Absolutely. I served Stateside from 1970 to 1976 and I am a veteran, but I am not a Vietnam Veteran. There is a huge difference. Not everyone that served during that time served in Vietnam. However, all of us supported the war effort in some fashion and were very aware of it.
Serving for that amount of time with the prospect of going to war “counts.”
Please don’t dismiss your service. MOST vets never see or hear a shot fired in anger. Most that do, wouldn’t wish it on anyone else.
Thanks for your service.