For Immediate Release
January 3, 2011		 Contact: Lisa Gough
(202) 393-0090, ext. 109


VVMF FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT JAN C. SCRUGGS REFLECTS ON THE PASSING OF
JOHN P. "JACK" WHEELER III
 

John P. “Jack” Wheeler III was the first chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and worked diligently to create a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. that would honor all who served in the Vietnam War.

Wheeler was a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point.  His military career included serving as a staff officer in Vietnam, with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and with the Joint Staff. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and retired in 1971. He was working as a defense consultant when he died.

Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, reflects on the man who helped create The Wall:

“The Board of Directors and staff of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund were saddened to learn about the untimely passing of our friend and colleague, Jack Wheeler, recently. I worked closely with Jack to create the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and I know how passionate he was about honoring all who serve their nation and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He was a graduate of West Point and brought his commitment to duty, honor and country to everything he undertook.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial allows us to pause and remember what others did on our behalf. It is only fitting that we pause now and remember Jack Wheeler, who served his country honorably, then dedicated himself to ensuring that our nation’s service members are always given the respect they deserve. All of us at VVMF send our condolences to his family during these sad times.”

 
The photo at left was taken on the day of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in November 1982. It portrays then-VVMF chairman Jack Wheeler (right) embracing Brig. Gen. George Price, USA (Ret.) (center). Price and Wheeler were both active in the creation of the Memorial.
 

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