Vietnam Veterans of America Central New York Chapter 103, VVLP Scholarship

Recognizing Vietnam veterans as a national leadership resource, President Ronald Reagan launched the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program (VVLP) at a White House Rose Garden Ceremony on the eve of Veterans Day in 1981. Initial funding was provided by ACTION, the national volunteer agency. As of June 1985, there were 43 operational VVLP's around the country, including the Central New York Program.

The Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program of Central New York is a not-for-profit corporation managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Its broadly defined goal is to demonstrate the leadership of the Vietnam veteran and recognize and promote the Vietnam veterans leadership resource throughout the broad six-county region of Central New York. Funding is currently provided by local fund-raising activities and private donations.

The principal activity of the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program of Central New York is a college scholarship program for children of Central New York Vietnam veterans. To that end, the VVLPCNY has awarded $130,000 in scholarships since 1989.

Each scholarship awarded represents a living legacy for the future of today's youth; a future denied to over 250 sons from central New York who never returned from Vietnam. The scholarship program pays special tribute to those Central New York casualties of our country's longest and most controversial war. No greater love for our nation's ideals could these young men have demonstrated. It is appropriate for their names to be remembered through the gift of a scholarship. The living legacy ensures that today's youth, through education, will reflect upon those values so necessary for our democracy.

Individual members of the VVLP Board of Directors are also active in other areas related to Vietnam veterans. These include POW/MIA issues, post-traumatic stress disorder research, chemical contamination of Vietnam veterans by the herbicide Agent Orange, education through public speaking, homelessness among veterans, drug abuse prevention, joblessness, etc.

Now in the twenty-first year of operation, the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program of Central New York continues to demonstrate the leadership of the Vietnam Veteran.

The Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program accepts new directors at any time. If you are committed to VVLP activities and wish to volunteer, please contact the organization.

Ryan Bragan will graduate from Liverpool High School in June 2010. Ryan is the grandson of Patrick Pratt Bragan, who served in Vietnam while in the U.S. Army. Ryan is also the grandson of Charles E. Tipton, Jr. who served in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine.

Joshua J. Lamanna will graduate from Solvay High School in 2010. Joshua is the son of Joseph M. Lamanna, Jr. who served in Vietnam while in the U.S. Navy.

Shannon M. Mott will graduate from West Genesee High School in 2010. Shannon is the daughter of Bruce M. Mott, who served in Vietnam while in the U.S. Army. Shannon is also the winner of the 2009 Roy P Benavidez Essay Award.

The Roy P. Benavidez Winning Essay

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. For those who served their country, that is a question that never needs to cross one's mind. No matter what branch, each soldier has the same, if not similar sacrifices they must make.

To know someone who served their country is an honor. Whether it is Vietnam or another war, the soldiers did things that most of us dream about having the courage to do. My father served in the Vietnam War as an aircraft repair parts specialist. He served in the Army Reserves, in Vietnam, from February 1971 to November 1973.

I am proud to have a father who served our country. He had to move to different locations constantly, missed the first year of his eldest son's life and risked never seeing any of his family again. Knowing what my father gave up to do what he had to do, it makes me have that much more respect for him. Also, the simple fact that the soldiers were not welcomed home because of all the hate of Vietnam throughout the United States.

Not only did he go through the physical effects of the war, but also emotional effects. I am proud to call him my father. He has been through a lot in his life and I admire his strength. He has pushed through a lot of hard times and never gave up. His strength and determination is something I believe I have inherited from him.

Not only did my father give to Vietnam, but Vietnam also gave back. He became eligible to receive medical care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. It was determined that he had effects from exposure to Agent Orange, such as diabetes. Agent Orange was one of the harmful chemicals used during the Vietnam War against the enemy. He is the only one who will ever truly understand just what he went through.

Despite all the arguments, fights, and disagreements I have with my father, nothing will ever change how proud I am to be his daughter. He has done so much for not only his country, but also his family. It is an honor to know someone who has done so much. In the end, the most valuable lesson one can learn is that time is irreplaceable, and its something that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Shannon M. Mott

West Genesee High School