My Nonprofit Reviews
Carol H.
Review for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Inc, Washington, DC, USA
About three years ago, I found the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website as I was researching the resting place of my first love, Warren, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Immediately, I posted a remembrance on the Virtual Wall for Warren Muhr and two other boys I knew, John Malcom Zelenick and Regis DeBold, who lost their lives in Vietnam.
A mutual friend introduced Warren and me in 1966 during his training in Ft. Lewis, Washington. We began a long distance relationship, writing back and forth, and talking on the phone on the weekends. One of his first letters read, “Do you believe in love at first write?” His letters were sweet and sincere, with a wonderful sense of humor. He always wore sunglasses because he kept losing or breaking his prescription glasses. He regarded me as the angel in his life and his greatest inspiration. We fell in love.
When I received news Warren was to visit his hometown of Chicago before his deployment to Vietnam, I set out on a Greyhound Bus from Pennsylvania to see him for the first time. We spent three wonderful days together before he left for Vietnam. Warren and I continued to write.
On January 21, 1967, Warren turned 21. On Feb 26, 1967, machine gun fire killed Warren while he was protecting the front lines. At that time, I felt helpless. I found out about his passing much too late to pay my respects. Although I went on with my life, there was always a hole in my heart.
A few years ago, after my husband of 39 years passed away, Warren appeared in a vivid dream and I knew I had to find him. After two months of research, I narrowed my scope to Cemetery Row in South Chicago. Visiting Warren for his birthday last year was one of the most magnificent days of my life. I became friends with the cemetery attendant, the florist and the limo driver, each of whom helped me in my quest to find Warren and pay him proper tribute. They were all very touched by my story. The cemetery attendant had cleaned the snow from Warren’s gravesite and marked it with flags. The florist, who made an enormous red silk floral heart, would not accept any payment for it. I remain in close contact with them to this day.
When I went to see Warren, I brought some of the soil from his grave to add to my flower garden so we could be together at my home in Pennsylvania. Every year when my forget-me-nots come up, I know Warren’s spirit is with me. He is now my guardian angel, watching over me and guiding me.
Warren has inspired me to do all I can to support and honor our veterans. I have encouraged my friends to join me in support of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund because I feel strongly about the meaningful work the organization is doing for our heroes. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund established America’s recognition for what members of our armed forces have died for and what they are doing today to protect the freedoms we enjoy here at home.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I searched and found Warren's (My First Love and Soul Mate) guidance his resting place and was able to visit his grave in a city that was 600 miles from the city I grew up and currently live in. That is when I discovered the VVMF (and discovered the dates others close to me were killed in this war) and ever since, I have donated as much as I can to both the maintenance of the memorial, grounds and whatever is necessary.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would not make any changes at all to this organization, other than to get more state governors or senators involved in the "Call For Photos" campaign.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
There is nothing that this group could change to improve my volunteer experience--they are very informative, sympathetic and have filled my heart with all they have done to honor our fallen (and almost forgotten) heroes of the Vietnam War. Not only have I lost several who were close to me, but through the VVMF, and other media forms, I have come to meet others who also experienced personal losses, and now we have been brought together by our remembrances of those who did not return from this war and I am proud to be able to add these people to my list of friends and I share all of my VVMF news with them. There are many of us out there who all remember and honor in our hearts the 58, 272 heroes of the Vietnam War.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I believe so fervently in this organization that I have made the VVMF the sole beneficiary of both of my IRA retirement accounts.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
The work that is done daily by the VVMF to honor and keep alive the memory of all of our Vietnam heroes is beyond any words I could express. My heart is full of love and humility to be able to contribute such a small part to this wonderful organization. For so many years these heroes were forgotten and it took many years for them to be recognized for their valor, courage and supreme sacrifices.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
