"Support our Brave and Noble Patriots"
State Project 2020-2021
Greetings from your new State President Matthew Stroder
I want to tell you a little bit about myself and my project. I have been a part of the Children of the American Revolution since I was about 6 months old. In the organization, I learned much about patriotism, history, and just being an American. Outside of CAR, I grew up with grandparents that shared the love of country through their own service. My Grandpa Macke, as an elected officeholder and My Grandpa Stroder, through his service in the U.S. Army. These role models play a big part in the decision I made to choose this project as well as my future plans for my own life.
Even when I was young, I knew the role of servicemen and women was something that was to be respected and honored. I helped make cards for Veterans and went to the Veteran’s home to visit with them and hear their stories. As I grew up I realized more and more what they sacrificed from their own lives to give back to the country they loved. I went out of my way to make sure they knew I appreciated their service. It might have been attending events in support of Veterans, helping with projects like Pets for Vets and Honor Flights, or just reaching out to shake their hand and thank them for their service. There was one time I went so far out of my way to thank a group of servicemen in Sequoia National Forest that my family thought they lost me. I was actually talking to a group of servicemen who were riding through the park to honor the POW/MIA program. I feel like it is my duty as a citizen of this great country to also give of my time to serve. I will be graduating in May and I have applied to the United States Air Force Academy to pursue a career in flight and a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
But enough about me, I want to tell you a little bit about my project and the amazing vision of Mr. Jim Eddleman. Jim Eddleman fought valiantly in the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam conflict. He carried several severely wounded – to the medevac helicopter. Jim made a promise to himself that he would one day honor his comrades if he made it out alive. In 2011, when Jim and his wife Charlene began working to develop a Board of Directors to fulfill this promise. In 2016, plans began coming together. Today the memorial has an exact replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s business center and a museum. Mr. Edelman’s story spoke to me and I felt this was a project that represented so many of the values that are important to me.
My project includes raising funds to help the museum and helping them to collect artifacts to put into the museum displays, The plan was to also help with building some of the displays however, with COVID this has proven difficult. I have pins for sale and the museum can still use any Vietnam War artifacts. I hope that this Spring things will improve and I can be a part of that process.
Matthew Stroder
M.S.S.C.A.R. 2020-2021 State President