The White House will deport certain protected Vietnamese immigrants who have lived in the United States for decades—many of them having fled the country during the Vietnam War. The Atlantic reports: “The administration has now decided that Vietnamese immigrants who arrived in the country before the establishment of diplomatic ties between the United States and Vietnam are subject to standard immigration law—meaning they are all eligible for deportation.” The new stance reflects a different reading of a 2008 agreement, according to Ted Osius, former United States ambassador to Vietnam.  

In September, Marine Sgt. Gary G. Wilson rescued two women trapped in their cars after a collision on a California freeway. On November 16, Wilson, 33, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on his way home from work. This week, Wilson was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps’ highest non-combat award. The citation reads: “By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Sgt. Wilson prevented the loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

In New Jersey, a state where driving is a necessity, too many residents are limited in their mobility because of unnecessary barriers to obtaining a driver’s license. Navy veteran and VFAI leader Troy Mack is seeking to improve licensing for refugees and new Americans in the Garden State through state legislation. “Passage [of A4743/S3229] will improve New Jersey’s capacity to be a place where neighbors can live, work, and care for their families with dignity,” Troy writes.

Los Angeles-based actor and filmmaker Anouar H. Smaine recently released "Battle Fields," a film about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder illustrated through two very different viewpoints: Veterans and refugees. “It’s important that society understands that war has terrible effects on human beings. And it’s important also that society contributes to help those human beings reintegrate and lead healthy and productive existences,” says Smaine.

As the year draws to a close, Task & Purpose is looking back with a list of the Top 10 Long March posts of 2018. We’re revisiting the list’s first column, by Paul Yingling, a retired Army officer living in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. It is entitled “Advice For US Troops Sent To The Mexican Border In An Age Of Terrible Leaders.” It’s worth another read.