David Westphal Veterans Foundation
In the 1960s, Victor Westphall (Doc) and his wife, Jeanne, purchased more than 800 acres of the Val Verde ranch near Angel Fire, NM, with the intention of building a resort complete with homes, a golf course, and ski slopes. Then on May 22, 1968, their eldest son, Lt. Victor David Westphall lll, was killed in an ambush in Con Thien, Vietnam just south of the DMZ. David Westphall was buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery in early June 1968.
David’s mother, Jeanne, suggested using David’s life insurance money to build a chapel to honor the memory of their son and the fifteen men who died with him. Fueled by this inspiration, Doc drew out the initial sketches for the Chapel and submitted them to a local Santa Fe architect for final drafting. Construction of the Peace and Brotherhood Chapel began in September 1968. The vision for the Chapel soon expanded to commemorate the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam veterans.
The Chapel was the first major memorial created to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War. It was recognized the United States Congress as a “memorial of national significance” and served as inspiration for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
In 2017, the Department of Veterans’ Services took over management of the Memorial. Today, the Memorial includes a visitor center and museum, with a library of over 1,000 books and 2,000 photographs, memorabilia exhibits, touchable displays, artwork, and sculptures that provide a glimpse into the daily life of our troops. The Memorial also includes an amphitheater, a memorial walkway, memorial gardens, a Huey Helicopter display, and the gravesites of Doc and Jeanne. The Memorial also overlooks the Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery, which opened in July 2020. Approximately 45,000 individuals come each year.
Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial
34 Country Club Rd.
Angel Fire, NM 87710
Purpose
The purpose of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation is to honor U.S. military members and veterans. The Foundation does this by supporting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire and the adjacent Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery. The Foundation honors the sacrifices veterans have made for their country, and educates Americans about the responsibilities of citizenship and the high costs of freedom.
Vision Statement
The Foundation seeks to increase public awareness of the Memorial and the Cemetery, and expand their roles in American society. A guiding principle of the Foundation is military service must be honored and respected because the preservation of freedom depends upon the convictions, courage, and heroism U.S. military service members.
War memorials are a dynamic force in society, showing the impact war has on the nation. The most tragic consequences of war are loss of life, and the maiming of body and spirit. A memorial which powerfully shows these consequences contributes to the pursuit of world peace. Supporting the Memorial, including its museum, also helps fulfill the Foundation’s purpose by providing a place for reflection, healing, sharing of experiences, and education.
The honor America’s veterans deserve does not end with death, which is why the Angel Fire State Veterans Cemetery is so important. The Foundation believes there is a synergy and a shared purpose between the Memorial and the Cemetery. The Cemetery provides a final resting place which honors veterans in perpetuity and provides a tranquil, beautiful site where their survivors and visitors can remember them.
Means of Support
The Foundation achieves its purpose by promoting the Memorial and the Cemetery, by providing financial support as needed, and by operating activities and events related to them. The Foundation has responsibility for a collection Vietnam War KIA/MIA photographs and for the annual memorial walkway bricklaying ceremony in conjunction with Run for the Wall. The Foundation maintains a website and a Facebook page which help achieve its goals.