POW/MIA NJ Dog Tag Discussion

New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation presents POW/MIA NJ Dog Tag discussion

Dennis W. Hammond, a Texas boy who joined the Marines and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, was captured by the Vietcong in 1968 and died in a POW camp in 1970. Now, 41 years later, the incredible stories will be told of efforts to return dog tags found in Vietnam belonging to service men and women like Dennis – the POW/MIA NJ Dog Tag Project will present a discussion Saturday, Sept. 10 at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation about its mission to return dog tags found in Vietnam.

Jim Six, a staff writer for the Gloucester County Times, became involved with the efforts and was able to return one of Dennis’ dog tags to his sister, Carlene Tackitt, in Mexia, Texas in 2001. The Dog Tag Project has enlisted the help of gracious volunteers of all backgrounds to help fulfill its mission, working to bring a sense of closure to both veterans and their families.

The presentation, which will be held at the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center at 1 p.m., will highlight the history, share stories of dog tag returns and discuss how you can help. Operated by the POW/MIA NJ Awareness Committee, the official Dog Tag Project aims to return dog tags found in Vietnam to veterans or their families. Currently, two batches of Dog Tags are being held in New Jersey that the committee is aware of – one by the POW/MIA NJ Awareness Committee and the other by Sen. James Beach. Committee members attending include Bob Jonas, president; Tony Halas, vice president; and Sue Quinn-Morris, director of research & website.

Regular admission applies to attend this event – adults, $5; senior citizens and students, $3; children 10 years of age or younger, free; veterans of military service and active military personnel, free. Teachers can receive professional development credit hours for attending.

About New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, dedicated May 7, 1995, strives to encourage and foster patriotism and provide for recognition of the sacrifices, courage and valor of the New Jersey veterans of the Vietnam era. The Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center, dedicated in September 1998, strives to encourage and foster a thorough understanding of the Vietnam era, including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects that affected the United States, especially New Jersey.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation depends on the support of individuals, corporations and organizations to help carry out the many programs at the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center. Ways to help include purchasing a paver in the Memorial Walkway Paver, becoming a member, making a monetary contribution and/or underwriting an event.

The Museum is located adjacent to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial off the Garden State Parkway at exit 116 in Holmdel, N.J. The Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to visit. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the Memorial or Museum, please call (732) 335-0033 or visit njvvmf.org.