Meet the Members of the Welcome Home Club

Vietnam Veterans cap with American Flag background-cm

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a project deeply rooted in community, mutual respect, and honor – the values embodied by all who have donated to this meaningful project. From the beginning, we were confident that grassroots funding was the most appropriate way to offer the public a chance to give back to those who served. This project would not be possible without the generous contributions from our committed donors.

We’d like to take this chance to proudly acknowledge some of the most instrumental individuals, couples, families, fellow service members, organizations, and companies in bringing this project to life. Their contributions extend far beyond the completion of the memorial; they will provide a place for healing, remembrance, and education for decades to come. We hope this recognition will inspire others to join in this crucial endeavor.

What is the Welcome Home Club?

Everyone who donates to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is automatically inducted into the Welcome Home Club. This ever-growing group is more than just a collection of donors; it’s a recognition of the heartfelt gratitude and deep respect the community has for those who served in Vietnam – a group that’s too often feels forgotten, isolated, and misunderstood. This collection of generous givers acts as a community-led “Welcome Home” to everyone who has served.

Honor Circle: $250,000+

The Honor Circle is the highest level of giving. It recognizes those who have made a tremendous commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This project would not have been possible if not for the generous contribution from the State of Oregon. Our local government’s dedication to the project was clear from the beginning when it approved the construction of the memorial on State Capitol grounds. The State of Oregon provided a crucial financial foundation that let this project get off the ground confidently. Although this memorial is for everyone who fought in the war, it’s uniquely paying homage to Oregonians, and the state’s backing helps reinforce that focus.

Further Reading: What You Get When You Donate to the Vietnam Memorial

Gratitude Circle: $100,000+

The aptly named Gratitude Circle holds a special place in our hearts, not only because of the sizeable contributions but also because the group has collectively generated the largest portion of funding. It’s not an exaggeration to say the Vietnam Veterans Memorial would still merely exist as an idea if not for these donors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following members:

  • Spirit Mountain Community Fund
  • Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde
  • Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #392 – Portland

Remembrance Circle: $25,000+

Next, we turn our attention to the Remembrance Circle to recognize those who have contributed $25,000 or more to the completion of the project. This giving tier represents a diverse array of organizations, tribal groups, individuals, and service members which demonstrates the widespread respect the community feels for veterans across the board. Their support plays a critical role in ensuring the completion of this project. We are honored to recognize the following donors:

  • Oregon State Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles – State Worthy President Steve Wiley 2020-2021
  • General James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.)
  • Steve & Betty Bates
  • GreenWorks PC
  • O M Stone
  • Harry A Merlo Foundation
  • Stephen & Anne Marie Andersen
  • Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
  • Jim & Carol Cure
  • Mike & Vicki Abbate
  • Burnett Media Group LLC

We’re Building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Together

Every donation moves the project closer toward its ultimate goal: To construct a permanent memorial on state grounds that honors the military members and families who served in the Vietnam War to bring peace, recognition, and honor to those who were initially rejected upon their return. As mentioned before, the Welcome Home Club is instrumental in making this overdue homecoming possible.

If you’re interested in contributing to this project, visit our donation page. Every amount is genuinely appreciated.