Local Vietnam-Era Vets Rely On Donations From Area Businesses

The following was submitted by the City of Melrose:

MELROSE, MA — The Roll to Washington Committee (R2DC) is providing Vietnam-era veterans from Melrose, Saugus, and Wakefield with an all-expenses-paid four-day tour of Washington, D.C. this coming September as part of the committee’s effort to honor Vietnam-era veterans with a “welcome home” experience. To fund the trip of nearly 50 veterans, the committee is asking area businesses and community members to become sponsors and donate to the Saugus VFW Post#2346 by March 1st.

Dennis Gould, the Chair of the R2DC committee, said that donations will go directly towards funding the cost of each veteran’s transportation, a 4-night stay at Joint Base Andrews, and meals and tours throughout Washington D.C., including a special visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“This fundraiser and resulting trip is for the Vietnam-era veterans who weren’t welcome at home, both during the war and after it,” said Gould, himself a Vietnam-era veteran. “While we are always seeking opportunities to acknowledge our area veterans, we’ve previously helped veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and other Vietnam-era vets get to D.C. – this second Vietnam trip is as important as the first, because we want to continue honoring as many Vietnam-era veterans as possible.”

Donations can be delivered in person or mailed to the VFW Post#2346, 190 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Checks must be made out to VFW Post#2346 with a notation in the memo line “Roll to DC.” Donations may also be dropped off in-person beginning January 22. The Melrose Veterans Services Office also has a mailbox at 201 West Foster Street for local donation drop offs. Another way to donate is through the VFW’s GoFundMe Page: www.gofund.me/46aa1f8a.

“We’re putting this call out to area businesses - and local residents, too - to step forward and become a Roll to Washington sponsor and donate to make a positive difference in a local Vietnam-era Veteran’s life,” said Stacey Minchello, Vice Chair of the R2DC committee. “We welcome your donation – big or small – please help us, help them get to D.C. in September.”

Key sponsors include the trip’s official partner, General Electric (GE) of Lynn, and Waste Innovations (WIN) of Saugus.

For more information, please contact Dennis Gould by email at jdgould1969@aol.com or by phone at (617) 257-4847.