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Updated 022408

After a few months absence, the SDIT eUpdate is back with important news and timely information related to Sons and Daughters In Touch.  This and all e-updates are provided to keep SDIT members well informed.  If you would like to recommend information for a future installment of the eUpdate, please send it via email to Legacies@sdit.org.

Upcoming events at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial:  
March 27, 2009 is the deadline for applying to the Teach Vietnam Teachers Network Class of 2009
In Memory Day - Monday, April 20, 2009
Mother's Day at the Wall - Sunday, May 10, 2009
Memorial Day (Observed) - Monday, May 25, 2009

Update: ‘A Dollar for Every Name’ Campaign: The Memorial Day 2008 radio-thon that launched the SDIT campaign to raise ‘$1.00 for every name on the Wall’ ($58,260) generated nearly $21,000.  Given the current economic challenges, this result was encouraging.  SDIT will continue this effort until it reaches it reaches the goal.

New Jersey Summits:  Katie Witzig, the Project and Collections Manager for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, has asked for help in putting together a monthly lecture about SDIT.  She envisions a Saturday lecture with a panel discussion and a display of related information in the lobby cases. If anyone from the tri-state area is interested, please contact Melanie Danna – Melanie@sdit.org.

50/50 Benefit Raffle:  VietNow is holding a 50/50 raffle to help defray costs that John and Donna Steer are facing.  As a result of a recent auto accident, one of their children was left paralyzed and in need of round-the-clock care.  50% of the funds raised will go to the Steer family, while the other 50% will be awarded to the winning ticket holder.  The raffle will be held during the VietNow National Convention on May 16, 2009.  For ticket information please contact VietNow office at:          VietNow National Headquarters
1835 Broadway
Rockford, IL  61104
800-837-8669

CBS Sunday Morning – 30th Anniversary:  On Sunday, February 1, CBS Sunday Morning celebrated its 30th Anniversary in a broadcast that showed how much life has changed since 1979.  It was an honor for SDIT to appear on July 4, 1992 as the main story on this program.  SDIT will post this story, highlighting SDIT’s first Father’s Day reunion, on its website when a clean version of the video is secured.   

Father’s Day 2010: The current board is in agreement that a national Father’s Day reunion celebrating the 20th Anniversary of SDIT should be held over the weekend of June 18-20, 2010.  Many volunteers will be needed in order to meet the demands of hosting this event.  If you have an interest in committing time to planning this event, send your name and contact information to board@sdit.org

National Purple Heart Hall of Honor: Located 60 miles north of New York City, this shrine is dedicated to all Americans who have received the Purple Heart.  Unfortunately, no comprehensive historic records exist noting all who received this decoration.  You can visit the site and follow instructions to register your father – or another loved one - at www.purpleheart.com.

Congratulations Derrick Thomas!: On Saturday, January 31, former pro-football star and ‘Gold Star son’ Derrick Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  After a stellar career at the University of Alabama, Derrick was an All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs.  He was paralyzed in an auto accident in 1999 and died in 2000 from complications from that accident.
Derrick’s father, Air Force Capt. Robert J. Thomas, was lost while on a bombing mission in 1972.  He will officially be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, OH this summer, and his story is sure to be told often between now and then.  Here is a link to Derrick's dad, Capt. Thomas:  http://www.vvmf. org//index. cfm?SectionID= 110&Wall_Id_No=51708
Derrick’s teammate with the Chiefs – Dan Saleamua – also lost his father in Vietnam.  Marine Corps Sgt. Uinifareti Saleaumua was killed on Feb. 16, 1967.
Interestingly, the grandfather of recent NFL stars Tiki & Ronde Barber is also listed on the Wall – Army Major Willie T. Brickhouse Jr. is listed on Panel 32E, Line 61 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Snowball Express in Texas: After a multi-year run in Orange County, CA, the Snowball Express is moving to Texas in 2009.  SDIT members in Dallas – or elsewhere in the region – who are interested in volunteering time to support Snowball Express are encouraged to register at www.snowballexpress.org

Membership Contributions & Board Elections:  To coincide with Father’s Day 2009, SDIT’s membership drive and board of directors election will take place this June.  Additional details will be provided in the March SDIT eUpdate.  For more information contact: board@sdit.org.

VietNow Scholarships: The annual VietNow scholarship program for SDIT members is now inviting applications from the children, grandchildren and spouses of those lost during the Vietnam War.  To be considered for one of the scholarships, the SDIT family member must be attending a post-secondary educational program (e.g. college, grad school, career development or vocational training).  Contact Jim Sampers (jim@sdit.org) to receive an application.  The deadline for mailing applications directly to VietNow is April 1, 2009.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25th Anniversary: A tribute video is now streamed at the SDIT website featuring highlights from the Wall’s 25th Anniversary celebration.  This video was produced by David Regenthal, the husband of SDIT legend Corky Condon.  Visit www.sdit.org for viewing.

Greetings SDIT members and supporters all across the USA!

This edition of the SDIT eUpdate will provide important information about Memorial Day and Father’s Day activities at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and additional news that you may find helpful.

As Memorial Day approaches, know that each of our fathers – and all those who gave their lives in the defense of freedom – is honored, missed and loved.

1. Memorial Day at ‘the Wall’: All SDIT members are invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony begins at 1PM (EST) on Monday, May 26. SDIT Life Member and current Chief of Staff of the US Army, General George Casey, Jr. will serve as the keynote speaker at this ceremony. Reserved seating for SDIT members is available by contacting board member Kelly Rihn (Kelly@sdit.org or jkmarihn@verizon.net).


2. "SEMPER FIDELIS: How I Met My Father", is a fine-art exhibition by Tom Hubbard. Tom's father, Sgt. Thomas P. Kindt (USMC), was killed in Vietnam in 1966. The exhibit, which incorporates after-action reports, photos, letters and journal entries, is the result of Tom’s quest to know his father. Tom traveled across the US and Vietnam on his journey. “The loss of my father in Vietnam has shaped me as a person, a husband, a father and an artist,” Tom said. "SEMPER FIDELIS: How I Met My Father" will be on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps from May 23 through July 7, 2008. The museum is in Quantico, VA – 36 miles south of Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.tomhub.com or here. Feel free to share this with any interested persons or organizations.


3. Father’s Day at ‘the Wall’: The Father’s Day ‘Rose for Remembrance’ ceremony will be held Sunday, June 15. SDIT members and their families are invited to attend and help place roses at the base of each panel on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. [note: this Father’s Day ceremony is a smaller version of SDIT’s national Father’s Day reunions that have been held in 1992, 1993, 1997, 2000 and 2005]. For more information, contact board@sdit.org or visit vvmf.org


4. Traveling replicas of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will make appearances in communities across the United States throughout the remainder of 2008. While each traveling memorial is sponsored by a different organization, they all provide opportunities to reflect and remember. To learn more about each traveling memorial and the corresponding schedules, visit the following sites:
   
   
   • American Veterans Traveling Tribute
   • The Moving Wall
   • The Wall That Heals
   • Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall


5. SDIT board elections for the 2008-2010 term will be held later in the year. During the next term, SDIT board members will oversee the organization’s involvement in the development of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center and the next Father’s Day national reunion. All ‘sons and daughters’ with an interest in serving on the SDIT board should send an email message to board@sdit.org. SDIT is looking for an editor for its newsletter, and a qualified bookkeeper.

Greetings!  The following information is provided to members and supporters of Sons and Daughters In Touch, in order to keep everyone informed on the developments concerning the organization.  Look for the next edition of this eUpdate in early March, and the next edition of ‘Legacies’ in April.

1. On February 18, 2008, the National Geographic Channel will premiere its 3-hour program, ‘Inside the Vietnam War.’  The program provides a behind-the-scenes view of the war’s planning, its impact on those who fought and testimonials from 50 Vietnam Veterans.

   For more information on the program, visit:
   http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ET/popup/200802182300.html
   To preview the show, visit:
   http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?title=05075_00

2. Throughout 2008, several traveling replicas of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will make appearances in communities across the United States.  While each traveling memorial is sponsored by a different organization, each provides an opportunity to reflect and remember.  To learn more about each traveling memorial, visit the following sites:

   American Veterans Traveling Tribute: http://www.avtt.org/2008%20Schedule.htm
   The Moving Wall: http://www.themovingwall.org/
   The Wall That Heals: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=612
   Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall: http://www.travelingwall.us/schedule_of_appearances.htm

3. $58,256 Campaign – the SDIT campaign to benefit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center by raising $1.00 for every name on the Wall is well underway.  To date, nearly $5000 has been received or pledged for the effort.  Plans are also underway for a Memorial Day weekend call-a-thon to be held on the Rusty Humphries radio show.  Rusty is a ‘son’ – his father, Army Captain Gary D. Humphries, was lost in January 1969 – and hosts a nationally syndicated conservative talk show.  For more information about Rusty and his show, visit www.talk2rusty.com.  To make a donation to this effort, visit: http://www.sdit.org/nameonthewall/
   
   
4. VietNow Scholarships – The annual VietNow scholarship program for SDIT members is now inviting applications from the children, grandchildren and spouses of those lost during the Vietnam War.  To be considered for one of the scholarships, the SDIT member must also be attending a post-secondary educational program (e.g. college, grad school, career development or vocational training).  Contact Jim Sampers (jim@sdit.org) to receive an application.  The deadline for mailing applications directly to VietNow is April 1, 2008.
   
   
5. SDIT board elections for the 2008-2010 term will be held later in the year.  During the next term, SDIT board members will oversee the organization’s involvement in the development of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center and a possible Father’s Day reunion.  All ‘sons and daughters’ with an interest in serving on the SDIT board should send an email message to board@sdit.org.  SDIT is looking for an editor of its newsletter, a qualified bookkeeper to help manage its finances and more.
   
6. Some interesting information: With the Super Bowl over and the last football season in the books, it’s interesting to note a connection between the Vietnam War, pro football and SDIT.  At least two ‘sons’ of US servicemen lost in Vietnam played in the National Football League, and at least five ‘sons and daughters’ lost their soldier/football player fathers in the war. 

Derrick Thomas was an All-America linebacker for the University of Alabama in 1988.  He played 11 All Pro seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs before passing away in February 2000.  He was the son of USAF Captain Robert J. Thomas, who was lost on a December 1972 bombing mission over North Vietnam.  In 2008, Derrick was a finalist for election to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Dan Salaeaumua played 12 seasons for three NFL teams, making the Pro Bowl in 1990 and 1995.  He is the son of Marine Corp Sergeant Uinifareti Saleaumua who was killed in February 1967 near Quang Nam, South Vietnam.  Fittingly, Dan and Derrick played together for eight seasons in Kansas City.

Two US Servicemen who played pro football were lost in the Vietnam War. 

Don Steinbrunner played offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns in 1953 after attending Washington State University as an ROTC student.  He was called to duty after the 1953 season and ultimately gave up his football career to focus on a career in the Air Force.  In 1967, Major Steinbrunner’s plane was shot down near Kontum, South Vietnam, and leaving behind a wife and three children.

Bob Kalsu, was an ROTC student and All-America offensive lineman for the Oklahoma Sooners in 1967.  He was an 8th round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills voted the team’s 1968 rookie of the year.  After his first pro season, Bob was called to active duty by the Army’s 101st Airborne Division.  Lt. Kalsu was killed in July 1970 near the Ashau Valley and is survived by his wife and their son and daughter. 

If you know of any similar connections from professional baseball, basketball or hockey, let SDIT know.

www.sdit.org      •      800-984-9994      •      PO Box 100366 Arlington, VA 22210

January 2008

Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  This e-update is being sent to keep all SDIT members up-to-date on the programs and developments relating to ‘Sons and Daughters In Touch.’

1. Veterans Day 2007 – the 25th Anniversary of the ‘the Wall’ was a tremendous success and SDIT was widely represented at various events throughout the weekend.  SDIT member and Army veteran Hank Cramer was the first of thousands to read the names on the Wall as his father is recognized as the first US casualty in the Vietnam War.  Current US Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey Jr. – whose father was also lost in Vietnam - was recognized by SDIT for his leadership and dedication to our nation’s servicemen and women.  In all, more than 100 SDIT members from across the country participated in ceremonies and events during the five-day celebration.  
2. $58,256 - $1.00 for every name – Over Veterans Day weekend, SDIT launched an ambitious campaign to raise at least $1.00 for every name on the Wall.  The proceeds from this campaign will be used to help establish the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center – an educational venue that will help teach current and future generations about the history of America’s sacrifice in Vietnam.  To make a contribution of any amount, or to share this information with potential donors, visit http://www.sdit.org/nameonthewall/
3. Christmas at the Wall - On December 20, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund held its annual holiday event at the Wall, displaying a Christmas tree decorated with messages from around the nation.  SDIT member and Navy Capt. Eugene Smallwood Jr. was one of the event’s featured speakers.  Capt. Smallwood is a health policy advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  Gene’s father, Eugene F. Smallwood, is listed on Panel 18W, Row 59 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 
4. Anh Doung, Out of Debt – the following link is to a story by columnist George Will.  The story is of a young girl’s escape from Vietnam, and how her unique professional career here in the US has become a tribute to our fathers.  Link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/74457  
5. Snowball Express – Over the weekend of November 30 to December 3, SDIT again supported Snowball Express and its program to salute the families of American servicemen and women who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan in the Global War on Terror.  The expense-paid trip to Southern California provided these families a brief escape from the challenges of their experience, and an opportunity to meet others who share the same loss.  As a sign of our solidarity with these ‘Gold Star families,’ SDIT provided each attendee with a commemorative luggage tag.  SDIT member Jeanette Chervony served as a planner for this year’s event and is also a board member of Snowball Express.  For information about the ’07 event and plans for ’08, visit www.snowballexpress.org. 
6. Gary Lee – While there are always many whom we should keep in our thoughts and prayers, one SDIT member deserves all the good thoughts and wishes we can send.  Gary Lee has been the ‘official photographer’ of SDIT since its first Father’s Day reunion in ’92.  He documented the SDIT trip to Vietnam and is an honorary Life Member of SDIT.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as his health improves. 
7. Web designer – SDIT is seeking an experienced web designer to donate some time to help update www.sdit.org and to enhance its functionality.  Those interested are invited to contact tony@sdit.org for more information. 
8. VietNow Scholarships – The annual VietNow scholarship program for SDIT members is now inviting applications from the children, grandchildren and spouses of those lost during the Vietnam War.  To be considered for one of the scholarships, the SDIT member must also be attending a post-secondary educational program (e.g. college, grad school, career development or vocational training).  Contact Jim Sampers (jim@sdit.org) to receive an application.  The deadline for mailing applications directly to VietNow is April 1, 2008.
9. Board elections – SDIT will be holding its bi-annual board elections in mid-’08.  If you are interested in donating your time to help lead SDIT, email board@sdit.org for more details. 
10. Email - The fall edition of Legacies indicated that future editions will only be mailed to SDIT who have paid their annual dues.  All SDIT members will continue to receive the newsletter via email.  Make sure your email address is updated by sending a note to legacies@sdit.org. 
11. Data Base - SDIT continues to maintain the nation’s most comprehensive list of children who lost their fathers in the Vietnam War.  No other organization or government office has been able to collect so much information.  Please make sure that your information (address, phone, etc.), and that of your siblings and mother, are updated by sending a note to info@sdit.org.  This information is collected and maintained for historical purposes, and occasionally shared with researchers, journalists and graduate students after a thorough review of the project or article’s scope.  The information will never be sold or provided for marketing purposes.
12. Father’s Day - No definite plans have been made for SDIT’s next national Father’s day reunion.  However, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will be holding a smaller Father’s Day ceremony on Sunday, June 15, 2008.

www.sdit.org      •      800-984-9994      •      PO Box 100366 Arlington, VA 22210

June 2007

February  2007