News

July 14, 2010 - San Antonio Spurs Owner issues a $1 million challenge to Texans raising money for the Education Center

Washington, D.C. – San Antonio Spurs owner Peter M. Holt today challenged Texas residents to raise funds: “Raise a million and I’ll match it.” Holt has promised to match funds raised in the effort to build the Education Center at The Wall up to a value of $1 million.

The Education Center at The Wall is a facility being built near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. that will put faces to the names on The Wall, teach visitors about their lives and celebrate the values embodied by all of America’s service members.

“Those of us who served in Vietnam will never forget the faces of our brothers who fought and died beside us. I strongly believe we should put faces with the names on the granite wall,” said Holt. “We also need to honor the values of military service and its importance to this great democracy of ours.”

February 24, 2010 - Bastrop County Commissioners Court announces support of the Education Center at The Wall

BASTROP, Texas – The Bastrop County Commissioners Court on Monday approved a resolution in support of the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall, which will put faces to the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Education Center, an underground facility that will be built on the National Mall, will pay tribute to those who served in Vietnam and recognize the values common to all service members.
The Commissioners Court joins leaders from across the country, including the governors of seven states, who have pledged their support for the campaign to build the Education Center.

“We are grateful to everyone joining us in our effort to help future generations understand the sacrifice of those who served so honorably,” said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the group that is spearheading the effort to build the Education Center.  

At the Monday meeting of the Commissioners Court, Precinct 1 Commissioner William Piña read the resolution, which states that Bastrop County “wholeheartedly endorses the goals of the Education Center at The Wall” and calls upon citizens of Bastrop County to join the Court in supporting the campaign to build the Education Center.

Bastrop County’s Veterans Services Officer Richard Hutchins, who coordinated with the Commissioners Court to get the resolution approved, says he understands the need for the Education Center. “This is an important project to help those who are coming up behind the Vietnam generation understand what happened,” Hutchins said. “I deal with a lot of Vietnam veterans, and I think it’s important to them that they leave a legacy about what they went through and some of the folks who didn’t come home.”

To date, VVMF has raised nearly $25 million of the approximately $85 million needed to make the Education Center a reality, including the lead gift of $10 million from Time Warner. Leaders of the campaign include Honorary Chairman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), and Advisory Board Chairman Gen. Barry A. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.). The governors of seven states have signed on to join the leadership team, including those from Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, with others continuing to join.

February 20, 2010 - VVMF President Jan Scruggs Remembers Alexander Haig - Friend, Patriot, Vietnam Veteran

Former Secretary of State Gen. Alexander Haig, USA (Ret.), died today at age 85. A career Army officer who achieved the rank of four-star general, he served in Korea and Vietnam before entering the political arena. In Vietnam, Haig was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. A lieutenant colonel who was promoted to colonel during his tour of duty, he was a brigade commander for the 1st Infantry Division (U.S.) in Vietnam.

Haig was a supporter of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and an inspiration for many of VVMF’s programs. A member of VVMF’s Corporate Council, Haig advocated the organization increasing its involvement in education. As a result, VVMF produced a teacher’s curriculum guide, a field trip guide and activated a network of educators around the country to distribute resources about Vietnam lesson planning in the schools. Haig spoke movingly at The Wall on Memorial Day 1999.

VVMF Founder and President Jan Scruggs remembers Haig:

"There were many reasons to respect Alexander Haig, but this story sticks in my mind: We were discussing his career and his decision to leave private industry—where he was making millions of dollars—to join the administration of President Reagan. Most people would have bowed to self-interest and stayed in the job that paid the most money. But Haig had nobler reasons. He said he was happy to have a chance to serve his country again, and that was more important than money.

"Alexander Haig was a serious man and a real patriot. His influence at VVMF is still being felt, and his passionate belief that we should become involved in education will benefit thousands of schoolchildren for years to come. He is a friend who will be missed by all of us."

February 15, 2010 - Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour joins leadership team for The Education Center at The Wall

Washington, D.C. – Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has joined the leadership team for the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall, announced Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the group that is leading the drive to build the Center.

The Education Center is an underground facility being built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., that will put faces to the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Center will tell the stories of those who served in Vietnam and recognize the values common to all service members.

“Gov. Barbour has proven to be an effective and compassionate leader for his state,” said Scruggs. “We need leaders like him on our team and look forward to having him join the campaign.”

Barbour joins the governors of Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, New Mexico, Florida and Georgia on the leadership team for the Center. Members of the leadership team provide ideas, recruit supporters and lead grassroots efforts to raise awareness and gather photos of the individuals from their states whose names are on The Wall. Last October, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issued a challenge to other states, vowing that New Mexico would be the first state to gather all of the photos of its fallen for the new Center.

“The Education Center at The Wall presents an opportunity to honor the sacrifice made by our veterans from Mississippi and those throughout the United States,” said Gov. Barbour. “I am proud to join the campaign and contribute to the effort to make the Center a reality.”

As a member of the leadership team, Barbour will help VVMF gather photos of the 637 individuals from Mississippi whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The images being collected will be included on a Wall of Faces that will show, on their birthdays, photos of those who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. Other exhibits planned for the Education Center will include a display showcasing some of the more than 100,000 items that have been left in tribute at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a timeline of events during the Vietnam War and a history of the creation of The Wall.

Now in his sixth year as governor, Barbour has put Mississippi on a new path in many of the major issues of the day – job creation, education, health care, energy, safer communities and stronger families. He led the effort to implement the most comprehensive tort reform in the nation, restoring balance for plaintiffs and defendants in the state’s civil justice system. Today, under Gov. Barbour’s leadership, Mississippi is emerging as a leader in using the state’s abundant resources and developing alternative, affordable and sustainable sources of energy.

January 19, 2010 - American Legion seeks photos of county's servicemen killed in Vietnam

The Erwin Record

The local American Legion is working to collect photos of the 13 Unicoi County men killed during service in Vietnam for use in a special display planned in Washington, D.C.

Lou Thornberry, a member of Unaka Post 25 in Erwin, said the American Legion has already secured or has provisions to secure seven of the 13 needed photos – those of Richard Bannister, David Edney, Bobby Haynes, Doyle Holcomb, Douglas Jones, Bobby Shelton and Eugene Wilson.

But the American Legion still needs photos of six other servicemen: Jay Britt, Donald Cook, Donald Grubb, Johnny Ogle, Michael Tolley and Allen White. The Legion would prefer a military photo, if possible.

The collection is part of a nationwide project, Thornberry said.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is gathering photographs of the more than 58,261 men and women listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Once collected, the photos will be displayed in a planned Educational Center adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

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January 16, 2010 - Project puts faces to names on Vietnam Wall
Carlsbad Current-Argus

CARLSBAD — Do you have a story and a photo to share of a loved one killed in the Vietnam War? If so, a national veteran's group would like to hear from you.

Seeing on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., the 58,261 names of servicemen who paid the ultimate price during the Vietnam War is a moving experience. Putting a face to the names is a project now underway.

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund is currently building a museum called "The Education Center at the Wall," near the black granite wall, to display the photos of all Americans who lost their lives in the war.

Now the group has put out a call for photos.

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January 12, 2010 - Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue Joins Leadership Team for the Education Center at The Wall

Washington, D.C. – Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has joined the leadership team for the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall, announced Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the group that is leading the drive to build the Center.

The Education Center is an underground facility being built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. that will put faces to the more than 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Center will tell the stories of those who served in Vietnam and recognize the values common to all service members.

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January 11, 2010 - Education Center at The Wall Receives $1.4 Million in Donations
Five Donors Pledge Over $100,000 Each to Support Center at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Education Center at The Wall has received five donations totaling $1.4 million. The gifts, pledged over the last two months, follow the largest individual donation the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has ever received — $2.5 million pledged by the Heisley Family Foundation in September.

The five gifts include $1 million from an anonymous individual, and $100,000 each from business leaders Marty Irving, Rick Lieb and Paul Critchlow as well as industrial equipment manufacturer, Illinois Tool Works.

"We are humbled and grateful for these recent generous contributions from a diverse group of donors," said Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the Memorial Fund. "As people begin to learn about the Education Center, we know they will find ways to help us build it. It is an opportunity to tell the stories behind every name on The Wall, and to honor all of those who have served and those who will serve this great country in the future."

The Education Center at The Wall was envisioned to help put faces to the thousands of names on The Wall and to educate future generations about the men and women who gave their lives for their country. Planned exhibits include a "Wall of Faces," to feature photos of those lost in Vietnam, and a gallery of the more than 100,000 items left in tribute at The Wall since 1982.

Legislation authorizing the Education Center at The Wall was approved by Congress and signed by the president in late 2003. VVMF, in partnership with the National Park Service, has identified and gained approval for a site on the National Mall, chosen an architect and exhibit designer and is working with the federal commissions that must approve all new additions to the National Mall.

The Education Center currently is being built with private donations. Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), is the honorary chairman of the Campaign to build The Education Center. Approximately $85 million will be needed to build the Center. Currently, nearly $25 million in pledges has been raised, including the lead gift from Time Warner. The Memorial Fund has received donations from corporations, organizations, veterans groups and individuals.

January 4, 2010 - War vet Holt set to visit Vietnam
San Antonio Express-News

Peter Holt, a decorated war veteran and chairman of the San Antonio Spurs, soon will be back in Vietnam for the first time since serving there more than 40 years ago.

Holt will join retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who will lead the Jan. 11-17 tour, and more than 20 others, mostly Vietnam veterans who haven't returned since the war.

One objective of the trip will be to discuss the problem of land mines and explosive ordnance that remain from the war and have killed or wounded thousands, including children. But for Holt and many of the others, the main reason for returning is personal.

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Dec 29, 2009 - Peter Holt selected for humanitarian mission to Vietnam
San Antonio Business Journal

San Antonio Spurs owner Peter M. Holt will travel to Vietnam next month as part of a humanitarian delegation to experience the country’s history and culture while learning about the ongoing effects of the Vietnam War.

Holt is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army. This will be his first trip back to Vietnam since the war. Holt will travel with retired Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Founder Jan Scruggs and other veterans and their families. In all, nearly 30 people will be traveling as part of the group.

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December 11, 2009 - Former NCPC Chair Joins Leadership Team for the Education Center at The Wall

John V. Cogbill III, a Richmond, Va., attorney and former chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, D.C., has joined the Education Center at The Wall leadership team, reported Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The Education Center is a learning facility that will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Memorial Fund is raising the money to build the Center and is partnering with the National Park Service to guide the project through all the phases of federal commission approval and public review.

Cogbill served as chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, one of the federal agencies reviewing the Education Center, from 2001-2009. In that role, he became extremely familiar with the design of the project, as well as its history and the challenges it faces. He is also well aware of the importance of recognizing all who serve their country in the armed forces. He himself has two sons who are commissioned officers in the United States Army. One is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  The other is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Both are currently on active duty.

Click here for the Full Release: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=828

November 3, 2009 - Florida Governor Joins Leadership Team for Education Center at The Wall

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has joined several fellow governors and other prominent Americans to provide leadership in the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall, announced Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

The Center is a learning facility that will be built underground on the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials. The campaign is being chaired by San Antonio Spurs owner Peter M. Holt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), is the honorary chair.

“Charlie Crist will add valuable perspective to our leadership team,” said Scruggs. “He governs a state with more than 1.7 million veterans, and nearly a quarter of them served in Vietnam. We look forward to his ideas and energy.”

As part of the leadership team, Crist will play a vital role in the grassroots work in his state, which will include gathering photos of the 1,953 service members from Florida whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Education Center will feature photos for each of the more than 58,000 whose names are on The Wall. The Memorial Fund and its partner in the project, FedEx Office, launched a National Call for Photos in September. Crist joins the governors of Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and New Mexico on the leadership team.

Click here for the Full Release: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=813

October 8, 2009 - New Mexico Governor Vows To Be First State to Submit All Photos For Center

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has pledged his support for the Education Center at The Wall and is hosting an Oct. 14 press event to discuss his state’s plans to help, said Jan C. Scruggs,

founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

During the Oct. 14 press conference, being held at 1:30 p.m. in the rotunda of the New Mexico state capitol, Richardson will discuss plans to gather photos of all 400 New Mexicans whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Also taking part in the event will be New Mexico’s Secretary of Veterans Services John Garcia.

"The people of New Mexico have always been dedicated to military service to our country,” said Garcia. “We believe it is important to honor those who served in every way possible. To that end, New Mexico plans to be the first state to submit photos of all of its citizens for the Education Center at The Wall."

Click here for the Full Release: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=810

September 24, 2009 - Memorial Fund Receives Largest Individual Donation Ever

The Heisley Family Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to build the Education Center at The Wall. This is also the largest donation received for the Education Center from an individual or family foundation.

The Heisley family of Chicago has several personal connections to the Vietnam War, including an uncle, Joseph Heisley, who served in Vietnam, and a strong friendship between family patriarch Michael Heisley and Army Capt. Rocky Versace, who was listed as a prisoner of war in 1963 and awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

To read the entire press release, click here:http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=809

September 16, 2009 - Memorial Fund Launches National Call for Photos

The National Call for Photos, a campaign to gather images of the more than 58,000 men and women whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be launched on Thursday, Sept. 17 at a Newseum event hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and FedEx Office. FedEx Office will be using its locations across the country to help gather photos.

To read the press advisory, please click here or copy and paste the link below into your browser:

http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=807

September 15, 2009 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Visits the NYSE

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan C. Scruggs, Chairman of the Campaign to Build the Education Center at The Wall Peter M. Holt joined by NYSE Chairman Marsh Carter Ring the NYSE Closing Bell.

To watch the ceremony after the event, click or copy and paste the following link:

http://www.nyse.com/events/Cal_1194896449814.html