13 NOV 21 VVA Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Scholarship Gala
At long last, the Vietnam Veterans of America – Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Scholarship Gala opened to cocktails and anticipation of the fun to come. Attendees took part in a raffle and silent auction which included wine gift card to Ruth’s Chris Steak House and an antique child’s police car with a certificate for Dunken Donuts.
Ironically, the donut basket was won by our guest speaker, “Brigadier General (ret.) Zackery Doser and Reno Police Officer.”
President Stafford opened the program by thanking all for coming and being part of a very significant milestone in the evolution of the VVA 989 Scholarship Program for veterans at UNR & TMCC. This included the auction and raffle prize contributors and those who’d purchased Diamond and Gold tables.
The program that began when The Colors were presented by the Robert McQueen High School Junior ROTC Color Guard. And the national anthem sung by Ms. Kimberly Ahrens- Dixon.
Chaplain Jerome Washington, State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans -provided a wonderful Invocation and Captain Sam Brown, US Army, (ret), read the always moving script for the POW / MIA Table of Honor.
J. R. Then introduced the VVA 989 Head Table saying we were honored to have Colonel Danial Wittnam, Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps. Mountain Warfare Training Center at Bridgeport, CA and his wife Mimi join us. The Commanding Office of Naval Air Station Fallon, NV, Captain Evan Morrison and his wife, Lynn… (who somehow were moved into the audience) by were recognized and honored for attending. Our guest speaker, Brigadier General Zackary Doser and his wife, Martain Doser were also introduced.
Also seated at the 989 table is the First Lady of Chapter 989 and the Chapter’s Area Representative and Event Planner, Brigitte Stafford. J. R. indicated that Brigitte and her crew of “Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America” (AVVA) put this whole event together.
After a scrumptious turkey dinner and dessert, J. R. introduced the guest speaker, Retired Brigadier General Zachary F. Doser, former Land Component Commander – Nevada Army National Guard. General Doser is also a veteran Reno City Police Officer both in the Detective and the Patrol Divisions. Also is also a Reed High School alum, and a UNR Graduate. And gave a great pitch for education and the benefits of returning to school at any time during and after a military stint.
President Stafford presented BG Doser with a beautiful metal wall hanging in the shape of Nevada with Chapter 989 coins and a Scholarship Gala thank you.
President Stafford then told the audience that VVA 989 has been supplying veteran Scholarships since 2013 and that the audiences’ financial support to our inaugural Gala and their commitment this evening made it possible for VVA 989 to continue to support veterans for some years to come.
He then indicated that our Veterans Scholarship Foundation, “From CAMOS to Classroom” was pleased to introduce the scholarship recipients from UNR and TMCC for 2021. These are some very talented veterans who plan to use their education making a difference in our community. And, of course, we’re pleased to have them here for dinner this evening.
He then introduced MS Chai Glenn Cook, program Director of Veteran Services at UNR to introduce this year’s winner Joshua Abbott.
From TMCC he introduced Mr. Felipe Guterriez to introduce this year’s winner, Michelle Barbagelata.
This year’s scholarship recipients also received new outfits for this evening courtesy of Dillard’s Department Store and looked very nice in their, “finery.”
As the Gala wound down, the Silent Auction closed, and successful bidders proceeded to the finance table and prepare to take your items home.
The inaugural “GALA” wrapped up shortly after 2100 everyone appeared to have had a great time. And, we hope to see everyone again next year for more fun and to continue filling the Chapter’s Scholarship Fund.
Photos For Scholarship Gala Note: Many more photos will be ADDED Soon
Thank you for your patience.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Sierra Nevada Chapter 989
Reno, Nevada
Vietnam Veterans of America Sierra Nevada Chapter 989 Reno, Nevada 