Marlboro Family Raises More Than $12,000 For New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation

Chris and Victoria Dean of Marlboro and their son, William, raised more than $12,000 for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation located in Holmdel, NJ. They also collected donations to the Colt’s Neck High School Naval ROTC program. The family sold Huey Plaza Pavers to raise donations for Foundation, and sold tickets to a fundraiser BBQ to raise money for the Naval ROTC.

The family hosted a BBQ at their home on August 13 for community members, veterans and ROTC cadets. All food was donated by the Cracked Olive in Holmdel.

Deputy Director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Serena DiMaso attended the fundraiser and spoke about the importance of continuing to fight for government assistance for Veterans.

The Deans, both Veterans of the United States Navy, host a BBQ fundraiser each year at their house. After an inspiring visit to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, they knew immediately they wanted to support the cause.

“Being Veterans, what better group for us to support,” said Chris. “Especially Vietnam Veterans, who weren’t given the welcome home they deserved.”

Fourteen-year-old William Dean, who is a Petty Officer Third Class in the Naval ROTC Cadet at Colts Neck High School, helped sell the pavers.

“These Veterans died for our country and they deserve to be honored and remembered,” said William.

The pavers sold by the Dean family will be placed in the Huey Plaza in front of the Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center. A fully restored UH1-D Huey Helicopter was dedicated and displayed in front of the Museum in 2015 by a group of veteran volunteers. The public is invited to become a part of the plaza by purchasing paving stones engraved with personal messages of support. Learn more here.

The Dean’s encourage the community and schools to visit the Memorial and Museum to learn about the history of the Vietnam War.

“We want people to continuously honor and remember our veterans, not only on Veterans Day, but every day,” said Victoria. “Visiting the Memorial is a great way to understand what happened, better than any book.”

For more information about how you can donate to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation, visit www.njvvmf.org.

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. For more information, visit www.njvvmf.org.

Marlboro Family Raises More Than $12,000 For New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation