protected].

Edward Manen

Branch of Military: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1966-1968
Rank/Occupation: Specialist Five (E-5)/Co-pilot/ Door gunner/ Mechanic on Huey helicopters
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey

Ed Manen enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 to serve his country in Vietnam. Assigned to the 9th Infantry stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia, and later at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he was designated to serve as a member of the Honor Guard during his training as a helicopter mechanic. He was shipped to Bearcat, an outpost in Vietnam, for active duty, where he was promoted to Specialist Five E-5 and served as a co-pilot, door gunner and mechanic on Huey 'copters. Ed was in Saigon during the Tet Offensive, and was responsible for helping evacuate civilians out of the city during combat.

Ed was honored with a commendation for Meritorious Service Against Hostile Forces. Other awards include the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal.

When he returned home, Ed worked for Vickers Hydraulic in Springfield, New Jersey, and then New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, where he met his future wife, Trudy Mathern. Together, they purchased their retirement home in Palm Coast in 1989, but Ed continued to work for Verizon and moved here permanently when he retired in 2004.

As their two sons and daughter moved on to their own lives, Ed and Trudy became world travelers, having visited 49 countries and most of the United States.

Ed is a lifetime member of DAV and has been an active member of the Jim Bowie Chapter in Palm Coast. He is also Past President, Director and Special Events Coordinator for the Wheels in Motion Antique Auto Club, participating in cruise-ins with his fully restored 1923 Dodge Touring Car and 1969 Buick Skylark.

Ed and Trudy are enthusiastic supporters of Old Glory Service Dogs, the organization that provided Molly, a trained Border Collie who assists Ed with his daily challenges resulting from his close exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Ed Manen in front of his Huey in Vietnam in 1968. Courtesy photo

Need help with veteran services?

For information about benefits available to veterans, and other support organizations, visit www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/veterans-services or call 386-313-4014.