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VHP VOICE
Connecting Students with Veterans
July 5, 2017: Volume 7, Issue 1
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We hope you enjoyed your Independence Day Weekend!
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Veterans Heritage Project Has Office Space!
10210 N. 32nd Street, Suite C1-C2
Phoenix, AZ 85028
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VHP is starting our new fiscal year with a new home! Thank you to our supporters for helping VHP reach such a significant milestone. This exciting step helps support our ability to effectively meet the growing demand for our program.
A very special thank you to Steven Skarpol from HomeSmart for donating his services to help VHP find a great office location at a substantial discount!
We look forward to showcasing our new space during an Open House later this summer!
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Can you help?
- Before we can move in, we need to make a few tenant improvements. If you have CONSTRUCTION SKILLS and would like help tear down two temporary walls and build a small kitchenette (cabinets, counters, plumbing/sink), please contact Michelle ASAP at 602-369-5527 or [email protected].
- Home Depot or Ace Hardware gift cards would be greatly appreciated, as well as other needs listed on our Veterans Heritage Project Charity Registry at Target.
- Keep an eye out for a paint party announcement so that you can help paint!
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2017 Caitlin Campbell
Travel Scholarship Recipient Allison Lopez
Shares Travel Experience
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On Memorial Day, Allison Lopez began a 12-day adventure through England and France to honor Caitlin Campbell and her love of travel, and retrace the steps of World War II Veteran Harper Coleman. Mr. Colman was in the Army's 4th Infantry Division and stormed Utah Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944.
Scroll through our Facebook page to view several postings of photos and comments from Allison during her trip.
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"I
was blessed to have Mr. Coleman as my very first veteran interview during my time in Veterans Heritage Project. It was his interview that sparked my passion to learn more about our veterans and active service members."
- Allison Lopez
Pictured: Allison Lopez at D-Day Ceremony at Utah Beach, June 6, 2017, wearing a shirt made for Mr. Coleman.
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Allison's Travel Itinerary
May 29-30: Depart Arizona for London
May 31: Exercise Tiger memorial at Slapton Sands, where Mr. Coleman was stationed before D-Day, and was part of the tragic training exercise gone wrong.
June 1-4: London sights, including Churchill War Room; HMS Belfast, a British WWII era warship; and the Imperial War Museum
June 5: Arrive in France to visit General Eisenhower’s WWII Museum.
June 6: Utah Beach for 73rd Anniversary of D-Day to honor Mr. Coleman and pay respect to the American Cemetery and Memorial. Witness a parachute drop of re-enactors from a C-47 plane in a field of “Le Thiers” in memory of the 507th PIR. Overlord Museum on Omaha Beach, and lunch in Le Roosevelt restaurant, where they have preserved WWII artifacts.
June 7: Paratrooper Museum; Saint-Lo’s Notre Dame Church, the only monument still standing after the town was obliterated by bombers from the war; and the Musee De La Liberation Museum at the first port to be liberated in mainland France.
June 8 - 10: Paris sights, including the Army Museum & Napoleon’s Tomb, and the Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation, a dedication to 200,000 people who were deported to Nazi concentration camps during WWII.
June 11: Return to Arizona
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VHP Scholarships Awarded to Five Students
Each year Veterans Heritage Project
is pleased to provide scholarships to students who, in an essay contest, share what VHP meant to them. Awarded at the Phoenix I Edition Book Reception, Board President Laura Byers read excepts from each student's essay and commented that, "Throughout their essays we saw themes of citizenship, generosity, gratefulness, orderliness, and respect. These lessons don't come by chance, but through connections between students and veterans."
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L to R: EmilieRose Gillaspy, Shaelyn Fones, Hanna Frain, Marlena McCabe and Harrison Kessel are presented scholarship awards by Laura Byers, Board President.
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Above & Beyond Scholarship
Campo Verde High School, Gilbert, AZ
Marlena is the president of the Campo Verde chapter, which published the first East Valley edition this year. She doubled membership, set up a buddy system for first-time authors, planned VHP events, coordinated a student tour of Boeing's Apache Helicopter plant in Mesa, brought the first veteran guest speaker to her school, and attended Wreaths Across America and other Veterans' events with VHP and community service members.
Caitlin Campbell Travel
Scholarship
Harrison Kessel
Cactus Shadows High School,
Cave Creek, AZ
"Travel is the way we transcend borders, connect with other peoples, and build a global economy. It's what I want to do for the rest of my life, whether as a pilot, diplomat, blogger, or whatever job allows me the capability to travel."
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1st Place - EmilieRose Gillaspy
Shadow Mountain High School, Phoenix, Arizona
“
Listening to Marvin’s story, I was speechless, and my heart ached. Feeling overwhelmed and incredibly inspired even before the interview finished, Marvin handed me what he referred to as his ‘seven pages,’ a detailed account of his horrific experiences [in Korea]. Going home that day, I had never felt more inspired by one individual or more gratitude for our military. Not surprisingly, Marvin is now one of my best and most cherished friends.”
2nd Place - Shaelyn Fones
University High School, Tucson, AZ
“
I have been in an evacuation hospital during World War II in the Philippines. I have delivered mail, dodging bullets in Eastern Europe. I have been in the middle of a war zone, confused and scared in Vietnam. Veterans Heritage Project has exposed me to what our nation’s veterans have experienced—from a new perspective.”
3rd Place - Hannah Frain
Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, AZ
“
The first thing he told me was that he wouldn't let me call him a hero. ‘There were plenty of heroes; I was just doing my job.' Bob was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received during his service to our country. A few months later, I met Bob at the VFW and gave him the published version of his story. I showed him the pages with his stories and pictures that reside next to the other veterans’ stories that were shared in that book. Bob flipped through it, looked up at me, and said, ‘You did good, kid.’ From Bob, a man of few but well-chosen words, that simple compliment meant the world to me.”
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Teacher Advisor of the Year
T
odd Swigart, Shea Middle School, Phoenix, AZ
Todd has supported a VHP Chapter at his school since
2010, consistently contributing eight stories a year to Since You Asked—a great accomplishment when you have new 8th grade students each year! Many of his students continue with the program at Shadow Mountain High School. Todd also hosts his annual
Pillars of Freedom Veterans Day activity, offers insights for program enhancements, and
supports the VHP mission through community presentations.
Pictured: Todd Swigart is presented the award by VHP Founder Barbara Hatch
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Since You Asked,
Volume XIII, Edition 1
Community Reception & Book Signing
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Veterans Heritage Project was pleased to co-host the
Phoenix Edition 1 event on April 9, with Founding Chapter, Cactus Shadows High School. More than 600 veterans, students, families, volunteers, and VHP supporters gathered together to celebrate the
13th Volume of
Since You Asked. Keynote Speaker
Lt. Gen. Carol A. Mutter enjoyed connecting with fellow veterans and witnessing the enthusiasm of the students. We hope all in attendance enjoyed many impactful moments, including the beautiful performances by the Musical Theatre of Anthem and the celebration of veterans with their service songs.
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The most memorable part of the event is the ability to interact with each veteran and have them sign the pages of their story--above, Drew Seiser with Dr. Danita Applewhite.
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The Power of Oral History video showcased the veteran perspective. In case you missed it, you can view the 4 1/2 minute video
here.
The development of the video was made possible by a grant from Arizona Humanities.
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Sonoran Trails Middle School students proudly display personal copies of Edition 1 of Since You Asked. They make sure they get all the veterans to sign their books!
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The experience brings together families and generations. World War II veteran Joe Gossen is honored to celebrate his service with great-grandson Lukas.
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Editions 2 - 6
Reception & Book
Signings
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East Valley Edition - April 22
The audience loved the USO theme, including the student group (pictured above) Khaki Wacky singing
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.
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Northern Arizona Edition - April 22
Veterans and students from Flagstaff High School made the trip to Prescott to participate in the book signing with Chino Valley High School, Show Low High School, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There were even family members who flew in from around the country to be there for the celebration.
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Tucson Edition - April 29
Miranda Agnew, who played at the Grammys, moved the audience with
America the Beautiful and
TAPS for Gilbert Romero, a Korean War veteran who passed away, but whose story was featured in Volume 13 of
Since You Asked.
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Maricopa Community Colleges Edition - May 2
The students of Glendale Community College and Paradise Valley Community College interviewed veterans (pictured above) from the community, the student body, and the faculty. They completed 36 interviews in their first year, which provided them the opportunity to publish their first
SYA edition.
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Phoenix Edition II Reception - May 21
Vietnam Veteran Russell "Sarge" Lintecum (shown above signing the pages of his story) was an inspiring addition to the program by sharing his poetry, and singing one of his
published blues songs about dealing with PTSD.
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Program Support Opportunities
Chapter Advocate: Assist a teacher or a regional group of chapters with timeline management, tax credits, veteran lecture and civic activity coordination, reception tasks, and newsletter and social media story submission. Formalized training provided.
Veteran Lecture Coordinator: Coordinate veterans and/or student speaking opportunities for community groups, help manage curriculum packets for veteran lectures at schools, and offer lecture day onsite support.
Editorial Committee: Review and provide electronic copy edits of student essays to prepare for publishing in
Since You Asked. Formalized training provided.
Scholarship: R
eview submitted scholarship essays utilizing criteria to make scored recommendations. February only.
Quartermaster: Offer office support as needed in a variety of areas such as data entry, updating and editing documents, monitoring book and supply inventories and supporting research projects.
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Technology:
Use your skills to support various projects with Google Apps, Adobe In-Design, Salesforce, Instructional Videos, and Web Design.
Marketing/PR: He
l
p develop marketing materials, social media calendar, press releases, and media pitches.
Development:
Create awareness, build relationships and raise funds by helping to plan, organize, and support community presentations, social media outreach, corporate sponsorship connections, mailings, and special events.
Finance: Help build and review financial models, budget projections, and growth plans.
VHP Ambassadors
: Individuals who advocate for VHP's mission through testimonials, community presentations, exhibit support, and donor visits.
Board Service: Contribute your leadership skills to help VHP meet our strategic goals. Currently seeking candidates with a variety of experience, including fund development, marketing, education, finance and non-profit service.
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Upcoming Trainings
Chapter Advocate Training - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, August 5
For individuals who are interested in supporting a teacher with VHP chapter operations. Contact
[email protected]
to learn more.
Annual Chapter Kickoff - 12:30 - 3:00 pm, August 19
Teacher Advisors, Student Leaders, and Chapter Advocates--be sure your Chapter is well represented. You will benefit from the updates, resource sharing, and networking!
Publishing Training - Time TBD, September 16
Publishing Chapter Student Leaders and Teacher Advisors will receive specialized instruction and tools to support the publishing of your
SYA
edition.
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Thank you to the Tee It Up for the Troops Pinnacle Peak Country Club event and to TriWest Healthcare Alliance for each supporting VHP with a $5,000 Bronze Star Sponsorship. Your commitment provides the opportunity for students to learn, and for veterans to feel appreciated for their sacrifice and service. Through oral history interviews, veterans' stories are shared, their service is validated, patriotic values are passed on, and generations are connected.
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State Farm
generously matches employee giving up to $1,500. Thank you for your support.
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Interested in having a VHP veteran and/or student speak to your community group?
Contact VHP at 1-877-VHP-PROJ (847-7765) x 3 to learn more.
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Memorial Day at the
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
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VHP Students Mikaela Morris, Lauren Heath, and Michelle Satran lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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VHP students Harrison Kessel and Michelle Satran present the wreath from Veterans Heritage Project. Michelle did a beautiful job designing and making the wreath to correspond with this year's
Since You Asked: A Salute to Women themed colors.
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Memorial Day at the
Veteran Memorial in
Fountain Hills
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Veterans Heritage Project is thankful for sharing in the Memorial Day ceremony in Fountain Hills. VHP Founder Barbara Hatch provided the keynote address, sharing how our program started with the help of VFW Post 7507’s Ralph George, who organized a team of World War II veterans to speak in Barbara's classrooms for the next 12 years.
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Thank you to
volunteers from
Boeing who helped staff VHP's display table at the Fountain HIlls Memorial Day Celebration. And thank you to
Kavery Bhattacharya
for coordinating Boeing's support at the event. We appreciate our volunteers!
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Col. Gene Rafanelli
1941-2017
The common message at Col. Gene Rafanelli's very crowded celebration of life was soldier, family, integrity. Veterans Heritage Project remembers all the young people Gene touched in his classroom and lecture hall visits. Friends commented he could never say "No" when it came to helping others. He left his mark on all of us and we will miss him.
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In Memoriam
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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Our Leadership Team
Welcome New Members to the Board of Directors
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Joseph Brophy
Partner
Jennings, Haug & Cunningham
Veteran
Joseph’s business law background and experience serving on the Madison Education Foundation Board and the Arizona Veterans Services Advisory
Commission will help guide VHP's growth.
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Brigadier General J. Derek Hill
U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Brig. Gen. Hill previously served as a member of our Advisory Council, and generously shares his extensive leadership, financial, legal, and strategic planning expertise with VHP.
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Anita Daghestani
Learning & Development Manager
Wells Fargo
Anita's experience in building collaborative teams and developing nationwide training strategies will be invaluable as we pursue our vision to become a national model.
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Shelly Yeck, MBA
Manager, Material Bidding & Estimating
General Dynamics
VHP Board Treasurer
As an alumni parent, Shelly is well acquainted with VHP. Shelly's accounting, risk management, and contract management experience will be greatly utilized as Board Treasurer.
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Outgoing Board Members Continue Support
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A special thank you to
Joe Brett,
Susan Kee
and
Phil Yin
for their outstanding service as a Board Members. Although each have new professional journeys ahead, we are pleased that they will continue to be engaged in meaningful ways.
Joe is focusing on his radio show and speaking engagements, and will continue to serve as a VHP Ambassador, raising funds and awareness for our mission.
" VHP has the best program available to truly welcome home any veteran. It also has the best program to honor their service and acknowledge their sacrifice to country." - Joe
Susan is working to complete her book to honor Korean War Veterans, and will still volunteer with the Boulder Creek High School/North Valley Regional Library Chapter near her home in Anthem.
"Veterans Heritage Project honors the heroes of our great country and inspires our young students to always remember and respect them. I will always believe in this important mission." - Susan
Phil left retirement to become the Executive VP & General Manager of Desert Silicon; however, he will continue to offer guidance as a member of our Advisory Council.
"VHP's professionalism, organizational skills, and utilization of available skill sets and talent is just phenomenal. I have no doubt that VHP will someday be a national organization." - Phil
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Board of Directors
Barbara Hatch, Founder
Laura Byers, Co-Founder
Shelley Yeck, MBA
Jerry Strickland
Austin Anton
Joseph Brophy, Esq.
Anita Daghestani
Brigadier General J. Derek Hill Mary Ellen Reilly, Esq.
Donna Ward
Drew Peneton
Staff
Michelle DiMuro, CFRE
Brittany Henritze
Advisory Council
Jane Barnes
Mike Burns
Jason Chamberlain
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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Program Director
Board President, Vanguard Marketing Intl. VP & CTO
Board Treasurer, Manager, General Dynamics
Board Secretary, Retired State Farm Regional VP, Veteran
Board Director, Technology Consultant, VHP Alumnus
Partner, Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP, Veteran
Learning & Development Manager., Wells Fargo
USAF, Retired
Wilkes & McHugh, P.A., Veteran
Retired Corporate Attorney
Manifesto Project, Mgr., Financial Engines, Veteran
Executive Director
Program Coordinator, VHP Alumna
Advocate and Care Coordinator, Medal of Honor Foundation
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Senior Advisor and Retired President & CEO, HDT Global
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Retired Non-Profit Executive, Veteran
Retired Business Executive, Veteran
Community Leader, Veteran
Arizona Veterans Court Judge, Veteran
USAF, 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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