CVMF Newsletter - June 2026
- hmhervey
- Jun 29
- 5 min read
Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation
The CVMF is pleased to present this Newsletter on the Foundation’s activities, plans, and key events for 2026.
In This Edition
Memorial Day Virtual Car Race Scholarship Winners
Scouts Do Flag Day * Heroes Project
Memorial Day Remembered
It was a charming Spring morning that showcased flags flying, citizens gathering, veterans saluting, and Campbell's VIPs speaking to honor our veterans and offer remembrances of the true value of celebrating Memorial Day.
We were delighted to have Major General Kent Hillhouse (Ret.) deliver a moving and poignant keynote speech. Many thanks to the outstanding list of guest speakers, including the Honorable Dan Furtado, Campbell's Mayor; Ken Johnson, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce; and Santa Clara Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. While Rep. Sam Liccardo could not attend, his able representative, Nicholas Hargis, presented CVMF with a beautiful citation.
We were also thrilled to have some of Campbell's more important movers and shakers in attendance, including Bill Gould, the Memorial's original architect; Charles Dampier, President, Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Steve Armbruster, VP of the Kiwanis Club of Campbell; City Council Members Terry Hines, Anne Bybee, and Sergio Lopez; Brian Loventhal, City Manager; long-term CVMF supporters Audrey and Perry Kiehtreiber; and special guest Dr. Simone Lundquist, Founder/CEO of Open Doors to Future Possibilities.
Of course, we all appreciated the grand performances of the Del Mar High School Orchestra, led by Maestro William Burkhead. With a generous amount of "snap and pop", the Marine Corps Color Guard was ably drilled by GySgt Steve Mobley while the Scouts of America member Juliet Wilson made us all proud with her heartfelt version of the Pledge of Allegiance.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
As Tim Rodriguez of Skyguard Global MGA announced during the Memorial Day event, CVMF just entered the brave new world of high-tech data retrieval. It took a few years, but we are proud to announce that people can now locate an engraved brick/paver within the Memorial flag rotunda when accessing our website. You can search by last name, first name, service branch, and specific conflict.
Click on the button below to find a brick.
Virtual Car Race
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Gold Star Family member and CVMF co-founder Ken Estep organized and executed an exciting virtual car race to raise funds for CVMF. It was a thing of beauty and a joy forever.
The race was conducted on a digital version of Elkhart Lake Raceway, near Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Known as "America's National Park of Speed," the facility spans 640 acres of rolling hills, has 14 distinct corners, and gives the virtual racers the chance to reach speeds exceeding 200 mph.
The event was attended by more than 200 people and featured 33 cars racing for 90 action-packed minutes. Close-up views of noisy crashes, dizzying spinouts, punctuated by tension-filled passes in tight corners, were showcased in a never-ending cascade of thrills and spills. The computer graphics were absolutely astounding; almost made you smell the fuel and burnt rubber.
We are pleased to report that 46 people donated almost $3,000 this year, nearly $500 more than last year. Thank you, Ken Estep and the SIM Racers Group for an unforgettable experience. Can't wait for next year.
2026 Scholarship Winners
CVMF's core Mission includes providing academic scholarships to deserving veterans enrolled in the West Valley-Mission College system. On May 8th, WVMC announced that CVMF's Annuity provided $5,600 in scholarships that will help veterans transition from military life to productive civilian lives.
Congratulations to all.
Anthony Martinez, Mission College
Computer Science
Anthony is a computer science major whose academic goals were shaped by his service in the U.S. Navy submarine force. Passionate about mathematics, physics, and programming, he is preparing for a career in engineering or cybersecurity. After a serious car accident in 2019 forced him to pause his studies, Anthony rebuilt his life, worked for Santa Clara County, and returned to college to pursue his educational goals. He plans to continue his studies and apply his technical skills and military values to a future career in technology.
Tracy Burruss, West Valley
Park Management
Tracy is a full-time student in WV’s Park Management program and a U.S. Air Force veteran pursuing a career as a park ranger. A single mother, she is working toward an Associate of Science degree and plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Her passion for conservation began on a ranch where she developed a love for nature and wildlife. Drawing on her leadership and public service experience in the Air Force Security Forces, Tracy recently began an internship at Hidden Villa, where she guides educational farm tours for children.
Nicholas Nation, Mission College
Fire Technology
Nicholas is a six-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran pursuing a degree in Fire Technology. He plans to build a career in fire prevention, fire inspection, and eventually arson investigation. After overcoming homelessness and addiction, Nicholas returned to college in 2023 and has earned his EMT certification, completed fire inspector coursework, and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Active in Mission College’s veteran support programs, Nicholas also mentors others in addiction recovery and strives to be a positive role model for his three children as he pursues a future in public safety.
Brian Resendiz, West Valley
Economics
Brian is an economics student and a U.S. Navy veteran who is committed to public service and policymaking. The son of immigrant parents, he plans to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2026 to earn a Bachelor’s degree in economics and pursue a career as a public-sector economist. Through an internship with the USDA, Brian gained experience analyzing data and supporting nutrition programs for families and seniors. He hopes to use data-driven solutions to help government agencies strengthen programs and improve communities.
The CVMF Board of Directors extends our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the friends and family of Nicholas Tugangui in his tragic passing in a vehicle accident. He was a fine young man with a strong sense of Duty and Honor, and we appreciated his service as a Board Member and a Student Advisor.
Godspeed, Nicholas. You will be remembered.
Scout Troop 330 Does Flag Day
With the able assistance of Scouting America, CVMF conducted a moving Flag Day ceremony at City Hall on Sunday, 6/14/26. Led by Scout Leader Daraius Sorabji, Troop 330 performed the meticulous ritual of lowering the old flags and raising the new ones with style and grace. Each flag-raising was accompanied by a lively rendition of "Reveille" performed by Scout Johan West of Troop 342. The lowering of Old Glory was accompanied by the appropriate "Taps". Thanks to Chris Bracher's timely benefaction, America's semiquincentennial flag now waves below Old Glory.
Thank you, Troops, 330 and 342. You represent all that is good about America's youth and are the best hope for the future of these United States.
Campbell Heroes Project
CVMF is pleased to announce a grand partnership with the Campbell Historical Museum to showcase Campbell's military heroes in 2027. This project will display historical materials, including photographs, biographies, uniforms, and other artifacts that reflect the military heroes of Campbell who served this nation.
And you can help tell these great stories
Please send pictures, mementos, and related items about your hero(s) who served during the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, or current military operations. More information will be coming in this publication over the next few months.
CVMF can only survive and fulfil our Missions by receiving your support. We have lots to do and need your help to get it done.
Thanks in Advance.
CVMF is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
EIN: 26-1545857
PO Box 622, Campbell, CA 95009
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