The Official Voice of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. ®
An organization chartered by the U.S. Congress
September/October 2002
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEA Man of Honor: VVA Chaplain Father Phil Salois
BY REGINA WHITAKER
An only child born in Rhode Island to Helene and Walter Salois, Philip Salois lived his first seven years in the quaint town of Woonsocket. From there, his family made a drastic change in scenery by moving to southern California.Salois' father served part of his military service in France during World War II. It was there that he met the love of his life, Helene. They taught their only son the love and values that would serve him so well in his adult life.
Salois' mother, a French war bride, adapted well to her new country and now lives outside Boston near her son. Walter Salois passed away a few years ago.
Upon graduating from high school, Philip Salois gave college a try. This was not to last and after a year he decided to work full time as a workman's compensation claims adjuster for Employers Insurance of Wausau.
But after he left college, he lost his college deferment and won a draft notice. He didn't have far to travel; his Basic and AIT Training was at Fort Ord, California. In March 1969, he was sent to Vietnam as an infantryman.
When asked how he felt about being in-country, Father Phil replied, "I was not thrilled, but I knew I had to do it. They were going to get me eventually." March 1, 1970, was the day that would change his life forever. The most important change was the promise he made to God in the middle of the Vietnam battleground while leading a rescue mission. The second change was receiving the Silver Star. He kept his promise; it took a little time.
In October 1970, Salois returned to California and to his job at the insurance company. Two years later he quit his job and entered the seminary. After moving to Cambridge, Massachusetts, he entered the Weston School of Theology.
In June 1984, Philip Salois was ordained a Catholic priest. He kept the promise he made to God at one of the darkest periods in his life. The man once known as Phil is now known and loved as Father Phil, the VVA National Chaplain. He is the only person ever to hold this position in VVA.
A man who could be described by many adjectives has only one that truly fits: Father Phil Salois is an honorable man. In 2001, Father Phil received the Humanitarian Award as he was inducted into the Chapel of Four Chaplains. This year, he will receive the Bronze Medal from the Chapel of Four Chaplains.
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