NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2011

 

Message from the President
We will forever honor the 58,272 heroes who gave everything in Vietnam, those whose names are on The Wall.  There were close to a million additional men and women who served throughout the Southeast Asian Theatre and there were more than eight and a half million who wore the uniform, across the globe, during those conflicted years.  
 
When built, The Education Center at The Wall will be a place of honor.  A sacred place.  A place where our heroes' stories and sacrifice will never be forgotten by future generations.  It will be a place where, among other things, bonds and partnerships will be celebrated.  
At New York City’s Times Square, I was fortunate enough to meet with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Mayor Bloomberg brought a photo of his college friend, Charles Aronhalt, Jr., who gave his life in Vietnam. Commissioner Kelly, a Marine in Vietnam, presented over 100 photos of fallen service-members from New York City.
 
From New York, we went to the Philadelphia Constitution Center.  Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter donated over 90 photos from the Philadelphia area.   Speaking was Ron Castille, the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  Chief Justice Castille was gravely wounded and lost a leg in Vietnam, but was saved by his comrade Angel Mendez, who sadly lost his life in the process.
 
In Atlanta, Senator Johnny Isakson came to bring the photo of his good friend, Jack E. Cox, whom he had met in college.  He told a heartbreaking and informative story of his friend’s loss.  Also in Atlanta,  I had the distinguished honor to meet and speak with Vietnam in HD Executive Producer Susan Werbe, who is magnificently talented and truly inspirational in her devotion to serving our veterans.  
 
All of these events were the result of the amazing efforts of the HISTORY Channel (www.history.com).  The VVMF and HISTORY are partners in the National Call for Photos, and their new series, Vietnam in HD, will air on November 8, 9 and 10.  
 
We are hopeful that you can join us at The Wall this Veterans Day, November 11.  General Barry McCaffrey will be in attendance, along with many other distinguished guests. 
 
Thank you for your support,
 
Jan C. Scruggs
Founder and President

Call for Photos Gains Momentum Across the Nation

 
The Wall That Heals, along with the HISTORY Channel and VVMF Founder and President Jan C. Scruggs, recently returned from a three-leg visit to New York City, Atlanta, and Philadelphia to promote the National Call for Photos campaign and the new HISTORY Channel series Vietnam in HD, premiering November 8, 9, and 10.
 
Mayor Michael Bloomberg shares a photo of Charles E. Aronhalt Jr., with Jan C. Scruggs, left, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and Abbe Raven, right, president an CEO of A&E Network-USA, during the kick off ceremony of the VVMF nationwide "Call for Photos" on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Many distinguished guests offered photographs to be used in VVMF's Virtual Memorial Wall and The Education Center at The Wall upon its completion. In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented a photograph of his close friend Charles E. Aronhalt, Jr., and in Atlanta, Senator Johnny Isakson contributed a photograph of friend Jack Cox.  Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia submitted a disc with over 90 photographs of fallen service-members, all native Philadelphians.

The HISTORY and Call for Photos tour’s next stop will be on November 3 in Chicago, and will culminate in Washington, DC on Veterans Day.

These events continue to bring national notoriety and attention to The Education Center at The Wall campaign, allowing VVMF to press on in its quest to honor every service-member who perished in Vietnam.

Campaign Spokesman Tom Selleck Invites Guests to the 'Build the Center Benefit'

On November 11, National Spokesperson Tom Selleck and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will host the second annual Build the Center Benefit – a gala that will raise funds for the construction of The Education Center at The Wall, scheduled to break ground next Veterans Day.

Joining Selleck for the event will be Jan C. Scruggs, Founder and President of VVMF, dignitaries from the Armed Forces, VVMF’s Board of Directors, members of Congress, and some very special guests.

Joseph Galloway, former war correspondent for United Press International, will receive the Legacy of Service Award for his outstanding dedication to the affairs of veterans and their families.  Former Senator Chuck Hagel will receive the Charles “Mac” Mathias Award for service and dedication to the United States as a soldier and statesman.

VVMF looks forward to what will be an exciting evening of reflection, remembrance, and distinguished guests.

To join Mr. Selleck at the 2011 Build the Center Benefit, click here.
 

Make Plans Now for 'Veterans Day at The Wall' -- November 11

Hosted by VVMF and the National Park Service, the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at The Wall ceremony will commence on November 11. Throughout the years, this ceremony has offered a chance to heal for those still grieving from the loss of friends, family, and neighbors during the Vietnam War.

 
Many Americans choose to become part of this event by registering to lay these symbolic wreaths at The Wall.  The experience fills them with a sense of pride and patriotism, and honors the sacrifices of veterans who have protected our dearest freedoms. 
 
Thanks to the generous support of supporters like you, this event is free and open to the public. 
To attend the Veterans Day at The Wall ceremony, or to learn more, click here
 

VVMF Unveils New Public Service Announcements 

On October 20, VVMF wrapped production of a series of public service announcements aimed at raising awareness of The Education Center at The Wall. 

The announcements feature appearances by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State General Colin Powell, actor Tom Selleck, and Vietnam veteran and actor Dale Dye.
To view these video PSA’s and learn more about how you can support our veterans, click here.

Radio Host Lends Support to The Education Center Campaign

Nationally-syndicated and respected radio talk show host Rusty Humphries will act as National Radio Spokesperson for VVMF and The Education Center at The Wall during the coming months. 

 

His fervent dedication to honoring veterans and promoting the education of future generations about all American conflicts will ensure that his audiences are fully aware of the importance of The Education Center at The Wall. 

VVMF and TV Worldwide to Host Veterans Day Telethon

During the Veterans Day at The Wall ceremony and throughout the day on November 11, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and TV Worldwide will host a 12-hour Telethon devoted to remembering, honoring, and pledging support for veterans and their families.  The telethon will benefit the construction of the Education Center at The Wall, to begin November, 2012.

The telethon will originate from a production studio near The Wall and will be streamed live via the Web on a new internet TV channel developed exclusively for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, www.vvmf.tv.

Each hour of the telethon will be devoted to a different topic related to the Vietnam War, including: the History of The Wall, Past Medal of Honor Recipients, Vietnam MIAs and Their Loved Ones, Corpsmen and Medics, Women in Vietnam, and Items Left At The Wall.  The telethon will also reach out to younger audiences through a segment devoted to students’ reflections on the Vietnam War and its consequences.

VVMF looks forward to your participation in the 2011 Veterans Day Telethon, which will surely be a memorable, lasting tribute to our veterans. 

You can watch VVMF’s Veterans Day Telethon live on November 11, click here.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance Gives $1 Million Donation; Challenges Others to Support 

The TriWest Healthcare Alliance has generously donated $1 Million to fund the construction of The Education Center at The Wall as part of VVMF’s Veteran’s Day Match Program, which will conclude on November 11. 

As part of this plan, a group of military officials, celebrities, and business leaders – many of whom are Vietnam veterans – are collectively offering to match every dollar contributed by VVMF supporters before Veterans Day, 2011. 

VVMF would like to thank the TriWest Healthcare Alliance and its President and CEO David McIntyre, Jr. for their outstanding contribution to The Education Center at The Wall.  Their gift ensures that VVMF is ever closer in its goal of educating, healing, and honoring our nation and its military heroes for generations to come

Wall Volunteer Dan Kirby Honored

On October 22, the VVMF Board of Directors, along with staff and friends, honored Vietnam Veterans Memorial volunteers at the 2011 Libby Hatch Awards Luncheon in Washington, DC.
VVMF was proud to present the Libby Hatch Award to Mr. Dan Kirby, a devoted volunteer and Vietnam veteran.  Mr. Kirby worked tirelessly at The Wall, spending nights, weekends, and holidays answering questions, providing guidance, and sharing historical information for visitors to the Memorial.  His dedication to preserving the integrity and value of The Wall serves as an example, not only for volunteers, but all VVMF staff and affiliates. Fellow volunteer Dan Arant (left) presents the award to Dan Kirby (right)

 

VVMF Staff Trained as National Park Service Volunteers

On October 4, the VVMF staff took part in a volunteer training seminar conducted by the National Park Service.  The training reviewed safety guidelines, protocol, and descriptions of volunteer responsibilities. 

VVMF staff, including Jan C. Scruggs, President and Founder of VVMF, are now certified to assist volunteers at any of the monuments that the National Park Service oversees, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.  VVMF is proud to join the Park Service in the maintenance and preservation of these historical and iconic landmarks, allowing them to be enjoyed for years to come. 

 

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    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund takes our stewardship of your donations seriously. The programs we fund are designed to help us achieve our mission of preserving the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War.