The Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is the first and only state park in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to Vietnam veterans. In the mid 1960's Dr. Victor Westphall and his wife, Jeanne, purchased 800 acres known as Val Verde Ranch near Angel Fire, New Mexico, with the intention of building a a resort. On May 22, 1968 their son, David, was killed in an ambush in Con Thien. This ended their plans for a resort.
Jeanne suggested building a chapel to honor their son. Using David's $30,000 life insurance policy as seed money, construction began in 1968. Over the years all but 5 acres of the ranch was sold to finance the project. The Peach and Brotherhood Chapel was completed in 1971.
This Huey served as one of the first smokeships in Vietnam, earning the name "Viking Surprise". On March 26, 1967, the 175th ACH was performing a troop insertion in the Mekong Delta. the first Huey carrying troops was shot down. The medevac that picked them up was also shot down followed by the Huey piloted by the battalion commander. Viking Surprise was specifically requested to assist in the rescue. By the time it arrived, 13 helicopters had been shot down. Viking Surprise made 13 passes with smoke and after its arrival, no other aircraft were shot down. The aircraft limped back to base with heavy damage. It was rebuilt in Corpus Christi, Texas where the repair crew discovered 135 bullet holes. After repairs the aircraft returned to Vietnam for further duty.
David Westphall is buried on the memorial grounds. In 1982, the Disabled American Veterans made a commitment for funds and the ownership was turned over to them, In 1985 the broke ground on a badly needed visitor center. Also, they have been able to purchase back 25 acres of land.
The statue "Dear Mom and Dad" was given to the Memorial by artist Doug Scott of Taos. It was dedicated on Memorial Day, 2003. The life-size statue reflects a soldier faced with the dilemma of writing home to his family. What can he say about what he's doing that they will understand??
God Bless our service men and women and let us never forget what our Veterans have done for our country.
Jeanne suggested building a chapel to honor their son. Using David's $30,000 life insurance policy as seed money, construction began in 1968. Over the years all but 5 acres of the ranch was sold to finance the project. The Peach and Brotherhood Chapel was completed in 1971.
This Huey served as one of the first smokeships in Vietnam, earning the name "Viking Surprise". On March 26, 1967, the 175th ACH was performing a troop insertion in the Mekong Delta. the first Huey carrying troops was shot down. The medevac that picked them up was also shot down followed by the Huey piloted by the battalion commander. Viking Surprise was specifically requested to assist in the rescue. By the time it arrived, 13 helicopters had been shot down. Viking Surprise made 13 passes with smoke and after its arrival, no other aircraft were shot down. The aircraft limped back to base with heavy damage. It was rebuilt in Corpus Christi, Texas where the repair crew discovered 135 bullet holes. After repairs the aircraft returned to Vietnam for further duty.
David Westphall is buried on the memorial grounds. In 1982, the Disabled American Veterans made a commitment for funds and the ownership was turned over to them, In 1985 the broke ground on a badly needed visitor center. Also, they have been able to purchase back 25 acres of land.
The statue "Dear Mom and Dad" was given to the Memorial by artist Doug Scott of Taos. It was dedicated on Memorial Day, 2003. The life-size statue reflects a soldier faced with the dilemma of writing home to his family. What can he say about what he's doing that they will understand??God Bless our service men and women and let us never forget what our Veterans have done for our country.
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