Veterans Families United (VFU) is a all-volunteer organization dedicated to honoring our Veterans and their families while providing them with compassionate resources for healing. These donations have been given on behalf of a loved one in remembrance or tribute.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE POPPY FLOWER
After WWI, Canadian Lt. Col. McCrae wrote the poem “In Flanders Field”. In the poem, poppies are scattered across the graves of the fallen, creating an image of patriotism, grief, mourning and resilience. The poem is written from the point of view of the dead and it speaks of their sacrifice and serves as their command to the living to press on. Since 1921, the poppy flower has been a recognized international symbol to remember the costs of war and those who paid a price and hope for new tomorrows.
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
In memory of Mike Adrangna (1-11-10) from Gerald and Laurie Plummer.
In memory of Neil Alexander, an honorable veteran.
In loving memory of Tomas and his dedication to our country including two tours to Afghanistan in which he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. Saddened by the loss of this young soldier, family and friends pay tribute to his courage, love and service and the many lives he touched.
In memory from the White family, OR.
In honor of Bert Bank, one of America’s finest Veterans and Patriots.
In Honor of the memory of William H. Bledsoe, Louisville KY, a US Navy Veteran.
In loving memory.
In memory/honor of Ranger Major Thomas G. Bostick, Jr.
In memory of this beloved family member and friend whose life of service included being a business owner, active participant for over 50 years in the American Legion, member of the Kiwanis Club and First United Methodist Church of Ada. He believed in commitment to God, family and country and lived his life as such.
Col Robert Wayne Bradfield, Army from Boise, ID.
In Memory from Your Friends at Gotham Comedy Club and Gotham Comedy Live.
In honor of a life-long supporter of the U.S. military and of veterans and their families specifically. Remembrance made by his daughter.
In memory of SGT Casey T. Briggs, a true example of the Army values. He will always be remembered for both his honorable service, and what a great person he was.
In Memory of Commander Benjamin Harris Butler.
In Loving Memory.
In memory of a humble peacemaker whose life was dedicated to creating tools to save lives and teaching at OU College of Medicine along side being devoted to his family and embracing life to its fullest.
Grayford served his country as a member of the US Navy in the Korean War on the USS Brinkley Bass. He extended his personal knowledge of service, being a veteran, and returning to civilian life by ministering to his grandson Joe as he struggled with the damaging and painful impacts of post-combat shock. But he didn’t stop there. This embracing outreach of comfort and resources extended to all veterans through his investment in Veterans Families United as a founding Board Member. He had a true heart of service and will be deeply missed.
In memory of a beloved husband, father and brother whose life of service and sacrifice touched many.
In loving memory ~ From Linda A., Chris G. and Marybeth D.
In Loving Memory from Linda Filippi
A devoted man whose life of service made a difference to many.
In memory of Joe Diaz who served in the US Navy and was a gunners mate third class and fought in the Normandy Invasion in WWII. He was loved by his family and had many friends, many of whom sent memorial tributes on his behalf. Joe was a true patriot and family man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Veteran’s Day 2012 – In honor and memory of Philip T. Dukes. We are blessed for his years of service in the United States Marine Corps. and kind spirit. He will be remembered always.
In loving memory of our dear brother, Charles R. Dusold, an Air Force Veteran, who was a joy and inspiration to all of us who loved him. He loved his country and had a special place in his heart for those who have served, and are currently serving our country.
Loren Eugene Eller, US Navy from Bellevue, WA.
In memory of and on behalf of USC Healthcare.
In loving memory.
In honor of Mr. Robert Feather, USMC Sgt. who served 3 tours in Vietnam.
In memory of Henry Gazdziak, US Army Veteran, Korean War. Rest In Peace.
It is with great honor and respect that we pay tribute to "Bud" Gilbert, who believed that serving in the armed forces was the ultimate sign of patriotism and responsibility. This dedication to responsibility and patriotic duty would come to shape his long life of public service. On December 7, 1941, a day that still lives in infamy for our country, Bud was stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. This day held strong in his memory as he would recount to his family, the public and the world what it meant to him to be there in one of our nation’s greatest times of need. True to his character, he forged on in the Navy and was deployed to both Japan and Korea. A fiercely proud man, it was not until later in his life that he divulged he was captured after his plane went down and held as a POW for over a year and a half. As WWII drew to a close, Bud was rescued and honored with an invitation by Admirals McCain and Nimitz to witness the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri; this was a profound honor in his life and something he would reflect on often. The war and his service were a defining moment in his life and his family’s life, his sacrifice for our nation and our freedom knew no bounds.
His life is a rich and powerful reminder of the deepest dedication and patriotism. His dedication to family, Faith, community and our country is an inspiration and model for us all.
In loving memory of Mr. Thomas R. Hall III, Staff Army Sergeant on behalf of Creative Benefits, Inc., Newtown Square, PA.
A beloved son, husband and father who bravely served.
In memory of Sgt. Brandon Harris for his service to our country in Iraq and for the legacy he left through his loving family who continue to serve veterans as a life long tribute to him.
Attributable to his heroic actions in Vietnam, Sgt. Herrera was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star, which are two of the top three military awards, preceded only by the Medal of Honor. Additional military decorations were four Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, and several other medals honoring him as San Antonio's most decorated Vietnam Army Veteran.
In Memory of USAF MSGT (Ret.) Clifford Leon Higgs, Sr. A hero to his country, a gentle “Papa” to his family.
In memory of Hollis, David.
In Memory James Leonard Hoops, Jr. Master Sargent, retired after 22 years from the Air Force.
In Memory of Major William Philip Keselmeyer.
In loving memory
Hi is gone, but his memory will live on in our hearts.
In memory. Vills Hills, KY
In memory of your service.
In memory of John Melott and to encourage family members to look for the warning signs of depression and PTSD and to intervene as much as they can.
In tribute to a lovely person and nice man.
In Memory of LTC Francis M. O’Kelly, M.D. (2010).
In loving memory of Larilane Payne, Military One Source Coordinator for Central Oklahoma. Larilane was formerly in the military and used her knowledge and her heart of service to go far above and beyond the call of duty. She was an inspiration and gift to all who were blessed to cross her path.
In Loving Memory of Bill Perkey, Royal Oak, MI: An Air Force Veteran.
In memory of a veteran that lived a life a service; who never stopped learning or living life to its fullest and who loved his family deeply. His passion for embracing all of it will be carried forward through his legacy and love and by modeling the “celebration of life”.
In loving memory of Edward O. Rockwell, Sr. (Plum, Pa) whose life was an example of kindness, integrity, honor and selfless service.
In Loving Memory of Mr. Karl R. Sandmann, Wilmington, MA whose family, friends and community (Maine, Massachusetts) sent an outpouring of donations in his honor; a testament of Mr. Sandmann’s impact on the lives of others and his desire to carry that forward to veterans and their families.
In memory of Richard L. Schilling who served the the US Navy on the USS Vesole DDR-878 (on behalf of this veteran from the Molina’s).
In loving memory from his son Mark and family on behalf of a man who was beloved for his wisdom, his playful wit and humor and was admired and trusted for his wise counsel and his ability to handle any task with composure and competence. His life was an example to all, well-lived in service to God, family and country.
Matthew Edwin Schimmel passed away peacefully in his parent's arms. He served three tours of duty post 9-11. After leaving active duty, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves. Like many wartime veterans, Matthew suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Matthew was a gentle soul who touched the hearts of many in the paths he crossed. He will be desperately missed by his family, but we have peace knowing he now enters Heaven and has the peace that he has longed for in recent years.
Phillip fought daily against the weight of PTSD and the symptoms secondary to a traumatic brain injury he sustained while serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. As we mourn for Phillip, we hope to bring awareness to the issues that many of our fellow military veterans suffer.
Given in memory of Diane Smith.
In loving memory of Lynn Stedman, a humble servant of the Army National Guard for over 30 years and a man whose life was dedicated to the principles of freedom through his connection with family, faith and community.
In memory of Josh Stern who died on Oct. 15, 2010 a soldier who had just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq and in deep awareness that casualties of war are often invisible.
On October 10, 2010, Chuck Sullivan, an Air Force veteran, passed away at the age of 77. He served our great nation from 1951 to 1959. Mr. Sullivan not only loved his country, but he had a special place in his heart for those who have served and are currently serving in our military. Mr. Sullivan was blessed with 55 years of marriage to his wife, and he was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family sincerely appreciates the many people who donated to Veterans’ Families United Foundation in his honor and memory.
In Memory of Nils A Thornberg Jr, Airforce. A loving husband, father, pa, and much more.
In grateful memory of his service.
In memory of Col. Thomas Walsh, a WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veteran. Tom was an inspiration to so many people. He served his country with distinction and those who knew him felt blessed and proud as he left the world a much better place.
In gratitude and honor of Zachary Williams, OEF and OIF veteran who earned a Purple Heart for his courage and service.
In Memory of Russell Wolfe and his passion to serve veterans – a quiet hero.
In memory of TSgt. Robert R. Woodyard, USAF and in honor of his daughter and her lifetime commitment to hope and healing, Cathy Woodyard Bray.
Made with love by J. B. Dilsheimer, Bill Zehender, and Rob Kafes to honor the memory of our dearly beloved deceased friend Peter J. Wymes, 10/31/1944-12/27/2020. Rest in Peace, Lieutenant. You are loved. You are missed. J. B. , Z and T. R.
In loving tribute to James Allen Young, donations were made to help other veterans in need. His life and legacy are a testament to his character and the impact he made on others.
TRIBUTE DONATIONS
Over the years, Margaret contributed to our veterans’ cause, as she too, was married to a veteran who served our country. This was a cause that was deeply close to her heart, as was giving back to families in need (from her daughter Sherry).
In loving memory of Dr. Nelda Ferguson, wife of WWII KIA, whose life was devoted to serving others. She understood service and sacrifice and committed her adult life, until the age of 86, to advocated for those in need by offering her services, support and encouragement.
In loving memory of Velma Johnston and her steadfast support of veterans and their families.
In loving memory of a daughter, sister, aunt and friend who was dearly loved by her family.
In honor of the family of Connie Fox Moore, founding VFU Board Member, and the mightly little Oakes (her grandchild) who was a little warrior that fought a valient battle during his one year of life. Little Oakes and his family exemplified the power of family, friends, Faith and how loving support sustains us through difficult times.
In loving memory of Margaret Pattee and her lifelong support of those who have served our country and on behalf of the many who loved her.
In memory of Loretta Shultz and in honor of her late husband, Edward Schultz, USAF.
In loving memory of a mother, sister and friend whose quiet life touched those she loved. Her legacy lives through her children and grandchildren as well as her example of tenacity and resilience through life.
MEMORIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Make a monetary donation by clicking this PayPal link or by mailing a donation to our P.O. Box listed. For additional help, please email us with any questions or concerns.
Step 2
Tell us about the Memorial or Tribute. If you use PayPal, you can add in the “special instructions” the Name of the Veteran or person for whom you are making the tribute, Branch of Service, Date of Death and/or any words to describe and honor the person for whom you are making the donation. If you are mailing the donation, please include a note with the same requested information.
Step 3
You will be sent a receipt and the family or individual will be notified of your tribute.
HOW TO DONATE
Donate by Paypal
Donations may be made via PayPal or by simply mailing a monetary donation to our P.O. Box. For our Memorial and Tribute Donations, please follow the instructions to complete your donation. Please include the name who you would like to be honored when making the PayPal donation either in “message” or “instructions”.
Donate By Mail
Veterans Families United Foundation
P.O. Box 14355
Oklahoma City, OK 73113