June Spirit Days at the Port St. Lucie campus raised $160.54 from participating students, faculty and staff. The money was donated to our usual June beneficiary and community partner, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 566 to help our local heroes. In the  June issue of the Exclusive the campus published a letter written by the President of VVA#566, Mr. Lusardi to the campus.

TO OUR FRIENDS AT KEISER UNIVERSITY:

The Vietnam Veterans of America, St Lucie county chapter 566 and Keiser University of Port St Lucie have enjoyed a great relationship in our community, benefiting all veterans, those attending the university as well as the rest of St Lucie County.

I have had the honor of being president of the chapter for five years now. I have seen tremendous growth in our area as well as our organization. With this growth came the challenges of meeting the needs of veterans as well as honoring them. This is made easier with the help of organizations like Keiser University who step up and promote programs in the community for veterans and their children.

As a U.S. Navy veteran with three deployments to Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Enterprise I can say without reservation that the support for our veterans today is greatly appreciated. The brothers and sisters of the chapter, Purple Heart recipients, Bronze Star recipients and recipients of countless other decorations have committed themselves to support the men and women and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country. Your support reminds us of why the sacrifices that were made were worthwhile.

Chapter 566 of St Lucie County has been instrumental in the construction of Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans Memorial Highway in Port St Lucie. In 2003 we embarked on the largest project at the park. It involved the construction of the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The wall is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, DC. The names of Florida veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country are etched on the wall. We have placed the Purple Heart Memorial, Three Soldiers,’ and the Fallen Soldier Monuments at the park. All of this was accomplished with the help and support of the people of St. Lucie County and organizations like Keiser University.

In closing I would again like to thank the faculty and student body for the support and friendship they have shown to our chapter.  We look forward to the future with you as a partner in the support of all veterans.

Sincerely,
Joseph Lusardi, President
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 566
St. Lucie County, FL.