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

Recognizing the country's 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. Current funding is 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. Since 1989 VVLPCNY has awarded $97,000 in scholarships.

Each scholarship given 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 programs 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 did these young men demonstrate, that 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, posttraumatic 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.

In its 9th 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.

Jill Menikheim, will graduate in June 2007 from Cicero North Syracuse Hight School. Daughter of James C. Menkheim (deceased). U.S. Army. Served in Vietnam (Scholarship and Essay award winner)

Lisabeth Larkin, will graduate in June 2007, from Bishop Ludden High School. Daughter of Vincent Larkin. U.S. Army. Served in Vietnam. Will attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Dominique Scarantino, graduated in June 2005 from Westhill High School. Now attending Crouse Hospital School of Nursing. Daughter of Vincent A. Scarantino. U.S. Air Force. Served in Vietnam.

Christopher W. Piering, Graduated in June 2006 from Westhill High School. Attending Cazenovia College. Grandson of Howard Walter Headley. U.S. Army. Served in Vietnam.

Marion Ryan, will graduate in June 2007, from Westhill High School. Daughter of Patrick J. Ryan. U.S. Marine Corps. Served in Vietnam.

As Joseph Campbell once wrote, "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." I strongly believe my father, the late James Menkheim, exhibited these characteristics. At the age of eighteen, he left for Vietnam, prepared to fight for his country and challenge every obstacle he faced along the way.

One of these obstacles came long after the war was over. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer, caused by the deadly chemical Agent Orange he had been subjected to overseas. He fought a long, hard battle, but the disease took his life in 2002.

Although it devastates me that my father's fatal illness was a product of the war's brutality, I am proud to claim that I am a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. I remember fondly how my father would tell his stories about Vietnam, and it comforts me to know he had been so passionate for his country, so honorable. I have come to realize that my dad is my hero. He had given his life to something bigger than himself, and died for a cause he so strongly believed in. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for my father's bravery, as well as that of all Vietnam veterans, for defending our nations freedom in a war looked upon with such unpopularity. Thank you dad, and rest in peace.