2011 Veterans/Wounded Warrior Cruise in Montana – Sponsored by SMF
The Soldiers Memorial Fund sponsored and hosted a cruise and gathering on Flathead Lake in Montana for wounded warriors and veterans. Paul and Muffin Vallely, aided by many volunteers celebrated the service of Montana veterans last month. The event was well attended and the veterans had a great time on a great day for a cruise on beautiful Flathead Lake. They embarked from Bigfork and then enjoyed a great gathering on the shore.
Mission:
To memorialize PFC Scott Paul Vallely and his service to our country – to carry on his name by individuals making contributions and donations to soldiers and their families.
Objectives:
- To make annual awards to Armed Forces Members who have distinguished themselves in their service to our country.
- To commend future members of the Armed Forces with leadership awards to assist their entry into the service.
- To award family of an Armed Forces member who has been wounded or lost in combat.
- Conduct the annual Christmas/Holiday Gift Drive for members of the Armed Forces serving in combat areas.
Scott Vallely Bio
Private First Class Scott P. Vallely (13 Mar 1975 – 20 Apr 2004)
On March 13, 1975, Scott came into the world on an unusually snowy day at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California . He grew up and graduated from high school in Lafayette, California. Scott was an outstanding athlete in many sports, and ultimately received a football scholarship to Colorado State University. After college, he began a career in the media field, then made the decision to join the United States Army and to serve his country.
He entered the Army in October 2003 and completed Infantry Advance Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 2004. He was then assigned to 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne) where he attended the Basic Airborne Course.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
Not only was Scott a loving grandson, son and brother, but a true friend to everyone he met. He is at peace and we thank God for watching over him and all of us.
Fallen Heroes Statue – Dedicated in Big Fork, MT 2011
PSALM 91
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.
This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning.
Though a thousand fall at my side, though ten thousand are dying around me, the evil will not touch me. I will see how the wicked are punished, but I will not share it. For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail. You can safely meet a lion or step on poisonous snakes, yes, even trample them beneath your feet!
For the Lord says, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name. When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.”
Dana, Paul & Muffin Vallely
Board of Trustees
Trustee: Major General Paul E. Vallely (Ret) (father)
Trustee: Marian H. Vallely (mother)
Board Member: Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Dodson
Board Member: Robert Erven Brown
Board Member: Col. and Mrs. Sam Roberts
The following poem is dedicated to the memory of Scott Vallely
Written by Peter Drowne of Bigfork, Montana
Across the face of many lands,
our lord can see all those who dare
to walk and fly with spirit strong
amidst the clear and newborn air.
Those cherished lads in history’s scroll
who serve with strength and show they care,
have hearts that rise and fill with life,
and send aloft an airborne prayer.
High above an eagle soars,
with a gaze that moves on splendid wings.
We look aloft to see its form and feel a very special
Grace…
that shows how much his spirit sings.
If he is gone to try the task
that few would wish to trap and snare,
we who stay behind to greet new days
should send aloft a loving, airborne prayer.
The warrior’s shield is absent now,
It’s been tested and worn in myriad fields,
By those who know that strong resolve that never
stops and never yields.
For every soul that runs this race
and meets all roads, both dark and fair,
we bow our heads to seek his grace, and offer up this
airborne prayer.
Leadership Award Programs
At high and college graduations each year, the Soldiers Memorial Fund presents cash leadership awards to those graduates entering into the military service. Nominations are made by each school based on guidelines provided by the Fund. For example, this year the fund presented $1,000.00 awards to ROTC cadets from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana and the University of Washington in Seattle. In addition, many cash awards were given to other high school graduates that had joined the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force and that would be entering service this summer or later in the year. A special award was given to a young Native American from Polson, Montana whose family has already lost a son in Iraq. A proud moment for all.
Your contributions to the Soldiers Memorial Fund will continue to assist these young people entering the service, as they are true Patriots that want to serve their country in the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States.
If you know of any young men and women in your community in high school or college going into the Armed Forces, please feel free to nominate them for these leadership awards prior to graduation. Qualifications for Awards.
Troop Gift Program
The troop gift program is one of the most successful projects of the Fund. Each quarter of the year, gifts are purchased and packaged by volunteers and sent to individuals and military units of the United States Armed Forces that are stationed in combat zones. The Fund develops a database of individuals and units serving in these overseas areas and determines by letter and e-mail what type of gifts the troops need and desire. With the donations made to the fund, a group of volunteers make the necessary purchases at local stores.
This program is one of the most successful projects of the Fund. Each quarter of the year, gifts are purchased and packaged by volunteers and sent to individuals and military units of the United States Armed Forces that are stationed in combat zones. The Fund develops a database of individuals and units serving in these overseas areas and determines by letter and e-mail what type of gifts the troops need and desire. With the donations made to the fund, a group of volunteers make the necessary purchases at local stores. The following is an example list of gifts.
Example list for Soldiers Gifts
- CDs
- DVDs (movie, sports, history, etc)
- CD/DVD Players
- Mini Micro Lights (LED) that pin on your collar
- Pen flashlights
- Magazines (a variety – sports, cars, computer, for men and women; no pornographic magazines of course.)
- Best selling paperbacks
- Weight lifting gloves
- Calendars
- Boot/shoe insoles sizes 8-12
- Manicure set – nail clippers, etc. You know Joe, he bites his nails or uses his leatherman.
- Board Games – not a conquer the world game but the basic Monopoly or something like that.
- Candy
- Jerky
- Gourmet Coffee
If you have individuals that you would like to have gift boxes sent to, please contact the Fund via e-mail with the names and unit addresses. Thank you for the continued support of this program.
Donations
The Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund
c/o Flathead Bank
PO Box 308
Bigfork, MT 59911
