The Vietnam Veteran Wall Education Center's quest to match photos with the names of those killed

by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer

One of the most deeply profound things I have done is volunteered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, "Teach Vietnam Network" in Washington, D.C.

Since 2005, I have been involved with this program that provides educators invaluable resources to help educate young people about the Vietnam War and those who served in it. I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer, helping the veteran and military community for many years and sharing the "Teach Vietnam" program with young people and teachers.

My community has provided me with some of the most heartwarming, inspirational moments I have ever experienced. Those who have shared those times with me at the Monterey County Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Salinas, know exactly what I am talking about.

There are incredible, moving moments that we get to share with many of the families of the fallen. Never underestimate the compassion of young students, teachers, boy scouts, girl scouts and community members. I know them because of their continuous participation at our annual Veteran’s Day, Remembrance Tree Decorating during the holidays and Memorial Day. They amaze me with their kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation is continuing in their efforts to create that bridge of understanding for those who come to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The creation of the educational center that is in construction will house an incredible museum of photos, facts and items that have been left at the wall through the years.

The Memorial Foundation is on a quest to match photos with the names of the fallen listed on the wall. I have a special request to my community and across America. There are 78 names from Monterey County listed on Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C. If you recognize these names, the Memorial Foundation could use your help in obtaining their photographs.

Frank G. Antone, Alton E. Baker, Richard L. Barbee, Richard L. Buckles, John L. Bowen, Cecil O. Bundage, Robert L. Bennett, Pepito Caguimbal, James C. Carson, Reinaldo A. Castro, Thomas C. Chaney, David Chisum, Alfred H. Combs Jr., Ricky L. Cornell, Rudolph R. Corona III, Eugene M. Christer, Pete F. Cruz, Charles F. De Amaral Jr., David Devoe, Elmer Dickens, Mark S. Dioreo, Eddie Dismaya Jr., Lawrence R. Dodd, Carlito L. Dorsey, Lavall Durr, Raymond F. Eade, Andrew J. Elliot, Phillipe B. Fales, Robert C. Fergusson, Frank L. Freedle, Darell G. Freeman, Andrew P. Garcia, Richard Garcia, William C. Griffith, Rory T. Haran, Lesley H. Henson, Stephen M. Hermanson, Laszlo Holovits, Nelson M. Hyler, Ben H. Ide, James A. Jackson, Danny J. Keith, Larry J. Larson, Ronald K. Lewis, John W. Long Jr., Jose D. Lopez, Ernest F. Losoya, Jerry W. Manning, Kurt C. McDonald, David E. McGlochman, Charles M. McGovern, Maurilio Mendez, Robert L. Miller, Frank J. Montez, Stephen O’Brien, Raymond J. Palacio, James E. Plowman, Gerald L. Poppa, Jesus P. Ramirez, Joe C. Robertson, O.D. Scott, Rodolfo Serrano, Mark M. Serrem, John C. Sherman, Walter F. Skinner, Lester E. Smart Jr, Phillip C. Smith, Christopher S. Stuewe, John R. Thomas, Edward A. Ulibarri, William H. Underwood, James L. Urnes, Juan J. Villalobos, Klaus Warrelmann, Wilmer Watson, Richard White and Frank R. Ybarra.

Please help us find a photo for every name on that wall.

A photograph captures a moment that is frozen in time forever. To their families, these veterans remain as they were, forever young.

There are over 58,000 names on that wall; each and every one needs to be honored, their stories told, and more important, they must never be forgotten.

The educational center will remain a vital resource for generations to come. They are an important part of our nation’s history. Keep history alive.

If you can help in this effort, contact 866-990-WALL (9255) or see www.vvmf.org for information on how you can send photos of our fallen veterans listed on the wall.

You also may contact me and I will help get your photos to the Memorial Foundation.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected].

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Homefront Journal Donna Teresa writes about the Vietnam Veteran Wall Education Center’s quest to match photos with the names of those killed in Vietnam, only at montereyherald.com.