Veterans Heritage Project (VHP)

When was the last time you were really inspired? Was it an event, a person, a story, or perhaps powerful music? For me, it was all of these coming together in one surprising event. That event was this past Sunday, when I attended the VHP Community Reception and the release of their annual publication, Since You Asked.

It started with the helpful, smiling faces of students directing us toward the reception area. Then it was followed by other eager students guiding us to the displays and seating. There were so many people coming together…students, parents, teachers and even seasoned veterans sporting hats or uniforms from their long ago war campaigns. Their energy and excitement filled the air as we took our seats along with 700 other attendees there to honor the recent participants of the Veterans Heritage Project. A large swath of veteran photos from various campaigns adorned the walls and stretched like a wide highway from one end of the auditorium to the other. While I did not know these men and women, the students recognized the familiar face of a veteran they had come to know through their interviews and interactions. What an inspiring sight to see; the photos of the thousand plus service members whose stories were now preserved through the Library of Congress, Veterans History Project and Arizona’s Veterans Heritage Project.

Then there was the story of how this project and event came to fruition. Barbara Hatch, a history teacher at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Arizona, was the catalyst and founder. She started by inviting veteran guest speakers into her classroom so students could learn firsthand about their military experiences. Then it evolved into an after-school club, providing more students the opportunity to interact with veterans, hear their stories and preserve this history. It continued to expand with student participation in civic events, Veterans Day activities and the creation of a book filled with student essays about ‘their new veteran friend.’

In 2009 the Veterans Heritage Project was formalized into a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with specific activities to engage veterans, students and the broader community. Its powerful mission is to “connect students with veterans in order to honor veterans, preserve American’s heritage and develop future leaders.” What started as school club has now grown to a statewide focus with chapters in 23 schools in 17 Arizona cities! Plus, Arizona is the leading contributor to the Library of Congress project. VHP is that and so much more with a board vision for the future that will increase the number of Arizona chapters, expand the number of featured veterans, establish new chapters outside of Arizona and build an extensive support network. Now if that isn’t an inspiration, I don’t know what is.

But there’s more! The book, Since You Asked, Arizona Veterans Share Their Memories, is packed with antidotes, photos and important history and is all compiled by students. The first edition was published in 2005 and the thirteenth edition, a salute to women in military service, was just released. As a result more than 1400 students throughout the state of Arizona have “a better understanding of history, stronger compassion and respect for veterans.” Additionally, the 1500 veterans who were asked to tell about their service have benefited as well. They have been able to share their experiences perhaps for the first time with family and civilians and have grown closer to their own families and communities as a result.

Throughout the afternoon, we heard from local and national dignitaries who were there to support Arizona’s efforts. I was especially energized by keynote speaker Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps (retired) Carol Mutter who just happened to be the first woman in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces to be appointed to Lieutenant General-worldwide. What an amazing leader and role model. Her message also underscored the importance that everyone’s military story needs to be told.

After hearing the beautiful rendition of “Dare to Dream” performed by the Musical Theatre of Anthem, we finally got to meet the veterans who had been featured in the just released edition of Since You Asked. With the book in one hand and my camera in the other, I began my journey down the long line of tables. There was no end to the inspiration as I shook hands with the veterans, heard their stories, took their photos and had them autograph their page in the book. I don’t know who was smiling more that day; the veterans whose stories were finally told, honored and preserved, the students who had honored the veterans with their words, support and understanding or me. I am indeed grateful that my father had played an important part in WWII and that I too was preserving his inspiring story of service and sacrifice. Thank you, Veterans Heritage Project for an inspiring and powerful event. To learn more about the Veterans Heritage Project, go to www.VeteransHeritage.org.