Virginia Veterans Services Foundation

Important information for
December comes quick

https://www.facebook.com/100080774702426/posts/411182674917553/

On this day, February 19, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima begins - it will last thirty-six days.

Over 110,000 American troops, 17 aircraft carriers and 1,170 planes will face roughly 21,000 Japanese defenders that had dug miles of bunkers deep within the volcanic rocks. Over 70,000 Marines will land on Iwo Jima and by the time the island is declared secure on March 26, 1945, there will be more than 26,000 American casualties including nearly 7,000 deaths. Of the 21,000 Japanese defenders, only 216 Japanese will be captured and an estimated 3,000 will go into hiding – by August of 1945 most will be captured or killed. Iwo Jima will go down as one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were awarded for action on Iwo Jima, more than any other battle in U.S. history:

22 Marines – 13 posthumously
5 Sailors, 1 posthumously

Want to learn more about the Battle of Iwo Jima? You can watch our program ‘Battle of Iwo Jima’, which is part of the Virginia War Memorial’s award-winning video series, ‘Virginians At War.’ This collection shares history making events as told by Virginians that were there and is available to view at any time.

Click here to see ‘Battle of Iwo Jima’ - vimeo.com/367104891

The VFW Department of Virginia is turning 100! We are going to celebrate all over the state and we encourage you to join us. RSVPs are REQUIRED and the links are below for each of the events planned (copy and paste the link). We hope to see you at the party!

IT'S TIME for a Women Veterans License Plate. More than 107,000 women veterans call Virginia home, and that number is growing. Sign up for your specialty plate by Jan. 11. We need to collect 450 pre-applications to make this a reality! Go to: https://mailchi.mp/616abb216c58/dvs-alert-attention-all-women-veterans

Thank you to the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.- Iota Sigma Chapter for your generous support of Virginia veterans!

We greatly enjoyed being a part of your Veterans Day Memorial Ride this year, and we were excited to meet you again today at the Virginia War Memorial for the official donation presentation. Your gift will serve many.