NEW BERN – The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 886 has partnered with Craven Community College (Craven CC) and the Student Veterans Association to continue the Field of Flags, an annual fundraising project that places US flags in Union Point Park for Veterans Day.
The Student Veterans Association, which is a chapter of the Student Veterans of America® (SVA), helped plant approximately 1,200 flags on Friday, Nov. 1 for the Field of Flags event, and made the partnership official a week later during a signing event on Nov. 8. All three entities were represented during the signing, including representatives from VVA Chapter 886, SVA President Logan Previglian, and Craven CC President Dr. Ray Staats.
As VVA members age, the chapter's focus has shifted its legacy toward supporting Craven CC’s student veterans. Their goal is to assist veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, leveraging their skills to contribute significantly to the college community. This transition perpetuates the VVA legacy and community support for the veterans that have served a grateful nation.
"This is probably the greatest project I've ever worked on," said Bruce Van Apeldoorn, VVA Chapter 886. "The first year was roughly a 100 flags, and few years later, here we are approaching 1,200 flags. We are enjoying working with the SVA, and our goal is that eventually we'll transition the project to the SVA. We're very happy with what's going to happen in the future."
Throughout the year, VVA accepts donations for the Field of Flags, allowing individuals to purchase a flag and put someone's name on it. These donations help fund student scholarships.
"Being a part of Field of Flags this year has been an honor for the SVA," said Previglian. "This event holds such a great significance for our local community the veterans themselves, and their families."
The VVA has a history of advocating for veterans' needs and integrating their unique experiences into the community. Formed by Vietnam Veterans in 1978, VVA is the only veteran organization of its kind with a congressional charter. Chapter 886, formerly known as Down East Veterans, joined VVA in 2001 and has focused on improving the image of Vietnam Veterans, assisting veterans, and participating in patriotic community events.
Other collaborations include audio/visual capabilities to archive the stories of local veterans, collaboration between students and the Friends of Veterans’ Council of Craven County, and participation in various community service projects.
The SVA is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education. Founded in 2008, the SVA elevates the academic, professional, and personal development of veterans in higher education through chapter programs and services, outcomes and impacts research, and advocacy at every level. With a mission focused on empowering student veterans, SVA is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom through its dedicated network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and three countries overseas representing more than 750,000 student veterans.
For more information about Craven CC's SVA chapter, contact Philly Solano at studentveterans@cravencc.edu.