Berkshire Veterans Mark 50 Years Since Vietnam War End

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — County veterans gathered over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's conclusion, recognizing the horrors that soldiers endured long after returning home.

Master of ceremonies Lenwood "Woody" Vaspra said when most Vietnam veterans returned, there were no tributes, recognition, speeches, parades, or even handshakes.

"For many of them, it was a horrible return home from Vietnam in a very chaotic time," he said to a crowd in Park Square on Saturday, National Vietnam Veterans Day.

The Vietnam War officially ended 50 years ago in May 1975. Fifty-two years ago, the last American troops departed Vietnam. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

"We're here to join together as a people, to honor the brave men and women who have stood in defense of our country and for all the countless men and women who are still serving in harm's way all around the world," Vaspra said.

He explained that this day provides the opportunity to pay special tribute to the many Americans who served in the war, the 58,281 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserve.

"It is time to say thank you and honor all Vietnam veterans," he said.

During his remarks, Vaspra explained that many veterans have been able to re-enter society, go to school, find a job, and raise a family, but their war experience never went away.

"Many veterans to this day remain somewhat silent from their combat and traumatic encounters. Recently, a number of veterans are slowly coming out to share their stories with other counterparts, to find peace within," he said.

"It is now time to pay tribute to all veterans, our brothers and sisters that served on behalf of our country. We must continue to remember what all veterans did for this country. They gave their lives, whether they died in battle or came home and died later. They paid the ultimate price. The memories of our brothers and sisters must go on, and all must and will always remain in our hearts."

Wreaths were placed on the city's Vietnam War Memorial by representatives from the Vietnam Veterans of America James E. Callahan Berkshire Chapter 65, Korean War Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 448, American Legion Post 68, Dalton American Legion Post 155, American Legion Riders Post 155, Marine Corps League Detachment 137, Italian American War Veterans Post 75.

Pittsfield Community Television broadcast the ceremony.

The 27 Berkshire County casualties of the Vietnam War:

* James Henneberry
* George Shufelt
* Francis Bissaillon


* David Borey
* Edward Jarvis
* John Pratt
* Kevin Aldam
* Russell Roulier
* Paul Cronk Jr.
* Paul Conner
* Chester Witanek
* Howard Luscier
* Peter Cook
* Patrick Muraca
* Gary Benjamin
* John Malloy
* Michael Casey
* Charles Jaquins
* James Termini
* Michael Whalen
* Charles Cummings
* William Coakley
* Peter Foote
* Richard Davis
* John Hartlage
* Paul Krzynowek
* Tristan Hayes
 


Tags: veterans memorial,   Vietnam,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: This Luxury Home Has Plenty of Amenities

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LENOX, Mass. — Are you looking for a big house to enjoy your days with a big movie theater, a sauna, and more? Then this is the house for you.

Built in 2004, this seven-bedroom, and nine-bathroom home is 7,073 square feet on more than an acre. The home comes with an elevator to the lower level to access a theater, sauna, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and its very own soda fountain. 

The home also has a guest house with a saltwater pool. A multi-car garage greets you with heated floors.

The this home is listed for $4,950,000 and is located in the 125-acre, gated Pinecroft compound.

We spoke to Leslie Chesloff, the listing agent with William Pitt Sotheby's.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Chesloff: This gated Berkshire stone estate truly redefines luxury living in the Berkshires. What sets it apart is the rare combination of resort-style amenities and complete privacy. The property offers Canyon Ranch-level wellness living with a full spa experience at home — including a sauna, massage room, and gym — plus an eight-seat hi-def theater with wine cellar for entertaining. The heated, gunite saltwater pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped pool house with a guest suite and complete kitchen, perfect for extended family or guests.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

The moment you step inside, you're struck by the quality and craftsmanship — those 300-year-old reclaimed timber floors set an immediate tone of authenticity and warmth. The scale is impressive but never overwhelming; this is a home designed for gracious living, not just show. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and thoughtful flow between spaces create an inviting atmosphere that balances grandeur with genuine comfort.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

This home feels like a private wellness retreat meets sophisticated family estate. There's a serene, spa-like quality throughout — enhanced by features like the sauna, steam shower, and massage room — but it never feels clinical or cold. The Berkshire stone exterior and reclaimed timber floors ground the home in a sense of place and permanence. It's designed for people who appreciate the finer things but want to actually live well — whether that's screening a film in the eight-seat theater with wine from your own cellar, hosting poolside gatherings, or simply unwinding in your own spa sanctuary.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

This is perfect for the discerning buyer who values wellness, privacy, and culture in equal measure. I envision someone who spends their days hiking or exploring the Berkshires, then comes home to unwind in the sauna or pool. They might entertain guests in the theater wine room, host multi-generational gatherings with family staying in the pool house guest suite (which has a full kitchen), and appreciate being minutes from Tanglewood, world-class dining, and Berkshire arts.

This could be an executive looking for a primary residence with work-from-home flexibility (there's an office/bedroom suite), a wellness-focused family, or empty nesters who want to host adult children and grandchildren in style and comfort.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Picture Saturday morning: you're sipping coffee on the terrace overlooking your heated saltwater pool, planning a day at Tanglewood. Your guests are making breakfast in the pool house kitchen — they have their own private retreat but are steps away when you're ready to gather. Evening arrives, and you screen a favorite film in your eight-seat theater, selecting a perfect bottle from your wine cellar. This isn't just a home; it's a lifestyle that brings resort-level wellness, entertainment, and hospitality to your doorstep — all within a secure, maintenance-free compound where nature meets luxury.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Absolutely. The home includes an elevator for multilevel accessibility, which is both practical and forward-thinking. The lower level is exceptionally well-conceived — a true entertainment and wellness wing featuring the eight-seat hi-def theater, wine cellar, sauna, gym, massage room, and even a charming soda fountain. The gourmet kitchen has been recently updated, customized wet bar, while outdoor living is elevated with the heated gunite saltwater pool/spa, firepit, and that incredible pool house with guest suite and full kitchen. Also, new HVAC system and heated driveway.

Thoughtful details like cedar closets, steam showers, central vacuum, and backup generator show this home was built to the highest standards.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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