?
2024 Annual Meeting Election Results
Beirut Veterans of America (BVA) is pleased to announce the results of its recent Board of Directors elections, which took place on October 22, 2024. The new board members will serve the organization in its mission keeping the memories alive of those comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice in supporting America’s quest for peace in Lebanon.
The elected board members are:
Glen McCurdy - [email protected]
Dave Madaras - [email protected]
Keith Lewis - [email protected]
Gary Smith - [email protected]
Scott Martin - [email protected]
Greg Hunt - [email protected]
Donald "Duffy" Vaile - [email protected]
Stacey Pollard - [email protected]
Alicia Shields - [email protected]
Jon Warmeling - Emeritus - [email protected]
Craig Renshaw - Emeritus - [email protected]
These individuals brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization. Their leadership will be pivotal in guiding the BVA’s efforts to continue commemorating the sacrifices of the Beirut veterans.
The new board will work collaboratively to promote the goals of the organization.
For more information about Beirut Veterans of America and its programs, please visit www.beirutveterans.org.
?
BVA President and VP appointed
The Beirut Veterans of America (BVA) Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Zawacki as President and John Weant as Vice President. Both bring a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting veterans and preserving the legacy of those who served and died in Beirut.
The Board is excited to advance the mission of the BVA with these two dynamic leaders at the helm.
They can be contacted at:
?
Couldn't make it to the 41st? Watch the Observance here.
ratio
?
The Beirut Veterans of America is pleased to provide an opportunity for any college or trade-school student to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Please check out the website for details on eligibility and to apply. Please share the link with your network.
All applications must be submitted by March 30, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded by May 1, 2025.
All Scholarships awarded will be in compliance with rules for Public Charities as established by the Internal Revenue Service.
https://www.beirutveterans.org/scholarship
?
Exciting News: BVA is Now on Social Media!
We’re thrilled to announce that BVA has taken the plunge into the digital world and is now officially on social media! Stay connected with us to hear about our latest updates, upcoming events, inspiring stories, and ways you can get involved. Follow us and join the conversation as we continue to make a difference together. Let’s grow our community and share our mission far and wide!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
@beirut_veterans_of_america
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19hNTKiuox/?mibextid=CTbP7E
?
Calling all Beirut Veterans!
Lt Col Will Kerrigan has asked to get the word out about the Change of Command on February 20, 2025 at 1400 at WPT Field (Mainside Camp Lejeune), followed by a reception at Follow Me Bar at the Officer's Club.
?
Co-Founder Brings BVA Message to California Audience
On Veterans Day 2024 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California, the story was told of heroism and sacrifices made by U.S. servicemen in Beirut, Lebanon during the 1982-84 operation there. BVA Founding Vice President Randy Gaddo was the keynote speaker at the event, which saw 2,500 people tour the facility that day, and more than 500 attending the indoor ceremony. The event included a WWII aircraft flyover, a simulated Iwo Jima flag raising, high school band and choir performances, colors presented by the local Marine Corps League detachment and a stirring speech given by a re-enactor posing as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. A unique feature was provided by a group of Ukrainian soldiers, who are also musicians, who tour the world playing a mix of music, from classical to country to Ukrainian folk music. “This was a well-planned and executed event and provided a whole new audience to hear the story of what happened in Beirut between 1982-84,” Gaddo said. “It was an incredible opportunity to tell the BVA story. I had many people approach me afterwards saying they were shocked at the impact the bombing had on decision makers at the time, and also how it connects to the current Global War on Terror.” Gaddo informed the audience of the new non-fiction book entitled “Targeted: Beirut – The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror,” by Jack Carr and James Scott. He cited it as a definitive source of the accurate story for anyone wanting more information. The retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer-4 also spoke about the impact the total 270 deaths and hundreds of injuries had on families, who still carry the memories and scars of that conflict from generation to generation. He noted that on this Veterans Day, only about one half of one percent of the 335 million U.S. population are in the active and reserve military forces. Showing a trend chart, he said that this is the lowest we have seen our military forces since 1980, when President Reagan took office. The trend went up and stayed up during Reagan’s entire eight years in office.
?
Help Us Keep Our Website Up to Date!
The Beirut Veterans of America is committed to ensuring our website features the most current information about memorials honoring the fallen, veterans, or even individuals. If you have details about a memorial you'd like to share, please send the information to [email protected]. Together, we can honor and remember those who served. Thank you for your support!
?
Copyright © 2024 Beirut Veterans of America, All rights reserved.
unsubscribe from this list
