June 2026
At our last member meeting, we had the honor of swearing in our new board members. Our current board is:
President: Dennis Schlemmer
Vice President: Sarp Peterson
Secretary: Suzie Pate
Treasurer: Loraine Uebele
Directors: Karen Bubrowski, Benjamin Carroll, Suzy Messinger, Darren Cerullo, Leila Kinsey, Dylan Fourie, Jim Messinger, Lori Durno
This dedicated group works tirelessly to advance SDVW’s mission: honoring Vietnam veterans, preserving their stories, and supporting our members. From planning programs and events to fostering community connections, the board ensures that every initiative reflects our values and commitment to legacy.
We can always use more help, and we encourage all members to consider attending our meetings. The next board and member meeting will be held on Thursday, July 2nd. Joining a meeting is a great way to see the board in action, contribute ideas, and support the organization’s ongoing efforts.
Your participation, big or small, helps SDVW continue to thrive and fulfill our mission for veterans and their families.
The Sons and Daughters of the Vietnam War recognized several outstanding individuals and organizations during its annual awards presentations. National Secretary Suzie Pate was honored with the Legacy of Service Award for her dedication to our mission. This year also marked the introduction of two new national awards: the Partner in Legacy Award, presented to the National Vietnam War Museum in recognition of its commitment to preserving the history and legacy of the Vietnam War, and the Liberty and Legacy Award, which was awarded to Jack Bergman, a Vietnam War veteran and steadfast supporter of veterans; his presentation will take place in the near future. In addition, National President Dennis Schlemmer had the privilege of presenting Board Member Suzy Messenger with a commission as a Kentucky Colonel, the Commonwealth of Kentucky's highest civilian honor.
The Sons and Daughters of the Vietnam War is proud to be an official Supporting Partner of America250, the national commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. Through our "Carry the Legacy" initiative, we will honor the Vietnam generation with tribute videos, educational content, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for Americans to recognize the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. Guided by monthly themes of service, freedom, community, legacy, and honor, this program will help ensure that the stories of Vietnam veterans remain a lasting part of our nation's semiquincentennial celebration.
Sons and Daughters of the Vietnam War was proud to participate in the Memorial Day Observance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. once again this year.
Thanks to our dedicated Wreath Guardians, the tradition of placing a wreath at The Wall continues, honoring the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and ensuring their legacy endures. The wreath stands as a lasting tribute to those who served and a reminder of our commitment to preserving their stories for future generations.
This year’s observance was marked by rainy weather, adding a reflective and solemn atmosphere to the ceremony. The event highlights the enduring importance of remembering and honoring Vietnam veterans, and the collective effort that ensures their sacrifices are never forgotten.
A full list of our Wreath Guardians can be found on our website: SDVW Wreath Guardians
Watch the ceremony here: Memorial Day Observance Video
As many of you know, the Sons and Daughters of the Vietnam War continues to support the development of the Women in War Exhibit at the National Vietnam War Museum. This exhibit will honor the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of the women who served during the Vietnam War era, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.
The museum estimates the total cost of the exhibit at approximately $50,000, and SDVW has been proud to contribute through a variety of fundraising efforts over the past several years. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and supporters, we have already helped move this project forward, including funding for the interactive touchscreen kiosk that will feature interviews conducted with women connected to the Vietnam War.
Our current fundraising campaign benefiting the Women in War Exhibit will conclude on June 12.
Many of you received an email when this campaign began, and we simply wanted to offer a friendly reminder that there is still time to participate before the campaign closes. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring us one step closer to ensuring these important stories are preserved and shared with future generations.
We are grateful for everyone who has supported this project and helped keep the legacy of these remarkable women alive.
Donate or learn more here:
Thank you for helping us honor, remember, and educate.
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the Sons and Daughters of the Vietnam War is proud to announce the pre-sale of our America 250 Commemorative Lapel Pin.
Created to honor 250 years of American history, service, and sacrifice, this special commemorative pin recognizes the generations of Americans who have helped shape and defend our nation since 1776.
More than a keepsake, this pin represents an investment in the future. Proceeds from the America 250 Commemorative Pin Campaign will support the newly established SDVW Education & Legacy Fund, helping advance educational initiatives, provide Vietnam War curriculum and resources to schools in partnership with the National Vietnam War Museum, and support future scholarship opportunities.
By participating in this pre-sale, you are helping SDVW preserve the stories and legacy of the Vietnam War generation while educating future generations about their service and sacrifice.
Pins are currently available for pre-order and will be shipped once production is complete.
As America marks this historic milestone, we invite you to join us in celebrating our nation's past while helping build its future.
Celebrate America. Honor Vietnam Veterans. Preserve Their Legacy.
Reserve your America 250 Commemorative Pin today and help support the SDVW Education & Legacy Fund by placing your pre-order at:
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