America’s Legacy of Service by Jan C. Scruggs
Be Apart of Something Great
Collecting a photo of each service member on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a huge challenge. However, it’s a challenge worthy of American heroes like Paul Archer and Larry Hitchens, who were willing to risk their lives for our freedom long ago. They did their duty as American citizens, and through photographs, their sacrifice and values will be remembered in a profound manner.
Thanks to ordinary citizens who have volunteered their time, resources, and commitment to the National Call for Photos, VVMF has collected over 25,000 photographs for display at The Education Center. Visitors to The Education Center at The Wall will be able to see Paul’s and Larry’s photos, along with photos of everyone else on The Wall, on large digital screens. There, at the Education Center, millions will see their faces, hear their stories and never forget their sacrifice.
People from across the nation are helping. Janna Hoehn, a volunteer in Maui, was able to gather all 42 photographs of the casualties from her home island. In New Mexico, the Vietnam Veterans of America gathered nearly all of the photographs after a plea from former Governor Bill Richardson.
One very generous contributor, Major General Neal Creighton, USA (Ret.), a graduate of West Point, not only gathered photos of fallen classmates, but also pledged to raise $1,000 for each. He was determined – finding others to take part – and he eventually succeeded in his efforts.
In Denver, another great American and former combat medic in Vietnam, Neal Stanley, has personally raised nearly $10,000.
From all across America, people are stepping forward and getting organized to obtain these important photos. Have you done your part yet? Can you help find a photograph? Can you help organize a fund raiser or send a donation?
With your help, The Education Center will be a place where service and sacrifice will be elevated and honored. The Center will not be just another stop during a tour of Washington, DC attractions. It will become a destination of its own; a place where each visitor will be inspired – and requested – to do more in their communities. The Center will surely become a legacy of those who served during a challenging time in our history, honoring the sacrifices made by so many in the advancement of American freedom.
They did their part…now do yours, help us build it. Go to www.BuildtheCenter.org
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Thank you,
Jan Craig Scruggs, Esq., President
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc.
Thank you for your efforts in providing monuments dedicated to those who served in Vietnam. Unfortunately, I can give you no support at this time due to my personal circumstances, which I described in a book scheduled for release as an e-book soon. In 1965 and 1966, I flew as a C-130 pilot based on Okinawa in support of the Vietnam War effort. From December 1966 through November 1968, I flew as a forward air controller in Vietnam, extending my tour of duty twice to do so. From the date of my honorable discharge in 1968 until now, I have been denied employment in the United States because of my military service. I was nevertheless able to work as a scientist for foreign employers for about 25 years and earn a doctoral degree in Germany. I returned to the United States in 1998 on the false promise of a career position with the U.S. Forest Service. I was offered the job as part of a settlement agreement after two Forest Service employees offered me $20,000 to withdraw from a federal civil service selection. As a veteran, I was blocking the list for a less qualified non-veteran the agency wished to hire. As a whistleblower reporting this offer, I was subjected to reprisal and blacklisting after I returned to the United States. The disposable income for my wife and me is officially $248 per month. I am barred from gainful employment, but I am writing a series of science books for a major publishing house in Europe, and this brings me roughly $1000 for each book. I am also engaged in appeals and litigation against the U.S. Government is an attempt to overcome the employment discrimination. I simply have neither the time nor the money to help.