CVMF September 2025 Newsletter
- hmhervey
- Oct 1
- 5 min read
Veterans Day Gala Brunch
The CVMF will host an elegant and fun Champagne Gala Brunch on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Orchard City Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Come one, come all.
Supported by the Kiwanis Club of Campbell, this exciting start to a grand Saturday will feature a sumptuous breakfast repast to include hot scrambled eggs, luscious bacon and sausage, crispy hash browns, and fluffy pancakes and waffles accompanied by delicious coffees, teas, and juices.
Are you hungry yet?
Of course, it wouldn’t be a champagne breakfast without having champagne. CVMF will enliven your day by serving some California bubbly.
We are delighted to announce that our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Simone Lundquist, PhD, the dynamic Founder and President of Open Doors To Future Possibilities. As one our Strategic Partners, ODTFP supports veterans and first responders in ways that supplement CVMF's Mission.
You will be amazed at what she has to say.
New Board Members
CVMF was delighted to welcome three brand new members at our July meeting. Introduced by Veep Liz Gibbons, the Board voted to accept Anna Rutledge, Izetta Kennedy, and Tyler Killion as our members.
Anna comes from a proud military family. Her father, a WWII Flying Tiger, retired as a full Air Force Colonel. Raised on Air Force bases, Anna gained a deep respect for military service. Her husband and brother, both Vietnam veterans, inspired Anna to get involved with the CVMF. A retired educator with 27 years of experience, she brings creativity, compassion, and a strong sense of service. Anna aims to support CVMF’s scholarship fundraising and help boost its visibility in the Campbell community through fresh, engaging ideas.
Izetta was born in San Jose, raised in Saratoga, and has lived in Campbell for decades. She earned a degree in Administration of Justice from San José State and worked five years in the federal court system before managing her family’s apartment complex, Courtland Manor, since 1999. Married to Navy veteran John Kennedy for 28 years, she has two children and a strong commitment to veterans’ causes. Her father, WWII veteran Robert Laws, was Campbell’s 2019 Veteran of the Year. Izetta joined the Country Woman’s Club of Campbell in 2014, serving as President and now Treasurer of its Endowment Board.
Tyler’s life is defined by service, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping others. He spent seven years proudly serving in the United States Army, where he learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. The challenges and experiences he faced during my military career shaped me into a resilient, focused, and mission-driven person. After completing my military service, Tyler continued his path of service as a firefighter and EMT for four years. Today, he is pursuing his dream of becoming a registered nurse. I’m currently studying at Mission College and working in the VRC/ VALOR Center through the VA work-study program, and working with the CVMF.
AND...the Foundation is over-the-moon thrilled to announce that one of our key Board members is doing double duty as CVMF's Treasurer and as a shiny new member of Campbell's Planning Commission. Phil Alne was officially sworn in on 9/2/25 at City Hall; we are certain he will be a dynamic and insightful addition to this important city agency.
We are also happy to report the State of California officially approved Phil's bid to practice law. Which means we may address him as Phil Alne, Esquire, as he is now a licensed attorney. How cool is that?
Congratulations and felicitations, Phil. We are extraordinarily proud of you.
In association with the South Bay Blue Star Moms, three appreciative veterans were presented with exquisite, awe-inspiring patriotic quilts lovingly crafted by Audrey Kiehtreiber and CVMF Veep Liz Gibbons.
Stephen J. Hager, Major General (Ret), U.S. Army
Communications and Intelligence Officer
James L. Myers, Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Air Force
Aviation Electronics Engineer
Harold M. Hervey, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Naval Aviator and Squadron Legal Officer
The Blue Star Moms were formed in 2002 to create a local military support group since each mom had a child serving in the Armed Forces. By the fall of that year, they had grown to over 20 members and received their charter, officially becoming a California Chapter with a 501 (c) (3) status, chartered by Congress. There are thousands of wonderful Blue Star moms around this great nation today, and we owe them all a great debt of gratitude for their amazing work.
"We always need dedicated volunteers to help us create these amazing quilts," explained Donna Zolezzi from SBBSM. "Each quilt is a true work of art and is created with enduring love, true patriotism, and attention to detail".
Please contact SBBSM if you want to contribute your time and support for veterans. It will be sincerely appreciated.
Important Dates - Octoberfest & Veterans Day
The CVMF is raising a stein and inviting you to swing by our booth at Campbell’s Oktoberfest on October 18th and 19th.
We’ll be in the middle of all the action - right where the bratwurst sizzles, the sauerkraut tangs, and the beer flows like a golden river of cheer. Between bites of pretzels the size of steering wheels and mugs of frothy Bavarian hops, stop in and say hello to your favorite veterans’ foundation. We’ll share updates about our mission, our scholarships for student veterans, and how you can help us continue to serve those who served. It’s the perfect excuse to pause between wine refills to get your updates.
Of course, please highlight Tuesday, 11/11, on your calendars since CVMF will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration at City Hall. Details and speaker information are forthcoming.
WVMC 2025 Scholarship Awards
CVMF's core Mission is to provide scholarships to veteran students. As such, we are delighted to announce the 2025 awardees from West Valley and Mission Colleges.
Harold Oliver from Mission College is a 32-year-old Army veteran who is married with two children and intends to embark on an IT and cybersecurity career after completing his education. His path to earning a CVMF scholarship required overcoming great physical injuries, homelessness, and daunting psychological hardships. Harold represents all the best in America's veterans; the Board is proud to help him attain his career goals.
Anthony Vasquez from West Valley College is an Army veteran who aspires to earn his teaching credentials when he transfers to San Jose State University. Since art and photography inspire Anthony, he envisions using those passions and skills to teach students from all walks of life. The CVMF Board is confident Anthony will use his considerable skills to reach his goals.
A Real Touch of Class - Elegant Bronze Statues
The “Act of Value” and “Soldier’s Cross” statues are most inspiring to all and represent the very best in artistic patriotism. Dignified and tasteful, anyone will be proud to display these beautiful pieces at home or in the office.
Purchase a statue on our website, and CVMF will coordinate a direct shipment to you (allow 3 weeks for FREE delivery). While the price of each statue is $5,000, your Charitable Donation to CVMF is $2,500. The balance pays for the statue.
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