June News 2014
This Winter whistled past us in a flash– we had so many programs going on, and much preparation was underway towards our exhibit: Sacrifice & Service. On May 26, the exhibit opened at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, and 300 people came to see it the first day. On May 30, we had a gala reception and 145 friends and supporters joined us in cutting the ribbon. Guest speakers Commissioner Wayne Johnson, Brig. Gen. Judy Griego, Nuclear museum Director Jim Walther and Museum of the American Military Family Director Circe Woessner made remarks. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Santa Fe Chapter posted the colors and the Patriot Guard Riders and Blue Star Mothers created a wonderful Flag Line. It was a truly beautiful celebration.
Second Lady Jill Biden and Senator Tom Udall each sent a letter welcoming visitors to the exhibit.
Since the opening, we have had visitors from China, Finland, Germany and from the United States write nice comments in the exhibit guest book.
We are already making plans to travel Sacrifice & Service once it closes.
It has been exciting to go into the exhibit and see where people have put pins into a world map showing where they have lived as military families…
Veteran author and blogger Sparks and his wife Judy came to visit us and to do a book reading in conjunction with the exhibit. We also had book readings later in the month by J Allen Whitt and R Sam Baty.
Our board members were very busy throughout the communities during the Spring.
Veteran Liaison Wolfman hosted his annual Memorial Day ceremony in Bernalillo. MAMF Director Circe was a featured speaker at the Sandoval County Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with Governor Martinez and General Greigo.
MAMF Secretary/Public Affairs Allen Olson was a guest speaker at a D-Day Commemoration in Rio Rancho.
Wolfman and Circe also stood side by side with the Patriot Guard Riders at the funeral of Chester Nez, the last of original Navajo code talkers. Later Wolfman met with members of a federal agency’s leadership class to explain the imaginings and subsequent completion of his memorial.
Caroline, our Writer in Residence was busy compiling script for the poetic collage for 4 Voices on the 4th. She, along with Circe, and two local poets will be performing at 2 o’clock on Independence Day at the National Nuclear Museum in Albuquerque. Caroline also was busy setting up interviews and casting venues for “Telling: Albuquerque” a program co sponsored by the Telling Project. Casting calls will be held in July and performances in mid to late September.
Circe, Ole and Joan were invited guests at Jemez Pueblo for an honorary graduation ceremony for several World War II veterans. Former MAMF board member Allen Whitt was a featured speaker
Our Strategic Planner and Operations Manager Wanda created several presentations for us to use throughout the summer, as we continue our journey towards fundraising for the seven houses we hope to rehab and place in a permanent location.
Our Footlockers traveled to the USOs in Washington DC and Mayport , FL, to Ann O’Malley’s Deli and Pub in St Augustine, and to the Hanau Reunion in San Antonio.
We put out a call for stories from military brats and DOD teachers who had lived in Japan and Okinawa and were flooded with dozens and dozens of one-page memories. We are planning to do a program with the Anderson-Abrusso Balloon museum later this year.
We would be remiss if we didn’t thank all of our sponsors, members, collaborators and friends. We have come so far, so fast—and we couldn’t have done it without you.!
Judy and I treasure the memories of our visit to Albuquerque to participate during the opening ceremony for the American Military Family Museum “Sacrifice & Service Exhibit,” at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. It is an honor to be among the many volunteers who contributed to making the exhibit a success.
Steve & Judy Sparks
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341
http://www.survivethriveptsd.com