VHP VOICE
Connecting Students with Veterans
TM
to Honor Veterans, Preserve America's Heritage and Develop Future Leaders
March 28, 2018: Volume 7, Issue 4
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Congressional Medal of Honor Society
2018 Citizen Honors
Community Service Hero Award
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Receiving the Citizen Honors Community Award from the Medal of Honor Society validated the hard work our team has done over the past 14 years. This includes the over 1,700 students who listened to and documented the stories of over 1,800 veterans; the teacher advisors in our schools who took on the extra task of sponsoring a chapter of VHP so their students could have this first-hand history lesson of hearing a veteran's story; the families of the students, who trusted in the value this program could bring to their young scholar; the volunteers over the years who kept the faith in our mission by rolling up their sleeves to take on any task we needed done; our donors, who dug into their personal finances to sponsor more students and veterans; our Board members, who continue to spread VHP's mission to allow us to grow; and to our veterans, who shared many painful memories to allow our next generation to understand what they must do to keep America strong.
To be among 30 Medal of Honor recipients who are thanking
us for our service is gratitude beyond measure. We owe them everything. We were grateful to share meals with them at the Ritz Carlton, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington Cemetery, and the National Museum of the American Indian, and to be present when they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Of course, many of our best conversations occurred informally as we happened to sit next to them at dinner or on the bus.
We were also inspired by our fellow Citizen Honors recipients who we are pleased to now call friends.
- Robert Engle, selected for his courageous act when he subdued a gunman inside Burnette Chapel Church of Christ. Engle’s actions prevented further loss of life in the deadly shooting.
- Matthew Cobos, selected for his courageous act when he shielded and provided life-saving medical treatment to concertgoers injured in a mass shooting during the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas strip in Nevada.
- Kimberly Scofi, selected for her selfless service in support of veterans through her work with United Military Care and other veterans-based service organizations.
- Virgil Smith, selected for the Young Hero Award for his heroism in using an air mattress to rescue 17 neighbors trapped in their homes during Hurricane Harvey.
We thank the Medal of Honor Foundation, American Airlines, Boeing and Gordon C. James Public Relations for your service in support of veterans. VHP was fortunate to share our story and this award with
KJZZ Radio,
Channel 12 News and
Stars and Stripes. We take this recognition as motivation to continue the work we have begun. We cannot let down these heroes who gave everything for us.
Barbara Hatch, Founder, Veterans Heritage Project
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VHP Student Receives Soroptimist Award
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Each year the Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills presents the
Margaret Laibe Award for volunteering to a young woman age 14-18 years old who is an active and enthusiastic volunteer in her community.
This completely describes
Cactus Shadows freshman Alyssa Canales who was presented this award on March 14, 2018. Alyssa wrote she “developed confidence in talking with older generations and saving the veterans’ legacies for their families,” and found a home as an editor of the Phoenix I Edition of the 14
th Volume of
Since You Asked:
TM
A Salute to World War II.
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VHP Students Make Local News
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Congratulations to VHP student
Ellie Clark
of
Boulder Creek High School
. She is profiled in the
85086 Magazine
on pages 16 and 17 in a story written by fellow VHP student
Emma Suttell! Way to go, girls! Click graphic to go to article.
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Please Vote for VHP Everyday Until April 27 for Nonprofit of the Year
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VHP has been nominated in the AZ Foothills Nonprofit of the Year Contest.
Please vote for us at the link below.
Please vote every day until the contest ends on April 27th. Please like and share and help spread the word. VHP could win a media sponsorship package to help spread the word of the great work our students do to honor veterans.
https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/nonprof…/…/245.html
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April 3, 2018 is #AZGivesDay
We’ll be participating in #AZGivesDay, a 24-hour day of statewide giving, and would appreciate your support. Please help us spread the word or, even better,
schedule your gift in advance at
A generous donor has agreed to MATCH the first $5,000 in contributions - DOUBLING YOUR IMPACT!
Your #AZGivesDay donations last year helped us welcome 8 new chapters for this school year--serving 366 students and 331 veterans. Donating on Arizona Gives Day helps us continue Connecting Students with Veterans!
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Join us at the 8 April 2018 Community Reception & Book Signing
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Tucson Edition
April 21, 2018 - 1-3 p.m.
City of Tucson Police Service Center,
1310 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ
Northern Arizona Edition
April 21, 2018 - 2-3:30 p.m.
Prescott Centennial Center at Antelope Hills
1989 Wineglass Drive, Prescott AZ
Maricopa Community Colleges Edition
April 24, 2018 - 1-3 p.m.
Paradise Valley Community College
Room KSC 1000 (Student Cafeteria)
18401 N. 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix II Edition
April 28, 2018 - 2-4 p.m.
Shadow Mountain High School Auditorium
2902 E. Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ
Ironwood Ridge Reception
May 4, 2018 - 5-7 pm
Ironwood Ridge High School
2475 W Naranja Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85742
East Valley Edition
May 5, 2018 - 2-4 p.m.
Campo Verde High School Auditorium
3870 S. Quartz Street, Gilbert AZ
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Three VHP Students receive an AVHOFS Copper Lamp of Knowledge Scholarship!
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Each Spring the
Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society
partners with VHP to invest in and develop the next generation by awarding three
Copper Lamp of Knowledge Scholarships
to graduating VHP students. The scholarships will be awarded at their annual
Patriotic Gala on April 21
.
Visit
http://avhof.org/gala/
to learn more. Congratulations to Ellie, Gianna, and James!
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Elisa (Ellie) Clark
is a senior at
Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, Arizona. Ellie joined VHP last year as a way to learn more about veterans that she encounters in her everyday life. In just two years, she has had the privilege of interviewing nine veterans.
She has been
accepted into the Honors Program at the University of Arizona where she will study nursing.
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Gianna Joseph
is a senior at Ironwood Ridge High and has been involved with Veterans Heritage Project for four years, two of those as Vice President. Soon she'll be attending the University of Arizona as a neuroscience major and will continue to serve veterans in her college career and beyond.
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James Lednicky
is a senior at Shadow Mountain High School. James has always been eager to serve in the military and has been interviewing veterans about their experiences since the 8th grade. His scholarship will help him attend the civil engineering and Naval ROTC programs at Arizona State University.
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Memorial Day May 28
Wreath Ceremony and Memorial Day Program
9 am - Town of Carefree Memorial Day Tribute
Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Program features military speakers including
Col. (Ret.) James (Jim) Kelsey (
SYA
Vol. VI, 2010)
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Chapter Trainings
June 8 - Prospective Chapter Applications Due
August 18, 2018 Volunteer Appreciation
and Annual Chapter Kickoff Training
September 22, 2018 - Publishing Training
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VHP Pilots Chapter Program in Niceville, Florida
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This semester
Niceville High School AP English students studied the book
The Things They Carried, a groundbreaking meditation on war, memory, imagination, and the redemptive power of storytel
ling. To build on the experience and to introduce Veterans Heritage Project on campus,
VHP Chapter Advocate Gretchen Erickson
worked with
Christy Ellis, Pat Mixon, Jennifer Sjostrom, and Geoffrey Watson, all AP Language and Composition teachers, to host eight Vietnam veterans on February 22. The veterans shared their stories with the AP English classes, students recorded the interviews for the Veterans History Project archives at the Library of Congress, and student interviewers will write each Veteran’s story to be published in next year's volume of
Since You Asked,
TM and are planning a book signing reception to coincide with the book publication in the spring of 2019. Thank you to all who are volunteering to share our mission to reach more veterans and students. Thank you especially to the following veteran and student participants:
Lt. Col John Brennan III (Navigator)
interviewed by Rosalina Lombardi.
Colonel Howard Hill (Pilot and POW)
interviewed by Alex Pugh.
Sr. Master Sargent George Legge (Information Systems)
interviewed by Angellee Morales Rios.
Lt. Col. Gayle Norgaard (Nurse)
interviewed by Anna Caravan.
Lt. Col. Joseph Purka, Jr. (Command and Control)
interviewed by Collin Szymczak
Master Sargent Larry Sjostrom (Ground Equipment Technician)
interviewed by his granddaughter Hannah Sjostrom.
Col. Jack Starr (Pilot)
interviewed by Taylor Strickler.
Lt. JG. Patricia Wallace Mallette (Line Officer NAS)
interviewed by Olivia Tuckey.
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How to Establish a VHP Chapter at Your School
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Have you ever wondered how to establish a VHP Chapter at your school? Below is our checklist and timeline for identifying, qualifying, and training new chapters. We utilize this process to manage our limited resources effectively and so that our volunteers understand the program components and are equipped for a successful year.
Right Now have an
Informational Conversation with Program Director Barbara Hatch. She will review with you our
Prospective Chapter Information Packet
. Please contact Barbara at 602-218-4036 x 102 or Barbara@veteransheritage.org.
On April 8, attend our
Community Reception and Book Signing so you can witness our mission in action.
N
ote: optional, yet encouraged.
By June 1
, schedule an
Engagement Meeting between VHP Program Director, and identified Teacher Advisor(s) and a school administrator.
By June 8, Submit a
Chapter Application to VHP for review & approval
Note: Prospective chapters will be notified of approval status by the end of June.
Before August 18, Submit a
Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to VHP and begin recruiting students.
Note: Upon receipt of a signed MOU by both the Teacher Advisor and the School Administrator, VHP will provide you with support materials.
On August 18,
Attend Mandatory
Chapter
Kickoff Training for Teacher Advisors
Note: Student leaders may also attend.
Before Sept 30 Schedule and complete on-site
Interview Training with VHP Program Director.
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Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
Hosts Annual Patriotic Day Celebration
For the past 25 years, Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School in Ahwatukee has hosted a Patriotic Day to honor its veterans. The public program, held February 21, included Staff Sergeant Lisa Cimino of the National Guard (Air Force, Ret.) singing for the students, an address from Arizona Department of Veterans' Services Director Wanda Wright (Air Force, Ret.) presentation of colors from American Legion Post 64, visiting Kindergarten students
singing "This Land is Your Land," and Akimel A-al's talented band. We are so glad they are a VHP school, as they have been for three years, first under the leadership of
Jane Anderson
and now her protege,
Andrew Williams
(picture above with his VHP Students).
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Veterans Heritage Project students have gone on to incredible achievements in life. In an effort to reconnect the brilliant minds and devoted members who are both a few months or a few years graduated, we are kicking off a new adventure...the development of an Alumni Group.
If you’re an alumna or alumnus of VHP and are interested in reconnecting with past and current members and advisors,
take a quick survey to provide your input on the development of an alumni group, and how you would like to be involved with VHP as the organization continues to grow.
With your input, we will then focus on introducing ways that alumni can get involved. If you’re still in touch with former members, don’t hesitate to spread the word about the development and growth of an alumni network!
Thank you to
VHP Alum Justin Yeck for helping organize this new initiative!
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General Dynamics Recognizes Employee for VHP Volunteerism
At General Dynamics Mission Systems, volunteerism is at the core of their culture
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To honor their commitment, GDMS President Chris Marzilli started the
President's Volunteer Awards
program to recognize those who have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening our communities by substantially volunteering their time and talent to organizations and causes.
VHP Board Treasurer Shelly Yeck
was recognized in January as one of the 17 employees selected to be honored with the President's Award. General Dynamics will be making a $1,000 donation to VHP in her name. Congratulations, Shelly, and thank you for sharing your passion for service and considerable leadership and financial skills with VHP.
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"Both of my sons were in VHP in high school. This organization impacted and contributed to their understanding first-hand the history of our nation, a desire to serve, respect, and accountability. The veterans and their families are profoundly impacted by the honor and healing that results from sharing their memories." - Shelly Yeck
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Veterans Heritage Project
TM
Board of Directors
Last Call for Applications
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of veterans and students and the future of our community?
The Board of Directors is made up of members who share a commitment to our mission and whose background and expertise provide the tools VHP needs to remain a successful and dynamic organization and build our capacity to serve across Arizona and the Nation.
Board members are responsible for financial development and sustainability, strategic planning, advocacy, and representing Veterans Heritage Project at programs and events. Terms of service are two years, with the possibility of renewing for up to three consecutive terms (6-year maximum).
In addition to the expertise in the areas listed above, at this time we are particularly seeking board members with skills in education, finance, technology, fundraising, human resources, and marketing.
Application Deadline:
April 1, 20
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VHP volunteers were thrilled to help unveil the American Flag on the football field before kickoff at the Fiesta Bowl on December 30, 2017. The Flag was in the shape of the USA, and VHP was along the East Coast. Thank you,
Fiesta Bowl Charities
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The theme of the 5th annual Arizona Dept. of Education
Civic Learning Conference on March 2, 2018 was Inspiring
Student Voices! What organization does this better than Veterans Heritage Project, which asks students to write the service stories of America's veterans? This conference helps educators find programs that help teachers impress upon young people their "rights, roles, and responsibilities as American citizens" to "sustain and strengthen the values that define the United States." Keynote Speaker Mary Beth Tinker participated in the rights of students to protest in 1969; her case went to the Supreme Court in
Tinker vs Des Moines Independent School District. Vietnam veteran Mike Burns, pictured above, answered teacher questions at our display and then spoke to interested students on the value of bringing veterans to their classrooms as an integral part of their curriculum, with newly created lesson plans to help them teach about the Vietnam War. Some might even become new VHP schools! The conference concluded with a naturalization ceremony where each new citizen expressed what becoming an American citizen meant to him or her.
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Rose Mattie (Vol. XIII, 2017) is currently an Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot and was on a Cultural Support Team in Afghanistan during the War on Terror. In February she shared her story as the guest speaker for the
Desert Mountain Dinner and Speakers Series
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Col. (Ret.) James (Jim) Kelsey (
SYA Vol. VI, 2010) served two tours in Vietnam and then went on to Military Intelligence, where he handled the first-ever personnel exchange between the Russians and the Americans. Jim describes his job as being in charge of the "Jason Bournes," commanding 26,000 operatives worldwide while he lived in Germany at the time when the Berlin Wall came down. Jim shared his story this month as part of the inaugural
Military Associate Resource Group (MARG) meeting at
Nationwide Insurance.
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YOU SHOP, AMAZON GIVES!
TRIPLE your impact! From March 12-31,
Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first
smile.amazon.com
purchase!
When you shop on Amazon through their Smile portal, Amazon will donate to Veterans Heritage Project.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know
. Same products, same prices, same service. All you need to do is go to
smile.amazon.com/ch/26-4572636
and start shopping.
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CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION PARTNERS
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Thank you to
The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation
for their continued investment in our Capability Initiative.
With their support, VHP is able to enhance our organizational infrastructure and chapter supports, and implement strategies to
meet the growing demand for program delivery both in and beyond Arizona.
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Thank you to the employees of
National Bank of Arizona
and
NBAZ Charities
for selecting VHP to be one of your grant recipients! Your support of our core program components helps VHP provide a quality, impactful program for our students and veterans.
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Thank you,
BMO Harris Bank
, for supporting VHP with a Ring of Honor Sponsorship to show appreciation for our volunteers and donors.
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Thank you,
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
, for enriching the lives of Arizona veterans and their families through your support of Veterans Heritage Project with a Veterans Donation Fund Grant. Funding supports all aspects of our program, helping VHP to address "moral injury," a term adopted by the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs.
Moral injury has been defined as “perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.” According to the Moral Injury Project at Syracuse University,
“The effects of moral injury go beyond the individual, impinging on the family system and the larger community. Moral injury must be brought forward into the community for a shared process of healing. In the case
of military veterans, moral injury stems in part from feelings of isolation from civilian society. Moral injury, then, is a burden carried by
very few, until the “outsiders” become aware of, and interested in sharing it. Listening and witnessing to moral injury outside the
confines of a clinical setting can be a way to break the silence that so often surrounds moral injury.”
By sharing their experiences and resulting life lessons through VHP's oral history program and on-going classroom lecture series, veterans receive the positive reinforcement for their service and sacrifice which is so important for overcoming moral injury. At the same time, veterans are able to feel as if they are continuing to serve by helping to instill civic pride, accountability, and respect in our next generation of leaders.
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IN MEMORY OF
Chuck Blumenthal, Jerry Boyd, Burk Burkholder,
Don Cline, Robert Delsi, Sam Little, Frank Minas,
Nelson Mitchell, Jr., Ray Sandoval,
and VADM James C. Irwin
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Veterans Heritage Project honors the beloved veterans we have lost. Your stories live on in our memories, our books, and our hearts.
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Board of Directors
Barbara Hatch, Founder
Laura Byers, Co-Founder
Shelly Yeck, MBA
Jerry Strickland
Joseph Brophy, Esq.
Anita Daghestani
Brigadier General J. Derek Hill
D. Craig Houk
Mary Ellen Reilly, Esq.
Donna Ward
Staff
Michelle DiMuro, CFRE
Brittany Henritze
Advisory Council
Jane Barnes
Mike Burns
Vic Connor
Tim Ganahl
Frank Lambert
David Lucier
The Honorable Rick Romley
Major General Carl. G. Schneider
Dave Ward
Phil Yin, Ph.D.
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Director of Programs
Board President, Vanguard Marketing Intl. VP & CTO
Board Treasurer, Manager, General Dynamics
Board Secretary, Retired State Farm Regional VP, Veteran
Partner at Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP, Veteran
Learning & Development Manager, Wells Fargo
USAF, Retired
COO, Anderson Security Agency, US Army, Retired
Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., Veteran
Retired Corporate Attorney
Executive Director
Program Coordinator, VHP Alumna
Advocate and Care Coordinator, Medal of Honor Foundation
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Community Leader, Veteran
Arizona Veterans Court Judge, Veteran
USAF, Retired
Retired Vice President Group Finance, Avnet
Executive VP & General Manager, Desert Silicon, Veteran
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Veterans Heritage Project | 1-877-VHP-PROJ (847-7765) | www.veteransheritage.org
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