501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
It has been over 3 years since we first announced our intentions to build a Vietnam Veterans Monument here in Greene County. Having been stalled, like everything in our lives, it had been put on the back burner due to COVID.
We knew it was important to obtain our tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. With the help of the law firm of Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, Albany, NY, we were able to accomplish that initial goal after over 8 months of a painfully slow process.
Click the logo on the left to visit their website
Fundraising - Professional Help
The next steps involved fundraising and professional help.
Both of those tasks were accomplished with the help of Delaware Engineering of Albany, NY.
They were the first to offer an incredibly generous donation along with their professional services (more on that later on).
One of the most humbling things they could have done was to loan us the money to purchase the 80’ flagpole. They, along with us, were very worried about all the recent issues with the supply chain that everyone has been and still is experiencing.
The Flagpole has been ordered and paid for in full as was required by the manufacturer. We have already received the ground sleeve that the flagpole will eventually be set into when the time comes.
Click the logo on the right to visit their website
Delaware Engineering of Albany
Fundraising
The fundraising is and always will be the engine that drives this project. Something that will always be ongoing and something that we really need everyone’s help with.
The initial assistance with our fundraising was accomplished with the assistance of the Greene County Legislators and the Wayne Speenburg Grant. Our application for a Wayne Speenburg Grant was unanimously approved by the Greene County Legislature. This allowed us the necessary funds for our first printed materials as well as everything necessary to put out our first fundraising mailing.
We have been receiving donations from our mailings and word of mouth, but are still a very long way from our goal.
Click the logo on the left to visit their website
monument component status
Flagpole
As previously stated the flagpole has been ordered.
Sitrep Flagpole
granite monuments
The twin Jet Black Granite monuments, exactly the same as that of the “WALL” in Washington DC have been ordered, and are in the process of cutting, polishing and engraving.
This is being accomplished by Weidner Memorials of Highland, NY. If anyone has ever had the opportunity to visit the Ulster County Office Building, there is a monument called “Ulster County Memorial Roll Call of Honor”. It was Weidner Memorials who installed this memorial monument also.
Click the logo on the left to visit their website
Battlefield cross
Our next hurdle was to get the Battlefield Cross bronze statue ordered, as that has to be made in a foundry.
After over 3 years and working personally with one of the principals of Icon Bronze, LLC, we have ordered the bronze statue.
Click the logo on the right to visit their website
Icon Bronze, LLC
site survey
We recently had a company do an underground survey of Veterans Park, Town of Greenville, NY as everyone knows, it by the pond.
Time for a little history here; Delaware Engineering gave us the blueprints for most, if not all the underground sewer and water lines going through Veterans Park. So with those water and sewer lines as well as the trees and Gazebo, space for the monument and flagpole is limited.
In any event, Kevin Bucci of Bucci Enterprises volunteered the use of his Ground Penetrating Radar unit and his time to do an underground survey of potential sites for the monument and flagpole. This ground penetrating unit he has is one of only two in all of New York State.
Click on the photo to view the Bucci Enterprises website
Flags
The supply chain issues are very real. When we ordered the flagpole, the company had no large flags or any idea when they would be ready. This is for Made in the USA flags not made in China. So we waited, and constantly checked back to the website. Lo and behold just before Memorial Day Weekend, some of the flags were being stocked.
We have ordered the main American Flag as we refer to it as the Ceremonial Flag which is 20’x30’ We have ordered the two everyday flags to be flown 24/7 which are 12’x18’. We have also ordered the POW/MIA flags to be flown under the American Flags no matter which size is being flown.
Sitrep Flag
fundraising reminder
One last reminder; our budget is still well over $100,000.00, and we are a long way from our goal.
We need all the help we can get and donations can still be mailed to:
Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 326
Freehold, NY 12431
Checks should be made out to:
Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
(Abbreviated NEUSAVVMF)
All donations are tax deductible under current IRS rules applicable to 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organizations
You may also donate via PayPal by clicking the logo on the left
So this is it for now, Memorial Day Weekend 2022.
God Bless and “Remember the Fallen”
