FORT EUSTIS — Approximately 90 Vietnam War veterans and their families returned to Fort Eustis on Friday, Sept. 19, for a historic reunion hosted by graduates of the U.S. Army Transportation Officer Candidate School (TOCS), class years 1966 to 1968.
While TOCS reunions have been held at Fort Eustis before, this event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and recognized the enduring legacy of TOCS graduates, who served in critical transportation roles during the conflict.
“We share a common history. We’ve done things for our nation that we’re very proud of. Our nation called us, and we served — we served very well, particularly my OCS classmates,” said retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Whaley, a TOCS Class 24-66 graduate and former Fort Eustis commander. “History is important — what lessons were learned and what is still applicable. If you don’t take the lessons from history, you’re destined to relive them.”
TOCS, established at Fort Eustis, was exclusive to the Vietnam War era, graduating and commissioning over 2,400 officers into the Transportation Corps who commanded and operated in high-risk environments. While the program’s impact is often overlooked, it contributed roughly 75% of all Transportation Corps second lieutenants during the buildup for the Vietnam War.
The day’s events included guided tours of Fort Eustis transportation training sites, featuring boats, locomotives and other historic assets. A luncheon hosted by the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) gave current soldiers the opportunity to connect with and honor those who served before them.
“Over three-quarters of our Transportation Corps is centered on [their] TOCS adaptation, technical competency, mathematic skills and trail blazing initiatives that got us to where we are today,” said U.S. Army Col. John “Eddie” Gray, commander of the 7th TB(X).
The afternoon continued with a visit to 3rd Port, known as the Army’s Navy, and concluded at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum, where veterans explored exhibits highlighting their service and the evolution of Army logistics.
“It’s important to honor these Transportation Corps Vietnam War veterans because of the vital work they did to support the rest of the Army — work that remains relevant today,” said Dr. Erik Villard, a Vietnam War historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History. “They also exemplified the values of innovation by operating boats on rivers, patrolling port terminals, and driving trucks in dangerous situations.”
Former U.S. Army 1st Lt Richard Sanborn, a TOCS Class 15-67 graduate, said the return to Fort Eustis reminded him of the mindset and determination instilled during his training.
“The biggest thing they instilled in me was the objective to get the job done whatever it is even if it’s something you’ve never seen before,” Sanborn said. “Nothing happens until something moves.”
The reunion served as a bridge between generations, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to honoring its veterans and preserving the legacy of those who served during one of the most pivotal eras in military history.
For more information on the graduates of the U.S. Army Transportation Officer Candidate School, class years 1966 to 1968, visit armytocs.com.