Supporting the Virginia National Guard Historical Foundation
(VANG HF)

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Friend of the Virginia National Guard

Making a donation to the Virginia National Guard Historical Foundation is an investment in supporting our efforts to teach the history of our state and country.

USO Level

The USO was created in 1941 from lessons learned during WWI when the many service organizations sometimes provided uncoordinated support to the soldiers overseas. By consolidating into one organization the USO was able to maximize its efforts. In 2011, the USO was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama “for contributions to lifting the spirits of America’s troops and their families through the arts.” Making a donation at this level shows a sincere desire to support the VANG’s educational and museum-building efforts.

Calvados Level

This is the official seal for Calvados, a region in Normandy.  The area is known for producing butter, cheese, cider and, most importantly Calvados, the apple spirit that takes its name from the area. The Virginia Guardsmen in the 29th Infantry Division in WWII enjoyed this tasty but extremely powerful beverage. Donating at the Calvados level has the same tasty and powerful effect.

Elbe River Level

On 17 April 1945, the 29th Infantry Division was ordered to sweep in a north-easterly direction with the goal of rounding up all of the German soldiers west of the Elbe River. The Elbe had been agreed to previously by the Allied High Command as the boundary between Eisenhower’s Allied forces approaching from the west, and the Russian Armies from the east. It would be the farthest advance of the American Army in Northern Germany. After meeting only token resistance on 21 April from enemy forces in two small German towns, the 29th continued its march to the Elbe. Within a week, the Division found itself on the west bank on the Elbe. 

On 3 May 1945, a group of Russian soldiers crossed the river and were welcomed by the 29th. Later that evening, another group crossed and this time were led by a Russian major general. They were met by the Divisional Artillery Commander, Brigadier General William H. Sands, who presented them with gifts on behalf of General Charles Gerhardt.

Donating at this level is an important move in reaching out to help the VANG HF continue aid to our Guardsmen and significantly support the building of the Museum of the Virginia National Guard.

Thunderbolt Level

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt is a World War II-era fighter aircraft produced by the American company “Republic Aviation” from 1941 through 1945. The Thunderbolt was effective as a short-to medium-range escort fighter in high-altitude air-to-air combat and ground attack in both the European and Pacific theaters. Pilots liked that the armored cockpit was roomy and comfortable and the bubble canopy introduced on the P-47D offered them very good visibility. Affectionately nicknamed the “Jug” owing to its appearance if stood on its nose, the P-47 was noted for its firepower, as well as its ability to resist battle damage and remain airworthy.

When the Virginia Air National Guard was established at Richmond in 1947 its squadron was equipped with the P-47. Quickly the citizens of Richmond and the surrounding areas became used to looking up and seeing flights of P-47s crossing Virginia’s skies.  Donors at the Thunderbolt level show an appreciation of the VANG’s mission importance to the state and the country.

Meuse-Argonne level

On 23 September 1918, the 29th Division began to march northwards towards the Meuse-Argonne. Moving mainly at night, and mostly in the rain, the Blue and Gray infantrymen reached the assembly area of the American First Army and became part of the AEF reserve force. With the French Army’s attack on the far right of the Argonne making little progress, the 29th was summoned from its place in reserve and ordered forward.  Crossing the Meuse on a bridge near the village of Charny, the “Blue and Gray” Doughboys were on the east side of the Meuse River. After making a 14-kilometer march the night of 7 October,  the 29th’s 58th Infantry Brigade (115th and 116th Infantry regiments and 112th Machine Gun Bn), reached their starting positions. At 5 a.m. the next morning, they followed a hundred yards behind a rolling artillery barrage, and crossed the no-man’s land to their front. For the next 20 days the 29th would fight to rid their portion of the battlefield of Germans and Austrians. On 28 October, the 29th Division received word that they were to be relieved by the U.S. 79th Division and then withdrawn from the front lines.

Donating at this level shows true dedication to support the Museum of the VANG as well providing education and research opportunities for all Virginians.

Omaha Beach level

This is the highest level of donation and is symbolized by the medallion awarded to all

D-Day Veterans who made the trip to Normandy in 2004.

Perhaps no battle  better represents the bravery and dedication of the Virginia National Guardsmen and their comrades than the landing on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. When the ships carrying the 29th sailed on 5 June 1944, there would be no turning back. Their destination was a beach ten miles east of the Cherbourg peninsula. This beach, code-named Omaha, was designated for attack by assault companies from both the 1st Division and the 29th. As the boats approached the beach they were met by heavy German fire. Many were killed or wounded before they even left the boats. That the 29th had managed to overcome all the bad weather, bad luck, and enemy opposition it faced, was truly a tribute to its training, and the courage of the young soldiers and their leaders.

Minuteman Award

The Virginia National Guard Historical Foundation has established the “Minuteman Award” to be awarded to those who step forward and support the VANG HF in its mission of:

1. Building a Museum of the Virginia National Guard which will provide for the recovery, preservation, display and explanation of historically significant artifacts
2. Providing critical professional development for the soldiers and Airmen of the Virginia National Guard as well as members of all military services and organizations in the Commonwealth.

It is awarded by members of the VANG Historical Foundation Board to worthy recipients.

Receipents of the Minuteman Award

• COL(ret) James Ebertowski (FoG)*
• MSG(ret) Craig Jewell (FoG)
• SFC(ret) John Bleattler (FoG)
• GS15(ret) Brian Wood (FoG)
• LTC(ret) Forrest Malcomb (FoG)
• LTC(ret) Tom Michels (FoG)
• MAJ(ret) Doug Weiser (FoG)
• CSM(ret) Cheyenne Johnson (FoG)
• VA GA Senator T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason
• DVS Commissioner Daniel Gade

*NOTE: The acronym FoG stands for “Friend of the Guard” and denotes voluntary service in the VANG HF supporting group who preserve and refurbish historical military items for the VANG.